The ELECOM EX-G Left Handed Thumb Control Trackball is the clearest choice if you specifically want a ball mouse for gaming, because its thumb-controlled trackball replaces normal desk movement. The other listed models are conventional optical gaming mice, so they may suit PC gaming better if you need familiar aiming, higher polling rates, or programmable controls.
This specification-based comparison separates the true trackball from the standard mice, then explains which option fits MMO keybinds, FPS aiming, large hands, wireless use, or ergonomic concerns. Compatibility, sensor settings, connectivity, button layouts, and practical limitations matter more than RGB lighting alone.
- Best true trackball choice: ELECOM EX-G Left Handed Thumb Control Trackball, for left-handed users who want compact cursor control with minimal arm movement.
- Best for MMO command-heavy gaming: Redragon Wireless Gaming Mouse, with 16 programmable buttons, 12 side buttons, adjustable polling, and multiple profiles.
- Best conventional wireless option: SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 Gaming Mouse, with dual wireless connectivity, an 18K TrueMove Air sensor, and long advertised battery life.
- Best budget wired option: Redragon M602 Gaming Mouse, with adjustable DPI, nine programmable buttons, and wired plug-and-play operation.
- Best large-hand option: Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse for Big, designed around a full-size shape and tri-mode connectivity.
Pros
- Ergonomic thumb-control layout tailored specifically for left-handed users
- Six customizable buttons via companion software
- Convenient hardware switch for toggling DPI levels
- Clean 2.4 GHz wireless connection via USB receiver
- Built-in battery level indicator light
Cons
- DPI adjustment is restricted to two fixed settings
- Requires replaceable AA batteries instead of integrated recharging
- Horizontal scrolling is unsupported on Windows RT 8.1
Pros
- Up to 7200 adjustable DPI
- Nine programmable buttons with macro editing
- Ergonomic contouring with finger rest design
- Customizable seven-mode RGB backlighting
Cons
- Full macro customization requires separate software download
- Tethered wired connection limits freedom of movement
Pros
- TrueMove Air 18,000 CPI optical sensor
- Nine programmable buttons for custom keybinds
- Lightweight 85g ergonomic chassis
- Dust and water resistant IP54 switches
- Customizable PrismSync RGB lighting
Cons
- Wired design restricts cable-free mobility
Pros
- Versatile Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C wired connectivity
- Ergonomic contoured shape with dual finger rests
- Rechargeable 1000mAh battery with charge-and-play capability
- Adjustable polling rate up to 1000Hz
- Stores USB receiver inside the mouse body
Cons
- Software configuration requires Windows and wired or 2.4GHz mode
- Bulky ergonomic dimensions are unsuitable for small hands
Pros
- Dual-wireless connectivity
- 18K optical sensor
- Advertised 1.9ms click latency
- Long claimed battery life
- 60 million-click durability rating
Cons
- Uses AAA battery power
- Battery life varies by connection mode
Pros
- Adjustable DPI up to 7200
- Seven programmable buttons
- Customizable RGB backlighting
- Ergonomic rubberized design
- Supports Windows and Mac OS
Cons
- Wired connection limits desk flexibility
- Initial button setup requires software
- No wireless mode is documented
Pros
- Ergonomic upright shape reduces wrist fatigue
- PixArt PAW3325 sensor up to 10,000 DPI
- Unique five-direction thumb rocker
- Eleven programmable macro buttons
- Integrated RGB lighting effects
Cons
- Tethered USB cable restricts desk movement
- Button customization requires dedicated software
Pros
- Selectable polling rates up to 1000Hz
- Dedicated rapid-fire button for FPS titles
- Up to 70 hours of runtime without RGB
- Fully programmable buttons with macro support
- Functional while actively charging
Cons
- Battery life drops to 35 hours with RGB enabled
- Enters auto-sleep after just one minute of inactivity
Pros
- Natural handshake shape designed to reduce wrist strain
- Unique five-direction thumb rocker expands accessible inputs
- Eleven programmable buttons with onboard memory profile storage
- Adjustable optical tracking up to 10,000 DPI
- Five preset lighting modes on dual side strips
Cons
- Wired design limits placement flexibility
- Vertical form factor requires an ergonomic adjustment period
- Sensor speed capped at 100 IPS
What Counts as a Ball Mouse For Gaming?
