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 wireless desk work, and the Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse for a graphite desk setup.

On this page (5 sections)

1. Which Kensington trackball mouse is best for desk work?
2. How should you choose between Kensington ball layouts?
3. Are wired or wireless Kensington trackball mice better?
4. How do you set up and care for a trackball mouse?
5. Which Kensington trackball mouse should you buy?

The best Kensington trackball mouse for most desk workers is the Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse, because its large 55mm ball, scroll ring, ambidextrous shape and detachable wrist rest cover the main needs of office work.

That combination matters because office work is rarely about speed alone, and it is also about staying comfortable through long stretches of reading, writing and checking files.

Choose the Expert Wireless for cable-free use, the Orbit for a smaller central ball, or the SlimBlade for a low-profile design.

Each of those choices changes the desk in a different way, so the best fit depends on the space you have and the way you like to move the cursor.

A trackball keeps the device in one place while your fingers move the ball.

That can be useful on a narrow desk, a crowded work surface or any setup where moving a full mouse takes too much room.

It also changes the daily routine in a simple way, since the hand stays near the keyboard instead of traveling across the pad.

For someone who works beside a keyboard all day, that shorter reach can feel calmer and more settled from the start.

The benefit is not only about space, because a fixed device can also make the workspace feel more ordered and easier to keep tidy.

A thumb model may feel familiar if you already use a standard mouse, while a central ball offers a different hand position that some people prefer for shared or changing workstations.

That is why the layout deserves attention before you look at colours, prices or extra features.

For a wider look at pointing devices, read our guide to ergonomic keyboard and mouse setups.

If your main goal is hand comfort, compare these picks with our guide to the best ergonomic trackball mouse.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for.

We checked the ball layout, connection options, control count, wrist support and desk fit, then ordered the picks from highest score to lowest.

The order is meant to help you narrow the field quickly, and then you can match the shortlist to your own desk.

A large ball gives broad control for moving across the screen, while a smaller ball can suit a lighter touch and a tighter bench.

Wired models keep the routine simple with no pairing or battery checks, and wireless models suit people who move between desks or want a cleaner surface.

If you work from one fixed desk with a free port, a wired Kensington can be the straightforward choice.

If you change rooms, share a laptop or dislike cables crossing the keyboard, wireless may be worth the small amount of extra care.

The right pick should feel easy to place, easy to reach and easy to learn in the first few days.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for compact wireless setups

   Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for quiet wireless desk work

   Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a graphite desk setup

   Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse

   Best for a large central ball
   Check it
5. 5

   Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring

   Best for a smaller central ball
   Check it
6. 6

   Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring

   Best for the blue 40mm ball
   Check it
7. 7

   Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse

   Best for wireless Kensington control
   Check it
8. 8

   エレコム(ELECOM) ELECOM Huge Trackball Mouse

   Best for index-finger control
   Check it
9. 9

   Kensington Wired SlimBlade Trackball Mouse

   Best for a low-profile wired design
   Check it

Which Kensington trackball mouse is best for desk work?

The Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse is the strongest all-purpose Kensington pick because it combines the largest ball in this group with a scroll ring, ambidextrous use and a detachable wrist rest. Its wired USB-A connection is the main trade-off.

1

Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb: Best for compact wireless setups

9.6/10Our score

• Thumb control
• 4 DPI levels
• Bluetooth or USB dongle
• Rechargeable battery

The Nulea M501 is a right-handed thumb-control mouse for narrow desks and multi-device setups. Its rechargeable battery and 4 DPI levels add flexibility without using replaceable cells.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Connects with Bluetooth or USB dongle
• Switches between up to 3 devices
• Rechargeable battery

Cons

• Right-handed design
• Buttons are not programmable
• Forward and Back buttons are not compatible with macOS

The Nulea M501 is not a Kensington model, but it gives useful context for shoppers comparing thumb-control layouts. Its right-handed shape uses a thumb-operated ball, so cursor movement feels closer to a standard mouse than the central-ball Kensington designs.

The M501 connects to up to 3 devices through Bluetooth or a USB dongle. Its 4 DPI settings run from 400 to 1600, letting you choose slower movement for precision or faster movement for broad screen travel.

The built-in rechargeable battery removes the need for dry-cell batteries. Use the included charging cable, a computer USB port or a 5V charger, and avoid a fast charger.

The mouse enters sleep mode 30 minutes after the last use in wireless mode. Clicking a key wakes it, while scrolling the ball or moving the mouse does not.

Its buttons are not programmable, and the Forward and Back buttons are not compatible with macOS.

2

Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse: Best for quiet wireless desk work

9.5/10Our score

• Thumb control
• Bluetooth and Logi Bolt USB receiver
• Up to 18 months of battery life
• Quiet clicks

The Logitech Ergo M575S uses a sculpted right-handed shape and thumb control for small desks. It combines Bluetooth and USB connections with quiet clicks and an included AA battery.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bluetooth and USB connections
• Quiet clicks
• Up to 18 months of battery life

Cons

• Right-handed design
• Only 2 buttons listed in the product data
• Logi Options+ is needed for customization

The Logitech ERGO M575S suits a right-handed desk setup where quiet clicks and wireless choice matter. Bluetooth and the included Logi Bolt USB receiver give you two ways to connect to a personal computer or tablet.

Its sculpted shape supports the hand, while thumb control moves the cursor without moving the arm. Logitech says its ERGO design can reduce forearm muscle strain by 25% compared with the Logitech M650, based on its stated comparison.

An included AA battery can provide up to 18 months of battery life, although use conditions affect that figure. The Logi Options+ app lets you adjust cursor speed and use the available customization features.

Choose this version when you want the black and silver ball finish. It is a better match for a compact desk than a large central-ball design, but it is right-handed and does not provide the ambidextrous layout found on the Kensington Expert and Orbit.

3

Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse: Best for a graphite desk setup

9.4/10Our score

• Graphite finish with blue ball
• Thumb control
• Bluetooth and USB
• Up to 18 months of battery life

This ERGO M575S version has a graphite finish and blue ball while keeping the same right-handed thumb-control layout. It suits buyers who want wireless connections and a darker desk accessory.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bluetooth and USB connections
• Included AA battery
• Quiet-click ERGO M575S design

Cons

• Right-handed design
• Customization requires Logi Options+
• Uses a replaceable AA battery

This graphite and blue-ball version of the ERGO M575S has the same core layout as the other ERGO M575S pick.

It uses right-handed thumb control, Bluetooth or USB, and an included AA battery with up to 18 months of battery life.

The darker finish may suit a workstation built around black or graphite accessories.

Its sculpted shape keeps the hand in one place while the thumb moves the pointer, which makes it useful when a desk has little room for mouse travel.

That layout suits a fixed home office or a laptop setup where the mouse sits beside the keyboard and stays there.

The Logi Options+ app handles cursor-speed adjustments and the available customization features.

Basic operation does not depend on changing the desk layout, but the design remains right-handed.

Pick this version if you want the ERGO M575S controls with a graphite body and blue ball.

For left-handed or shared workstations, the ambidextrous Kensington models are a better match.

4

Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse: Best for a large central ball

9.0/10Our score

• Large 55mm ball
• Scroll ring
• Ambidextrous design
• Detachable wrist rest

The Kensington Expert uses a large central 55mm ball, a scroll ring and an ambidextrous shape. Its detachable wrist rest adds support for long desk sessions.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large 55mm ball
• Ambidextrous design
• Scroll ring and detachable wrist rest

Cons

• Wired USB-A connection
• Larger footprint than the Orbit
• ChromeOS HID functions cannot be customized through KensingtonKonnect

The Kensington Expert Trackball Mouse is the best central-ball choice for most office desks. Its 55mm ball gives you a large surface for cursor control, while Diamond Eye optical tracking follows small flecks embedded in the ball.

A scroll ring lets you move through web pages and long documents without moving the whole device. The ambidextrous shape works for right-handed and left-handed users, and the detachable wrist rest supports the hand and wrist.

For gaming-focused options, compare left-handed gaming mice.

The 4-button design can be customized through KensingtonKonnect software. You can also adjust cursor and scroll speed, although Windows ARM-based computers are not currently supported for the software.

This model uses a wired USB-A connection, so it suits a fixed workstation with an open USB-A port. Choose it when ball size, wrist support and reliable wired operation matter more than wireless freedom.

5

Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring: Best for a smaller central ball

8.9/10Our score

• Optical tracking
• Scroll ring
• Ambidextrous design
• Detachable wrist rest

The Kensington Orbit offers a central ball, scroll ring and ambidextrous control in a smaller shape than the Expert. It is a good fit when you want wrist support but less hardware on the desk.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ambidextrous design
• Scroll ring
• Detachable wrist rest

Cons

• Wired USB connection
• Only 2 buttons
• Kensington software is needed for customization

The Kensington Orbit with Scroll Ring is a smaller central-ball alternative to the Expert.

Optical tracking, a scroll ring and an ambidextrous shape keep the main Kensington layout while reducing the amount of hardware on the desk.

Its detachable wrist rest cushions the hand and wrist during extended computer work.

