ProtoArc
ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse
Bottom line: The ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse ($44.64 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 62-degree vertical tilt keeps your hand in a relaxed handshake grip; main trade-off: buttons are non-programmable.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 62-degree vertical tilt keeps your hand in a relaxed handshake grip
- ✓ Pairs 3 devices over 2.4G, Bluetooth 5.1 and BT 3.0 with one-button switching
- ✓ 5 DPI steps from 200 to 1600 for fine or fast cursor control
- ✓ Thumb trackball works on a sofa, your leg or a cluttered desk
- ✓ Built-in battery recharges via included USB-C cable; quiet clicks
Cons
- ✗ Buttons are non-programmable
- ✗ Back/forward buttons do not work on macOS
- ✗ Ball and three internal rollers need periodic cleaning
- ✗ Thumb control takes 1-2 weeks to learn, per ProtoArc
Manufacturer description
The ProtoArc EM05 NL is a vertical wireless trackball mouse with a 62-degree tilt. Your hand rests in a handshake position while your thumb moves the cursor. Because the ball does the moving, your wrist and arm stay still, and the mouse works on a cramped desk, the arm of a sofa or your leg. It connects three ways: a 2.4G receiver, Bluetooth 5.1 and Bluetooth 3.0. You can pair three devices and switch between them with one button. It works with Windows, Mac, Android, iPad and iPhone. Five DPI steps (200/400/800/1200/1600) let you set cursor speed for precise edits or fast moves across the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. ProtoArc's gaming peripherals 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 gaming peripherals 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
Can the ProtoArc EM05 NL connect to more than one device at once?
Yes. It has three connection modes (2.4G receiver, Bluetooth 5.1 and Bluetooth 3.0), so you can pair three devices and switch between them with one button.
Does the EM05 NL trackball work with a Mac?
Yes, it works with macOS, as well as Windows, Android, iPad and iPhone. On macOS the back and forward buttons do not work, and no button can be reprogrammed on any system.
What DPI settings does the ProtoArc EM05 NL have?
There are five DPI levels: 200, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600. Lower settings give precise control, and higher settings move the cursor across large or multiple screens faster.
How do I charge the ProtoArc EM05 NL?
It has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges with the included USB-C cable. ProtoArc recommends turning it off when you won't use it for a long time. Check the product listing for battery-life details.
Why does the trackball feel sticky after a while?
Dust builds up over time. Take out the ball and clean it and the three white rollers inside the socket. ProtoArc also notes that tracking may lag briefly while the computer is starting up or running a large application.
Key Features
- Ergonomic Design for Natural Grip The vertical design of a 62 degree tilt and natural handshake can perfectly fit the palm of your hand, keeping your arms and wrists in a relaxed state, so that you won't feel tired after a day of work
- Bluetooth & 2.4G Wireless Connection：PLUG and PLAY. This trackball mouse has triple connection modes(2.4G+BT 5.1+BT 3.0). You can control three devices at the same time, switch freely between Android, tablet and Mac with just one button. Note all the buttons are non-programmable and the backward forward buttons are not compatible with Mac OS system
- Thumb Trackball Mouse Equipped with a smooth trackball, move your cursor with your thumb movement instead of moving your wrist and arm. It will effectively reduce fatigue and strain for your wrist and arm. Not only work on flat surfaces, but also on your leg, sofa and other surfaces as well, especially in a narrow space, such as the messy desktop
- Rechargeable & Quiet Clicking The vertical trackball mouse equipped with a build-in rechargeable battery, could be recharged easily with the included USB-C cable. Please remember to turn it off if you do not use it for a long time. Smooth frosted surface and quiet clicks can bring a better user experience and free your worry about bothering others and keep you stay focused while working
- Wide Compatibility & Adjustable DPI This vertical rollerball mouse is suitable for laptop/PC/notebook/tablet/Macbook/ipad/iPhone. It is compatible with Windows, Android, Mac OS etc. 5 DPI levels (200/400/800/1200/1600 DPI) allows you to change the cursor sensitivity easily for more precise tracking
- After using the trackball for a period of time, please clean the trackball and the three white rollers inside the hole to ensure that the trackball is always smooth. Note When the computer is just started or a large application is running, it may also cause the trackball to not run smoothly
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D7Q1Z9PQ |
|---|---|
| Brand | ProtoArc |
| Color | Blue |
| Theme | Computer |
| Finish | Matte |
| Model Name | EM05 NL |
| Style Name | Modern |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Weight | 0.17 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | ProtoArc |
| Model Number | EM05 NL |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Built-In Media | Type C Charging Cable, USB Receiver, User Manual, Vertical Trackball Mouse |
| Button Quantity | 7 |
| Special Feature | Ergonomic Design, Quiet, Rechargeable, Wireless |
| Antenna Location | Business, Office |
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic or Metal Alloy |
| Movement Detection | Trackball |
| Full listing title | ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse, EM05 NL Bluetooth Ergonomic Rollerball Mouse Rechargeable Computer Laptop Thumb Mice, 3 Device Connection, Compatible with iPad, Mac, Windows, PC-Blue |
Ready to buy?
ProtoArc Vertical Wireless Trackball Mouse, EM05 NL Bluetooth Ergonomic Rollerball Mouse Rechargeable Computer Laptop Thumb Mice, 3 Device Connection, Compatible with iPad, Mac, Windows, PC-Blue is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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