# trackball

> pointing device

**Wikidata**: [Q20140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trackball)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/trackball

## Summary
A trackball is a pointing device used to control a computer cursor, where the user rotates a stationary ball with their fingers or thumb instead of moving the entire device. It is a type of computer input device, similar to a mouse or trackpad, but designed for precision and ergonomics, often used in gaming, graphic design, and accessibility applications.

## Key Facts
- A trackball is a subclass of pointing devices, alongside mice and trackpads.
- The Logitech TrackMan, introduced in 1989, was the first trackball to use the thumb for cursor control.
- Logitech has produced numerous trackball models, including the TrackMan Marble (1995), Marble Mouse (1998/1999), and MX ERGO (2017).
- The Panther XL (1996) is a game controller that incorporates a trackball.
- Trackballs are known for their ergonomic design, reducing wrist movement compared to traditional mice.
- The Logitech M570 (2010) and ERGO M575 (2020) are modern wireless trackball models.
- Trackballs are referenced in technical standards like the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) as 171-04-45.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a trackball used for?
A: A trackball is used as a pointing device to control a computer cursor, often preferred for tasks requiring precision, such as graphic design, gaming, or by users seeking ergonomic alternatives to traditional mice.

### Q: Who invented the first thumb-controlled trackball?
A: Logitech introduced the first thumb-controlled trackball with the TrackMan in 1989.

### Q: Are trackballs still made today?
A: Yes, companies like Logitech continue to produce trackballs, with recent models like the MX ERGO (2017) and ERGO M575 (2020) offering wireless and ergonomic designs.

### Q: How does a trackball differ from a mouse?
A: Unlike a mouse, which requires moving the entire device to move the cursor, a trackball remains stationary while the user rotates a ball with their fingers or thumb to control the cursor.

### Q: What are some popular trackball models?
A: Popular models include the Logitech TrackMan Marble (1995), Marble Mouse (1998/1999), Cordless TrackMan Wheel (2000), and MX ERGO (2017).

## Why It Matters
Trackballs play a significant role in computing by offering an alternative to traditional mice, particularly for users who require precision, have limited desk space, or suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Their stationary design reduces the need for arm and wrist movement, making them ergonomic and accessible. In gaming, trackballs like the Panther XL provide unique control schemes for arcade-style games. For professionals in graphic design or CAD, trackballs enable fine cursor control without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, trackballs have historical importance as early innovations in pointing devices, with Logitech’s TrackMan series pioneering thumb-controlled navigation in 1989. Their continued production and adaptation (e.g., wireless models) demonstrate their enduring relevance in niche and mainstream computing applications.

## Notable For
- **First thumb-controlled trackball**: Logitech TrackMan (1989) introduced thumb-based cursor control.
- **Ergonomic design**: Reduces wrist and arm strain compared to traditional mice.
- **Precision control**: Ideal for graphic design, CAD, and gaming applications.
- **Stationary operation**: The device remains fixed while the ball is rotated, saving desk space.
- **Long-standing product line**: Logitech has produced trackballs continuously since 1989, with models like the MX ERGO (2017) and ERGO M575 (2020).

## Body
### Overview
A trackball is a pointing device that controls a computer cursor by rotating a ball housed in a stationary unit. It is classified under pointing devices, alongside mice and trackpads, and is known for its ergonomic and precision advantages.

### History and Development
- **Early Models**: Logitech introduced the TrackMan in 1989, the first trackball to use the thumb for cursor control. This was followed by variants like the TrackMan Marble (1995), which eliminated mechanical components.
- **1990s Expansion**: Logitech released multiple models, including the TrackMan Stationary Mouse (1991, 1993), Marble Mouse (1998/1999), and Cordless TrackMan Wheel (2000).
- **Modern Era**: Recent models include the MX ERGO (2017), featuring advanced ergonomics, and the ERGO M575 (2020), a wireless trackball designed for comfort.

### Technical Specifications
- **Operation**: The user rotates a ball with fingers or thumb to move the cursor. Sensors detect the ball’s movement and translate it to cursor motion.
- **Connectivity**: Modern trackballs often feature wireless connectivity (e.g., Bluetooth or USB receivers).
- **Design Variations**: Some models, like the Logitech TrackMan Marble, use optical sensors instead of mechanical components for improved durability.

### Applications
- **Gaming**: The Panther XL (1996) is a game controller with an integrated trackball, used for arcade-style games.
- **Professional Use**: Trackballs are favored in graphic design, CAD, and other fields requiring precise cursor control.
- **Accessibility**: Their ergonomic design makes them suitable for users with mobility limitations or repetitive strain injuries.

### Cultural and Technical References
- **Standards**: The trackball is referenced in the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) as 171-04-45.
- **Online Communities**: A dedicated subreddit, r/Trackballs, exists for enthusiasts and users.
- **Unicode Representation**: The trackball is represented by the Unicode character 🖲.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "trackball",
  "description": "A pointing device used to control a computer cursor by rotating a stationary ball.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trackball",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191168",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trackball"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189865"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. [top scoring links : Trackballs](https://old.reddit.com/r/Trackballs/top/)
4. KBpedia
5. GF WordNet