Trackballs and rollerballs

The need for trackballs and rollerballs

For users with difficulties concerning mobility, dexterity or learning, the use of a trackball or rollerball can improve activities they undertake using ICT.

Trackballs allow users with restricted movements to use just their fingers to control the mouse around the entire screen. The trackball only requires the amount of space it takes up. As users don’t have to move it around it can be placed on any surface, even wheelchair mounted.

For people who have shaky or unintentional arm movement, the trackball can steady and support their hands. This allows better control of the cursor on the computer. The support is curved and elevated to fit the palm and reduce wrist fatigue.

Features of trackballs

Some trackballs have a variety of keys or buttons. They are usually positioned to fall under the thumb and fingers easily and this reduces the need for movement.

A large number of trackballs on the market also have sockets on them to connect to external switches. This allows users to control the position of the cursor on the screen with one hand and control the selection – ‘clicking’ – with the other.

For trackballs with keys, the motion they make has in some products been adapted to create a less tiring motion. Buttons can usually be programmed for functions such as click, drag lock, double click and speed control.

Some trackballs require additional software to enable them to talk to the computer they are being used on. Others on the market work seamlessly with Windows and Mac computers, this can often be reflected in the price of the product.

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