We are in 2022, and people are still confused about the usage of trackball mice, whereas vertical mice, touchpads, and even touch screens grab people’s attention. Trackball mice are still a mystery for some people. People always ask what the trackball mouse solves the problem. This question is asked by people whole never used a trackball mouse in life.
We are still talking about trackball mice or why trackball mouse is still around in the market if people don’t understand what a trackball does. Some points will surprise you, and you will believe that a trackball mouse is superior to the regular mouse you are using currently.
This compression will explain and compare the trackball against a regular mouse in every area, such as ergonomics, productivity, and longevity, so you can decide what your next mouse should be.
Differences Between A Trackball Mouse vs Normal Mouse
| Trackball Mouse | Normal Mouse |
| The position of the hand varies | The position of the hand is normal |
| Thumb and Fingers move the ball over the sensor | The Hand moves the mouse around the desk |
| It provides different grips | It comes with Palm or Claw Grip |
| More productivity | Productivity is normal |
| Ergonomic in design | Design is normal |
| Need some time to adjust to using it properly | Easy to use |
Types of Trackball Mouse
There are two types of trackball mouse; one is a thumb-operated trackball mouse another is a finger-operated trackball mouse. Let’s discuss both of the trackball mice in detail.
Thumb Operated Trackball
Thumb operated trackball mouse is a mouse where the trackball is located under your thumb. Except for the ball rest of the device resembles a standard mouse. In this type of mouse, you have to move the cursor using the ball with your thumb. You will also get the buttons and scroll wheel like a regular mouse.
When you use this mouse with your thumb, you usually don’t need to move your hand to control the cursor or surf the entire screen. This will reduce your wrist pain and stress. It will provide you with a comfortable tracking experience. The thumb-operated trackball mouse is usually designed for right-hand users. One of the best Thumb operated trackball mice is the ELECOM Wired Thumb-Operated 5-Button Trackball Mouse.
Fingers Operated Trackball
The Fingers Operated Trackball is the form of the mouse in which you have to move the trackball with your fingers. Usually, This type of mouse comes with a large trackball in the middle of the device, and you have to move the ball using your middle fingers. You can also find some buttons that you have to operate with your thumb and pinky fingers.
You will find some finger-operated trackball mice in the market with a scroll ring to simplify web page scrolling. The design and shape are ergonomic, and you will experience comfortable cursor movements. The advantage of fingers-operated trackballs over the thumb version is that they are ambidextrous, so both left and right-handed users can use this trackball mouse. One of the best finger-operated trackball mice is the Logitech Marble Trackball mouse.
Thumb or Finger Operated Trackball – Which is better?
This is hard to tell which one is better. But if you take my opinion, I will go for the finger-operated trackball mouse because I choose a finger-operated trackball mouse, that doesn’t mean that a thumb-operated trackball mouse is not better. Both are the same, but I will put a finger-operated trackball mouse ahead because of some advantages that you will not get in a thumb-operated trackball mouse.
One of my friends uses one of the best thumb-operated trackballs, the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse. He said, The performance is excellent, but the main problem is the size and fit. The thumb-operated trackball is best for those who want to keep everything from a traditional mouse and also want to limit your wrist and forearm movements to prevent straining those areas. This type of mouse is best for balancing between the two worlds perfectly.
On the other hand, the finger-operated trackball mouse is more ergonomic, said one of my colleagues. He used one of the best finger-operated trackball mice, the Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse. The advantage of this type of mouse is you can use different fingers or even your palm or arm to move the ball.
While using the finger-operated trackball, the variety and larger muscles involved mean it will reduce the chance of injury. The advantage of fingers-operated trackballs over the thumb version is that they are ambidextrous, so both left and right-handed users can use this trackball mouse.
Trackball vs. Normal Mouse – Which is Ergonomic?
When you talk about trackballs, the fact that comes first is Ergonomic. Ergonomics comes from the “ergonomic theory.” A bit of research has proven that a transition can theoretically elude many of the health problems related to a regular mouse over to a trackball.
Some common types of computing RSI (repetitive strain injuries) such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis happen because of repeated use of the wrist and unnatural rotation of the forearms and shoulders. Trackballs provide different grips from a standard mouse, and your thumb or entire hand and arm are used to handle the trackball. It will reduce the chance of injury compared with the standard mouse.
You will find evidence that a trackball mouse reduces injury and benefits the users. Especially the people with hand camps and wrist pain from holding and operating a regular mouse. So we can agree that the trackball mouse is more ergonomic than a standard mouse.
Advantages of the Trackball Mouse
There are a lot of advantages and benefits of using a trackball mouse. Let’s discuss some key points of a trackball mouse and why you should have one on your desk.
Some common types of computing RSI (repetitive strain injuries) such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis happen because of the shape of a standard mouse and the position required to manipulate it. While operating a trackball, there is a slight chance to use the wrist. When you use a trackball, you will find your arms and shoulders are in a neutral position. Most movements happen either with your thumb or a different combination of your fingers.
The trackball mouse is perfect for old and disabled people who cannot hold a mouse steady while clicking. This is a severe issue. With a trackball mouse, you can solve these problems quickly. A trackball can help position the cursor exactly where he wants to on the screen, move his hand away from the trackball, then use the left button to double click.
The trackball mouse will be perfect for people whose hands or fingers strain quickly. A trackball comes with an ambidextrous design (the fingers operated models) to use both left and right hands. This will help him to switch between your left and right arrows to work.
The trackball mouse is best for use in tight spaces. When you take your laptops in a cafe or outside where a flat surface area is scarce, a trackball mouse will provide better service than a standard mouse. You can take a trackball with you as stationary.
Disadvantages of the Trackball Mouse
Though there are a lot of advantages of trackball mouse, it has some nasty sides too. Let us discuss the disadvantages of a trackball mouse.
The trackball mouse is not as precise as a mouse for specific tasks. The trackballs are ergonomic in design, and it takes some time to adjust them; for some people, it never reaches the level of precision of a regular mouse. Another problem is the trackball mouse is more sensitive than a standard mouse.
The trackball is not appropriate for fast-paced gaming. Trackballs are great for gaming but not for paced gaming. You will get the accuracy faster than a standard mouse. But the main problem is you need to be super-advanced with trackball to achieve that goal.
Which Mouse Should You Try
You will find a comprehensive collection of trackball mice on the market. All brands provide high-quality products. Let us discuss some of those in detail-
Logitech always provides high-end computer accessories and necessary devices. They have some fantastic, quality trackball devices you might want for your desk.
Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse: This trackball mouse is one of the best thumb-operated trackball mice on the market. This is also one of the top sellers. It will provide smooth and accurate tracking. This trackball mouse is only for right-handers.
Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse: This mouse is fantastic. This mouse might be the best choice for entering the trackball world. This is easy to use and makes you comfortable during work. It is the best seller trackball mouse. The Logitech Trackman Marble Trackball Mouse is an ambidextrous (finger-operated) trackball mouse suited for both left-handed and right-handed users.
The ELECOM has a considerable collection of both thumb and finger-operated trackball mice. We will talk more about their best trackball mouse in the group.
ELECOM Thumb Operated Wireless Trackball Mouse: It is the best thumb-operated trackball mouse of ELECOM. This mouse is the best choice for gamers. It features Optical Tracking Technology. You can switch the DPI to three levels. You can also customize the built-in buttons as per your preference. It comes with a 2.4 GHz USB Receiver for connection.
ELECOM Wireless Finger-operated Trackball Mouse: The ELECOM Wireless Finger-operated Trackball Mouse is one of the best finger-operated trackball mice of ELECOM. The design of this mouse is incredible. They designed and developed based on six different muscle and skeletal structures of the hands, emphasizing the folding actions of the hands to provide a new level of hand comfort.
Kensington is another pioneer of the trackball industry. We will discuss the best products available in the market right now.
Kensington Orbit Scroll Ring Optical Trackball: This mouse is one of the most reliable and durable products on the market. It comes with a unique touch scroll ring that makes this mouse reliable and different from others. It is designed and developed very nicely, and the placement of the two built-in buttons makes this trackball mouse ambidextrous.
There are a few brands that also have some best trackballs, such as
- 3Dconnexion 3DX-700040 SpaceMouse Pro 3D Mouse (3Dconnexion)
- Amazon Basics Wireless Trackball Mouse (Amazon)
- Perixx11568 Perimice-717 Wireless Trackball Mouse (Perixx)
Trackball Mouse VS Normal Mouse Conclusion
In the end, we might say that a trackball mouse is better than a standard mouse in some circumstances that favor at least giving a trackball a try. If you are getting pain from using the normal regular mice, you might provide a chance to trackball mice. Both mice are solving your problems and work smoothly. But if you want a smooth and accurate cursor movement with less computing RSI, then you should try trackball mice.
Why is trackball better than a mouse?
A trackball mouse is better than a regular mouse because it reduces pain. Some common types of computing RSI (repetitive strain injuries) such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis happen because of the shape of a standard mouse and the position required to manipulate it.
Which is More Ergonomic?
A trackball mouse is more ergonomic than a regular mouse. Some common types of computing RSI (repetitive strain injuries) such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis happen because of repeated use of the wrist and unnatural rotation of the forearms and shoulders. Trackballs provide different grips from a standard mouse, and your thumb or entire hand and arm are used to handle the trackball. It will reduce the chance of injury compared with the standard mouse.
Can you game with a trackball mouse?
Yes, You can play games with a trackball mouse. Some trackball mouse uses optical tracking technology, which is best for gaming. But the main difficulties are you have to be experienced and adjust with the trackball.
Which one should you choose?
This depends on your taste and usage. If you want a mouse that will reduce your wrist pain and lessen your stress, you should give a chance to a trackball mouse. I would choose the trackball mouse for my desk.