No matter what you are – an amazing architect, graphic designer, civil engineer, photo and video editor, a professional or amateur gamer, you will for sure need a quite important gadget, that makes your life so much easier.
You already know I am talking about computer mice and not just any, but the ones that offer the most precise movements – trackball mice.
In this article, I will do my best to cover the best trackball mouse options and give you several great suggestions and make this purchase a bit easier.
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How to Choose the Best Trackball Mouse
Before you decide what mouse, you are going to get, there are several practical attributes you should go over and put on a paper, so you don’t find yourself with the wrong option.
In case you already own a trackball mouse, then you know what I am talking about, however, if you are getting ready to purchase the first one, please look at the list below.
No matter the option you opt for, you will see how amazing and much-needed this type of mouse is.
Ball Position
There are two spots where the ball can be placed – either on the top of the mouse so you can move it with the index finger, or usually on its left side, so you can move it with your thumb. The choice should depend on the activity you need it for and on what feels more comfortable and natural.
Mice with an offset ball are usually made for right-handed people, so the left-handed ones need to take more time to find the right one. On the other hand, those with the centrally positioned ball are ambidextrous, which is great news for all the southpaws out there.
Most of these mice are quite innovative and ergonomic, meaning a lot of thought has been put into designing their shape and features, so they fit most comfortably in everyone’s hand.
This also means that buttons could be bigger than usual and positioned in different places – on mice’ sides, right under your fingers or a bit below, touching your palms, which can be a bit tricky and annoying.
The majority of trackball mice come with programmable buttons, meaning that you can yourself choose what commands they will execute, based on your needs and wishes.
Ball Size and Texture
Since there are all kinds of mice, there are also various trackballs that differ not only in size but also in their texture. When choosing the right size, you should always have the activity you will use it in mind.
Bigger balls are extraordinary for tiny and delicate movements, so if you are a video and photo editor or an architect, for example, it will be amazing for you. However, don’t get the biggest one there is out there right away because it might feel awkward and uncomfortable for your finger.
Another thing to keep in mind, is the structure, and the smoother it is, the better, faster and easier your movements will be. Some mice allow you to even eject the ball and clean the surface from any dust.
Type of Connection
This is one of the crucial aspects that also depends on the kind of work you do and how often you move around while at it. There are three types of connections: wired, wireless (USB dongle) and Bluetooth.
It is extremely important to keep this in mind since it can make your life either easier or miserable. However, a more expensive and high-quality option will offer more than one type of connection or even all three of them.
7 Best Trackball Mice
Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
The Best Wireless Trackball Mouse
It doesn’t matter if you need a mouse for gaming or serious office work – this Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse will fill all your expectations with its ergonomic, smooth and elegant design.
This mouse incorporates 8 programmable buttons beside a trackball, that you can adjust to your preferences thanks to the Options Software that allows you to do this.
The trackball is extremely sensitive thanks to the range of 512 DPI to 2048 DPI and will be suitable for the tiniest movements. Another benefit is a long-lasting, rechargeable battery of a 500mAh capacity that can last up to 70 on one charge.
An even better feature is the optional tilt that can range from 0°- 20°, offering the most natural and comfortable posture for your hand and wrist.
This isn’t the end – if you work on multiple screens and even switch between Windows and Mac OS, you don’t have to worry thanks to its cross-computer control. Also, thanks to dual connectivity via Unifying receiver or Bluetooth, this Logitech MX Ergo Mouse will allow you to work on up to three Windows or Mac computers. All of this makes it a perfect wireless mouse.
Pros:
- Cross-computer control
- Dual connectivity
- Customizable buttons
- 20° tilt
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Higher price
- No left-hand version
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
Best Trackball Mouse for Mac
In case you wish to try something completely new, I am almost positive that you’ve never had anything like Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse that is nothing like a regular-looking mouse you are used to.
It incorporates a central, 55mm ball that is surrounded with rather large buttons and a scroll ring.
DiamondEye Optical Tracking technology allows you to move the cursor with the trackball, and do it with the utmost precision, making this mouse perfect for any detail-oriented work and delicate movements.
4 buttons are programmable and can be easily adjusted to your liking, along with the speed of cursor and the scroll ring. This specific scroll ring is the patent of the Kensington company and it allows you to move through pages as no other mouse does.
In case that resting your wrist on the hard surface is uncomfortable, there is a soft detachable ergonomic wrist support. This Kensington Trackball is a wireless mouse that delivers great connectivity freedom, as it offers two options: Bluetooth 5.0 LE or wireless USB nano receiver (2.4gHz).
No matter what OS you use – Windows, Mac, Chrome, this mouse will be compatible with it. It does wonder when used on a Mac computer according to many users.
Pros:
- Ultimate speed and precision
- The detachable wrist rest support
- Patent Scroll ring
- Ambidextrous
- 4 adjustable buttons
Cons:
- The trackball is slightly slanted causing a bit unnatural hand position
- The stiffer and gritty scroll ring
ELECOM DEFT PRO
The Best Trackball Mouse For Gaming
Elecom Deft Pro is one of the best trackball mice you can get if you are a serious game player. It possesses a high-performance optics system and lens that make every move and shift faster, as well as gaming-grade parts that offer more durability and longer life span.