A ball mouse, usually called a trackball mouse, uses a stationary body and a ball that your thumb or fingers rotate to move the pointer. This can reduce the desk space needed for cursor movement, but it requires a different aiming technique from a standard gaming mouse.
Among the supplied products, the ELECOM EX-G is the only model described as a trackball. The Redragon, SteelSeries, WEEMSBOX, Attoe, and TRELC models use conventional optical tracking, so they should be judged as gaming mice rather than direct trackball alternatives.
Product Analysis
ELECOM EX-G Left Handed Thumb Control Trackball
The ELECOM EX-G is the most relevant product for a search about the best ball mouse for gaming. Its thumb-controlled red trackball, optical tracking system, six assignable buttons, and switchable 750 or 1500 DPI settings are designed for left-handed use.
Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection keeps the desk clear, while the included AA battery and battery indicator simplify basic PC setup. The documented operating systems include Windows Vista through Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.10 or later, although the supplied specifications do not identify a gaming-specific polling rate.
- Pros: True trackball operation, left-handed ergonomic shape, six programmable buttons, wireless connectivity, and adjustable cursor speed.
- Cons: The 1500 DPI maximum is modest beside modern gaming mice, and the design is specifically for left-handed users.
- Who should skip it: Right-handed players, competitive FPS users who prefer familiar low-sensitivity mouse aiming, and anyone needing a high polling rate should consider a conventional gaming mouse instead.
Redragon Wireless Gaming Mouse
The Redragon Wireless Gaming Mouse is not a trackball, but it is one of the most configurable choices here. It offers adjustable DPI from 100 to 16,000, polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, 16 remappable buttons, 12 side buttons, five memory profiles, and two operating modes.
Its rechargeable 1000mAh battery is advertised for more than 70 hours with RGB disabled, and the mouse can remain usable while charging. The extensive button grid suits MMO and productivity shortcuts, but the layout may be unnecessarily crowded for players who prefer simple FPS controls.
- Pros: Extensive button customization, high adjustable DPI, up to 1000Hz polling, onboard profiles, RGB controls, and wired use while charging.
- Cons: Twelve side buttons can increase accidental-input risk or require an adjustment period, and the product is not a trackball.
- Who should skip it: Players wanting a lightweight minimalist mouse, a true ball-based pointing device, or a simple two-side-button layout should choose another model.
Redragon M602 Gaming Mouse
The Redragon M602 is a wired optical gaming mouse with adjustable sensitivity up to 7200 DPI, nine programmable buttons, macro editing, and software-controlled RGB effects. Its wired connection avoids battery management and provides a straightforward PC installation.
The supplied compatibility information lists Windows, Mac, and laptops, while the programmable features depend on downloadable Redragon software. It offers more buttons than a basic mouse, but it lacks the stationary-ball operation that defines a true ball mouse.
- Pros: Wired reliability, adjustable DPI, nine programmable buttons, macro support, ergonomic shaping, and broad stated computer compatibility.
- Cons: Cable management is required, and its 7200 DPI ceiling and unspecified polling rate provide less documented tuning than several newer alternatives.
- Who should skip it: Wireless users, trackball shoppers, and players who specifically need a documented 1000Hz polling setting should look elsewhere.
SteelSeries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse with PrismSync
The SteelSeries Rival 5 is a conventional wired gaming mouse built for FPS, MOBA, MMO, and battle royale games. Its TrueMove Air optical sensor provides stated 1-to-1 tracking, while the nine-button layout includes five quick-action side buttons.
At a documented 85g, it is positioned as a relatively light option, and its Golden Micro IP54 switches add a stated protection rating. The product does not provide trackball control or wireless connectivity, so it is a poor match for readers specifically seeking a cable-free ball mouse.
- Pros: 18,000 CPI TrueMove Air sensor, nine programmable buttons, five quick-action side buttons, lightweight construction, and support for several gaming genres.
- Cons: It is wired, uses a conventional mouse design, and its feature set may be excessive for players who only need basic FPS controls.
- Who should skip it: Trackball users, left-handed users seeking a specifically left-handed design, and anyone prioritizing wireless or Bluetooth connectivity should choose another option.
Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse for Big
This Redragon model targets medium to larger hands with a full-size contoured shell, finger rests, and rubber side grips. It supports 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB wired operation, with device switching for up to three Bluetooth connections.
The adjustable DPI range is listed from 400 to 3200 through onboard controls, with driver adjustment up to 12,800 DPI. Its driver supports 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes on Windows, while the broader device compatibility list includes Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, consoles, tablets, and laptops.
- Pros: Large-hand shape, three connection modes, rechargeable battery, programmable controls, up to 1000Hz polling, and use while charging.
- Cons: Full-size dimensions may feel cumbersome for smaller hands, and the driver limitations mean some customization depends on Windows.
- Who should skip it: Small-handed users, trackball shoppers, and anyone requiring identical software features across macOS, Linux, and Windows should consider alternatives.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 Gaming Mouse
The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is a conventional wireless mouse with both gaming-oriented 2.4 GHz connectivity and Bluetooth for other devices. Its TrueMove Air optical sensor is specified at 18,000 CPI, and its advertised click latency is 1.9ms.
The model uses one AAA battery and is advertised for up to 200 hours over 2.4 GHz or 450 hours over Bluetooth. That makes it attractive for users who want long battery intervals, but it does not provide the thumb-controlled ball operation or large programmable-button count associated with some alternatives.
- Pros: Dual wireless modes, 18K optical tracking, stated 1.9ms click latency, 60-million-click switch durability, and long advertised battery life.
- Cons: It uses a replaceable AAA battery rather than a built-in rechargeable battery, and its conventional button layout is less suitable for MMO macro-heavy play.
- Who should skip it: Players needing many side buttons, a true trackball, or a rechargeable design should choose another model.
WEEMSBOX Wired Gaming Mouse
The WEEMSBOX Wired Gaming Mouse provides a conventional optical design with adjustable DPI from 1200 to 7200, polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, seven programmable buttons, and RGB backlighting. Its plug-and-play wired connection is intended for Windows and Mac computers.
The seven-button layout provides extra commands without the crowded 12-button side panel found on some MMO mice. However, the supplied specifications do not identify a trackball, wireless mode, or a specific sensor model.
- Pros: Adjustable polling rate, seven programmable buttons, wired plug-and-play setup, DPI adjustment, and stated Windows and Mac support.
- Cons: It lacks wireless operation and trackball control, while the sensor details are less specific than several competing products.
- Who should skip it: Users who need Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, a left-handed trackball, or documented high-end sensor specifications should look elsewhere.
Vertical Mouse, Ergonomic USB Wired Vertical Mouse
This Attoe model uses a vertical ergonomic shape, 11 programmable buttons, and a five-direction rocker that maps several thumb inputs into one control. Its PAW3325 sensor is specified at up to 10,000 DPI, with 100 IPS movement speed, 20G acceleration, and 5000 FPS scanning.
The vertical grip may appeal to users who prefer a handshake-style hand position, while the rocker can support extra commands in MOBA or MMO games. It remains a wired conventional mouse, not a trackball, and its unusual shape may require more adjustment than a standard shell.
- Pros: Vertical grip, 11 programmable buttons, five-direction rocker, specified PAW3325 sensor, and support for multiple gaming genres.
- Cons: The shape is specialized, the connection is wired, and it does not provide stationary-ball cursor control.
- Who should skip it: Players wanting a familiar low-profile mouse, wireless freedom, or a genuine trackball should select another model.
TRELC Wired Gaming Mouse with 5 D Rocker
The TRELC mouse combines a vertical ergonomic body with 11 programmable controls and a five-direction rocker. Its PMW3325 sensor supports five DPI levels from 1500 to 10,000, along with listed 100 IPS movement speed, 20G acceleration, and 5000 FPS scanning.
