Logitech's MX Ergo trackball provides ergonomics, multiple device control to Mac users

Logitech is revisiting ergonomics on the Mac, with the new MX Ergo wireless trackball, allowing users to customize angle for maximum comfort.

The MX Ergo is Logitech's first new trackball in nine years. Users can increase the angle on the MX Ergo up to 20 degrees from default to improve wrist posture. A sculpted shape of the device gives the user full palm and finger support, and a soft rubber helps with grip.

Logitech claims that the 500 mAh rechargeable battery in the unit lasts for up to four months on a full charge. A one-minute charge gives a "complete day of work," according to the company.

The MX Ergo is compatible with Logitech's Easy-Switch and Flow features through the Logitech Options software, allowing users to switch between multiple computers, including macOS, with one keyboard and/or mouse.

Tracking ranges between 320 dpi and 440 dpi. Eight buttons adorn the device, and are configurable in software.

Connectivity is provided by either Logitech's USB-A Unifying Receiver, or through Bluetooth. Minimum system requirements for either are macOS 10.12 or newer, or Windows 8 or newer for Bluetooth.

The Logitech MX Ergo is priced at $99.99 and expected to be available at Logitech.com and select retail stores throughout the U.S. in September. A MX Ergo Plus is expected at Best Buy, but no information regarding differences is available at this time.

20 Comments

zroger73 787 comments · 13 Years

About 7 years ago

The 90s called - it wants its trackball back. :)

Using a trackball is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I tried one years ago and just couldn't adapt to it. After decades of computing, I still prefer a traditional mouse.

macseeker 541 comments · 8 Years

I still use my Kensington trackball and found it to be great. With it the cursor can travel all over the screen (30 inch Apple Cinema Display) with ease.

maciekskontakt 1168 comments · 15 Years

zroger73 said:

The 90s called - it wants its trackball back. :)

Using a trackball is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I tried one years ago and just couldn't adapt to it. After decades of computing, I still prefer a traditional mouse.

I have been using it for 20 years. Mouse is imprecise and requires arm movement. Trackbal requires fingertip movemement. If you write "zillion"s of lines of code or do publishing designs or engineering designs with CAD you may start understanding purpose of trackballs. Now smart mouse helps, but we are not talking about scrolling window, but rather about precise mouse pointer positioning without workout on a table. You have also other devices for this, but they are more expensive.

It is not about expereince, but about practicality. Not everything that is fashionable is practical. I find some fancy solutions in todays world that do not cut for effective and productive work (tabbing is one of them as well).

jameskatt2 722 comments · 16 Years

zroger73 said:

The 90s called - it wants its trackball back. :)

Using a trackball is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I tried one years ago and just couldn't adapt to it. After decades of computing, I still prefer a traditional mouse.

I prefer a trackball. It is more precise than a mouse. You can move the cursor far more quickly with very little movement with a trackball. You can't get carpal tunnel syndrome as easily with a trackball compared to a mouse.

But the trackball should be moved with the index finger, not the thumb as in this new trackball. We use our index fingers to point, not our thumbs.
Ergonomically it is far easier and more precise to use a trackball moved with the index finger.

I wish Logitech would redesign their trackballs to use the index finger not the thumb.

melgross 33607 comments · 20 Years

zroger73 said:

The 90s called - it wants its trackball back. :)

Using a trackball is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I tried one years ago and just couldn't adapt to it. After decades of computing, I still prefer a traditional mouse.

Not for me. I’ve been using trackballs since the 1980s. I would never use a mouse. What a pain. I can’t understand how anyone can put up with that constant moving around, and falling off the pad, or edge of the desk, or hitting something while trying to get to the edge of the screen.

i also like knowing that it’s always where I expect it to be.

no thank you!