Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are wanting to get rid of your regular mouse and gain a competitive edge in your favorite FPS, then a trackball mouse is worth an investment. Professional gamers spend hours immersed in hardcore gaming in one session. If you aspire to be one, you must be looking for high-quality gaming gear such as a trackball mouse.
Latest update on 2022-11-19 | Images | Affiliate links from Amazon Product Advertising API
In case you are unaware of what a trackball mouse brings to the gaming table, fret not, we will cover that in great detail, so, sit back and read on.
What is a trackball mouse?
A trackball mouse looks like an upside-down regular mouse with a protruding ball for moving the on-screen cursor. The ball is held in a socket containing sensors that detect rotation of the ball and respond to it by translating the movements on-screen. You may use your thumb, fingers or palm to move the ball and hence the cursor. It requires lesser wrist and arm motion as compared to regular mouse devices and is easier and simpler to use.
Advantages of a trackball mouse
Trackball mouse devices perform the same tasks as a regular mouse, but they operate differently. To set your mind at ease regarding this switch, let’s go through some of the merits of a trackball mouse:
Ambidextrous
Unlike a regular mouse that is suited for a particular hand, most trackball mouse devices are ambidextrous. This means that they can be used by either hand with the same proficiency and smoothness, making them suitable for both rightand left-handed people. The buttons are also programmable, and you can set them so that they’ll match your needs.
Provide extensive reach with minimal movement
Conventional mouse devices have to be moved across the desk’s surface to position the pointer on the screen. But with a trackball mouse, you do not have to worry about this limitation as it does not require any physical movement. You can use it from one spot and move the pointer on-screen via the rolling trackball fitted within the device.
High accuracy
Trackballs have enhanced precision and accuracy; this is why they are favored by graphic designers. They pre-empt any accidental movement and deliver a smooth and easy cursor navigation. Their fluid consistency has also attracted avid video-gamers, who’ve come to prefer it over the conventional options.
Ergonomic design
People who remain glued to their computers for hours, consistently move their wrists and arms which leads to severe discomfort. Trackballs circumvent this problem as they position the cursor with simple finger movement instead of moving the whole device. For this reason, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration endorses their use by stating that ‘they may be less fatiguing’ for some tasks.
Best Trackball Mouse for Gaming
Finding the best trackball mouse can be very tricky and confusing, especially with so many models to choose from, each boasting different features than the other. After much testing, comparing, reviewing, and researching, we have narrowed down our choices to the following:
Logitech M570
Design
Logitech M570, wireless trackball mouse gives you unparalleled comfort with its sculpted hand conforming shape. It is equipped with back/forward quick navigation buttons and a pointer finger scroll wheel. The model has a trackball with adjustable cursor speed and is controlled by the thumb. Programmable single touch buttons, present on the right side, are used for clicking the cursor.
The device is powered by 1 D batteries which awards a considerable usage time to it. Moreover, it is equipped with the exclusive Logitech unifying wireless receiver which can be used for six compatible devices and can control your device from up to 30 ft away. This trackball mouse weighs about 5 ounces and has a black colored body, with a blue-colored trackball fitted into it.
Features
You do not have to move your arm to move the cursor with this device. The Logitech M570 stays in one place and gives complete control to your thumb via its removable ball. It is ideal for tight workspaces and busy desks and its sculpted shape provides an amazing support to your hand all day long. Hard tables, sofas, or comfy beds are all no issue to M570, as you can use it wherever you want.
The integrated scroll wheel helps you spin through long web pages and documents. With its back/forward buttons, you can quickly flip through extensive documents and web pages. The wireless Logitech unifying receiver stays in your laptop and you can easily move around without unplugging it.
You may add up to 5 additional compatible devices without the hassle of more USB receivers. It goes on working smoothly for up to 18 months without a change of batteries. This duration may vary depending on the degree of usage and computing conditions. However, with a convenient battery indicator, you will be alerted in time to change the batteries.
Pros
- It has a compact and ergonomic design
- It comes equipped with the wireless with Logitech unifying technology
- The trackball is removable and easy to clean
- It provides a decent battery timing
Cons
- It is not ambidextrous; only right-handed people can use it
- Packaging is not up to mark
Verdict
You should give this space-saving and ergonomically designed mouse a try if you are right-handed. The Logitech M570 is ideally suited for video-gamers who enjoy long gaming sessions.
