In this article, we’re going to consider several good options if you’re looking for a wireless trackball mouse and care about ergonomics.
But first, let’s ask ourselves some questions about the ergonomics of this type of mouse.
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Are wireless trackball mice ergonomic?
Whether this type of mouse is more ergonomic for you will depend on your body type, preferences and needs.
Factors that may affect how comfortable a wireless trackball mouse is for you include the size of the mouse, the shape of the mouse, and how you hold the mouse.
Some users who struggle with repetitive strain injuries or discomfort when using traditional mice find wireless trackball mice helpful.
One reason might be that they allow users to avoid the “windshield wiper” motion used to control traditional mice, helping to reduce fatigue.
Some models also allow you to control the scroll wheel on the mouse, which provides another way to interact with your computer.
If you’re looking for an ergonomic mouse that doesn’t require a lot of desk space, consider a trackball model. These mice typically have a large ball on the top that you use to control the cursor, and they come in both wired and wireless versions.
Many people find trackball mice more comfortable to use than regular mice since you don’t have to move your arm and wrist around the whole time.
One complaint some have of wireless trackball mice is that they run out of battery life faster than a standard mouse. For those that mostly care about ergonomics, though, this may be a secondary concern.
My Recommendations for the Best Wireless Trackball Mice
Trackballs can be a great alternative to traditional mice. Wireless trackball mice have the additional benefit of not requiring a cable to connect to your computer.
Let’s have a look at three of the best wireless trackball mice available today based on our research.
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse – Best Overall
The Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse is our pick for best overall mouse.
It features a unique design that allows you to control the cursor with your thumb or finger, and is designed for both right and left-handed users. This allows you to distribute the load between your hands and different fingers as needed.
From an ease of use perspective, you can configure the device to perform both Windows and Mac shortcuts.
The Diamond Eye optical tracking system also ensures accurate cursor movement, and the scroll wheel makes scrolling through documents or web pages easy.
It has a detachable, ergonomic wrist rest support for improved comfort during use. The textured, contoured design helps keep your hand relaxed, and the buttons are easy to press even after prolonged use.
In terms of compatibility, it’s certified for Microsoft Surface and works well with other Windows platforms.
The non-slip, soft-grip handles provide stability and control, even in wet or greasy conditions. It comes with a Dual Wireless Technology that enables seamless compatibility with a 2. 4GHz USB nano receiver and Bluetooth LE.
Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse – Best Ergonomic
The Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse is our pick for best ergonomic mouse on the list.
It has a customizable tilt angle of up to 20 degrees, which improves your forearm posture and helps you find the most comfortable position to work in.
It is also a thumb-operated trackball, allowing you to transfer work away from overused wrist and finger muscles and onto your thumb.
From a usability point of view, the scroll wheel is designed to provide easy navigation. The mouse also sports a Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking system for pinpoint accuracy.
This Logitech wireless mouse is a self-contained, rechargeable Li-Po (500 mAh) battery-powered device that connects to your laptop/PC via a USB receiver or Bluetooth.
The wireless mouse is a great peripheral for those constantly on the go, as it can operate for up to four months on a single charge.
It is also compatible with several platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and Linux.
Elecom M-HT1DRBK Wireless Trackball Mouse – Best Gaming
The Elecom M-HT1DRBK Wireless Trackball Mouse is a well-liked gaming mouse for anyone looking for a comfortable and ergonomic option.
The mouse has a contoured design that fits in your hand perfectly, and it comes with a detachable wrist rest for even more comfort.
In terms of usability, the mouse does a few things right.
It has a scroll wheel on the side of the mouse, allowing you to easily scroll through websites and documents.
For extra comfort and efficiency, there are also 8 built-in mouse buttons which can be customised to perform your preferred function.
With precise tracking and responsive buttons, the mouse is suitable for gaming. It also has a comfortable design suitable for extended use.
It has a 2.4GHz wireless connection that provides a responsive and accurate experience. In terms of battery life, the mouse sports a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 150 hours of usage.
The speed alteration switch on the side of the mouse allows you to change the cursor and scroll speed. The higher the setting, the more responsive the mouse will be.
It includes a tilt wheel design that makes it easy to adjust the mouse for a comfortable posture.
The small form factor reduces the space taken up by the mouse wheel, making it an ideal travel companion when you need to save desk space.
Buying Guide
Trackballs have been around for years, but the wireless models are a relatively recent development. If you’re in the market for a trackball, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Type
First, decide what type of trackball you want.
There are two main types: finger-operated and thumb-operated trackballs.
Finger-operated trackballs have a ball in the center of the mouse, which is operated by the index and middle fingers (or sometimes your other fingers according to preference).
Typically, this type of trackball has a larger ball. It will usually also have buttons on either side for left and right click, pressed with your thumb and ring/pinky fingers respectively.
For some examples of this type of trackball mouse, see our reviews of the Kensington Orbit trackball mouse and the Logitech Trackman Marble mouse.
By contrast, thumb-operated trackballs have a smaller ball on the left side of the mouse, controlled by (you guessed it) your thumb.
One example of this type of mouse is the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse discussed earlier.
The choice of trackball type comes down to personal preference. However, those with thumb issues may want to opt for the finger-operated variety, since thumb-operated trackballs place more load on the thumb.
Left or Right Handed?
Another important consideration before purchasing a wireless trackball mouse is whether it is designed for a specific hand, or whether it can be used by both (ambidextrous).
Many users like the ability to switch the mouse between hands to avoid overworking one particular hand. This is especially important for those experiencing discomfort in one hand.
In fact, personally, I much prefer ambidextrous trackball mice for that reason. Variety in terms of different body parts & muscles used over time is an important ergonomic principle.
Connection
Do you have any special connection reliability needs? Gamers, for example, may occasionally run into issues with the lower reliability of a wireless connection versus a wired connection.
You also want to consider the type of wireless connection. These days, the dominant variety is USB 2.4GHz, but some mice use a Bluetooth connection instead.
Make sure you check compatibility of the mouse connection type with your computer. USB-A / the full-sized USB ports are commonly required by wireless mice. If your laptop doesn’t support the correct USB port type, that’ll obviously be a no-go.
For users with special needs (i.e. gamers or heavy tech users), USB-connected wireless mice may be preferred due to their lower cursor latency compared to Bluetooth-connect mice.
For regular users, however, the difference in this respect will be negligible.
Scroll wheel
In most cases, a trackball mouse will have a scroll wheel, which allows you to easily scroll the page up or down.
Scroll wheels come in a few different flavours, ranging from small to large scroll wheels. Sometimes these scroll wheels are operated with you index or middle finger, and at other times your thumb.
You’ll want to check a scroll wheel is present and of a type that suits your preference. In my view, this is a pretty important mouse capability. Without it, scrolling can be quite cumbersome and actually add more strain to your everyday mouse movements.
Conclusion
A wireless trackball mouse can be a great alternative to a regular mouse.
This type of mouse can help you utilise other muscles and movements to control your cursor, which some find reduces hand discomfort for them.
The wireless capability avoids you having to plug and unplug your mouse all the time. If present, the scroll wheel on a trackball mouse allows you to scroll through documents and web pages in an intuitive manner.
My Pick
The Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse is my top pick because it has an ambidextrous design, easy setup, and accurate tracking.
It’s also affordable, making it a great mouse for short spurts of use when you’re on the go. The wireless trackball mouse is a laptop and desktop companion. It also lets you work efficiently with other compatible mobile devices.
However, the best wireless trackball mouse for you will depend on what you plan to use it for.
If you’re a gamer, the Elecom M-HT1DRBK Wireless Trackball Mouse is an excellent option. It has a highly accurate optical sensor for more accurate gaming, as well as programmable buttons for shortcuts and other convenient functions.
I hope this article helped and good luck finding the best option for your needs.