When you buy a computer, the standard piece of equipment that you would use to perform actions is a mouse, right? Well, did you know that there is another peripheral out there that allows you to do many of the same functions?
Meet the trackpad. While many people would rather use a mouse as their default computer accessory, there is something to be said for using a trackpad instead. To help enlighten some people to the benefits that a trackpad can have, we thought highlighting the best trackpads in 2021 would go a long way in helping people rediscover the trackpad.
Before we start though, for quite some time now, the camps of people who use a mouse and those who use a trackpad have butted heads. Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the battle.
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Peripheral Battle: Mouse vs Trackpad
As old as the battle between Pepsi and Coke, the supporters of the mouse or a trackpad can be very passionate and vocal of their choice. To act as the mediator in this battle for the ages, let’s look at the pros and cons of both choices and let you decide for yourself.
Mouse
Those who swear by the mouse will point out that scrolling up and down using the wheel on a mouse is faster and easier plus some higher-end mice have additional buttons that can be programmed for specific functions which can be a huge benefit if you work in any type of creative field.
It’s not all roses though. While a computer mouse is a germ magnet and while you can’t see the germs, to keep from getting sick you have to make sure that you keep it clean and not everyone is super-vigilant. Also, even a wireless mouse requires a way to connect to your computer and that means using a USB port. If your computer only has two USB ports, this means you only have one left, unless you spend more money on a USB hub.
Trackpad
While not as popular as their clickable cousin, trackpads can provide many benefits to users that keep them a viable option. The best trackpads can support multi-touch gestures, supporting input from up to five fingers, and provide customizable shortcuts that can help save time and effort. Trackpads tend to be more affordable as well and if you’re able to use a smartphone, you will know how to use a trackpad. If anything, the biggest benefit a trackpad offers is an ergonomic one. A trackpad lets you put your wrist at a more comfortable and natural position severely reducing the risk of developing carpal tunnel issues.
While there are many benefits, trackpads are really the best option if you have a lot of text to highlight as it doesn’t always provide the pinpoint accuracy that a mouse can. Also, if you happen to have limited finger mobility, using a trackpad can be difficult, and not every trackpad works with every computer so making sure to pick one that’s compatible can be arduous.
Best Trackpads of 2021 – Overview
- Apple Magic TouchPad 2 – $123
- Seenda Multi-Touch – $59
- Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad – $209
- Logitech Touch Lapdesk – $35
- Jelly Comb Trackpad Mouse – $69
- Perixx PERIPAD-501 Wired USB Touchpad – $209
- Wacom Intuos Pro – $247
- Perixx Peripad 504 – $29
Best Trackpads of 2021 Compared
Best Trackpads of 2021
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 – $123
The best trackpad. Period.
The Magic Trackpad 2 from Apple is the cream of the crop in the world of trackpads. With an ultra-low profile that helps to keep your hand in its natural, flat position and reduce the risk of an RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) while you click and scroll using the trackpad’s glass surface. By providing the same support for gestures that you can perform on a MacBook and you can also perform different tasks by applying different amounts of pressure thanks to the use of Force Touch technology in the trackpad. While it natively supports macOS, there is no support for Windows which could leave some users looking for another option.
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- Redesigned and rechargeable, Magic Trackpad 2 includes a built-in battery and brings Force Touch to the desktop for the first time.
- Four force sensors underneath the trackpad surface allow you to click anywhere, and detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing increased functionality to your fingertips...
- Magic Trackpad 2 also features an edge-to-edge glass surface area that is nearly 30 per cent larger than the previous trackpad. This design, along with a lower profile, makes scrolling and swiping...
- Magic Trackpad 2 pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away.
- System Requirements- