9 Best Kensington Trackball Mouse (November 2026)
The best Kensington trackball mice include the Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb for compact wireless setups, the Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse for quiet ergonomic control, and the Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse for a black and silver setup.
On this page (6 sections)
The best Kensington trackball mouse for most desk users is the Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse, because its 55mm ball, scroll ring, wrist rest and ambidextrous design cover the main reasons people choose a trackball.
For many buyers, a trackball is not about novelty. It is about keeping the hand in one place while the pointer moves across the screen.
The Expert Wireless adds cable-free connections, while the Orbit models offer a simpler two-button layout.
Kensington trackball mice differ most in ball size, button count and connection type.
The right choice depends on whether you want a large ball for broad cursor control, a low-profile body, wireless freedom or a scroll ring for long documents.
A large ball can feel steady during careful movement. A smaller ball may suit a tighter desk or a lighter touch.
Button count matters in daily use. Four buttons give more room for shortcuts.
Two buttons keep the layout plain and easy to learn.
Connection type changes setup in practical ways. A wired model stays ready on a fixed desk.
A wireless model suits a laptop that moves between rooms.
The wrist rest is another point to weigh. It can support the hand during long sessions, but it also takes desk space.
If your desk also needs a typing upgrade, compare our guide to the best keyboard for computer.
For more trackball options beyond Kensington, see the best trackball mouse wireless roundup.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for compact wireless setupsNulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for quiet ergonomic controlLogitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a black and silver setupLogitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itKensington Expert Trackball Mouse
Best for a large ball and scrolling - 5
Check itKensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring
Best for a smaller ambidextrous layout - 6
Check itKensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring
Best for blue-ball Orbit styling - 7
Check itKensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
Best for wireless Expert controls - 8
Best for many physical controlsCheck it - 9
Check itKensington Wired SlimBlade Trackball Mouse
Best for a low-profile desk
The best Kensington trackball mice by use
The best Kensington trackball mouse for you depends on how you control the ball and how many buttons you need. The Expert leads for its large ball and scroll ring, the Expert Wireless leads for cable-free use, and the Orbit models suit simpler ambidextrous setups.
We compared the stated controls, connection choices, ball designs and ergonomic features. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb: Best for compact wireless setups
- Thumb control
- 4 DPI levels
- Bluetooth or USB receiver
- Rechargeable battery
The M501 suits a right-handed user who needs wireless control in a narrow workspace. Its rechargeable battery and 3-device connection option make it flexible for a desk, couch or small writing surface.
Pros
- 4 DPI levels
- Connects with Bluetooth or USB receiver
- Rechargeable battery
- 6 buttons
Cons
- Buttons are not programmable
- Forward and back buttons are not compatible with Mac OS
The Nulea M501 ranks first because it combines a right-hand thumb ball with wireless flexibility and four DPI levels. It connects to up to 3 devices through Bluetooth or the USB receiver, which helps when one trackball serves a computer, tablet and another device.
Its 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 DPI settings let you trade slower, careful cursor movement for faster movement across a screen. The rechargeable battery also avoids routine dry-cell replacement, but it must be charged with the included cable from a computer USB port or a 5V charger.
A fast charger isn't recommended.
The M501 has 6 buttons, including forward and back buttons. They aren't programmable, and the forward and back buttons don't work with Mac OS.
The mouse sleeps after 30 minutes of inactivity in wireless mode, and clicking a key wakes it.
Choose it for a narrow desk, couch or small writing surface where moving a regular mouse is awkward. Its right-hand shape and fixed buttons make it less suitable for left-handed users or anyone who needs custom button assignments.
Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse: Best for quiet ergonomic control
- Right-hand thumb control
- Bluetooth or Logi Bolt receiver
- Up to 18 months of battery life
- 3 customizable buttons
The graphite and blue M575S is a strong fit for a right-handed office setup that values quiet clicks, a sculpted shape and long battery life.
Pros
- Quiet clicks
- Bluetooth and USB receiver options
- Up to 18 months of battery life
- 3 customizable buttons
Cons
- Right-hand design
- Thumb control may not suit every user
The graphite and blue Logitech Ergo M575S is a strong wireless alternative for right-handed office use.
Its sculpted shape supports the hand while the thumb moves the ball, so the cursor can travel without moving your arm.
Logitech says the shape improves forearm posture and can reduce forearm muscle strain compared with the Logitech M650.
The M575S also has quiet clicks, 3 customizable buttons and cursor-speed adjustment through the Logi Options Plus app.
Those buttons suit users who open files, switch apps or copy text often. A short set of saved actions can cut down on keyboard trips during a workday.
Bluetooth and the included Logi Bolt USB receiver give you two connection paths.
One included AA battery can last up to 18 months, although battery life varies with use and computing conditions.
The recycled-plastic content is specified as 52% for Graphite and 21% for Off-White plastic parts.
Choose this color when you want a quiet, right-hand thumb trackball with long stated battery life and a clean wireless setup.
It is less suited to a left-handed user, since the shape and thumb placement are made for the right hand.
Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse: Best for a black and silver setup
- Right-hand thumb control
- Bluetooth or Logi Bolt receiver
- Up to 18 months of battery life
- 3 customizable buttons
This black and silver M575S provides the same core control layout as the graphite and blue version. Choose it when the color fits your desk and you want wireless thumb control.
Pros
- Quiet clicks
- Bluetooth and USB receiver options
- Up to 18 months of battery life
- 3 customizable buttons
Cons
- Right-hand design
- Windows 10 is the minimum required operating system version
The black and silver Logitech Ergo M575S has the same core design as the graphite and blue version, including right-hand thumb control, quiet clicks, Bluetooth and Logi Bolt receiver support.
Its 3 customizable buttons work with the Logi Options Plus app, which can adjust cursor speed and assign shortcuts.
The trackball stays in place while your thumb moves the pointer, making it practical for a small desk or crowded work surface.
That fixed position helps when a regular mouse would run into a keyboard, papers or a mug.
The included AA battery can last up to 18 months.
The model supports Windows and macOS, while Windows 10 is the minimum required operating system version stated for this version.
Pick it when the black and silver finish suits your setup.
It is also a useful choice for a right-handed user who wants the M575S shape and wireless connection options without adding a cable across the desk.
Software setup is worth doing early if you want custom actions. Basic pointing works without it, but cursor speed and button choices are set in the app.
Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse: Best for a large ball and scrolling
- 55mm ball
- Diamond Eye optical tracking
- Scroll ring
- Detachable wrist rest
The Expert is the clearest match for buyers who specifically want a Kensington Expert trackball mouse with a large ball, scroll ring and four-button customization.
Pros
- Large 55mm ball
- Ambidextrous design
- Detachable wrist rest
- Scroll ring
Cons
- Wired connection
- Windows ARM computers are not supported by KensingtonKonnect
The Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse is the best traditional Kensington choice for buyers who want a large ball and a scroll ring. Its 55mm ball uses Diamond Eye optical tracking, while the scroll ring moves through web pages and long documents.
The ambidextrous body works for right- or left-handed use, and the detachable wrist rest supports the hand and wrist. Four buttons can be customized with KensingtonKonnect software, along with cursor and scroll speed.
Its wired USB-A connection keeps the setup simple and avoids batteries. The trade-off is cable placement, especially if your computer sits far from the trackball.
Kensington lists support for several Windows, macOS and Chrome OS versions. Windows ARM computers aren't currently supported by KensingtonKonnect, and ChromeOS provides basic HID functions without software customization.
Choose this Kensington Expert trackball mouse for a fixed workstation where the large ball, scroll ring and four-button layout matter more than wireless freedom.
Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring: Best for a smaller ambidextrous layout
- Optical tracking
- Scroll ring
- Detachable wrist rest
- 2 customizable buttons
The newer black-grey Orbit fits users who want Kensington scrolling and ambidextrous control with a simpler two-button layout.
Pros
- Scroll ring
- Ambidextrous design
- Detachable wrist rest
- Customizable buttons
Cons
- Wired USB connection
- Only 2 buttons
The black-grey Kensington Orbit is a good fit for users who want an ambidextrous trackball with a scroll ring but don't need four buttons.
Its optical tracking supports precise cursor movement, and the scroll ring handles long pages and documents.
The detachable wrist rest cushions the hand and wrist during extended computer work.
Kensington's software lets you assign functions to the 2 buttons and adjust cursor and scrolling speeds.
That setup suits ordinary office tasks such as reading, writing and moving between tabs. Two well chosen buttons can cover the actions you use most.
This version uses a USB connection and supports personal computers.
Its stated minimum operating system versions are Mac OS 13 Ventura and Windows 11, so check your computer before ordering.
Choose the Orbit when two buttons are enough and you want a simpler body than the Expert.
It suits shared workstations because the ambidextrous design doesn't force one hand position.
The trade-off is less room for extra shortcuts. If you rely on many custom commands, a four-button model may save more time.
Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring: Best for blue-ball Orbit styling
- 40mm blue ball
- Optical tracking
- Scroll ring
- Detachable wrist rest
This black-blue Orbit uses a 40mm ball and the same basic scroll-ring idea. It suits buyers who want a wired, ambidextrous Kensington trackball with two customizable buttons.
Pros
- 40mm spherical ball
- Scroll ring
- Ambidextrous design
- Detachable wrist rest
Cons
- Wired connection
- ChromeOS users get HID functions without software customization
The black-blue Kensington Orbit uses a 40mm blue ball, optical tracking and a scroll ring.
Its ball is smaller than the Expert's 55mm ball, which may suit users who prefer a less dominant control surface.
The ambidextrous design works for either hand, while the detachable wrist rest supports the hand during longer sessions.
KensingtonKonnect software can customize the 2 buttons and adjust cursor and scrolling speeds.
This is a wired model with a personal-computer connection.
ChromeOS users can use the trackball's HID functions, but Kensington software customization isn't available on ChromeOS.
Choose it when you want the Orbit layout and a blue ball.
The main trade-off is the two-button design, so it is less suitable if you need several shortcut controls.
A wired link keeps the setup direct and avoids wireless pairing steps. It suits a fixed desk where the cable can sit neatly behind the keyboard.
Check system support before you buy, especially on ChromeOS where customization is limited.
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse: Best for wireless Expert controls
- 55mm ball
- Diamond Eye optical tracking
- Bluetooth LE or 2.4GHz dongle
- 2 included AA batteries
The Expert Wireless keeps the large 55mm ball, scroll ring and wrist rest while removing the desk cable. It suits PC or Mac users who need wireless flexibility and four-button control.
Pros
- Bluetooth LE and 2.4GHz options
- Large 55mm ball
- Ambidextrous design
- Wrist rest and dongle included
Cons
- Uses 2 AA batteries
- Linux is not supported
The Kensington Expert Wireless keeps the Expert's large 55mm ball, scroll ring and ambidextrous shape while removing the desk cable.
You can connect through Bluetooth LE or a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which gives you a choice between saving a USB port and using the receiver.
Its 4 buttons are customizable through KensingtonKonnect software.
The detachable wrist rest supports the hand, and the Diamond Eye optical tracking is designed for precise cursor movement.
The mouse uses 2 included AA batteries and has an auto-sleep power-saving mode.
Kensington states compatibility with Windows, macOS 10.14 and later, and Chrome OS 44 and later.
Linux isn't supported.
Choose the Expert Wireless when you want a Kensington Expert trackball mouse with wireless connections.
Its large body and 1.4 lb stated weight make it better suited to a permanent desk than frequent travel.
For a shared desk, the ambidextrous shape is a clear plus. Either hand can take over without a change in setup.
エレコム: Best for many physical controls
- 52mm ball
- 8 physical buttons
- 3 DPI levels
- 2.4GHz wireless USB connection
The ELECOM is not a Kensington model, but it is a useful comparison for buyers who want a large finger-operated ball and eight physical buttons.
Pros
- 8 physical buttons
- 52mm ball
- Switchable DPI
- Wireless USB connection
Cons
- Right-hand design
- USB wireless connection rather than Bluetooth
The ELECOM Huge is the main non-Kensington comparison here, and it suits a buyer who values many physical controls.
Its 52mm ball is operated with the index finger, and the mouse has 8 buttons, including horizontal scrolling through scroll-wheel tilting.
Three DPI settings, 500, 1000 and 1500, change cursor speed.
The 2.4GHz wireless USB connection reaches up to 3 m on magnetic surfaces and up to 10 m on non-magnetic surfaces.
The right-hand body includes a large palm rest.
The ball can be removed through the opening on the bottom for cleaning, and the ball rolls on three 2.5mm artificial ruby bearings.
Choose it when eight physical buttons and index-finger control matter more than staying within the Kensington range.
Its right-hand shape and USB wireless connection are the main limits.
Index-finger control suits some users better than thumb control. It can feel direct for scrolling and clicking, but it works only for the right hand.
