Wondering whether to switch to a trackball for gaming? Well, you might as well give it a try because we have narrowed down the best trackball mouse for gaming for you. Take this review as an opportunity to get the right trackball for you that can offer a competitive edge against your opponent. It can enhance your game tremendously with its ergonomic feel, smooth gaming experience, increased productivity, and faster response.
This is the perfect mouse for hardcore gamers. From high precision to reduced hand movement, the trackball mouse has a lot to offer to a gamer. Especially once you are past the learning curve, they bound you to become a loyal fan.
Hence, to assist you on this promising journey, we have compiled the five best trackball mice for gaming. In contrast, keeping various factors such as budget, connectivity type, comfort, and trackball mouse type are considered.
So, let’s dive in.
Why Should You Use Trackball Mice During Gaming?
There has been a rise in professional gaming ever since the pandemic. Gamer’s are looking for high-quality gaming gear to amp up their experience and performance. With this surge in gaming, the trackball mouse is also making a coming back as an essential gaming gear. Sadly, many gamer’s are unaware of the benefits offered by a trackball mouse.
They have high precision, which can work in your favor by offering an advantage over your opponents. Moreover, with a trackball mouse, you do not need much physical movement for an extensive reach. You can even play efficiently within a crowded space. Whether it be a dorm room or a small gaming station with a trackball mouse, you can easily take on the enemy.
Besides that, a trackball mouse can help you avoid accidental movement while gaming. Operating a trackball mouse requires the use of a very different group of muscles. It only involves thumb and arm movements with much larger forces, so you are less likely to get injured easily.
This is especially true if you are prone to computing repetitive strain injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel and tendinitis because of constant wrist movement and unnatural rotation of muscles and forearms while gaming. Then the trackball mouse can save you from any further pain.
Advantage And Disadvantages Of Using A Trackball During Gaming Time:
The Advantages can be a plus point during gaming
Once you get the hang of a trackball mouse, it will seem obvious that it is more beneficial for gaming. Let me brief you on the changes you will experience once you switch to the trackball lifestyle.
A trackball is just as accurate and sometimes even more precise than an optical mouse. It offers a better grip with elevated control, which is extremely important for gamers. And this very control enhances your precision.
The compact design of the trackball mouse and its stable base offers extensive reach even with limited physical movement. Thus, not only delivering better control but also more speed with less energy input. It will surely save you from sore arms and wrists after a long night of gaming.
Moreover, with a trackball mouse, you mostly use your thing and fingers compared to your whole arm and shoulder, which are capable of making quick and accurate movements. Hence, it provides an advantage over your adversaries.
In addition to this, a trackball doesn’t require a lot of desk space or even a completely flat surface for straightforward operation. You don’t need to lift it or extensively move it around, which can be annoying in a game, especially if you’re using a wired mouse. You can even place the trackball mouse on your knee, couch armrest, or desk, making it more versatile compared to a standard mouse.
We need to aware about these disadvantages
With a standard mouse, your fingers can more easily access a combination of buttons as compared to a finger-operated trackball. However, this issue is solvable. A thumb-operated trackball mouse can offer the same ease of access as a standard mouse. Even more so, many thumb-oriented trackballs come with as many as eight buttons providing a more ergonomic approach.
Apart from this, the trackball mouse has recently started reviving its name in the gaming industry, so there are not as many variants available, specifically for gaming. However, it is progressing at a reasonable rate, so that you can expect some fantastic additions to the trackball gaming market soon.
Executing a smooth 360+ degree rotation on a first-person shooter with a thumb trackball can be challenging.
Reviews Of The Five Best Trackball Mouse For Gaming:
Best thumb-operated: ELECOM 2.4GHz Wireless Finger-operated Trackball Mouse
If you’re looking for a finger-operated trackball mouse that is not only very fast but also extremely precise at the same time?
Well, no need to wait anymore because ELECOM has just the right trackball mouse for you. Their DEFT mouse optical sensors are widely cherished in the gaming industry because they ensure optimal cursor operation of various screens.
In comparison, their optical tracking technology provides precise cursor movement for enhancing accuracy. This feature allows you to move around your screen with minimal hand movement quickly. Hence, it improves your overall productivity and efficiency. These features make DEFT the best trackball mouse for gaming.
Moreover, the DEFT mouse comes with eight customization buttons for your gaming needs. The eight functional keys, along with the left/right tilt scroll wheel, deliver limitless clicking combinations. Depending on your gaming need, you can assign the appropriate function to each physical button using ELECOM mouse assistant software available on the ELECOM NET website. ELECOM highly recommends this mouse for PC gaming control to enhance your experience.
In addition to this, they provide a DPI switch to optimize your cursor’s speed. They offer two levels, 750 (low) and 1500 (high) DPI. The modular design of DEFT with high-performance gaming optics and lens makes it the ultimate gaming trackball mouse. Each feature is well thought and serves to facilitate your gaming performance.
