Alternative Mice and Pointing Devices

Alternative mice and pointing devices replace or supplement a standard computer mouse for people who cannot use one comfortably or reliably. Like keyboards, pointing devices can be adapted in many ways to match a person's physical abilities, and this page gives a general overview of common approaches without recommending a specific product for any individual.

TRACKBALLS

A trackball is a stationary pointing device with a ball that is rolled to move the cursor, separating cursor movement from the need to move the entire hand and arm across a surface. Trackballs can be operated with a finger, palm, or foot, depending on design, and can reduce the range of motion needed compared to a standard mouse.

JOYSTICKS

Pointer joysticks allow cursor movement through a small lever that can be operated with a hand, chin, mouth, or foot. Joysticks can be useful for people with limited fine motor control who can still make broader directional movements.

TOUCHPADS

External touchpads allow cursor control through a light touch or gesture on a flat surface, which can be easier for some users than gripping and moving a mouse, particularly when combined with adjusted sensitivity settings.

ALTERNATIVE MICE

A range of specialized mice exist with different shapes, sizes, and button configurations, including vertical mice that reduce wrist strain, large-button mice that are easier to grip, and single-button or reduced-button mice for people who have difficulty distinguishing or operating multiple buttons.

HEAD-CONTROLLED POINTING

Head-controlled pointing systems use a camera or sensor to track head movement and translate it into cursor movement, allowing computer access for people who cannot use their hands but have reliable head movement. Selection is typically made through a switch, dwell time, or another secondary input.

DWELL SELECTION

Dwell selection allows a click to be triggered by holding the cursor over a target for a set amount of time, which is often used with head-controlled pointing, eye gaze, or other access methods where physically pressing a button is difficult.

TOUCH ALTERNATIVES

For touchscreen devices, accessibility features can adjust touch sensitivity, add alternative gestures, or allow a stylus or head-mounted pointer to be used instead of a finger, extending touch-based access to more users.

POINTER CUSTOMIZATION

Most operating systems allow pointer speed, size, color, and click behavior to be customized, which can make a standard or alternative pointing device easier to see and control without additional hardware.

MOUSE KEYS

Mouse Keys is an accessibility feature, available on many operating systems, that allows the numeric keypad or other keys to move the mouse cursor and perform clicks, providing a keyboard-based alternative to a physical pointing device.

MOUNTING AND POSITIONING

Alternative pointing devices are often mounted or positioned to match a person's reach, posture, and available movement, similar to considerations for alternative keyboards and switches. Consistent positioning across settings can improve accuracy and reduce fatigue.

ACCURACY

Pointing accuracy depends on factors such as device sensitivity, screen resolution, target size, and a person's motor control. Adjusting sensitivity and enlarging on-screen targets can often improve accuracy without changing hardware.

RANGE OF MOTION

Different pointing devices require different amounts and directions of movement. Choosing a device that matches the range of motion a person can perform reliably and comfortably is central to successful use.

FATIGUE

As with keyboards, the cumulative effort of using a pointing device over a realistic period of time matters more than how easy a single movement feels in isolation.

SPEED VERSUS ACCURACY

Many pointing device settings involve a tradeoff between speed and accuracy. Faster cursor movement can reduce the time needed to reach a target but may make precise selection harder, while slower movement can improve accuracy at the cost of speed.

FEATURE MATCHING

Feature matching for alternative mice and pointing devices means aligning device sensitivity, required movement, mounting options, and selection method with an individual's motor abilities, vision, and goals, rather than choosing equipment based on general popularity.

RELATED RESOURCES

For a broader discussion of computer access methods available on Mac, see Mac Access Methods. For alternative keyboards often used alongside pointing devices, see Alternative Keyboards. For switch-based access methods, see Switch Access. For general guidance on matching technology to individual needs, see AT Assessment & Selection.

AUTHORITATIVE RESOURCES

For an overview of alternative pointing systems for people who cannot use a standard mouse, see Alternative Pointing Systems from DO-IT at the University of Washington. For a broader look at keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, see Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives and Adaptations from AbilityNet. For guidance on using the keyboard to control the mouse pointer on Windows, see Use Mouse Keys from Microsoft.

ABOUT THIS PAGE

This page is provided for general educational purposes and is maintained by Accessibility Clinic, Inc. Pointing device needs vary by individual, task, positioning, equipment, and goals, so the examples described here do not constitute individualized recommendations. For an individualized evaluation, see AssistiveTechnologyEvaluations.org.