Recently, I tried out the new MX Ergo S from Logitech because I’m a fan of trackballs. Let me explain why. Some years ago, when I was working on a daily newspaper with incessant deadlines, I started to develop a repetitive strain injury in my wrist from using a mouse all day. It’s an occupational hazard for knowledge workers, many of whom experience RSI through video editing. RSI could be a sign you are spending more time with your computer than their family.

To counter this ergonomic problem, I tried all kinds of remedies like wrist braces and elasticated bandages, all to no avail. Over the years, the design and shape of mice may have improved a lot, but I was still moving my hand too much and the mouse was also taking up a lot of space on my cramped desk.

Eventually, I finally found a solution in the Logitech Ergo M575 trackball. With no mouse to push around my desk, I could now do everything with small movements of my thumb by manipulating a ball. Within weeks, my RSI disappeared. My old Logitech Ergo M575 is now super shiny from years of use and wear, but it still functions fine.

Logitech newest trackball is the MX Ergo S, part of the company’s premium MX range of desktop peripherals. Like most of the Logitech MX range, the MX Ergo S trackball features very quiet buttons that are designed for shared offices and are up to 80% quieter than many regular mouse buttons. The trackball is also certified by qualified ergonomists and Logitech says it can reduce muscle strain by up to 27%.

Ergonomic Shape And Angle

The MX Ergo S trackball has a shape that’s similar to the legendary Logitech MX 3S mouse, probably one of the most popular premium mice on the market. There is a steel pad on the base of trackpad that’s attached magnetically and can be set at a tilt or kept flat. The tilt of 20 degrees enables the user put the trackball in a more natural wrist position that makes it more comfortable to use.

Instead of using a single AA battery, like the Ergo M575, the new MX Ergo S has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a USB Type-C port. Like many products in Logitech’s MX range, the battery lasts for a long time between charges and can be fully topped up during a lunch break. In fact, a one-minute charge can provide sufficient juice for a full 24 hours of use.

When it comes to connecting to a host device, the MX Ergo S trackball offers the choice of Bluetooth, USB or Logitech’s proprietary wireless protocol called Bolt. Two devices can be paired at once with fast switching between them using a special button on top of the trackball.

To use Logitech’s Bolt connection, the trackball ships with a USB dongle that offers higher security than a regular Bluetooth connection and with a more robust signal, making it suitable for use in a busy offices where the airwave might be crowded from so many other Bluetooth devices, cordless phones or even microwave ovens.

Customizable Buttons

The controls on the MX Ergo S trackball consist of the usual main Left and Right buttons, plus there’s a much-improved scroll wheel, although Logitech didn’t opt for the same magnetic scroll wheel used on its MX 3S mouse. The scroll wheel can also function as a third button plus it can be pushed left and right for convenient horizontal scrolling.

Behind the scroll wheel is the Easy-Switch button which can flip between two paired host devices. For example, you could be working on a MacBook and need to switch over to a Windows computer. All you need to do is press the Easy-Switch button for a few seconds to flip back and forth between the two devices.

Next to the main left button on the MX Ergo S are two smaller buttons which work as Forward and Backward controls with a web browser. Like most of the buttons on the MX Ergo S, they can be programmed using the Logi Options+ software, which enables almost any Logitech device to be customized. Individual buttons and controls can even be set up to behave in different ways when running different software packages.

On the left of the MX Ergo S is the large trackball that you manipulate using your thumb. It takes a little getting used to at first, but once mastered you won’t want to go back to a traditional mouse. Behind the trackball is another button that functions as a quick switch for changing the tracking speed of the pointer. Alternatively, you can program that button to do something else, such as turning it into a shortcut for accessing an Emoji input menu.

When paired with one of Logitech’s keyboards like the Mini MX Keys for Mac, the MX Ergo S trackball takes up less space for a more ergonomic working environment. One of the problems when working from home is that, without the usual interruptions of a busy office, hours can pass without us noticing and when that happens, RSI and other problems can easily set in. Having a more ergomonic work space is important.

Logitech also makes a full range of MX keyboards including full-size and mini versions, with special editions for Macs, although all the MX keyboards can work with Macs, Windows and other devices. The keyboards have various pre-programmed shortcuts for boosting productivity and if a trackball isn’t your thing, you can buy an MX Keys S keyboard with a Master 3S mouse as a business combo set.

As well as keyboards with scissor membrane mechanisms used on Logitech’s low-profile MX Keys S keyboards, the company also sells full-sized and mini MX mechanical keyboards with low-profile and clicky keys that some people prefer to the softer membrane keyboards that feel more like a laptop.

Now that so many of us are working from home, often for long uninterrupted hours, a good ergonomic setup is essential to avoid repetitive strains or injuries. If you find your mouse or keyboard is causing RSI flareups, then the MX Ergo S trackball or a new keyboard could be a way to create a more comfortable and productive work environment.

Pricing and Availability:

The Logitech MX Ergo S trackball in Graphite is available now from Logitech, Amazon and other retail and online outlets, priced at $119.99 / £109.99 / €119.99. The Logitech MX Keys S keyboard is also available and priced at $119.99 / £109.99 / €129.99. Logitech uses recycled plastic wherever possible and its packaging is plastic free too.

Tech Specs:

• Sensor technology: Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking.
• Sensor DPI: 512 – 2,048 dpi.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth / Logi Bolt.
• Wireless range: 10m.
• Buttons: 8 (Left/Right-click, Back/Forward, Scroll-wheel with Right/Left-tilt and Middle-click, Precision Mode, Easy-switch).
• Customizable buttons: 6.
• Software: Logi Options+ for Windows and macOS.
• Battery: Rechargeable with USB-C charging.
• Battery life: Up to 120 days on a single full charge.
• Accessories: Logi Bolt USB receiver but not USB cable included.
• Dimensions (HxWxD):132.5 x 99.8 x 51.4mm.
• Weight: 164g / 259g (with metal plate/without receiver).