What is Trackball Mouse? A Beginner’s Friendly Guide

Published: 12 Jul 2025

A trackball mouse is a special kind of computer mouse. It has a built-in ball that you roll with your fingers to move the pointer. You don’t need to drag the mouse around. This device is becoming popular in design, editing, and tight spaces. In this post, you’ll learn what is trackball mouse, how it works, types, and why many people are switching to it.

Table of Content

What is Trackball Mouse?

A trackball mouse is a pointing device that lets you control the cursor by moving a built-in ball. You roll the ball with your fingers or thumb instead of sliding the whole mouse across the desk.

The base stays still, which makes it ideal for tight spaces or small desks. It’s often used in graphic design, video editing, and by people who prefer an ergonomic mouse for better comfort.

History of Trackball Mouse

The trackball mouse was first developed in the 1950s for military radar systems. It allowed operators to control radar data with a fixed device using a rotating ball.

In the 1980s and 1990s, trackballs began appearing in commercial computers. They were often built into keyboards or used as separate input devices for early desktops.

Brands like Logitech and Kensington helped improve the design. Their models made the trackball mouse popular in offices, design studios, and professional workspaces.

How Does a Trackball Mouse Work?

A trackball mouse works differently from a regular mouse. Instead of moving the whole device, you roll a ball to move the pointer on the screen. It’s smooth, accurate, and easy to use once you become familiar with it.

Step-by-Step: How a Trackball Mouse Works

1. Built-in Ball Movement

The trackball has a round ball mounted on top or the side. You spin it with your fingers or thumb to move the cursor in any direction.

2. Sensors Detect Rotation

Optical or mechanical sensors underneath the ball track its movement. They measure the direction and speed of the ball’s spin.

3. Signal Sent to Computer

The sensors convert the ball’s movement into digital signals. These signals tell the computer where to move the pointer.

4. User Control

Depending on the design, you control the ball using either your fingers (top-mounted) or your thumb (side-mounted).

5. Connection Method

Most trackball mice connect through USB or Bluetooth, just like any standard pointing device.

Importance of Trackball Mouse

A trackball mouse is helpful when desk space is limited. It stays in one place and works well in small or unusual setups. This makes it perfect for students, office workers, and mobile workstations.

It also reduces wrist and arm movement, which helps prevent strain. Many people with hand pain, disabilities, or motor control issues find it more comfortable than a regular mouse.

Types of Trackball Mouse

There are many types of trackball mice to fit different needs. Some are better suited for design, while others are ideal for travel, comfort, or even gaming. Let’s look at the most common types and how they work.

Top-Mounted Trackball Mouse

This type has a ball on the top, controlled with your fingers. It gives smooth control and suits users who need fine movement, like designers or photo editors.

Side-Mounted Trackball Mouse

The ball sits on the side and is moved with your thumb. It feels similar to a regular mouse and is a good choice for beginners switching from standard models.

Ergonomic Trackball Mouse

This mouse is shaped to support your hand and wrist during long use. It’s great for reducing strain and is ideal for office workers or people with joint pain.

Pen-Style Trackball Mouse

This compact mouse looks like a pen with a small trackball built in. It’s perfect for on-the-go use or presentations where precise control is needed in your hands.

Compact Trackball Mouse

Designed for portability, this mouse is small and easy to carry. It fits nicely in laptop bags and works well in tight setups like coffee shops or flights.

Gaming Trackball Mouse

This version offers speed, extra buttons, and high precision. It suits gamers who want full control without moving the mouse around their desk.

Wireless Trackball Mouse

It connects via Bluetooth or USB dongle, so you don’t need cables. A wireless ergonomic mouse gives you more freedom to place it anywhere on your desk.

5 Uses of Trackball Mouse

Trackball mice are used in various fields where precision, comfort, and limited space matter. Here are five common ways people use them daily:

Used in graphic design for smooth, high-precision control when editing images or layouts.
Helpful in medical workstations where stable input is needed in compact or moving environments.
Supports accessibility by allowing people with limited mobility to control the pointer more easily.
Reduces wrist strain in office work, especially during long hours of typing and clicking.
Makes multimedia editing easier with quick scrolling, zooming, and timeline navigation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Trackball Mouse

A trackball mouse offers great comfort and precise control, but it also has some downsides. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages you should know.

Benefits
Here are five simple reasons why people prefer it over a regular mouse: Saves desk space because the mouse stays in one place and doesn’t need to move. Reduces wrist and arm strain by allowing control with just your fingers or thumb. Works smoothly on any surface without needing a mouse pad or flat desk. Offers better precision, which helps in design, editing, and detail-focused tasks. Ideal for users with limited hand movement or physical challenges needing easier control.

Benefits

Here are five simple reasons why people prefer it over a regular mouse:

Saves desk space because the mouse stays in one place and doesn’t need to move.
Reduces wrist and arm strain by allowing control with just your fingers or thumb.
Works smoothly on any surface without needing a mouse pad or flat desk.
Offers better precision, which helps in design, editing, and detail-focused tasks.
Ideal for users with limited hand movement or physical challenges needing easier control.

Drawbacks
Here are five things you should keep in mind before using one: Takes time to get used to, especially if you’ve only used regular mice. Not the best choice for fast-paced games that need quick hand movement. Harder to find in local stores, with fewer models than standard mice. Needs cleaning often because dust collects under the trackball. Costs a bit more than basic wired or wireless mice.

Drawbacks

Here are five things you should keep in mind before using one:

Takes time to get used to, especially if you’ve only used regular mice.
Not the best choice for fast-paced games that need quick hand movement.
Harder to find in local stores, with fewer models than standard mice.
Needs cleaning often because dust collects under the trackball.
Costs a bit more than basic wired or wireless mice.

Conclusion

So guys, in this article, we’ve covered what is trackball mouse in detail. If you want less strain on your wrist and more control, this mouse is a great choice. I personally recommend it if you work long hours at a desk or deal with hand fatigue. Try one out—it may surprise you how comfortable it feels. If this guide helped you, go ahead and share it with your friends!

FAQs About Trackball Mouse

Here are some common questions beginners often ask about the trackball mouse, answered in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

Who invented the trackball mouse?

The first trackball was invented in 1952 by Tom Cranston and Fred Longstaff for military radar systems in Canada. It was created before the modern computer mouse and used a ball to control the pointer, just like today’s trackball mice.

Is a trackball mouse good for beginners?

Yes, a trackball mouse is beginner-friendly once you get used to it. It doesn’t need much hand movement and can be easier on your wrist. Just spend a few days using it, and it will start to feel natural. Many beginners find it more comfortable than a regular mouse.

Does a trackball mouse help with wrist pain?

Yes, it can help reduce wrist strain. Since you don’t move your whole hand, it puts less stress on your wrist and arm. Many people with carpal tunnel or joint pain switch to trackball mice. It’s a popular ergonomic mouse choice due to its comfort.

Can I use a trackball mouse for gaming?

Trackball mice are not ideal for fast-action games. They offer better control for slow, precise movements. Some gamers use them for strategy or simulation games. But for fast-paced shooting games, a regular gaming mouse may work better.

Do I need a mouse pad with a trackball mouse?

No, you don’t need a mouse pad. A trackball mouse stays in one place and works on any surface. That’s why it’s perfect for small desks, beds, or even couches. It gives you more freedom in where you work.

Is a trackball mouse bad for your thumb?

Not really, but it depends on how you use it. If the ball is thumb-controlled and you use it for long hours, your thumb might feel tired. You can choose a finger-controlled model if that feels more comfortable. Regular breaks also help prevent any strain.

How do I clean a trackball mouse?

Cleaning is easy and important. Just pop out the ball and wipe it with a soft cloth. Use a cotton swab to remove dust around the sensors. Regular cleaning keeps it smooth and accurate.

Is a trackball mouse better than a regular mouse?

It depends on your needs. A trackball mouse saves space and offers better comfort. A regular mouse may be faster for gaming or quick tasks. If you want more control and less hand movement, a trackball is a great option.

Can left-handed people use a trackball mouse?

Yes, there are ambidextrous trackball mice available. Some models work well for both hands, while others are specifically designed for left-handed use.