Trackball vs. Mouse — What's the Difference?

A pointing device with a ball set in a socket containing sensors to detect rotation.

A handheld device used to control the cursor on a computer screen, moved physically across a surface.

Used for precise control in specialized applications like CAD.

Requires regular maintenance to keep the sensor and moving parts clean.

Features customizable buttons for various functions.

Comes in various designs, including optical and laser for precise tracking.

Ideal for users with limited desk space.

Often used for general computing and gaming.

Can be ergonomic, reducing strain on the wrist.

Can be wired or wireless, providing flexibility in setup.

A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. Users roll the ball to position the on-screen pointer, using their thumb, fingers, or commonly the palm of the hand while using the fingertips to press the mouse buttons.

A mouse, plural mice, is a small rodent. Characteristically, mice are known to have a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate.

A ball mounted in a stationary housing and rotated to control a pointer on a computer screen.

A small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail.

(computing) A pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket

A small handheld device which is moved across a mat or flat surface to move the cursor on a computer screen

An electronic device consisting of a rotatable ball in a housing; used to position the cursor and move images on a computer screen;

A lump or bruise on or near the eye

(of a cat or owl) hunt for or catch mice

Use a mouse to move or position a cursor on a computer screen

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.

Any of various similar or related animals, such as the jumping mouse, the vole, or the jerboa.

A cowardly or timid person.

(Informal) A discolored swelling under the eye caused by a blow; a black eye.

Pl. mice or mous·es (mousĭz) 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.

To hunt mice.

To search furtively for something; prowl.

Any small rodent of the genus Mus.

(informal) A member of the many small rodent and marsupial species resembling such a rodent.

A quiet or shy person.

(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.

(computing) The cursor.

(boxing) A facial hematoma or black eye.

(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.

(obsolete) A familiar term of endearment.

A match used in firing guns or blasting.

(set theory) A small model of (a fragment of) Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with desirable properties (depending on the context).

(historical) A small cushion for a woman's hair.

Part of a hind leg of beef, next to the round.

(intransitive) To move cautiously or furtively, in the manner of a mouse (the rodent) (frequently used in the phrasal verb to mouse around).

(intransitive) To hunt or catch mice (the rodents), usually of cats. 12

To close the mouth of a hook by a careful binding of marline or wire.

To navigate by means of a computer mouse.

To tear, as a cat devours a 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.

A knob made on a rope with spun yarn or parceling to prevent a running eye from slipping.

A familiar term of endearment.

A dark-colored swelling caused by a blow.

A match used in firing guns or blasting.

To watch for and catch mice.

To watch for or pursue anything in a sly manner; to pry about, on the lookout for something.

To tear, as a cat devours a mouse.

Any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

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;

To go stealthily or furtively;

Manipulate the mouse of a computer

A mouse controls the cursor through physical movement across a flat surface, detecting motion via optical or laser sensors.

Yes, some trackballs are suitable for gaming, but they might not offer the same speed as high-end gaming mice.

Regular cleaning of the sensor and underside to prevent debris accumulation is necessary.

A trackball is used for precise cursor control, often in specialized fields like graphic design or CAD.

Trackballs offer precise control, particularly beneficial in tasks requiring fine cursor movements.

Due to its unique operation, a trackball can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable until the user adapts to the device.

Trackballs are generally more ergonomic as they require less wrist and arm movement.

A trackball, due to its stationary design, is better suited for limited desk space.

Yes, there are various types including optical, laser, and ball mice, each suited to different usage scenarios.

Yes, trackballs come in various sizes, affecting the ball's control and user comfort.

Cleaning involves removing the ball and wiping the sensors and ball with a soft, damp cloth.

Most modern mice work on many surfaces, but performance may vary; mouse pads are recommended for optimal usage.

Consider factors like DPI (dots per inch), sensor type, ergonomics, and whether it is wired or wireless.

Wireless mice offer greater freedom of movement and reduce desk clutter, although they require battery changes or recharging.

Consider your specific needs, desk space, ergonomic requirements, and whether precision or speed is more critical.