Difference Between
versus

Trackball vs. Mouse: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Trackball vs. Mouse

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Movement

Stationary, controlled by rolling a ball
Moves on a surface to control cursor
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Ergonomics

Reduces wrist strain, good for limited mobility
Can cause strain with extended use
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Space Requirement

Requires minimal space
Needs ample space for movement
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Ease of Use

Has a learning curve
Intuitive and easy to use
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Precision

High precision for detailed tasks
Suitable for general navigation
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Trackball

A stationary pointing device with a ball that can be rotated.
She used a trackball for graphic design to enhance precision.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Trackball

An alternative to a mouse, used mainly for specialized applications.
The CAD designer used a trackball for more precise control.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Mouse

Any of various similar or related animals, such as the jumping mouse, the vole, or the jerboa.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Trackball

A ball mounted in a stationary housing and rotated to control a pointer on a computer screen.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A cowardly or timid person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Trackball

(computing) A pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(Informal) A discolored swelling under the eye caused by a blow; a black eye.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To hunt mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To search furtively for something; prowl.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

Any small rodent of the genus Mus.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(informal) A member of the many small rodent and marsupial species resembling such a rodent.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A quiet or shy person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(computing) The cursor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(boxing) A facial hematoma or black eye.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(obsolete) A familiar term of endearment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A match used in firing guns or blasting.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(set theory) A small model of (a fragment of) Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory with desirable properties (depending on the context).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(historical) A small cushion for a woman's hair.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

Part of a hind leg of beef, next to the round.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(intransitive) To move cautiously or furtively, in the manner of a mouse (the rodent) (frequently used in the phrasal verb to mouse around).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

(intransitive) To hunt or catch mice (the rodents), usually of cats. 12
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To close the mouth of a hook by a careful binding of marline or wire.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To navigate by means of a computer mouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To tear, as a cat devours a mouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A knob made on a rope with spun yarn or parceling to prevent a running eye from slipping.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A familiar term of endearment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A dark-colored swelling caused by a blow.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

A match used in firing guns or blasting.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To watch for and catch mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To watch for or pursue anything in a sly manner; to pry about, on the lookout for something.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To tear, as a cat devours a mouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

Any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

To go stealthily or furtively;
..stead of sneaking around spying on the neighbor's house
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Mouse

Manipulate the mouse of a computer
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is a mouse easier for beginners to use?

Yes, a mouse is more intuitive for new users.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Is a trackball mobile?

No, a trackball is a stationary device.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Can trackballs help with wrist pain?

Yes, trackballs can reduce wrist strain.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Can a trackball be used for gaming?

Yes, but it's less common than using a mouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Can a mouse be used on any surface?

Most mice work on various surfaces, but some need a mouse pad.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Are trackballs common for general computer use?

Trackballs are less common and more specialized.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Do mice offer precise control for detailed work?

Mice are good for general use but less precise than trackballs.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Is a mouse better for quick navigation?

Yes, a mouse is better for fast and intuitive navigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Are trackballs expensive?

Trackballs can be more expensive than basic mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Are there different types of mice?

Yes, there are various types, including optical and mechanical mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Does using a mouse require more desk space?

Yes, a mouse requires more space to move around.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Do mice come in wireless versions?

Yes, there are both wired and wireless mice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Is a trackball good for limited space?

Yes, trackballs are ideal for small workspaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Can a trackball be used for graphic design?

Yes, trackballs are often used for precision tasks like graphic design.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Are ergonomic mice available?

Yes, there are ergonomic designs to reduce strain.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Are gaming mice different from regular mice?

Yes, gaming mice often have additional features for gaming.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Do trackballs need maintenance?

Yes, trackballs require cleaning to remove dirt from the ball.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Is it hard to switch from a mouse to a trackball?

It can take time to adjust to a trackball.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Do mice require a flat surface to work?

Yes, mice work best on flat, even surfaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Do trackballs require special software?

Some trackballs need software for customization.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
Special Education vs. Inclusive EducationSpecial Education vs. Inclusive Education
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Special Education is tailored instruction for students with disabilities, while Inclusive Education integrates all students, including those with disabilities, into general education settings.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
C3 Plants vs. C4 PlantsC3 Plants vs. C4 Plants
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
C3 plants use a direct carbon fixation process, common in cooler climates, while C4 plants have a specialized mechanism, efficient in high light and temperature.
Social Change vs. Cultural ChangeSocial Change vs. Cultural Change
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.
Compression Wood vs. Tension WoodCompression Wood vs. Tension Wood
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Compression Wood is a denser, abnormal growth in softwood trees under mechanical stress, whereas Tension Wood is a less dense, fibrous growth in hardwoods under similar stress.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 1, 2024
Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.
Travel Agent vs. Tour OperatorTravel Agent vs. Tour Operator
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A travel agent is a professional who arranges travel plans for individuals, while a tour operator designs and manages complete travel packages.
Gavage vs. LavageGavage vs. Lavage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Gavage is the process of feeding a person or animal by inserting a tube into the stomach, while lavage is the washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach, typically for medical treatment.
Nanomaterials vs. NanoparticlesNanomaterials vs. Nanoparticles
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Nanomaterials are diverse materials with components smaller than 100nm, whereas nanoparticles are specific, ultrafine particles within this size range.
Hard Copy vs. Soft CopyHard Copy vs. Soft Copy
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.
Sausage vs. SmokieSausage vs. Smokie
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, while a smokie is a specific type of smoked sausage.
Plant Cell vs. Animal CellPlant Cell vs. Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
Batch Fermentation vs. Continuous FermentationBatch Fermentation vs. Continuous Fermentation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 10, 2024
Batch Fermentation is a finite process where nutrients are added at the start and products are harvested at the end, whereas Continuous Fermentation involves a steady input of nutrients and continuous product harvest.
Absolute Privilege vs. Qualified PrivilegeAbsolute Privilege vs. Qualified Privilege
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Absolute privilege is a complete defense against defamation claims, often used in legal or parliamentary contexts, while qualified privilege offers conditional protection, requiring the absence of malice.
Analog Computer vs. Digital ComputerAnalog Computer vs. Digital Computer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.
2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.
Goth vs. AltGoth vs. Alt
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 5, 2024
Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.
Handsome vs. SmartHandsome vs. Smart
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Handsome describes physical attractiveness, focusing on looks, while smart denotes intelligence or cleverness, related to mental capabilities.
Kinesthesiology vs. KinesiologyKinesthesiology vs. Kinesiology
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 13, 2024
Kinesiology studies human movement and its impact on health, while kinesthesiology is not a recognized term; it's often a mispronunciation or misspelling of kinesiology.
Consecutive vs. SubsequentConsecutive vs. Subsequent
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Consecutive refers to events or things following one after another in uninterrupted sequence, whereas subsequent denotes following in time or order, but not necessarily immediately afterward.
Fast Food vs. Traditional FoodFast Food vs. Traditional Food
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Fast Food is quick, convenient, and often pre-prepared, while Traditional Food emphasizes cultural recipes, longer preparation times, and home cooking.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons