Best Trackball Mice
A trackball flips the mouse concept: you roll a ball with your fingers or thumb while the device stays put. It's the best choice for wrist and shoulder relief, and it works in tight spaces.
Why choose a trackball
A trackball keeps your wrist stationary, which helps with repetitive strain, and it needs no desk space to move around, making it ideal for small or cluttered desks. It also never runs out of mousepad.
The two main styles
- Thumb balls, which feel most like a traditional mouse
- Finger balls, which use the index or middle fingers
What to look for
- A ball size that suits your hand
- Programmable buttons for efficiency
- A comfortable rest for your hand
The adjustment period
A trackball takes a week or two to feel natural, and precision work may be slower at first. Most people who stick with it prefer it for comfort, though gamers generally stay with a traditional mouse.
Buy a trackball if wrist or shoulder pain is the issue, or if desk space is tight. Give it two weeks, and it may well become your daily driver.