Logitech Trackman Marble
Design
Logitech trackman marble has a comfortable ambidextrous design with a long, broad palm area and gentle curves. There is a large red-colored trackball located at the front of the mouse for easy fingertip control. It also has navigation buttons, dedicated to web surfing, located on both sides, making it suitable for both left and right-handed users. You can find this model in graphite color with a large red trackball on the front part; it weighs about 3.14 ounces.
Features
The expansive palm area with gently contoured shape provides impressive support and ease to your hand. With just a slight move of your finger, you will get quick and accurate movement of the cursor. The two control buttons make it easier to move forward and backward quickly through documents or when surfing the websites or switching applications.
Logitech patented sensor technology provides you with a smooth tracking on every surface and makes your work extra-productive. The stay-put base keeps your hands and the trackball mouse in one place so that wrist fatigue can be avoided. It is compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and comes with flexible wired connectivity.
Pros
- It has an ambidextrous design
- It is very lightweight, yet stable
- It requires little effort to operate
- It is aesthetically pleasant
Cons
- It lacks a scroll wheel
- It has a wired connectivity
Verdict
If you are looking for an ambidextrous model, and if you are not bothered by the absence of a scroll wheel, the Logitech Trackman Marble trackball mouse is the one for you. This model is bound to up your game, giving you a special edge during your next deathmatch in PUBG.
ELECOM M-HT1DRBK
Design
This ergonomically designed trackball provides a bigger palm rest and better stability to its users. The model has been designed impressively by keeping in mind the ways that the skeletal system and muscles interact in the hand. It consists of 8 bendable mouse keys, a left/right scrolling tilt wheel, and a removable trackball with 2.5 mm synthetic ruby bearings. This black colored Elecom trackball is 9.1 ounces in weight and is available in both wireless and wired versions.
Features
This model provides its users with a comfortable user experience. The 8 built-in bendable keys in this mouse offers ten unique functions suited to your needs, both at work and while gaming. The scroll wheel (left and right) provides an infinite number of combinations for clicks and with this, you can scroll and flip landscape screens on a spreadsheet with ease. The buttons for forward and backward navigation help you to use enhanced instant-twitch capabilities.
The keys are equipped with OMRON switches which last longer and ensure the durability of clicks. The large bearings which fit the trackball in the mouse make operations more precise with their smooth movements. Owing to their large size, these bearings require less maintenance as they resist becoming dirty. By choosing between 750 to 1500 count responsiveness, you can adjust the pointer’s speed to suit your needs.
Pros
- A high-quality and reliable product
- Contain large ruby bearings for more smoothness
- Detachable trackball; cleaning and general maintenance are easy to perform
- It has a four-dimensional scroll wheel
Cons
- This trackball needs high friction to operate
- It can cause wrist pain due to lack of support in the middle
Verdict
If you’re OK with slight roughness during usage then the ELECOM M-HT1DRBK high-friction trackball mouse will be an excellent option for you. Overall, the mouse has an excellent design and is very practical to use, it is ideal for video-game aficionados.
Kensington Expert Trackball
Design
Kensington expert trackball mouse has an ambidextrous design so that it works equally well for both left-handed and right-handed users. It has four large customizable keys that are present at the four corners, it has a large 55 mm ball along with a patented black scroll ring around it. This aesthetically pleasant mouse is available in the combination of black and silver color and you can get it in either wired or wireless versions. It is slightly heavier in comparison to other trackball mouse devices, weighing about 11.8 ounces.
Features
The Expert Trackball Mouse is the ultimate productivity enhancer that makes working quicker, more accurate, and comfortable for your hand and wrist. You may download an exclusive, yet free software that provides amazing personalized experience. It gives you access to a myriad of programmed functions to all of its buttons in addition to bringing adjustments to the scrolling speeds and cursor movements. By spinning the dial, you can move the web pages and documents sections up and down with ease.
