Mouse vs Trackball

The Mouse and the Trackball are pointing devices for computers that allow users to move a cursor on the display.

Precision

Mice and trackballs both translate the hand movements of the user to the movements of the cursor. This is in contrast to joystick type devices that translate the coordinates of the stick to the current speed and direction a cursor is moving.

Many gamers prefer mice over trackballs, but most gamers have never tried or used a trackball. Their preference mainly comes from using nothing but a mouse. Most gamers who use a trackball over a period of time that allows for proper adjustment will prefer it to a mouse.

Trackballs are far more precise than mice because the fingers are used to adjust the cursor/view rather than the arm and wrist. Finger muscles are far more adept at making precise movements than the larger muscles of the arm and wrist. Pressing buttons on the mouse may cause minute shifts in the position of the mouse -- and thus the mouse cursor -- as well, occasionally resulting in mis-aimed clicks where exacting accuracy is important.

This contrast can be illustrated with a surgeon who is able to perform an operation using his fingers to hold a scalpel to another surgeon who has the scalpel rigidly taped to the back of his hand and therefore must perform all delicate movements exclusively using motion from his wrist and arm.

Ergonomics

Using the mouse can cause wrist pains because of constant use and unnatural positions. Trackballs, on the other hand, allow the hand, wrist, and arm to remain motionless while the thumb controls the movement of the cursor.

Movement

Using a trackball allows some unique movement that cannot be achieved by the mouse. One can roll the trackball and give it a rolling momentum so that the ball remains rolling afterwards, allowing large movements of the cursor.

Trackballs also allow cursor movement given a smaller desk area. Trackballs can be placed in a small space and still give full and unhindered functionality because the only movement required is that of the thumb. Using the mouse requires a large enough surface area so that the user can freely move the cursor around.