Trackpads can be found built into almost all laptops. But they’re not exclusively for laptop users. In fact, a growing number of PC users are ditching their mice for the smooth feel of a touchpad.
What’s causing the shift towards trackpads? Compared to traditional mice, trackpads can allow quicker navigation. They’re also more comfortable on the wrists and they can be used by both left and right-handed users.
Most people have no idea where to start when buying a trackpad. This post explores 10 of the top choices on the market.
Contour Touch
When it comes to ergonomic design, nothing beats the Contour Touch. This award-winning touchpad combines a centered position, gentle sloped design and built-in wrist rest to reduce aches and cramps when using it for long periods. A high resolution glass surface meanwhile allows smooth and accurate finger control. You can buy this trackpad in wired or wireless form.
Best for: All-day users wanting to ward off RSIs
Apple Magic Trackpad
Mac users may want to consider the Apple Magic Trackpad. This trackpad uses Force Touch technology – sensors detect varying pressure levels for greater control. It’s the same technology found in the touchscreen on Macbooks. You can use this input device on Windows computers, but you’ll need to do some driver tweaking first, so bear this in mind. These trackpads are available in white or black.
Best for: Mac owners craving the feel of a touchscreen
HyperSpace Trackpad Pro
The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro is a premium option that lives up to its sci-fi name. It provides low-latency performance (faster-reacting clicks and movements), the option to map shortcuts onto the pad and fully customizable haptic control (allowing you to adjust how pressure sensitive the pad is). It uses a Windows-based software called Hydra Connect making it popular for Microsoft users.
Best for: Gamers and designers needing full tactile control
Seenda Multitouch
Available at a much lower price point than the trackpads above, the Seenda Multitouch still provides multi-finger gestures and wireless connectivity while sporting a reasonably large surface area. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a trackpad with no advanced features, but that is still capable enough to feel just like a laptop. It’s currently not available through their site suggesting that they may have discontinued manufacturing, however some online retailers still stock it.
Best for: Budget-conscious users that still want multi-touch
ProtoArc T1
The ProtoArc T1 provides a good balance of comfort, size and features. It has a smooth surface that supports standard Windows multi-touch features. Unlike some trackpads that use haptic feedback, the ProtoArc T1 keeps things old-skool with left-right buttons. However, it still feels very modern and reacts just as well as your average laptop touchpad.
Best for: Everyday users looking for a well-balanced mid-range solution
Keymecher MANO-720UB
While bluetooth trackpads allow greater portability and can free up excess cables from your desk, you do need to regularly charge them up to keep them working. The Keymecher MANO-720UB is a wired trackpad that you can keep plugged-in for ease. And it’s a pretty solid trackpad option – it offers reliable tracking and support for basic to intermediate gestures. There are also bluetooth variants of this trackpad available.
Best for: Office users happy with a reliable wired-in option
Perixx PERIPAD-501 Wired USB
This is another wired trackpad. It’s also one of the most affordable and compact trackpads that you will find on the market. You can expect fairly basic functionality out of it – it’s not as responsive or comfortable to use as some of the other models listed above. But if you’re looking for a budget, portable option, it’s a good choice.
Best for: People with small desk setups or those with a very tight budget
Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard
These next three hardware accessories aren’t solely trackpads – they’re keyboards with integrated touchpads for an all-in-one approach. The Microsoft All-in-One Media Keyboard is one of the most popular examples of this. It can be integrated with PCs or TVs for navigating and searching up shows. If you’ve been thinking of getting a new keyboard and a trackpad, it may make sense to buy both as one accessory. The trackpad itself is very high end and great for regular office use.
Best for: Those looking for a high quality keyboard and trackpad for multi-use
Logitech K400 Touchpad Keyboard
The Logitech K400 is a very lightweight bluetooth keyboard/touchpad that boasts a 10-meter range. It has mouse keys, volume controls and shortcut functions. It doesn’t have quite as firm and robust a keyboard as the Microsoft All-in-One, but for communal use when selecting videos on YouTube or shows on Netflix, it’s just the tool you need.
Best for: Families looking for a couch-friendly device for streaming
Inateck Tablet Keyboard With Touchpad
Our final trackpad accessory is another all-in-one keyboard and touchpad. It’s designed primarily for tablet users and is notably light and compact. It’s also a very budget-friendly solution. Inateck devices are reliable and can be used with most computers and devices. Choose from a few different colors and styles.
Best for: Tablet users looking for a cheap portable device.
Things to consider when buying a PC trackpad
Decide first whether you want a standalone trackpad or a keyboard combo. The latter can save space and is typically a good portable solution, but the keyboard on these devices may not always be high quality enough for regular typing.
If you choose a standalone trackpad, consider what your budget is and the quality you’re looking for. Do you need something that’s highly ergonomic? Do you want a device with precise touch sensitivity? Or are you happy to spend less on something more basic? It will likely depend on how regularly you plan on using the trackpad as to whether you need something more premium.
Many trackpads connect via bluetooth, but wired options are also available if you’d prefer to have a device that you can leave plugged-in. With wireless options, consider the battery life and the range (a high range may not matter if you’re using it at a desk).