Trackball mice may seem unusual to plenty of people, yet they come with a series of advantages. The design is different from the classic mouse, so it might take you a while to get used to it. However, this innovative style will definitely bring in some benefits. Most of these mice come with dedicated scroll rings, trackball, and a few customizable buttons. Their main role is to help those who experience wrist discomfort and even more annoying issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.
Deciding on the best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel could be challenging if this is the first time you hear about this concept. Most of these mice look relatively similar, but they come with a bunch of extras and small details that could make the difference. Understanding how they can help is the first step in the process. Only then you can actually go through the best-rated options on the market or the buying guide. So, what do you have to know before spending your money?
Top 5 Best Trackball Mouse For Carpal Tunnel
Here are the best rated options when trying to find a trackball mouse for carpal tunnel.
- Kensington K72352US (Best Overall)
- Logitech M570 (Also Great)
- Logitech M575 Trackball Mouse (Best For Macbook Pro and Mac Mini)
- Elecom M-DPT1MRXBK (Best for Accuracy)
- Perixx Perimice-517 (Best Alternative for Logitech Trackman)
1. Kensington K72352US (Best Overall)
Kensington is one of the leading manufacturers on the market and its ergonomic trackball mouse for sale comes in black and red. It features optical tracking, so the cursor control is flawless. It comes with deep customization, yet you must do it through Kensington’s free software – KensingtonWorks.
The unit comes with an ambidextrous design. It makes no difference if you are left or right-handed – you will get along with this mouse straight away. You can scroll by sliding your finger around the outer ring of the middle trackball. It is a plug-and-play device, so it will work as soon as you fit it in.
Other than that, the unit measures 2x7x6 inches only and weighs less than 10 ounces. It is made of plastic and requires two AA batteries. It is compatible with most computers out there. The nano USB receiver can be stored inside the mouse when not in use.
What are the pros?
- Easy to use
- Lots of customization
- Ambidextrous uses
- Compatible with most devices
- Plug and play
What are the cons?
- May take a few days to get used to it
2. Logitech M570 (Also Great)
Logitech’s best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel comes in a full package and also includes its own mouse pad. The trackball design is comfortable and allows an intuitive use – easy buttons and precise navigation.
The package also includes the batteries required for the mouse, as well as the USB receiver. The USB receiver can stay inside your desktop or laptop without having to unplug it. You can also add other compatible parts, such as keyboards.
Just like the actual mouse, the pad is designed with your comfort in mind. It features an ergonomic soft gel-filled wrist rest, specifically designed to prevent painful situations and discomfort in your wrist. Other than that, it has a good nonslip surface on the bottom.
What are the pros?
- Simplistic design
- Durable
- Very precise
- Comes with a wrist supporting pad
- USB receiver with great compatibility
What are the cons?
- Feels a bit flimsy
3.Logitech M575 Trackball Mouse (Best for Macbook PRO and Mac Mini)
Logitech M575 trackball mouse is ergonomic, smooth, and built to reduce strain and fatigue. You can forget about moving your arm with the mouse. Instead, control all the movement through with your thumb – it takes a while to get used to it, but it takes comfort to another level.
The mouse comes with wireless connectivity. You have a 2.4GHz wireless connection, as well as a Bluetooth one. You have a classic USB nano receiver stored at the bottom of the mouse. It is compatible with most operating systems.
The unit has an impressive battery that can work for a month on a full charge. You also have adjustable DPI levels, so you can change the sensitivity based on your activities. The movement is precise and the tracking is extremely smooth. Remember to turn the mouse off when not in use for a long time, only to preserve the battery.
What are the pros?
- Compatible with almost every operating system
- Long battery life on a single charge – up to a month
- Two different types of connectivity
- Adjustable DPI levels
- Fast response and smooth tracking
What are the cons?
- Buttons are very sensitive
4. Elecom M-DPT1MRXBK (Best for Accuracy)
Elecom’s best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel is available in a few different colors. It is usually wireless, but you can also find it in a wired option. It is incredibly accurate, so you can get anywhere on the screen in no time without too much hand movement. The cursor movement is more precise than in other alternatives.
The mouse features eight different buttons. There are two extra buttons on the scroll wheel tilting. Whether you want a more comfortable experience due to the trackball design or full functionality for your gaming sessions, this mouse can make your life easier. The high-performance optics system sensor and lens allow you to change the DPI based on your needs.
In terms of compatibility, this is a plug and play device, meaning it works with pretty much every operating system out there. As for care and maintenance, you have a large ball and some small ball bearings. You can simply push the ball out by pushing it through the hole at the bottom, then dust everything off. You will not have to do it too often though.
