A trackball is a good alternative to the typical mouse. It is basically an upside down mouse. Trackballs were quite popular before touch pads came out, but now they are included in most of the laptops. Trackballs may take some time to get used to control the computer curse but it is of great use in work areas that have very little space for extra devices. Often trackballs are used in CAD work stations, navigational equipment and game console controllers.

Trackballs versus Mouse

Trackballs has a case with the ball on the top, while in a mouse the ball lies underneath the casing. While using a mouse you will need to move the entire casing to move the cursor, but in the case of a trackball, you just need to move the ball with the help of your thumb or finger, while the casing sits stationary on the desk. Trackballs are really good in terms of ergonomic science, because there is minimal stress on the wrist because there is no sliding action of the hands.

Precision and Accuracy

Trackballs offer better precision and more flexibility in certain scenarios because there is nothing in between the ball and the user’s finger movement. While the mouse is more comfortable for most users to control the cursor, it isn’t very accurate because the ball of the mouse only senses the hand’s movement depending upon the pressure being applied. This is why trackballs are used in applications such as gaming, navigation control and design.

Accessibility and Size

In terms of accessibility, trackballs are better because they do not need a flat surface to be placed on. Therefore, you can use it on your lap or any other comfortable position. Also trackballs do not require extra space because there is no sliding movement of the hands. You just need enough space for the trackball. However, trackballs are quite bulky and larger and therefore can get uncomfortable for new users to rest his/her hand on. Although there is no need for much room with a trackball device because of the minimal hand movement for operating it, it does take up more desk space than a computer mouse because of the initial size.

Ease of Use

However, learning to use a trackball device is quite difficult, especially for users who are used to a mouse. A mouse is more comfortable for normal activities on a computer. But sometimes, in a mouse debris and dust can get accumulated underneath the ball and this can come in the way of the wheel and affect the cursor movement.

Price

A trackball, all though being around for several years, is much more expensive than a computer mouse. If a computer mouse costs around 20 dollars then a trackball would cost somewhere around 100 dollars.

If you are a user who wants precision and easy accessibility then, you shouldn’t hesitate in investing in a trackball. In the long run it also minimizes any sort of hand injuries, especially the wrist.