The large trackball is specifically designed with an absolute spherical and sturdy surface for precise tracking and control. It comes with a detachable wrist rest which provides a soft cushioning to your hand and wrist and offers you a pain-free experience during extended periods of activity. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. It also provides you with a wired USB-A connection for durable connectivity.
Pros
- It is a truly multifunctional mouse with a very large trackball
- It offers a smooth and precise operation
- It is compatible with people having slightly larger hands
- It comes with a detachable wrist rest
Cons
- Some may not get along with its crafted shape
- The patented ring is not so smooth
Verdict
The Kensington Expert Trackball is a smooth trackball equipped with a detachable wrist rest is a decent option to choose from this list. Its versatility, regarding hand-spans of users, makes it ideal for a larger audience, especially video-gamers.
Kensington Orbit Trackball
Design
Kensington Orbit trackball mouse is an ambidextrous model with a customizable 2 buttons design. This model has a narrow, curved back and a broad front with two elongated sides where 2 buttons are present on each side. The black, shiny, medium-sized trackball is located in the middle of its broad front. You can find this trackball mouse in combination of black and silver color and it weighs about 9.5 ounces.
Features
Kensington Orbit trackball is a compact model that has optical tracking technology. This feature employs the internal red optics to precisely track the movements of the medium-sized 40 mm ball. This provides superior accuracy and improve efficiency and productivity.
Optical tracking technology provides precise cursor control and the 2-button design delivers a familiar experience for mouse converts. Its wired USB connection is a direct and reliable connection for continuous performance. It offers compactivity with Windows 8, Windows XP, Windows Vista, macOS, and Chrome.
Pros
- It is highly precise
- It has 2 customizable buttons
- It offers USB connectivity
- It has a sleek and comfortable design
Cons
- It does not possess an ergonomic design
- It lacks wireless connectivity
Verdict
If you are not fond of ergonomically designed trackballs then this highly precise mouse is worth your investment. The Kensington Orbit Trackball is suited for video-gaming over prolonged sessions.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Trackball Mouse for Gaming
There is a huge variety of trackball mouse devices in the marketplace but choosing a suitable option can be tricky. It is easy to get confused with so many options to choose from. For making an informed choice, consider the following factors:
Comfortable Design
Ergonomic features and comfort offered by a trackball mouse are the foremost features to look out for in trackball mouse devices. Trackballs come in various sizes so choose the one that you are comfortable with, select the model that suits your hand span, for optimum results. With the size of the trackball, also look for the ergonomic features it has to offer. Some trackballs also offer wrist rests which will deliver comfort during user sessions.
Unlike regular options that have just two buttons, trackball mouse devices come with additional buttons. The best thing about these buttons is that they are customizable which means you get to set them for a particular function. This feature is admired by video-gamers, people working in CAD applications, and many more.
Trackball
Another important fact to consider is that the trackball should operate smoothly. Improper and scratchy feeling will completely ruin the entire user experience. Make sure that your choice offers smooth and flawless movement of the trackball, for best results.
Connectivity
Connection type can either be wired or wireless, or ideally both. The choice here ultimately depends on your preference. If you are comfortable with wired mouse devices that offer reliability and save you from the hassles of changing batteries, then you should go for them. Wireless options, on the other hand, give you unparalleled freedom of use. You can carry the latter wherever you want with ease and not worry about the sockets.
Operation Methods
Trackball mouse devices can either be operated with your thumb, fingers, or palm. You should opt for a model that offers your preferred option. Ideally, a model that offers operation via all three methods would be best suited.
Recommendation
After much consideration and pondering, we have decided to endorse the Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse. This lightweight and ambidextrous model possesses all features that one should be looking for. It has an ideal body design with broad palm support and gentle curves along with a large trackball which offers quick and accurate movement of the cursor. Moreover, its patented sensor technology provides smooth tracking, overall, it is ideal for video-gamers.
Conclusion
The use of the trackball mouse devices gives you an edge in competitive video-gaming. It minimizes physical effort and duress on your part and offers smoother and faster results. Imagine, never having to fumble with your old school mouse devices, and instead, taking that next zombie headshot with just the slight movement of your finger. These mouse devices will revolutionize your gaming experience and make you stand out from the crowd.
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