It also has a special case that will help you to protect it from scratches.
What are the pros?
- Easy to keep clean
- Comes in more colors
- Very accurate movement
- Eight different buttons
- Advanced optics system sensor and lens
What are the cons?
- Small ball makes movements repetitive
5. Perixx Perimice-517 (Best Alternative For Logitech Trackman)
You can get this fancy trackball mouse in two options – wired or wireless. It is a matter of personal preferences and needs. Other than that, it is only available in black, while the trackball is conveniently located by your thumb – available in vibrant purple color. It comes with a sensor. Whether you get it wired or wireless, connectivity will never be an issue.
There are seven buttons on this mouse, including the DPI switches. They work flawlessly with the trackball. You can switch the cursor speed by adjusting the DPI to 400 or 1000. Other than that, it is worth noting that this mouse is designed for right-handed people only. The manufacturer has other similar mice designed for left-handed people.
The plug and play device does not involve installing any software at all. Cleaning it is also fairly simple – just brush everything every now and then, especially around the trackball. Tracking and precision are excellent due to the glitter effect on the trackball. The ball will not slide away too much, ensuring you get the items you want on the screen.
What are the pros?
- Easy to navigate
- Compatible with almost every device
- Easy to keep clean
- Seven different buttons
- Wired or wireless connectivity
What are the cons?
- The USB plug is easy to lose from the holder in the bottom
What To Look For In The Best Trackball Mouse For Carpal Tunnel
Buying a mouse is a piece of cake – there is not much to consider, especially if you need a basic mouse for office work or browsing the web. But then, choosing the best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel is a bit more different, as such devices come with extras. Now, what do you need to look for before making a final decision?
Design
Choosing the right design is the first step in the process. You have more options out there. A thumb-operated trackball is similar to a classic computer mouse. The ball allows controlling the cursor, so it makes sense to buy a product designed for your hand orientation.
The thumb-operated trackball mouse is classic and the easiest option to get used to. The thumb does the scrolling, while other fingers rest on click buttons. The middle finger can do with the scrolling wheel.
Finger-operated trackball mice are different. The ball is in the middle. It is larger than in other styles and allows some freedom – you can control it with the middle finger or the index one. Such mice are also ambidextrous, so it makes no difference what your hand orientation is.
Number of buttons
The amount of buttons depends on what you need the mouse for. For instance, some of the most advanced units on the market come with as many as eight buttons. Think about it for a minute – how many buttons do you need for a comfortable experience? You probably imagine more is better, but this is not always the case. Too many buttons could be confusing if you only use a couple of them.
If you only need a mouse for basic office work or browsing websites, chances are you can do with three buttons and not more – clicking, right-clicking, and scrolling. But then, if you rely on sophisticated software or you are an avid gamer, you will probably need more than just three buttons.
According to Tech Guide, if you decide to buy a mouse with more buttons, it pays off to get one that allows customizing them based on your personal needs. Plus, double-check the arrangement of these buttons. You need to feel comfortable with their positions or operating the mouse will become a nightmare.
Wired or wireless
Connectivity is all about flexibility – which you may or may not need. Wireless trackball mice communicate over 2.4GHz receivers. They usually go inside the laptop or computer, in a classic USB slot. The wireless alternative is more common these days because it allows some freedom. Plus, there is less clutter to worry about on your desk – if you can get rid of cable, you should.
But on the other hand, wireless mice work with batteries. Sooner or later, they will die. Some of them are rechargeable. Sure, the problem is easy to overlook, but these issues expect when least expected – usually when you work on an important project or when you play the match of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure about the best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel?
Why is the mouse double-clicking when I only click once?
You can adjust the settings for most mice. The mouse also can be set to act as a double clicker when you click once. You can adjust this setting over the mouse settings in your control panel. The setting does not default, so new mice will only click once.
Why does the mouse lose connectivity at once?
Make sure the batteries are alright. If batteries start draining, the mouse may act funny every now and then but there are cases where the batteries are alright, do double-check the USB slot – perhaps move the receiver into another slot. If the problem persists, you should contact the manufacturer.
How do you clean a trackball mouse?
A trackball mouse is cleaned like a classic mouse. Take the trackball out – usually by pushing it through a hole at the bottom of the mouse. Use a brush to clean all the dust and dirt away, then fit it back in.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that deciding on the best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel does not require too much work, but you do have to be familiar with this industry, the types of mice out there, and the best-rated products on the market. Make sure you know precisely what you expect from a trackball mouse before making a decision.
