SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse
Bottom line: The SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse: 34mm thumb trackball keeps the body stationary, so it works on laps and sofas; main trade-off: wired only, tethered by a 4.9 ft (1.5 m) USB cable.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 34mm thumb trackball keeps the body stationary, so it works on laps and sofas
- ✓ Four DPI steps (400/800/1200/1600) switchable from a button on the mouse
- ✓ 5 buttons, including Back and Forward for browsing
- ✓ Tilt scroll adds side-to-side scrolling for spreadsheets and timelines
- ✓ Driverless USB setup on Windows, macOS and Chrome OS
Cons
- ✗ Wired only, tethered by a 4.9 ft (1.5 m) USB cable
- ✗ 1600 DPI maximum may feel slow on large high-resolution displays
- ✗ Official macOS support is listed only through 10.15
- ✗ Sold as programmable, but no remapping software is mentioned
Manufacturer description
The SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse keeps your hand in one place. You steer the cursor with a 34mm thumb-operated ball, so the mouse itself never moves. That makes it a good fit for crowded desks and laptop setups. Because the body stays still, it also works on your leg, a sofa cushion or other uneven surfaces where an ordinary mouse fails. The shape puts your wrist and forearm in a more natural position, and a built-in finger rest supports your palm. There are five buttons, including Back and Forward for web browsing, plus tilt scroll for side-to-side movement. A count switch cycles…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the keyboards & mice category. SANWA's keyboards & mice lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for keyboards & mice of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SANWA trackball mouse work with a Mac?
Yes. SANWA lists compatibility with macOS 10.12 to 10.15 and Mac OS X 10.3 to 10.11. Newer macOS versions are not on the official list, so check the product listing if you run a recent release.
Do I need to install a driver?
No driver is required. You plug it into a USB port, and it works on Windows 10/8.1/8/7, supported macOS versions and Chrome OS.
How do I change the DPI, and what settings are available?
Press the count switch button to cycle through 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 DPI. The indicator flashes a number of times that tells you which level is active.
Can I use it without a desk, like on my lap or a couch?
Yes. You move the cursor with the 34mm thumb ball, so the body stays put. SANWA says it works on your leg, a sofa and other surfaces besides flat desks.
What warranty does it come with?
SANWA includes a 1-year manufacturer warranty and free lifetime technical support. The cable is 4.9 ft (1.5 m) long, so plan your USB port placement for it.
Key Features
- TRACKBALL COMFORT - Quipped with a 34mm trackball and 5 buttons, you will not need to mouse around to move the cursor as thumb controlled trackball stays in one place. Not only work on flat surfaces, but also on your leg, sofa and other surfaces as well. A full control of everything is within your fingers.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Places your hand in a natural wrist and arm position for smoother movement and less muscle tension. Comfortable finger rests just fit in the palm of your hand. No driver required. The high-quality USB plug and 4.9 ft (1.5 m) cable make it easy to use and keep stable. Once you get used to it, you will love it!
- THE HIGH-QUALITY MICRO SWITCHES - The switch which affects the operation performance adopts the switch made by well-known manufacturers, which has excellent click feeling, superb operational responsiveness and high durability. It also adopts a laser sensor that allows for more accurate control.
- 4 ADJUSTABLE DPI LEVELS - You can adjust the mouse among 4 resolutions of 400 / 800 / 1200 / 1600 DPI depending on your needs. When the count switch button is pressed, the DPI is notified by the number of flashes. Comes with Back and Forward buttons that are convenient for browsing the web.
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY - Compatible with most system including Windows 10/8.1/8/7, macOS 10.12~10.15, Mac OS X 10.3~10.11, Chrome OS. ※Notice: All SANWA Products provide the same high quality after-service as in Japan, including a 1-Year Worry-Free Manufacturer Warranty and free lifetime technical support.※
Full Specifications
| Brand | SANWA |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Range | 10.0 meters |
| Style Name | Ergonomic |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | GMATB44BKN |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Compatibility | Switch, Mac |
| Item Type Name | Trackball Mouse |
| Button Quantity | 5 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Mfr Part Number | GMATB44BKN |
| Special Feature | Soundless |
| Antenna Location | Indoor |
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Movement Detection | Trackball |
| Full listing title | SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse, Programmable Roller Ball Mice, Tilt Scroll, 400/800/1200/1600 DPI, Computer trackball & Finger Rest, Compatible with Mac, Windows, Laptop, Chrome OS, Black |
Ready to buy?
SANWA Wired Ergonomic Trackball Mouse, Programmable Roller Ball Mice, Tilt Scroll, 400/800/1200/1600 DPI, Computer trackball & Finger Rest, Compatible with Mac, Windows, Laptop, Chrome OS, Black is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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