Logitech MX Ergo review: trackball mice still make sense

I have been a trackball user for some time now and for the last years, I have enjoyed one of the best trackball mice designed by Logitech, the M570 (Check on Amazon.com). An outstanding trackball, with perfect ergonomics, and autonomy that can reach years. A trackball that marked a before and after since I recently decided to try out the Logitech MX Ergo (Check on Amazon.com) – I didn’t buy it until I found one at a price that I thought was right.

Read more: Logitech M570 review: the trackball redefined

In fact, the Logitech MX Ergo has a much higher price than its predecessor, at least when it was launched, but it also brings improvements that I consider paramount. Currently, you can buy it for (Check on Amazon.com), although its official price is still $99.99.

Logitech MX Ergo – Design

The MX Ergo brings some important improvements over the M570. It has been partially redesigned in a way that it adapts better to the hand and that means being larger and heavier. The materials are of higher quality, with a rougher grip surface, but at the same time more comfortable. The base is now metallic and is completely covered with rubber that “sticks” to your desk’s surface.

This base is not fixed to the trackball, but it is held by a powerful magnet. This system allows the MX Ergo to adopt two different positions: flat or forming a 20-degree angle with the surface.

The tilt position adds a correction factor that many users with carpal tunnel problems (or the ones who want to avoid it) would appreciate it since in this position it feels much more like an ergonomic mouse instead of a trackball. I personally like to switch between both positions during the day, in order to force a postural change during the long working hours.

The MX Ergo also has way more buttons. Two are found in the new scroll wheel that can tilt right and left. A very useful one is the Precision mode button that reduces the mouse’s sensitivity and lets us execute fine movements. Of course, all the buttons are customizable via the software.

Another novelty is that this model now supports Bluetooth, in addition to the Unifying receiver that comes standard, and is capable of connecting with up to two devices simultaneously and we can switch between them with the touch of a button.

Last but not least the Logitech MX Ergo doesn’t need any batteries since it includes a Li-Ion battery that we can charge via the micro-USB port on the front (so you can still use it while recharging) and that offers you up to 4 months of autonomy with normal use.

The only advantage of the previous model over this one is that it had a compartment to store the Unifying dongle which was great for transport.

Logitech MX Ergo – Software

The software is also better. Logitech Flow support, for example, allows us to work with two computers (a desktop PC and a laptop for me) at the same time, and even share files between them just as if they were extended screens of each other.

Logitech Options also offers other basic settings such as vertical scrolling, scrolling speed or button programming. It is simple to use and virtually universal for the entire Logitech lineup for several years now.

Logitech MX Ergo – Performance

I am not here to tell you if the Logitech MX Ergo is a good mouse or not, I wouldn’t be impartial in my judgment since I have been waiting to buy this mouse from the day it came out. The new more modern and ergonomic design, better connectivity and integrated battery were enough to make me want to retire my veteran Logitech M570.

My experience, in the beginning, wasn’t that great. The rubber base that I described before did not offer the grip I was expecting. Luckily using the mouse the grip improved. The tilting base is the best feature of this new model since the postural change makes a huge difference after hours of static work. Every time I shift between the two positions it alleviates my hand’s stress, stress that was already greatly reduced by this type of peripheral.

The position of the thumb is comfortable, the ball size is perfect, the precision is on par with anything else I ever tried and the new Precision mode is a godsend whenever you need to move or place the cursor with pinpoint accuracy.

The buttons are large, with a good response and tactile feedback and the scroll wheel is OK.

Maybe the best compliment I can give it is that it made me forget of my dear old M570 in just a few days.

The Logitech M570 is still a great mouse

For me, (Check on Amazon.com) is not a comfortable investment for a mouse, but I know that I will amortize it over time. The official $99.99 price is completely out of touch. To my surprise, the Logitech M570 can be currently found for just (Check on Amazon.com) and it honestly seems like a steal. It is a magnificent trackball, with excellent quality, a huge autonomy and a great option for those who want to try out a trackball mouse without spending an arm and a leg.

Logitech MX Ergo – Verdict

Switching to a trackball mouse for work seems like a leap of faith and one I made myself many years ago. I had a co-worker that was using one even when gaming (!) and I was intrigued by it. After I gave it a try, I understood that he knew what he was doing. I still can’t use it for gaming though… I have a Razer Naga Trinity (Check on Amazon.com) for that.

Read more: Razer Naga Trinity review: a gaming mouse of excellent craftsmanship

For work, researching, writing, and video editing this and hundreds of other articles, I will always use a trackball mouse and the Logitech MX Ergo (Check on Amazon.com) is currently the best one there is.