Care is simple because the ball comes out for cleaning. That helps keep movement smooth over time.
Kensington Wired SlimBlade Trackball Mouse: Best for a low-profile desk
- Low-profile shape
- Laser tracking
- Ambidextrous design
- Button customization
The SlimBlade is the best Kensington trackball mouse here for a lower-profile shape and smaller desk footprint than a traditional mouse.
Pros
- Low-profile shape
- Ambidextrous design
- Laser tracking
- KensingtonWorks customization
Cons
- Wired connection
- No scroll ring is specified in the product data
The Kensington Wired SlimBlade is the best Kensington trackball mouse here for a low-profile desk.
Its shape takes up less space than a traditional mouse, and laser tracking provides cursor control without sliding the body around.
The ambidextrous design works for either hand.
KensingtonWorks software provides button customization, so you can adapt the 4-button layout to common tasks.
This is a wired model with a 6 in by 5 in stated footprint.
It needs less open space for movement than a standard mouse, but the USB cable still needs a clear route to the computer.
Choose the SlimBlade when desk depth and a low-profile shape matter more than a scroll ring.
It is also a practical option for shared desks where either hand may use the same pointing device.
There is no scroll ring in the product data, so long page movement relies on the standard scroll control.
For a shallow desk, that trade-off may be worth it. The low body keeps the work area clear.
How to choose between Kensington trackball designs
Choose the Kensington Expert when you want the largest ball, a scroll ring and four customizable buttons. Choose the Orbit when two buttons and an ambidextrous scroll-ring design cover your work.
The Expert uses a 55mm ball. The Orbit K72337WW has an unspecified ball size in the supplied product data, while the K72337US uses a 40mm blue ball.
A larger ball may feel more substantial, but the best size depends on how you prefer to guide the pointer.
Connection type is the next major decision. The Expert, Orbit and SlimBlade use wired connections.
The Expert Wireless adds Bluetooth LE and a 2.4GHz dongle, while the Nulea and Logitech models provide Bluetooth options.
Button count also changes how the mouse fits your work. The Orbit has 2 buttons, the Expert has 4, the Nulea has 6 and the ELECOM has 8.
More buttons can reduce keyboard trips, but only if the layout feels natural and the software supports the assignments you need.
For a low-profile body, compare the SlimBlade with the Orbit. For a right-hand thumb design, compare the Nulea M501 with either Logitech M575S model.
For finger control and many buttons, the ELECOM is the outlier.
Kensington trackball mouse setup and care
A Kensington trackball mouse works best when the body stays still and your hand moves the ball with small, controlled motions. Put the wrist rest where your hand can rest without pushing the mouse across the desk.
Install Kensington software only when you need button assignments or speed changes. Basic cursor movement can work without customization on supported systems, but ChromeOS users have limited software support on some models.
Clean the ball and its contact area when cursor movement becomes uneven. The Logitech M575S ball can be ejected from its cage, while the ELECOM ball can be pushed out through the opening on the bottom.
Connection needs also affect setup. Keep a wireless receiver where the computer can use it, and check whether your selected model uses Bluetooth, a USB receiver or a wired USB connection.
If you are choosing for a Mac, compare our guide to the best trackball mouse for Mac. For comfort-focused choices, see the best ergonomic trackball mouse roundup.
Is a Kensington trackball mouse good for gaming?
A Kensington trackball mouse can work for games that don't require fast mouse sweeping, but these products are mainly shaped around cursor control, scrolling and office work.
The Nulea offers 4 DPI levels, while the ELECOM offers a gaming optics sensor and 3 DPI levels.
Trackballs can save desk space because the body stays still.
However, button layouts, hand position and software support matter more than DPI alone for a particular game.
A thumb trackball moves the pointer with small thumb motions. That can suit menus, strategy games and turn based play.
A finger trackball uses the index finger on a large ball. It may feel closer to direct control for some players.
Fast aiming is the hard part. A regular mouse sweeps across the desk, while a trackball relies on ball speed and spin.
DPI settings change how far the cursor travels for each turn of the ball. Lower settings help with careful moves, and higher settings help with wide screen travel.
Button count affects play as well. Extra buttons can hold mapped actions, but fixed layouts limit what you can set.
Software support varies by model. Some buttons are not programmable, and some forward or back buttons do not work on Mac OS.