Not only this, but they have kept even the smallest of the details in mind. While designing DEFT, ELECOM studied the structure of 6 different muscles and skeletal bones, emphasizing hand-folding action. The build of the mouse is ergonomic and offers next-level comfort.
They have also given enough thought to the maintenance of the DEFT mouse. The trackball easily pops out to facilitate an effortless cleaning routine. If the dirt and debris accumulate for an extended period without getting clean, it will negatively affect the cursor’s movement. Hence always keep your trackball clean, so there is no gritty scroll. The mouse comes with a single AA battery and battery remaining light lamp.
Best finger-operated: Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball Mouse with Touch Scroll Ring
When it comes to the most reliable and innovative accessories, Kensington is a name sure to make an appearance. With their 30 years of experience and expertise in technology, it is inevitable to give them a spot in our best trackball mouse for gaming list.
The unique touch scroll ring makes all the trackball mice from Kensington stand out. You have to slide your finger around the trackball ring, and the cursor will move around at the light speed (not literally, but you get the point). This will certainly give you an advantage over your opponents.
Another added benefit is their optical tracking feature, which offers outstanding cursor control with excellent precision, much like its excellent design. Moreover, the two button placement of the primary buttons on this trackball mouse makes it ambidextrous. So, whether you’re a left-handed or right-handed gamer, you can still enjoy the remarkable features offered by the trackball mouse for gaming due to its ambidextrous design.
In addition to this, you can customize the functions of these two buttons as well by using the Kensington Works software. Along with this, its internal red optics technology assists in precise tracking of the movements of the 32 mm trackball. The feature further helps in improving the speed of your cursor and making it more accurate, which is especially beneficial in shooting games. This is definitely a must-try for COD players because of its speed, accuracy, and precision.
Also, you don’t need to get into the hassle of installing drivers. Plugin the mouse and start playing. Moreover, their 2.4 GHz wireless connection ensures that you have a seamless linkage and do not experience any lag during the game. The mouse stores the nano USB receiver inside the trackball for safekeeping when not in use to offer more convenience.
All these features make Kensington Orbit wireless trackball mouse highly productive and efficient. So, it’s a must-try for a gamer.
Best Wireless: ELECOM 2.4 GHz Wireless Thumb-Operated Trackball Mouse
This little boy from ELECOM is pretty similar to the DEFT mouse mentioned above. It comes with all those remarkable features that can elevate your gaming experience. Their optical tracking technology will ensure that you can take a precise aim with minimal hand movement and improved productivity and efficiency.
Besides this, the wireless trackball mice come with six buttons. One button is traditional, while the other five additional buttons are customizable. So, whether you are playing COD or PUBG, you can adjust the function of each button to facilitate your gaming skills for excellent performance. You can use the ELECOM Mouse Assistant software from the ELECOM NET website, which you can use to customize the in-built mouse keys. Therefore, earning it a place as the best trackball for gaming.
Along with this, ELECOM has ensured that cleaning their trackball mouse is not an inconvenience for the gaming community. The trackball rotates on massive 2.5 mm ruby ball bearings. They are incredibly smooth and large enough to prevent dust and debris from cleaning. Hence you will not have to clean it so often. And even if you have to, the trackball easily pops out of the socket and is easily cleanable.
Their wireless mouse comes with a single AA battery with a battery remaining light lamp. Furthermore, the mouse has a low energy mode feature to help your battery last longer. They also have a high-speed mode where the sensor accurately tracks your mouse movements. However, the battery runs out faster in this mode as compared to the low energy mode.
The mouse is functional with both Windows and Mac. However, the horizontal scrolling function is not working in Windows RT8.1.
Budget wired: Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse
Right-handed? Left-handed? Ambidextrous? Well, it doesn’t matter because the Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball mouse is suitable for all. You can even switch hands during long work sessions to distribute the stress.
Their large fingertips and enormous trackball, along with ambidextrous designs, allow easy control of the precursor with less movement of your hand. You only need your finger for fast and accurate movements. Hence it is offering the best blend of all-day comfort and accuracy at the same time.
To reduce wrist fatigue and muscle damage, Logitech designed a stay-put base for trackman marble trackball mice. This also limits the movement of the wrists while saving your desk space. So you can operate this mouse even in congested spaces.
But what truly makes this mouse stand out is its Marble optical technology. This patented feature increases the tracking sensitivity on almost any surface. Therefore, increasing productivity no matter where you are working.
The trackman marble trackball mouse doesn’t only have a huge special trackball and stable base, but also two control buttons as well. These buttons make back-and-forth movement easier. Hence, it is making web surfing convenient too. Now you can flip backward and forward between pages, change screens, open multiple browsers and switch applications with no hassle.
Furthermore, their flexible wired connectivity delivers a zero setup connection. The trackball mouse works right out of the box. You simply have to plug the cable into a USB port or PS/2 port, and you’re ready to go.