The 2-button design can be customized through Kensington trackball software, including program functions, cursor speed and scrolling speed.

That setup suits readers and office workers who scroll through long pages but do not need extra buttons.

This version uses a USB connection and is intended for a personal computer.

The black-grey finish works well in a neutral office setup, and the central ball makes it suitable for either hand.

Choose the Orbit when you want a scroll ring and wrist rest but do not need the Expert's 4-button layout.

If you prefer a larger ball, the 55mm Expert remains the better fit.

6

Kensington Orbit Trackball Mouse with Scroll Ring: Best for the blue 40mm ball

8.8/10Our score

• Blue 40mm ball
• Optical tracking
• Scroll ring
• Detachable wrist rest

This Orbit version pairs a blue 40mm ball with optical tracking, a scroll ring and a detachable wrist rest. Its ambidextrous design works for either hand.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 40mm ball
• Ambidextrous design
• Scroll ring for long documents

Cons

• Wired connection
• Only 2 buttons
• ChromeOS supports HID functions but not KensingtonWorks customization

This Kensington Orbit uses a blue 40mm ball with optical tracking and a scroll ring.

The smaller ball changes the feel of cursor control compared with the 55mm Expert, while the ambidextrous shape keeps the device usable from either side.

That makes it a sensible option for a shared desk, a hot desk or any workstation where the main user may change hands during the day.

Its detachable wrist rest supports the hand during long documents and web pages.

The rest can be kept in place for longer reading sessions, and it can also be removed if you prefer a lower or more compact setup.

The 2 buttons can be assigned functions through KensingtonKonnect software, with cursor and scrolling speeds also adjustable there.

That keeps the daily workflow simple, since the main choices are pointer speed, scroll speed and two button functions.

For many office tasks, two buttons are enough, and a simpler layout can be easier to learn than a device with many shortcuts.

The connection is wired, and the device is designed for a personal computer.

That suits a fixed workstation where the cable can run neatly to the computer and stay there.

ChromeOS supports HID functions, but KensingtonWorks customization is not available on ChromeOS.

That means basic pointing and clicking can still work there, even if you cannot set up the same custom functions as on a supported system.

Pick this version when you want the Orbit layout and a 40mm ball.

It is a practical choice for readers who prefer a smaller central ball and do not need wireless operation.

7

Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse: Best for wireless Kensington control

8.7/10Our score

• Large 55mm ball
• Bluetooth LE or 2.4GHz dongle
• Scroll ring
• 2 AA batteries included

The Kensington Expert Wireless keeps the large 55mm ball and scroll ring while removing the desk cable. It can connect through Bluetooth LE or a 2.4GHz USB dongle.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bluetooth LE and USB dongle options
• Large 55mm ball
• Detachable wrist rest

Cons

• Uses 2 AA batteries
• Large 1.4 lb design
• Linux is not supported

The Kensington Expert Wireless gives you the Expert's large 55mm ball, scroll ring, ambidextrous shape and detachable wrist rest without a permanent USB cable across the desk.

It connects through Bluetooth LE or a 2.4GHz USB dongle.

Its 4-button layout and cursor controls can be customized through KensingtonKonnect software.

The mouse uses 2 included AA batteries, and its power-saving mode puts it to sleep when it is not in use.

That means set up is mostly about choosing a connection and fitting the wrist rest before the first work session.

The wireless Expert is a large device at 1.4 lb, with dimensions of 8 in long by 6.1 in wide.

Measure the usable space beside your keyboard before choosing it for a compact desk.

It works with Windows, macOS and Chrome, but Linux is not supported.

Choose it when you want central-ball control, a scroll ring and wireless connection options in one Kensington mouse.

8

エレコム(ELECOM) ELECOM Huge Trackball Mouse: Best for index-finger control

8.3/10Our score

• 52mm ball
• 8 physical buttons
• 500, 1000 and 1500 DPI
• 2.4GHz wireless USB

The ELECOM Huge uses right-handed index-finger control instead of a thumb ball. Its 52mm ball, 8 buttons and adjustable DPI suit buyers who want more controls.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 8 physical buttons
• 52mm ball
• 500, 1000 and 1500 DPI settings

Cons

• Right-handed design
• Uses a 2.4GHz USB connection
• Larger 7.2 x 4.5 in footprint

The ELECOM Huge changes the control layout by placing the 52mm ball under the index finger.

Its right-handed design includes 8 physical buttons, with two extra functions available through scroll-wheel tilting for horizontal scrolling.

The 2.4GHz wireless USB connection reaches up to 3 m on magnetic surfaces and up to 10 m on non-magnetic surfaces.

A DPI button switches between 500, 1000 and 1500 DPI.

Lower settings suit careful pointer work, while higher settings help the cursor cross the screen with less ball movement.

The ball rolls on 3 artificial ruby bearings and can be removed through the opening on the bottom for cleaning.

The large soft palm rest supports the hand, and the mouse includes an AA battery and receiver.

At 7.2 x 4.5 in, it needs more desk room than a compact thumb mouse.

Choose it when you want many physical controls and index-finger operation rather than a Kensington central-ball layout.

9

Kensington Wired SlimBlade Trackball Mouse: Best for a low-profile wired design

8.0/10Our score

• Low-profile shape
• Laser tracking
• Ambidextrous design
• 4 customizable buttons

The Kensington SlimBlade uses a low-profile shape that takes less desk space than a traditional mouse. Its ambidextrous design and laser tracking suit a clean wired workstation.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Low-profile shape
• Ambidextrous design
• 4 customizable buttons

Cons

• Wired connection
• No scroll ring listed in the product data
• 11.2 oz weight

The Kensington Wired SlimBlade is the best Kensington choice when desk height and visual clutter matter.

Its low-profile shape takes less desk space than a traditional mouse, while laser tracking provides cursor control.

The ambidextrous design works for either hand, and the 4 buttons can be customized through KensingtonWorks software.

Its wired connection keeps the setup simple but requires room for the cable.

That cable route matters in daily use, since a poorly placed lead can pull against the device or cross the keyboard area.

The SlimBlade measures 6 in long by 5 in wide and weighs 11.2 oz.

Those dimensions are smaller than the listed Kensington Expert Wireless footprint, so it may suit a desk where the central ball is preferred but space is limited.

Choose it for a low-profile, wired workstation.

If scrolling long pages is a priority, the Expert and Orbit models have a scroll ring listed in their product data.

How should you choose between Kensington ball layouts?

Choose a central-ball Kensington when you want ambidextrous control, a scroll ring or a larger ball.

Choose a thumb-control mouse when you want a more familiar right-handed shape and a compact way to move the pointer.

The Expert models use a 55mm ball.

The Orbit uses a smaller central ball, including a 40mm blue ball on the K72337US version, while the SlimBlade uses a low-profile trackball design.

Ball size affects the way your fingers move the pointer, but it does not decide comfort by itself.

A larger ball can make broad cursor moves feel easier, while a smaller ball may suit a lighter touch and a tighter desk.

Leave enough room for your hand, place the wrist rest where your palm can relax, and keep the trackball close enough that you do not reach forward.

That placement matters more over a full day than the exact ball diameter, because reaching changes shoulder and wrist posture.

Button count is the next practical split.

The Expert gives you a 4-button layout for shortcuts, while the Orbit keeps things simpler with 2 buttons.

Hand orientation also matters for shared desks.

Ambidextrous Kensington models let either hand take over, which helps when a workstation is used by more than one person.

Thumb models such as the Nulea M501 and Logitech ERGO M575S are shaped for the right hand, so left-handed use is not the aim there.

If you are comparing a trackball with a vertical mouse, our vertical mouse vs trackball guide explains the main control and hand-position differences.

Are wired or wireless Kensington trackball mice better?

Wired Kensington trackballs are easier when you want a fixed connection, while the Kensington Expert Wireless is better when you need Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz USB dongle.

The choice depends on your available ports, cable preferences and desk layout.

The wired Expert, Orbit and SlimBlade models do not require wireless pairing.

That makes them useful for a stationary office setup, but the cable needs a clear route to the computer.

A fixed cable also removes battery checks from the daily routine, which some buyers prefer for a main desk.

The trade-off is movement, since the device cannot be lifted and carried to another screen or room without unplugging it.

The Expert Wireless offers Bluetooth LE and 2.4GHz USB options.

Its 2 AA batteries and power-saving mode add maintenance, but wireless operation can leave more space around the pointing device.

Bluetooth LE can save a USB port on a laptop, while the dongle gives a separate connection path when Bluetooth is not preferred.

That flexibility suits people who move between a laptop, a dock or another computer during the week.

Battery care is simple but not zero.

You need spare AA batteries at hand and a habit of checking the device when it stops responding, rather than worrying about a rechargeable charge cycle.

Wired models avoid that step entirely, which is a real advantage for a desk that never moves.

Wireless models avoid cable clutter, which is a real advantage for a desk that is shared or rearranged.

For more wireless alternatives, see our guide to the best wireless trackball mouse options.

It is also useful if your computer has limited USB ports.

How do you set up and care for a trackball mouse?