Hand fit matters during long sessions. A right-hand thumb design will not suit a left-handed player.
An ambidextrous model gives more choice.
Read our guide to is a trackball mouse good for gaming before choosing a model for play.
For travel and smaller bags, compare the best small trackball mouse options.
Kensington trackball mice and wrist comfort
A trackball may reduce the need to move your arm because the ball controls the pointer while the body stays in place.
The Expert and Orbit models add detachable wrist rests, while the Logitech M575S uses a sculpted right-hand shape.
Comfort still depends on fit, hand position and how you use the buttons.
An ambidextrous model can be useful when two people share a desk, while a thumb-controlled model may suit one right-handed user better.
A wrist rest should support your hand without forcing your wrist into a bent position.
That detail matters during long workdays. A rest that holds the palm level can feel easier than one that lifts the wrist.
Thumb control keeps the arm still and moves the pointer with the thumb. It suits close desks and crowded surfaces.
Finger control spreads work across the index finger and palm. Some users find it steady for scrolling and clicking.
A large ball gives a broad surface to guide. That can make small cursor moves feel more controlled.
Button force and click sound also shape comfort. Quiet clicks help in shared rooms, while firm buttons can feel clear during fast work.
Posture still matters outside the mouse. Chair height, screen position and keyboard placement all affect the wrist.
Cleanliness helps too. A dirty ball can feel rough and make movement uneven.
If you are shopping because of hand discomfort, the best trackball mouse for carpal tunnel guide covers additional selection factors.
Final verdict on the best Kensington trackball mouse
The best Kensington trackball mouse is the Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse if you want a large 55mm ball, scroll ring, ambidextrous control and four customizable buttons at a fixed desk.
Pick the Expert Wireless when you need Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz receiver.
Pick the Orbit when two buttons and a smaller ball are enough.
Choose the SlimBlade for a low-profile body, and compare the Nulea or Logitech M575S when wireless thumb control matters more than Kensington branding.
The Expert suits a fixed workstation where cable placement is not a problem. Its wrist rest and scroll ring support long days of reading and writing.
The Expert Wireless suits a laptop user who moves between desks. It keeps the large ball and four buttons while adding wireless choice.
The Orbit suits a simple setup with fewer controls. It is a clean pick for shared use and basic office work.
The SlimBlade suits a shallow desk. Its low shape saves space, even though it lacks a scroll ring.
Thumb models suit right-handed users who want wireless freedom. The Nulea adds DPI choices and rechargeable power.
The Logitech adds quiet clicks and long stated battery life.
The ELECOM suits a user who wants many physical buttons. Its index-finger ball and eight buttons set it apart from the Kensington options.
Match the model to your hand, desk and software needs. Ball size, button count and connection type should lead the choice.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for compact wireless setups
Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for quiet ergonomic control
Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a black and silver setup
Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Kensington trackball mouse?
The Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse is the best Kensington trackball mouse for most desk users who want a large 55mm ball, a scroll ring, a detachable wrist rest and ambidextrous control.
Choose the Expert Wireless if you need Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, or choose the Orbit if you prefer two buttons and a smaller design.
What is the difference between the Kensington Expert and Orbit trackball mice?
The Expert uses a large 55mm ball and four customizable buttons. The Orbit models use a 40mm ball or an unspecified ball size, two buttons and a scroll ring.
Both lines include ambidextrous designs and detachable wrist rests, so your main choice is between ball size, button count and connection needs.
Is a Kensington trackball mouse good for Mac?
Several Kensington trackball mouse options support macOS, including the Expert, Orbit and SlimBlade models. Check the required macOS version and software support before buying.
The Nulea M501 supports macOS, but its forward and back buttons are not compatible with Mac OS.
Are Kensington trackball mice wireless?
Some Kensington trackball mice are wireless and others are wired. The Kensington Expert Wireless uses Bluetooth LE or a 2.4GHz USB dongle, while the Expert, Orbit and SlimBlade models in this guide use wired connections.
Choose wireless when cable placement matters, and wired when a direct desk connection is simpler.
Does a Kensington trackball mouse help with small desks?
Yes. A trackball mouse stays in one place while you move the ball, so it needs less open desk space than a mouse that slides across the surface.
The SlimBlade has a low-profile shape, while the Orbit offers a compact two-button layout.
Measure the area around your keyboard before choosing a wrist-rest model.
