Top 10 Recommended Trackballs | In-Depth Review of the Latest Models with Less Wrist Strain

Pointing devices like trackballs are unique mice operated by rotating the ball without moving the main body. Their sophisticated design, different from traditional mice, attracts attention and increases interest, but the wide variety of options can be overwhelming, and concerns about operational difficulty may prevent some from purchasing.

In this article, we have carefully selected 22 products from the latest models across multiple manufacturers and high sales performers, and compared and examined them based on five key points. Our ideal criteria for choosing a trackball are “products that minimize wrist fatigue and allow intuitive and comfortable operation.” Please use this as a reference when making a purchase.

What makes a good trackball? Clarifying selection criteria

Our editorial team conducted detailed comparisons of 44 products, establishing five evaluation axes necessary for choosing an excellent trackball.

Evaluation items:

• Smoothness and responsiveness of ball operation
• Quality of click sensation
• Fit performance for larger hands
• Fit performance for smaller hands
• Level of noise reduction

Top 10 Trackballs that are gentle on the wrist and offer excellent operation feel

【1st Place】MX Ergo S｜Logitech (Score: 4.75 points)

Reference Price: ¥15,490

Comfort achieved through ergonomic design. Highly rated by multiple users

The MX Ergo S, positioned as a high-end model from Logitech, balances fitting, operability, and quietness at a high level. Its design allows switching between 0° and 20° tilt angles, enabling adjustment to individual operation styles. Six of the eight buttons are customizable, contributing to efficient workflow.

Evaluators commented, “Fits the palm excellently, wrist angle feels natural,” and “Ball responds quickly, suitable for fine operations.”

Advantages:

• High-level fitting regardless of hand size
• Smooth ball movement in all directions
• Click design reduces fatigue over long periods
• Nearly silent click mechanism
• Highly customizable

Disadvantages:

• None noted

【2nd Place】Trackball Mouse EM01NL｜ProtoArc (Score: 4.63 points)

Reference Price: ¥6,360

Ergonomic design and multifunctionality at an affordable price. Satisfies both beginners and experts

ProtoArc’s silent-type trackball features a tilt design that thoroughly reduces wrist load. The two-stage adjustment (0° and 20°) helps maintain a posture that prevents wrist fatigue during long work sessions. Compatible with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, supporting up to three devices simultaneously. Equipped with five DPI levels, seven buttons, anti-slip processing, and backed by a two-year warranty.

Participants praised it as “comfortable with ample finger placement,” “easy to adjust to a suitable angle with two-stage tilt,” and “stable ball operation in all directions.”

Advantages:

• Fits comfortably regardless of hand size
• Stable, all-direction ball control
• Excellent balance of tactile feedback and quietness
• Wrist-friendly tilt adjustment
• Customizable buttons to improve work efficiency

Disadvantages:

• None noted

【3rd Place】Bluetooth Trackball MA-BTTB130BK｜Sanwa Supply (Score: 4.55 points)

Reference Price: ¥4,591

Perfect for small hands. Simple design makes it easy to handle, ideal entry model

This Sanwa Supply product prioritizes a design optimized for small hands, with thumb operation. Its ergonomic shape fits lightly with just a palm touch, and it features a fixed tilt angle of 15°. Equipped with a 34mm diameter ball and four sensitivity levels (600–1600 DPI). Supports Bluetooth 5.1, with about 225 hours of continuous use on two AAA batteries. Its economical design is notable.

User reviews include “fits well with thumb and little finger,” “very smooth ball operation,” and “cursor tracking is as expected.”

Advantages:

• Excellent fit for small hands
• Smooth ball movement
• Light operation with solid click feel
• Nearly silent clicking

Disadvantages:

• None noted

【4th Place】Trackball Mouse EM04｜ProtoArc (Score: 4.54 points)

Reference Price: ¥3,990

Affordable and easy to start with. Perfect first choice for beginners

ProtoArc’s thumb-type entry model is designed for users who want to easily experience trackball operation at a low price. Its shape is easy to hold regardless of hand size, and it reduces fatigue during long use.

Participants commented, “Comfortable even for larger hands,” “Maintains a natural grip for small hands,” and “Smooth ball operation with no stress.”

Advantages:

• Fits all hand sizes
• Intuitive control in all directions
• Soft click with light force
• Nearly silent operation

Disadvantages:

• May require some adjustment for little finger placement

【5th Place】Trackball Mouse 400-MAWBTTB190BK｜Sanwa Supply (Score: 4.52 points)

Reference Price: ¥4,480

Compact design ideal for small hands. Supports both Bluetooth and wireless connections for high flexibility

This Sanwa Supply thumb-style entry model emphasizes a small form factor that fits comfortably in the hand. Its ergonomic shape and silent buttons make it user-friendly. Supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, allowing flexible connection options.

User feedback includes “fits well with thumb, index, and middle fingers,” “high tilt angle reduces wrist strain,” and “light and smooth ball movement.” Some note it may feel small for larger hands.

Advantages:

• Highly suitable for small hands
• High freedom of ball movement
• Responsive clicks with light operation
• Nearly silent clicks

Disadvantages:

• Higher tilt may not suit all users
• Might feel small for large hands

【6th Place】ERGO M575SP｜Logitech (Score: 4.51 points)

Reference Price: ¥7,700

Classic thumb-type. Balanced with quietness and customization features

Logitech’s thumb-operated trackball emphasizes quiet operation. Wireless compatible with various OS, and allows detailed customization via dedicated app. Despite being an entry-level product from a Swiss manufacturer, it features ergonomic design.

Comments during review included “wrist angle is just right for long work sessions,” “perfect size fits the hand,” and “ball control in all directions is as expected.”

Advantages:

• Fits all hand sizes
• Smooth ball movement with appropriate resistance
• Nearly silent clicks
• Light and responsive clicks

Disadvantages:

• None noted

【7th Place】Bluetooth Trackball MA-BTTB186BK｜Sanwa Supply (Score: 4.5 points)

Reference Price: ¥6,979

Perfect for small hands. 15° tilt angle ensures wrist comfort

This rechargeable thumb-type trackball from Sanwa Supply is designed for small hands. Its 15° tilt and ergonomic shape, combined with a 34mm ball, support four DPI levels (600–1600). USB Type-C charging provides about 20 hours of continuous use.

User reviews praise its size, natural fit, and smooth ball operation. Some note it may be small for larger hands.

Advantages:

• Excellent fit for small hands
• High freedom of ball movement
• Responsive, light clicks
• Nearly silent operation

Disadvantages:

• May be too small for large hands

【8th Place】EM05 NL Vertical Trackball｜ProtoArc (Score: 4.5 points)

Reference Price: ¥5,880

Vertical design for natural wrist posture. About 62° tilt for ergonomic comfort

ProtoArc’s vertical trackball focuses on maintaining a natural wrist position. Its approximately 62° tilt reduces physical load during extended use. Equipped with DPI switch, left/right click, wheel, and forward/back buttons. Supports both USB receiver and Bluetooth, with USB Type-C charging.

Participants praised its finger placement and smooth operation in all directions.

Advantages:

• Fits various hand sizes
• Smooth, light ball operation
• Good tactile feedback, less fatigue
• Nearly silent clicks

Disadvantages:

• None noted

【9th Place】Trackball Mouse｜EwinE (Score: 4.49 points)

Reference Price: ¥3,179

Excellent silence and operation feel even at entry-level price. Supports multi-pairing for convenience

EwinE’s entry-level trackball offers ergonomic design at an affordable price. Supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless with multi-pairing for up to three devices.

User comments include “fits well, wrist angle is just right,” “ball operation with moderate resistance,” and “cursor movement matches feel.” Some note limited customization options.

Advantages:

• Smooth ball movement with accurate cursor tracking
• Nearly silent operation
• Light operation with good rebound
• Stable fit in the hand

Disadvantages:

• Limited button customization

【10th Place】Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball K72196JP｜Kensington (Score: 4.48 points)

Reference Price: ¥6,860

Fits the palm comfortably. High-quality thumb design

Kensington’s thumb-type trackball features a thoroughly optimized design for fitting. Button assignment allows customization for personalized operation. Participants praised its size, balanced finger placement, wrist-friendly tilt, and smooth multi-directional ball movement.

Advantages:

• Smooth ball operation, intuitive cursor control
• Light, comfortable click operation
• Nearly silent
• Seven buttons for flexible function layout

Disadvantages:

• Slightly large for very small hands

Supervised by: Hisayoshi Ishikawa (PC specialist writer)

Guide: Juri Taguchi (Former PC sales clerk / MyBest PC peripheral equipment specialist)