Trackball vs. Mouse: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A trackball is a pointing device with a stationary ball in a socket, while a mouse is a handheld device that moves on a surface to control a cursor.
Key Differences
A trackball is a stationary device where a user rolls a ball to move the cursor, requiring minimal wrist movement. In contrast, a mouse is moved across a flat surface to control cursor movement, involving more arm and wrist motion.
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Trackballs often have ergonomic benefits, reducing the strain on the wrist and arm. Mice, however, offer more intuitive control for most users, as they mimic natural hand movements.
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Trackballs are ideal for limited space as they don’t need to be moved around. A mouse requires a fair amount of desk space for movement.
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Trackballs can take time to get used to, as they require fine motor control of the fingers. Mice are generally more user-friendly, especially for new computer users.
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In terms of precision, a trackball offers more control for detailed tasks, while a mouse is better for general navigation and is more commonly used.
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Comparison Chart
Movement
Stationary, controlled by rolling a ball
Moves on a surface to control cursor
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Ergonomics
Reduces wrist strain, good for limited mobility
Can cause strain with extended use
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Trackball and Mouse Definitions
Trackball
An input device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect rotation.
His trackball allows him to navigate his computer screen with minimal arm movement.
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Mouse
An input device used to control a pointer in two dimensions on a computer screen.
Her new wireless mouse made working on the laptop more convenient.
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Trackball
A stationary pointing device with a ball that can be rotated.
She used a trackball for graphic design to enhance precision.
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Mouse
A peripheral that detects two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface.
The gamer opted for a high-precision gaming mouse for better control.
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Trackball
A pointing device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic devices.
The trackball in the arcade game made gameplay more engaging.
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Mouse
A device with buttons and a scroll wheel used for navigating and interacting with a computer interface.
She used the mouse wheel to scroll through the document quickly.
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Trackball
An alternative to a mouse, used mainly for specialized applications.
The CAD designer used a trackball for more precise control.
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Mouse
Any of numerous small rodents of the families Muridae and Cricetidae, such as the house mouse, characteristically having a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long naked or almost hairless tail.
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Trackball
A ball embedded in a unit that can be rotated to move a cursor on a computer screen.
She preferred a trackball over a traditional mouse due to her carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Mouse
Any of various similar or related animals, such as the jumping mouse, the vole, or the jerboa.
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Trackball
A ball mounted in a stationary housing and rotated to control a pointer on a computer screen.
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Trackball
(computing) A pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket
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Mouse
(Informal) A discolored swelling under the eye caused by a blow; a black eye.
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Trackball
An electronic device consisting of a rotatable ball in a housing; used to position the cursor and move images on a computer screen;
A trackball is essentially an upside-down mouse
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Mouse
Pl. mice or mous·es (mousĭz) Computers A handheld, button-activated input device that when rolled along a flat surface directs an indicator to move correspondingly about a computer screen, allowing the operator to move the indicator freely, as to select operations or manipulate text or graphics.
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Mouse
(informal) A member of the many small rodent and marsupial species resembling such a rodent.
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Mouse
(computing) (plural mice or, rarely, mouses) An input device that is moved over a pad or other flat surface to produce a corresponding movement of a pointer on a graphical display.
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Mouse
(nautical) A turn or lashing of spun yarn or small stuff, or a metallic clasp or fastening, uniting the point and shank of a hook to prevent its unhooking or straightening out.
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Mouse
(set theory) A small model of (a fragment of) Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with desirable properties (depending on the context).
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Mouse
(intransitive) To move cautiously or furtively, in the manner of a mouse (the rodent) (frequently used in the phrasal verb to mouse around).
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Mouse
(intransitive) To hunt or catch mice (the rodents), usually of cats. 12
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Mouse
To close the mouth of a hook by a careful binding of marline or wire.
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Mouse
Any one of numerous species of small rodents belonging to the genus Mus and various related genera of the family Muridæ. The common house mouse (Mus musculus) is found in nearly all countries. The American white-footed mouse, or deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus, formerly Hesperomys leucopus) sometimes lives in houses. See Dormouse, Meadow mouse, under Meadow, and Harvest mouse, under Harvest.
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Mouse
A knob made on a rope with spun yarn or parceling to prevent a running eye from slipping.
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Mouse
To watch for or pursue anything in a sly manner; to pry about, on the lookout for something.
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Mouse
Any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
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Mouse
A hand-operated electronic device that controls the coordinates of a cursor on your computer screen as you move it around on a pad; on the bottom of the mouse is a ball that rolls on the surface of the pad;
A mouse takes much more room than a trackball
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Mouse
To go stealthily or furtively;
..stead of sneaking around spying on the neighbor's house
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Mouse
A small handheld device that is dragged across a flat surface to move the cursor on a computer screen.
He clicked the mouse to open the file.
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Mouse
A common computer interface tool, known for its ease of use and navigational abilities.
He bought an ergonomic mouse to reduce wrist strain during long work hours.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a mouse easier for beginners to use?
Yes, a mouse is more intuitive for new users.
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Can trackballs help with wrist pain?
Yes, trackballs can reduce wrist strain.
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Can a trackball be used for gaming?
Yes, but it's less common than using a mouse.
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Can a mouse be used on any surface?
Most mice work on various surfaces, but some need a mouse pad.
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Are trackballs common for general computer use?
Trackballs are less common and more specialized.
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Do mice offer precise control for detailed work?
Mice are good for general use but less precise than trackballs.
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Is a mouse better for quick navigation?
Yes, a mouse is better for fast and intuitive navigation.
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Are trackballs expensive?
Trackballs can be more expensive than basic mice.
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Are there different types of mice?
Yes, there are various types, including optical and mechanical mice.
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Does using a mouse require more desk space?
Yes, a mouse requires more space to move around.
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Do mice come in wireless versions?
Yes, there are both wired and wireless mice.
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Is a trackball good for limited space?
Yes, trackballs are ideal for small workspaces.
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Can a trackball be used for graphic design?
Yes, trackballs are often used for precision tasks like graphic design.
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Are ergonomic mice available?
Yes, there are ergonomic designs to reduce strain.
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Are gaming mice different from regular mice?
Yes, gaming mice often have additional features for gaming.
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Do trackballs need maintenance?
Yes, trackballs require cleaning to remove dirt from the ball.
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Is it hard to switch from a mouse to a trackball?
It can take time to adjust to a trackball.
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Do mice require a flat surface to work?
Yes, mice work best on flat, even surfaces.
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Do trackballs require special software?
Some trackballs need software for customization.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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