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A trackball mouse is a type of mouse that allows the user to control the cursor by rolling a ball with the fingertips or palm.
One of the main advantages of a trackball mouse is that it puts less strain on the wrist and arm, making it less tiring even during long hours of work. It is also space-saving, so it can be used comfortably even on a small desk.
This article will clearly explain the basic features, advantages and disadvantages, how to choose, and recommended models of trackball mice, along with actual impressions from using them.
- Trackball mice put less strain on the wrist and arm, making them suitable for long hours of work
- Can be used in a small space, so they are comfortable to use even on a narrow desk
- Smooth cursor and drag operations make them suitable for precise work
- There are types operated by thumb, fingertips, or palm
- They are effective in preventing tendonitis, and many have ergonomic designs
- It takes time to get used to, but once accustomed, they are comfortable to use
- Prices are somewhat high and there are fewer options
- Often not suitable for gaming purposes
This article summarizes and explains the knowledge you should know when choosing a mouse.
≫ Related article: How to Choose a Mouse [Functions / Compatibility / Points to Note]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
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Table of Contents
About Mouse Trackballs
This section explains the basic features and usage of mouse trackballs, as well as what types of users and uses they are suitable for.
What is a Mouse Trackball?
A trackball mouse is an input device with a large ball built into the body, which moves the computer cursor when rolled with the fingertips or thumb.
In addition, trackballs make it easy to perform fine movements and precise cursor control, so they are valued in fields that require detailed work, such as graphic design, CAD, and video editing.
There are several types of shapes and ball positions, so users can choose according to their needs and preferences.
- Thumb-operated type
- Index or middle finger-operated type
- Palm-operated type
Trackball mice are also recommended for those concerned about tendonitis or wrist pain, and many products are designed with ergonomics in mind.
Differences from a Regular Mouse
With a regular mouse, the entire body is moved on the desk to move the cursor, but with a trackball, there is no need to move the body.
As a result, the wrist and arm hardly need to move, making it less tiring even after long use.
It also helps prevent tendonitis and fatigue.
In addition, since the mouse itself does not need to be moved, a trackball can be used comfortably even in a small desk space.
On the other hand, the operation feels very different from a regular mouse, so many people feel uncomfortable with the operation at first.
Ken
Basic Structure and Mechanism of Trackballs
The trackball part consists of a large exposed ball on the body, and sensors that detect its movement.
Other functions such as clicking and scrolling are the same as a regular mouse.
By rotating the ball, the internal sensors detect up, down, left, right, and diagonal movements, which are reflected in the cursor.
In the past, mechanical (roller-type) sensors were common, but now optical sensors are standard, which improves accuracy and makes maintenance easier.
Trackball Operation Methods
The main operation methods are: thumb-operated, index or middle finger-operated, and palm-operated types.
| Operation Method | Image | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb-operated |  | – Operate the trackball with the thumb – Shape is similar to a regular mouse – Relatively easy to get used to – Good for fine movements |
| Index finger-operated |  | – Operate the trackball with the index or middle finger – Ball is placed in the center or top of the body – Easy to perform precise operations – Many have a symmetrical design |
| Palm-operated |  | – Operate a large trackball with the whole palm – Less tiring even after long use – Can move the cursor over a wide area – Requires a slightly larger installation space |
Among trackballs, the thumb-operated type is the most common and easiest to start with.
Because its shape is similar to a regular mouse, it is easy to switch, and even first-time users can get used to it in a relatively short time.
Also, there are many affordable products and a wide selection, so it is easier to choose based on other features or button preferences.
Who Is It Recommended For?
Trackball mice do not require large movements of the wrist or arm, so they significantly reduce strain.
Therefore, they are recommended for users who work on computers for long hours, such as for business, programming, or writing.
They are also a good match for creative jobs that require precise cursor control, such as designers, engineers, and illustrators, making detailed work easier.
Trackball mice are also suitable for those who are concerned about physical problems caused by mouse use, such as tendonitis or wrist pain, or who want to prevent them.
Advantages of Trackball Mice
This section explains the advantages of trackball mice in detail.
Less Strain on the Wrist and Arm
A major feature of trackball mice is that they put less strain on the wrist and arm.
Since there is no need to move the body of a trackball mouse, the cursor can be operated just by rolling the ball with the fingertips, minimizing wrist and arm movement.
As a result, it helps reduce the risk of tendonitis, wrist pain, and stiff shoulders.
On the other hand, with a regular mouse, the entire wrist and arm must be moved each time the cursor is moved, which can put a strain on muscles and joints during long hours of work.
Ken
Less Fatigue Even During Long Hours of Work
Because strain on the wrist and arm is reduced, fatigue does not build up easily even after long hours of work.
This is especially helpful for those who use a mouse for long periods, such as desk work or creative tasks, and helps prevent chronic problems like tendonitis, stiff shoulders, and wrist pain.
Enables Precise Cursor Control
With a trackball, almost no hand movement is needed, and fine movements can be made with just the fingertips.
Therefore, it is possible to operate with high accuracy even for tasks that require pixel-level adjustments, such as image editing, CAD, and graphic design.
When actually trimming images for the article at the pixel level, it did feel easier to do detailed work.
Compared to a regular mouse, cursor and drag operations are smoother, making tasks feel easier.
However, it is not a dramatic difference, but rather a slight improvement in ease and speed.
A regular mouse can also handle detailed work, so it may not be good to expect too much from this advantage, but it is worth trying at least once.
Ken
Can Be Used in a Small Space
Since the body of a trackball mouse does not need to be moved, it can be used comfortably even in environments with limited space, such as a small desk or when there are many documents or other devices.
A regular mouse requires a certain amount of space to move the body, but a trackball mouse does not need that space.
At home, there is usually enough space, but sometimes the space becomes tight when using a computer while looking at documents or other materials.
When working at the desk while checking things, the desk can get crowded and space can become limited.
Also, outside the home, such as in cafes or on trains, where workspace is limited, a trackball mouse is easy to use and suitable for carrying around.
Ken
Disadvantages of Trackball Mice
This section explains the disadvantages of trackball mice in detail.
It Takes Time to Get Used to the Operation
Trackball mice have a very different operation method from regular mice, so many people may feel confused at first.
Since the cursor is moved by rolling the ball with the fingertips or palm, it takes time to get used to this unique feel.
Also, because trackball mice are operated with fine finger movements, it may feel difficult at first to perform detailed tasks or move the cursor quickly.
For example, in situations that require precise operations, such as image editing or fine drag-and-drop, work efficiency may temporarily decrease until you get used to it.
Furthermore, since there are several types of trackballs, such as thumb-operated, index finger-operated, and palm-operated, it may take some trial and error to find the type that suits you best.
Fewer Options and Higher Prices
Trackball mice have far fewer options and tend to be more expensive than regular mice.
This is mainly because trackball mice use different structures and special parts compared to regular mice, which increases manufacturing costs.
Also, since fewer people use them and demand is limited, it is difficult to reduce costs through mass production.
As a result, the number of models offered by each manufacturer is small, and there are not many variations in design, size, ball position (thumb, index finger, center, etc.), number of buttons, or wireless/wired options.
Furthermore, compared to regular mice with similar performance, trackball mice can cost about twice as much.
For entry-level models, regular mice cost around 1,000–2,000 yen, but trackball mice start at around 4,000 yen.
Custom PC Tools allows you to search for trackball mice and view a list of specifications such as price, design, and features, so please use it as a reference.
Often Not Suitable for Gaming
Trackball mice are generally not suitable for gaming, especially genres that require quick movements and high-precision aiming, such as FPS or action games.
The reason is that, compared to regular mice that can be moved quickly and widely with the wrist or arm, it is difficult to make sudden turns or react instantly with a trackball.
Also, while trackballs are good for fine adjustments, in situations that require continuous large movements or high-speed operations, the inertia of the ball and the limited range of finger movement can make operation more difficult.
In addition, trackball mice often lack features that support gaming, such as high-precision sensors, customizable buttons, and high polling rates, which are common in gaming mice.
Ken
For these reasons, if you want to enjoy games comfortably or competitively, it is safer to choose a regular mouse or a gaming mouse.
Recommended Trackball Mice
This section introduces recommended trackball mice.
Ken
ELECOM M-XT3DRBK-G
It is a thumb-operated type, and its shape and button positions are similar to a regular mouse, so it should be easy to get used to.
There is also a function button for the ring finger, which can be customized with dedicated software, allowing users to assign frequently used functions or shortcut keys for more efficient work.
ELECOM M-HT1DRXBK
It is slightly more expensive than the M-XT3DRBK-G at around 5,500 yen, but it has three function buttons.
It allows for more customization, so if you have many frequently used functions or shortcuts, this is recommended.
You can also narrow down your search by price, number of buttons, and other specifications using the Custom PC Tools, so please use it as a reference.
How to Maintain a Trackball Mouse
This section explains the basic maintenance and cleaning methods to keep your trackball mouse comfortable to use.
After long use, dust, skin oils, and small debris can accumulate around the sensor, causing the cursor to move sluggishly or malfunction.
Preparation for Cleaning
The ball part of a trackball mouse should be removed and cleaned regularly to maintain comfortable operation for a long time.
First, turn off the mouse and disconnect the USB cable or wireless receiver.
Next, turn the mouse over and gently press or apply a little force to the ball part to remove it.
Cleaning the Trackball
Wipe the removed ball gently with a fine-fiber cloth such as a glasses wipe or a soft cloth to remove dirt and skin oils from the surface.
If skin oils are hard to remove, use a small amount of alcohol for a cleaner finish.
Cleaning the Sensor and Support Balls
Next, clean the internal tray and sensor area where the ball was housed.
Use a cotton swab or Air Duster to gently remove dust and debris.
Pay special attention to the sensor area and support balls (the three small white balls in the image that support the ball), as they tend to collect debris. Carefully clean these small areas.
If debris remains, it can cause the ball to move poorly or the sensor to respond slowly.
After cleaning, return the ball to its original position and check that it rotates smoothly and that there are no operational issues.
Summary: Great for Long Hours and Reducing Hand Strain, Precise Operation, but Takes Time to Get Used To
This article summarized the features, advantages and disadvantages, suitable users and uses, and maintenance methods for trackball mice.
Here are the key points again.
- Trackball mice put less strain on the wrist and arm, making them suitable for long hours of work
- Can be used in a small space, so they are comfortable to use even on a narrow desk
- Smooth cursor and drag operations make them suitable for precise work
- There are types operated by thumb, fingertips, or palm
- They are effective in preventing tendonitis, and many have ergonomic designs
- It takes time to get used to, but once accustomed, they are comfortable to use
- Prices are somewhat high and there are fewer options
- Often not suitable for gaming purposes
Trackball mice do not require moving the body and can be operated with just the fingertips, so they put less strain on the wrist and arm, making them suitable for long hours of work.
The ability to use them in a small space and perform precise cursor operations are also major attractions.
They are especially effective for creative work or for users who want to prevent tendonitis.
On the other hand, be aware that the unique operation method takes time to get used to and that there are limited models to choose from.
When introducing a trackball mouse for the first time, it is important to find a type that suits your usage and get used to it step by step.
This article summarizes and explains the knowledge you should know when choosing a mouse.
≫ Related article: How to Choose a Mouse [Functions / Compatibility / Points to Note]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
