Trackball mice keep your hand stationary while you move the cursor with your thumb or fingers — a smart ergonomic upgrade for anyone dealing with wrist strain or a cramped desk. We tested the top options and found three Logitech models that stand out for build quality, programmability, and comfort.
If you spend hours clicking and dragging, a trackball mouse might be the single best ergonomic change you can make. Instead of moving the whole mouse across your desk, you keep your hand still and roll a ball. That means less wrist extension, less reaching, and more room on your desk for coffee.
We looked at the current recommendations from Wirecutter and RTINGS, and three Logitech models consistently come out ahead. Here's what we found.
Trackballs split into two camps. Thumb-operated trackballs (like the MX Ergo S and M575S) put the ball right where your thumb rests. They feel familiar — almost like a joystick — and the transition from a regular mouse is quick.1 Most people will prefer this.
Finger-operated trackballs put the ball under your index and middle fingers. They're often ambidextrous and give you finer control for large displays, but the learning curve is steeper.2 If you're new to trackballs, start with a thumb model.
The MX Ergo S is the current gold standard for productivity trackballs.1 Its defining feature is the adjustable hinge: you can tilt the base between 0° and 20°, which lets you find the exact angle that keeps your wrist neutral.1
It connects via Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver, and you can pair it with up to three devices. The battery lasts about four months on a full charge, and a one-minute quick charge gives you a full day of use.1
The scroll wheel is a precision wheel that switches between ratchet and free-spin modes — great for long documents. And Logitech's Options+ software lets you assign custom shortcuts to every button, so you can map common actions (copy, paste, mission control) right to the mouse.1
Who it's for: Anyone who wants the best ergonomics and doesn't mind paying for it. If you have wrist pain or just want to prevent it, the adjustable tilt alone is worth the premium.
The M575S is the affordable sibling of the MX Ergo S. It uses the same thumb-operated layout and a similar sculpted shape, but it lacks the adjustable tilt hinge.1 The trade-off is a much lower price.
It still connects via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt receiver, supports up to three devices, and runs for up to two years on a single AA battery.1 The scroll wheel is a standard notched wheel (no free-spin), and the build quality is solid but slightly less premium than the MX line.
Wirecutter calls it "a great entry-level trackball" and notes that for most people, the fixed 20° angle is comfortable enough.1
Who it's for: Anyone curious about trackballs who wants to try one without a big investment. It's also a solid backup or travel mouse.
The previous-generation MX Ergo (without the "S") is still widely available and nearly as good as the new model.2 It has the same adjustable tilt hinge, the same thumb-operated ball, and the same three-device pairing.
The main differences: it uses a micro-USB port instead of USB-C, and the scroll wheel is a standard notched wheel rather than the precision wheel on the S model.1 If those don't bother you, it's a reliable high-performance option that often sells for less.
RTINGS notes that its right-handed shape and smooth tracking make it the best trackball for most people.2
Who it's for: Users with larger hands (the body is slightly bigger than the S) or anyone who wants the adjustable tilt on a budget.
The Logitech MX Ergo S is the best trackball mouse for productivity, period. The adjustable tilt, precision scroll wheel, and deep software customization make it worth the price for anyone who spends all day at a computer. If you're on a tighter budget or just testing the waters, the M575S is a genuinely good alternative that covers the basics well.
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