Unlike the Attoe model, this product specifies onboard memory, allowing programmed settings to remain available when the mouse moves to another computer. It uses a wired connection and preset lighting effects, so it is not a direct alternative to the wireless or trackball products.
- Pros: Onboard memory, 11 programmable controls, five-direction rocker, vertical grip, and a specified PMW3325 sensor.
- Cons: Wired operation, unusual ergonomics, and a minimum listed DPI level of 1500 may not suit every sensitivity preference.
- Who should skip it: Users who want wireless connectivity, standard mouse ergonomics, or a true ball mouse should consider other choices.
Redragon Gaming Mouse, Wireless Mouse
This Redragon wireless mouse offers fully programmable buttons, macro editing, adjustable DPI from 250 to 8000, and four polling-rate settings up to 1000Hz. Its dedicated fire button is intended to provide a three-click action from one press, which may appeal to certain FPS control schemes.
The rechargeable battery is advertised for 35 hours with RGB enabled or 70 hours with RGB disabled, and the mouse can operate while charging. It is a conventional ergonomic mouse rather than a trackball, and any macro or button behavior should be checked against the rules of the games being played.
- Pros: Rechargeable wireless design, adjustable polling, programmable controls, macro support, RGB customization, and wired use while charging.
- Cons: The fire button may not suit every game or control preference, and the 8000 DPI ceiling is lower than several listed alternatives.
- Who should skip it: Trackball users, players who need Bluetooth or multi-device switching, and anyone wanting a simple button layout should choose another model.
How to Choose the Best Ball Mouse For Gaming
Start With the Pointing Mechanism
If you specifically want a ball mouse, begin with the ELECOM EX-G because it is the only listed product with a trackball. Standard optical mice may be faster to adapt to for FPS aiming, but they require desk movement and a suitable surface.
Match the Controls to the Game
MMO and productivity users can benefit from 11 to 16 programmable controls, while many FPS players may prefer fewer buttons positioned for quick access. Rocker controls offer additional directional inputs, but their vertical designs are more specialized than conventional shells.
Check Connectivity and Software Requirements
Wired models avoid battery charging, while wireless models reduce cable clutter but introduce battery management. Also check the operating system before relying on macros, RGB controls, onboard profiles, or driver-based DPI settings, because some documented software features are limited to Windows.
Consider Hand Size and Grip Orientation
The ELECOM EX-G is specifically left-handed, and the Redragon large model is aimed at medium to larger hands. Vertical designs can suit users who prefer a handshake grip, but their shape should be treated as a preference rather than a universal ergonomic solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ELECOM EX-G suitable for FPS gaming?
It can be used for PC gaming, but its 750 and 1500 DPI settings, thumb-controlled ball, and lack of a documented gaming polling rate make it a specialized choice. Players who already prefer trackball control may value its compact movement, while competitive FPS users may prefer a conventional optical mouse.
Are the other products true ball mice?
No. The other listed products are conventional optical gaming mice. They are included because shoppers sometimes use ball mouse broadly when searching for an alternative gaming mouse, but they do not replace the trackball mechanism found in the ELECOM model.
Which option is best for MMO games?
The Redragon Wireless Gaming Mouse has the largest documented button count, with 16 programmable buttons and 12 side buttons. The Attoe and TRELC vertical models also provide many controls through 11-button layouts and five-direction rockers, but their shapes are more specialized.
Final Recommendation
Choose the ELECOM EX-G if your priority is a genuine left-handed trackball that minimizes desk movement. Choose the Redragon Wireless Gaming Mouse for extensive MMO bindings, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 for simple wireless PC gaming, or the Redragon M602 for a straightforward wired setup.
For large hands, the Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse for Big offers the most directly stated fit. If ergonomic grip shape is more important than trackball operation, the Attoe and TRELC vertical mice provide distinctive alternatives, while the SteelSeries Rival 5 remains the stronger conventional option for players who want a lighter wired mouse with several quick-action buttons.
For related setup guidance, compare the recommendations in mouse pads for carpal tunnel prevention and the analysis of gaming mice versus the MX Master.
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