Microsoft Trackball Optical Trackball Review
productnumber D67-00001
“One of the best trackballs ever made.”
Read all reviews on Amazon.com
USED & NEW FROM:
$27-135 »
SUMMARY: We can start with the bad news: Microsoft ceased production of this beauty a few years ago. The good news: you can still get a Microsoft Trackball Optical on places like Amazon and eBay. But be fast, because these get more rare everyday! That the current price of an unused Trackball Optical can reach several hundreds of dollars is only another testament to how well this Microsoft trackball was loved (update: prices have gone down and you can currently find second hand Microsoft Trackball Opticals starting at $25 on eBay) . One of the trackball icons of the century.
OUR VERDICT: 
Read full review below
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$68-$330 |  |
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$27-$135 | |
Ball size
As per the request in the comments, here is the exact size of the ball for the Microsoft Trackball Optical Trackball: 1.49″ or 37.9mm:
I’m very interested to hear what you think of this Microsoft trackball. If you are using this trackball, please share your experience in the comments below or send me a message.
Pros
Microsoft Trackball Optical
- Sculpted shape supports your hand
- Scroll wheel
- 5 buttons
- Cool red light surrounding the trackball
Cons
- Hard to find or expensive
See more features and specifications on the Trackball Comparison page
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$65-$249 |  |
Read reviews | |
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$68-$330 | |
Read reviews | |
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$27-$119 |  |
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$65-249 | |
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$68-$330 | |
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$27-$119 | |
Microsoft nailed it just right with this model.
A little history to illustrate the point: Logitech had the TrackMan Wheel years before the Trackball Optical was launched, and it featured two buttons and a scroll wheel as a third one. They upgraded the original white version with better lines and a metallic grey finish, introducing also a cordless version, featuring: two buttons plus the scroll wheel. Then, many years later (at least 2010), they released the upgraded version of the TrackMan Wheel, the M570, which besides a much better wireless connection and laser tracking, features two new buttons! For a total of 5, the same as in Microsoft’s Trackball Optical, and still, not as easy to reach and click.
Just take the reliability into consideration :
– Microsoft Trackball Optical = +12 years
– Logitech M570 = 6 years
Yep, I’m still using one of these beauties that I bought in 2003 for $20 at the MS employee store (courtesy of a friend). Other than the occasional clearing of gunk from the wheel contact points, it’s required no maintenance in 14 years. Really need to pick up a backup before the prices get too insane.
I LOVE this mouse! Why did they have to stop making it???
I want this mouse back, please please please.. I still have my old one, but it no longer functions. This was the best mouse i’ve ever used.
I bought it for 19.99 at Best Buy and got years of faithful, comfortable service. I’ve yet to find anything that remotely matches this mouse!
This mouse was by far the best trackball mouse ever developed. I’ve been playing FPS games for over 20 years and this includes the entire Counter-Strike franchise. My personal best gaming performance and response time was around the time of cs 1.3 and this was because of using this trackball. It lasted years, and if Microsoft wanted to, they could bring this baby back. They honestly should bring this back for FPS gaming.
I agree with you all. All the comments are spot on.
However, at risk of a public outcry, I will make one minor criticism of this trackball, and it’s with the wheel…
… it doesn’t have the optional two buttons for L/R sideways movement.
IF (& it’s a very unlikely IF) MS were to re-issue this Trackball, although I’d buy one in an instant (price allowing), I would really miss the ‘side-scrolling’ of my Elecom.
I grabbed one of these (used) on eBay back in January 2021 and I’ve been using it at work since then. I really like it. I like its size, since I have “big” hands, and some mice feel small to me. I also like the extra buttons next to the main ones, I use those all the time. The only issue I have is that sometimes the ball sticks and the left click is a little loose. This is probably mostly because I got this used and whomever had it first must’ve used it a lot. The button clicks no issue though, and taking out the ball and cleaning the ball/mouse makes it move smoothly again. 10/10 would recommend.
So I have this, the original Logitech wire, the M570, and an Elecom thumb as well as an older Logitech thumb that’s white cased.
I really like the design of the Microsoft. I like the base better than the Logitech, but I think the Logitech’s ball ‘flickability’ is better. I can’t be sure though as my Microsoft ball has a gouge in it so it catches. It would be neat to have one of these that’s 100% to really compare.
It’s sad that they discontinued this–they had a home run product. And the post about its modern usage in FPS shows its strength even today.
Can anybody please measure the size of the ball for this. I need to find a ball for this. I picked up this new at a thrift store for 3 dollars but has no ball in it. I know I can sell it well which I still may on Ebay but first I want to try it to see if I like it. I used to try all kinds of track ball in the past, Logitech, Kensington, Sanwa and a few others, spent maybe $1000 on trackballs but never liked any of them. Never had a chance to try this Microsoft device. It seems good size and feels right the way it’s designed. No BS, just trackball in the right way. It needs be measured with a calliper. Is it exact 39 mm?
Hey mouseball, I have measured the ball with a caliper and added a picture on this page (scroll up). The exact size of the ball for the Microsoft Optical Trackball: 1.49″ or 37.9mm.
I still have one that I baught in 04 and it works like new. These mice are great for people with big hands. The Logitech are just too small. My mom started useing it and I had to buy her one just to get mine back.