Which is Better? Trackpad vs Mouse

Trackpad vs mouse – is one better than the other?

To answer this question, we’re taking a closer look at both trackpads and mice. We’ll cover the basics of what they are along with the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which is better for your set up.

Trackpad

A trackpad serves as a touch-sensitive interface that allows you to interact with your laptop by detecting the motion and position of your finger. Moving your finger along the trackpad will control the cursor on your laptop screen. Trackpads usually include at least two buttons, or clickpads, to register any clicks or inputs.

Trackpads are typically found on gaming laptops, however you can also find trackpads that are USB compatible and can be plugged into your gaming PC.

Advantages of a Trackpad

Requires less space than a mouse (when integrated into a laptop).
Intelligent gesture controls.
Only have to move your finger, not your whole hand which can help to reduce strain on your wrists.
Portable. Easy to carry around with you and plug in when you need it.
Both wired and wireless variants available.

Disadvantages of a Trackpad

The signals can easily get interrupted by moisture on the trackpad or your finger.
Harder to use when gaming.
Notably slower than a mouse.
Requires a spare USB port (if wired).

Mouse

Alternatively, you can also use a mouse to register inputs into your laptop or PC. A typical mouse will include a high-quality sensor and physical switches to track your movements with enhanced precision and accuracy. The adjustable DPI allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity of your mouse to suit your individual preferences. The higher the DPI is, the more responsive and precise it will be.

In addition to this, most mice also feature programmable buttons that you can customise with different profiles for a competitive edge in-game. Plus, their ergonomic shape and feet reduce any excess strain on your hands and wrist, whilst also ensuring your mouse will glide effortlessly across any surface.

Leaning more towards a gaming mouse but want to know more? Check out our dedicated guide to gaming mice.

Advantages of a Mouse

Faster response time compared to a trackpad.
More accurate.
Comfortable to use. Most gaming mice feature an ergonomic design to reduce any excess strain on your hands and wrists.
Most mice include plenty of customisable features, including programmable buttons and RGB lighting.
Both wired and wireless models available to suit every type of set up.

Disadvantages of a Mouse

Requires a spare USB port (if wired).
Not included with a laptop or PC. You need to purchase one separately at an additional cost.
Often requires you to install extra drivers or software before you adjust features such as programmable buttons or RGB.
Can be limited by battery life (if wireless).

Trackpad vs Mouse – Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, which one you choose depends on your individual preferences.

For those looking to enjoy gaming or who have intensive workloads, we recommend you invest in a mouse. The combination of a high-quality sensor and switches will deliver you a boost in performance thanks to superior tracking and accuracy. All your mouse clicks will be registered at ultra-fast speeds which is sure to prove advantageous during the heat of battle.

Plus, if you are concerned about the extra cable getting snagged and interrupting your game, you can opt for a wireless mouse instead. Wireless mice offer you the same level of performance and utilise either Bluetooth or a separate wireless USB dongle to ensure a reliable connection.

However, if you aren’t using your laptop or PC for gaming or intensive workloads, then a trackpad is more than enough. With a trackpad, you can enjoy smooth gliding with minimal strain on your wrists. You’ll have everything you need to register your keypress and have full control over your cursor on screen for simple web browsing or work.

What’s more, for those who work on-the-go, trackpads are the better option. Whether you are using wired or wireless, a trackpad is easy to carry with you wherever you go. Simply just plug in as and when you need it, with no additional drivers or software required.

Alternatively, you can even consider utilising a mouse and trackpad simultaneously. You can freely switch between both options depending on your task to deliver you the best possible performance. If you are gaming and require fast response times and accuracy, harness your trusty gaming mouse. For simple internet browsing or low intensive workloads, a trackpad is perfect for limiting any excess hand movements to reduce strain.

Looking to Upgrade?

Have you decided on a mouse and are now looking to upgrade? At Overclockers UK, we’ve got a huge range of premium gaming mice with both wired and wireless models available. We’ve included two of our favourites below, but you can also shop all our gaming mice by clicking the button.

Shop Gaming Mice