Besides, you can change DPI (500, 1000 and 1500) and scrolling speeds.
8 buttons are easily programmed according to your needs so that you can experience the highest comfort, while the trackball is fingerprint-resistant with a constantly smooth surface.
Thanks to all of these features you will experience an elevated gaming experience, both in MMORPG and first-person games.
This mouse supports both Windows and Mac OS and offers an amazing triple connection – it lets you pick whether you will connect it with a wire, Bluetooth or a USB, which is quite a feature!
Another one that makes gaming even better is that the left and right-click incorporate a ’10 million high endurance’ parts unique to OMRON, that offers high reliability and performance when clicking.
Pros:
- Comfortable 16° position
- Triple Connection
- Ultimate Speed
- Adjustable buttons
- OMRON parts
Cons:
- The DPI switch could have a better position
- Higher price
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Trackball
Great Ergonomic Trackball Mouse
If you are looking for a very comfortable, ergonomic mouse that lets you rest your hand comfortably without it getting tired and affecting your posture, then this Kensington Pro Fit Vertical Trackball mouse could be the right one for you.
Kensington pro is a vertical mouse with an ergonomic-approved design and it features a 60° tilt that makes your hand stay in a handshake position. This vertical mouse is an especially good choice if you’ve been using a regular mouse your whole life and are afraid of big change, because it has a regular left and right-click, along with a scroll wheel.
Kensington Pro Fit features a 34-mm (medium-sized) trackball with a high-quality optical tracking sensor and a DPI switch that combined allow high cursor speed and fast movements.
Not only that you can work fast with this trackball, but can also clean it effortlessly thanks to the ejection button. Besides this one, there are another 8 buttons that can be programmed with KesingtonWorks software.
When it comes to connectivity, you can connect three devices – one with a 2.4GHz nano USB dongle and two via Bluetooth.
Pros:
- Ergonomic approved design
- Most comfortable 60° tilt
- Optical tracking sensor
- Triple device support
Cons:
- The tilt cannot be changed
- AA batteries instead of rechargeable ones
Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse
The Best Wired Trackball Mouse
The first time this trackball mouse was found on the shelves was 15 years ago and it remains one of the best options in its category. It features a centrally positioned trackball that suits both left and right-handed people, so if you are a southpaw, search no more!
It has a very sleek and modern design, with a long body that lets your hand remain comfortable for hours. Logitech has patented its Marble optical technology that allows you to use your mouse on any surface, except on glass and mirrors.
It incorporates 4 adjustable buttons, two of which offer fast internet browsing while serving as a forward and backward button. It is compatible for both Windows and Mac OS, but is, compared to other options wired.
This may come as an obstacle but is still just a tiny downfall compared to other fantastic characteristics. Unfortunately, there also isn’t a scroll wheel, which can be a bit frustrating if you spend a lot of time scrolling through pages online.
Pros:
- Ergonomic
- Ambidextrous
- Adjustable buttons
- 3-year warranty
- Marble optical technology
Cons:
- Lack of a scroll wheel
- Not wireless
Perixx Perimice-717 Trackball Mouse
Great Trackball Mouse for Strain Injuries
This Perixx 11568 Perimice Trackball Mouse is one of the best options you could find on the market for several reasons.
First of all, it features an ergonomic shape and is perfect for people with strain injuries who don’t wish to tire their hand, nor keep in an uncomfortable position.
It offers a very good grip and all 7 buttons are very well positioned so your hand and fingers move naturally.
Five of seven buttons are adjustable and you can see your options on a drop menu, and even improve performance by adjusting macro selection.
On top of it, there is a DPI switch that allows you to adjust the sensitivity (400-1000). This wireless option features a 2.4GHZ nano USB dongle and also a power-saver mode that gets activated whenever you don’t use your mouse.
In addition to this mode, the Perixx Perimice Trackball mouse offers a standby mode as well. You can rest assured that the battery will be saved as much as possible.
Pros:
- Fit for injured users
- 5 adjustable buttons
- Power-saver mode
- Standby mode
- DPI switch
Cons:
- Right-handed only
- A bit stiff trackball
AmazonBasics Wireless Trackball Mouse
The Best Budget Trackball Mouse
This may be the best budget trackball mouse option on the market, that offers several very good qualities.
First of all, it offers an ergonomic shape that fits your hand’s natural position and doesn’t cause stress in it when used for a long time. It is wireless and can connect to your device via 2.4GHz nano USB dongle, while the range reaches up to 30 feet.
It is compatible with both Mac and Windows devices, making it a perfect option in case you often switch between different devices. It is quite fast easy to use, as your thumb leans on the trackball that puts your movements into action quite fast.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- 30 feet wireless range
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- The trackball is not as responsive