Lastly, Logitech’s ergonomic design completes this trackball mouse. Their conventional design with extended, broad plan areas and contour shape provide a tight grip for small and big hands. This innovative cut-out is ideal for long hours of working at the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best trackball mouse for gaming
What is a DPI on a mouse?
DPI stands for dots per linear inch. It is a standard value used to measure the sensitivity of a mouse. This can be explained as the number of DPI a device can detect. By adjusting the DPI, you can modify the speed of the cursor to improve precision. This is particularly useful for in-game targeting. Especially if you’re a PUBG or COD fan, then a programmable DPI can be beneficial for you.
What mouse do pro-FPS gamers use?
ELECOM 2.4GHz Wireless Finger-operated Trackball Mouse EX-G series 8 is the best trackball mouse for gaming used by FPS gamers. It has all the features to ensure an excellent gaming performance. It has high-performance gaming optics system sensors and lens for better precision and control.
At the same time, the DPI switch button helps you adjust it between 750-1500 DPI hence offering a better aim while setting a target. At the same time, optical tracking technology provides precise cursor movement for enhanced accuracy. This provides the ability to move around the screen with minimal hand movements quickly.
Moreover, the eight customizable buttons will help you personalize the functions according to your gaming requirements. Thus, making ELECOM 2.4GHz Wireless Finger-operated Trackball Mouse EX-G series eight the best choice among FPS gamers in terms of speed, accuracy control, and precision.
Some other trackball mice used by FPS gamers are Kensington Expert Wireless Mouse, Logitech MX Ergo Wireless, and Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse.
The expert mouse from Kensington has also been gaining fame lately.
Can you game with a trackball mouse?
Yes! Trackball mice are suitable for gaming, and many companies make trackball mice serve the gaming industry specifically. However, before purchasing one, you might want to consider the number of extra buttons available in the mouse, the button behavior, and the size of the ball. The larger the ball, the more precise it will be. And more buttons offer more options in certain games.
Moreover, pay attention to the connection type, whether it is a wired connection, wired USB connection, or wireless connection, because cables can be a hassle while gaming.
Along with this, the battery life of the mouse matters too. You don’t want it dying in the middle of the game. So checking the months of battery and whether it’s a rechargeable battery is essential. Sometimes battery cables can be a nuisance,
What type of mouse is best for gaming?
A trackball mouse is best for gaming; not only do they offer precise cursor movement, but better control and accuracy too. Moreover, with a trackball mouse, you need little physical movement for an extensive reach. You can even play efficiently within a crowded space. And it can also save you from RSI during long gaming sessions.
What are the disadvantages of trackball?
With a finger-operated trackball, your fingers cannot easily access a combination of buttons instead of a traditional mouse. However, you can resolve this issue by using a thumb-oriented trackball mouse.
Moreover, there are not as many variants of trackball mouse available, specifically for gaming. But it is progressing at a reasonable rate so that you can expect some fantastic additions to the trackball gaming market soon.
Is a trackball better than a mouse?
When it comes to gaming, the trackball has more to offer in speed and accuracy than a standard mouse. FPS gamers can significantly benefit from switching to a trackball mouse. Moreover, only using your fingers rather than wrists, arms, shoulders, and necks give you better control while using less energy. Trackball’s stationery design prevents RSI and can save you from sore muscles after long gaming sessions because your hands remain in a neutral position.
Are trackball mice good?
Yes! Trackball mice are good. They have been around for decades, and there are good reasons that have helped them survive the test of time. These mice are more ergonomic than a standard mouse. Operating a trackball mouse, you use a very different muscle group, hence preventing computing repetitive strain injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel and tendinitis. People have also observed that trackball mice are easier to control for precise movements. Many even have a wrist pad attached, while others have detachable wrist rest to help with wrist pain.
Are trackball mice good for gaming?
Trackball mice were not initially designed for gaming. However, the extra mappable buttons that have programmable features and control them with your fingers and thumbs rather than the entire arm, shoulder, and wrist mitigate many problems that gamers face.
With a trackball mouse, you don’t constantly have to lift your mouse. It eliminates excessive wrist movements saving you from pain seemingly among good wrist rests. It is highly sensitive and highly precise. Thus, these features make trackball mice good for gaming. Therefore, many companies are producing trackball mice exclusively for gaming purposes.
Is a trackball mouse bad for the thumb?
In terms of ergonomics, the trackball is definitely better than a standard mouse. Even if it means that you will constantly be using your thumb in a thumb-oriented trackball mouse which might lead to thumb pain. However, it is still better than using your forefinger for repetitive motions. And with padded wrist rest, the chances of soreness are reduced because your hands remain in an ergonomic position. Know best thumb trackball mouse.
Images – randomfrankp and canva
Elecom is garbage you Cleary didn’t use one. first the directions came in Japanese. Second, you had to down load a separate program not related to Elecom to just get half the buttons to work. the ball part stick badly, and is not smooth at all. how much did they pay you for a good review?