Computers, Laptops & Tablets Accessories & Hardware How to Best Use a Trackball Mouse Get the hang of this ergonomic tool by Daniel Anglin Seitz Writer Dan Seitz is a tech writer with 10 years of experience writing about apps, gaming, and more. His work has appeared on Uproxx.com and other outlets. our editorial process LinkedIn Daniel Anglin Seitz Updated on September 18, 2020 Tweet Share Email The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice Introduction Mouse Basics What Is a Mouse? Wired vs. Wireless: Which Is Better? Optical vs. Laser My Mouse Won't Work! How Do I Fix It? How to Connect a Wireless Mouse Tips for Using Your Mouse How to Change Mouse Speed or Sensitivity How to Use Your Phone as a Wi-Fi Mouse Best Way to Use a Trackball Mouse How to Clean a Wireless Mouse How to Clean a Dirty Computer Mouse Using Mice on Macs How to Use a Multi-Button Mouse with Your Mac Make Your Mac's Mouse Pointer Bigger Reducing the Magic Mouse's Battery Cost How to Fix Magic Mouse Disconnect Problems How to Fix a Magic Mouse Tracking Problem How to Use a Mouse With an iPad Configure Your Mac's Trackpad to Meet Your Needs How to Use the Virtual Trackpad on the iPad Our Recommendations: Best Mice The Best Wireless Mice The Best for Travel The Best for iPads The Best Vertical Mice The Best Ergonomic Mice The Best for Macs The Best Razer Mice A trackball mouse may be a better option if you struggle with traditional mice due to carpal tunnel or another reason. Here's how to get used to one of these unique devices, and why you should consider making the switch. mashuk / Getty Images Why Use a Trackball Mouse? The computer mouse and its laptop equivalent, the trackpad, are suitable for many tasks. However, these devices can cause serious problems, especially if you have inflammation or a repetitive stress injury. Moving a mouse requires engaging an entire set of muscles, from your shoulder down to the small muscles of your hand. If you have an injury or inflammation anywhere along the arm or have a limited range of motion, you may know how much this can hurt. Familiarize yourself with the signs of nerve pain or damage, even if you use a standard mouse. The signs include tingling, numbness, burning or shooting pains, and fatigue or weakness. The trackball is a free-floating ball resting on rollers that spin in any direction. As you use it, the mouse pointer moves in the direction of the spin. Trackball mice don't require as much movement from as many parts of your body. Depending on the design, you can manipulate it with a finger, letting your hand rest on the device and using other fingers to click buttons and turn wheels. It's also handy when you have limited space because you don't drag the mouse across a surface. Also, you can use a trackball on the go more easily. Other designs, where the ball sits at the center, let you use your wrist or the palm of your hand to spin instead of your fingers. These designs have the added advantage of being suited for either hand. It's more physically comfortable but takes some getting used to. How Best to Use a Trackball The standard mouse is fairly simple to comprehend. The pointer represents the mouse. You move the mouse around, and the pointer follows the mouse. The trackball is different. It's as if the pointer is just above the ball. As you roll the ball, it moves the pointer on top of it. Trackballs also have a different sense of momentum. A standard mouse only moves when you give it a nudge. You can spin a trackball like a marble. The pointer moves as fast as your hand, and it can be a bit disconcerting at first. The following steps will help: Try trackballs in different styles and ball positions at the store. Smaller balls that rest under one finger are best for day-to-day use. Larger balls that use more than one finger or the palm of your hand are better for more precision and for larger or dual-monitor setups. Once you have a trackball and it's connected to your computer, find the pointer on the screen and fix your eyes on it. Slowly roll the ball back and forth gently until you get a rough feel for it. Change the settings using the included drivers and software. A trackball can be more sensitive than a typical mouse. Dial back the sensitivity until you're comfortable with it. If you have trouble with precision work, slightly increase the magnification on the monitor or inside the app. Experiment with the buttons to find what feels natural for your purposes. Decide which you prefer for left-click, right-click, and other mouse functions. Different trackballs have different input options. Some let you click by pressing on the ball in a certain direction, for example. Gradually use the trackball for different tasks. For example, use it for gaming at first, so you can practice and get a sense of how it feels. As you get more comfortable, use it for other tasks and phase out your traditional computer mouse. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit