Perixx PERIMICE-717 Wireless Trackball
A budget-friendly wireless trackball with a large 1.34-inch ball and ergonomic shape — the entry point to trackball life without the Logitech price tag.
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What we like
- Large 1.34-inch trackball is easier to control than smaller thumb balls
- Ergonomic right-hand shape reduces wrist strain during long sessions
- Five programmable buttons cover most workflow shortcuts
- Runs on two AAA batteries with aggressive power-saving
Could be better
- Only 400/1000 DPI — no fine-grained sensitivity tuning
- Plastic build feels cheaper than premium trackballs
- 2.4GHz USB dongle only, no Bluetooth option
Full Review
The Perixx PERIMICE-717 is what you buy when you want to try a trackball without dropping $100+ on a Logitech MX Ergo or Kensington Expert. It’s a finger-operated trackball (not thumb), which means better precision and less thumb fatigue — a genuine ergonomic advantage that Perixx gets right at a budget price.
Build and Feel
The body is all plastic and doesn’t try to hide it. Panel gaps are visible, the scroll wheel has some wobble, and the matte finish picks up fingerprints. That said, the shape is genuinely comfortable. The right-hand contour supports your palm naturally, and the 1.34-inch ball sits under your index and middle fingers where it belongs.
The ball itself rolls smoothly on three small bearings. It’s not as glass-smooth as Kensington’s premium models, but after a week it loosens up and feels fine for daily work.
Daily Use
Tracking at 1000 DPI is accurate enough for spreadsheets, writing, and web browsing. Photo editing or any pixel-precise work will have you wishing for more DPI options — 400 and 1000 are the only settings, with no software to fine-tune. The five programmable buttons cover back, forward, and three customizable slots, which is plenty for most workflows.
Battery life is excellent. Two AAAs last months with the auto-sleep feature, and the on/off switch on the bottom helps when you travel with it.
PERIMICE-717 vs. Logitech MX Ergo
If you want the best trackball and have the budget, the MX Ergo is still the clear winner — better materials, Bluetooth, tilt adjustment, and much better software. If you want to find out whether trackballs work for your hand before spending $100, the PERIMICE-717 is the cheapest honest way to do it.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you’re curious about trackballs and don’t want to commit $100 to the experiment, or if you need a second trackball for a travel bag. Skip it if you already know you want a premium trackball — save up for the MX Ergo or Kensington Expert instead.