Start by placing the trackball where your hand can rest without reaching.

Connect the mouse, set a comfortable cursor speed, and use the scroll ring or assigned buttons only after the basic pointer movement feels natural.

That order helps you learn the ball first, then add shortcuts once pointing feels steady.

Test the position beside your keyboard before you commit to a long session.

A small change in distance can affect how often you reach, and reaching is the habit you want to avoid.

Keep the ball and its contact points free of dust.

The ELECOM Huge allows the ball to pop out through the bottom opening, and the Logitech ERGO M575S data also describes removing the ball from its cage for cleaning.

Cleaning is easier when you follow the method listed for your model rather than forcing the ball out.

A quick wipe when movement feels rough is usually enough for daily care.

Use the connection method that matches your computer.

Check software support before relying on button customization, especially with ChromeOS, Windows ARM systems, macOS button limits on the Nulea M501, or Linux support for the Kensington Expert Wireless.

That check saves time later, since some functions work as basic inputs even when full customization is not available.

Keep the cable or receiver in a known place if you use wireless or wired connections across desks.

A stored receiver is easier to find than one left loose in a bag or drawer.

A trackball can also work for some gaming setups, but button layout and cursor control are personal choices.

If gaming is your main goal, compare our guide to the best trackball mouse for gaming.

Which Kensington trackball mouse should you buy?

The best Kensington trackball mouse is the wired Expert if you want the largest ball, scroll ring, ambidextrous control and wrist support.

That version suits a main desk where the device will stay in one place and the cable can be routed out of the way.

Choose the Expert Wireless if you need Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, and choose the Orbit if a smaller central ball fits your desk better.

The wireless Expert keeps the large-ball idea while freeing you from a permanent lead, which can help on a desk that is rearranged often.

Pick the SlimBlade for a low-profile wired setup.

Its flatter shape can suit a cleaner bench or a workspace where height is an issue, even though it does not list a scroll ring in the product data.

If you are open to non-Kensington designs, the Nulea M501 and Logitech ERGO M575S are better matches for right-handed thumb control, while the ELECOM Huge is the choice for index-finger control and 8 physical buttons.

Those alternatives change the hand position, so they can suit people who want a shape closer to a standard mouse or more physical controls under the fingers.

For most office desks, the deciding factors are ball size, hand orientation and whether you want a cable.

Ball size affects how broad or precise the cursor movement feels, and hand orientation decides whether a shared desk can be used by either hand.

The cable question is just as practical, because a wired model removes battery care while a wireless model removes cable clutter.

The Expert family covers larger ball control and wrist support for long sessions.

Its detachable wrist rest is a useful detail for long days, since support can matter as much as the ball itself.

The Orbit family covers a smaller central ball with the same ambidextrous idea.

That can be a better fit for a compact desk, a lighter touch or a workstation where the larger Expert would take up too much room.

Thumb and index-finger models cover right-handed layouts that feel closer to a standard mouse or offer more buttons.

They may suit a single-user desk where right-handed use is not a problem and a familiar shape helps with the switch.

That range means you can match the device to your desk, your hand and your preferred connection, rather than forcing one layout to fit every setup.

Place the trackball close to the keyboard, keep the wrist rest where the palm can relax, and give yourself a few days to learn the ball before judging it.

Once pointing feels natural, the buttons, scroll control and connection choice become much easier to assess in normal work.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for compact wireless setups

   Nulea M501 Wireless Trackball Mouse Ergonomic Thumb

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for quiet wireless desk work

   Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a graphite desk setup

   Logitech Ergo M575S Wireless Bluetooth Trackball Mouse

   9.4/10 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 workers who want a large ball, scroll ring, ambidextrous control and a detachable wrist rest. Choose the Expert Wireless when you want the same large-ball layout without a desk cable.

What is the difference between Kensington Expert and Orbit trackballs?

The Expert has a larger 55mm ball and a 4-button layout. The Orbit models use a smaller central ball, a scroll ring and 2 buttons.

Both families include ambidextrous designs and detachable wrist rests, but the exact Orbit ball and connection vary by model.

Is a Kensington trackball mouse good for small desks?

Yes, a Kensington trackball can suit a small desk because the cursor moves while the device stays in place. The Orbit and SlimBlade are easier to fit than the larger Expert models, while the wireless Expert removes cable clutter but still needs desk room.

Should you choose a thumb or central trackball?

Choose a thumb trackball if you want a familiar mouse shape and compact cursor control. Choose a central ball if you want ambidextrous use, a large ball or a scroll ring.

Your hand position and available desk space matter more than the ball layout alone.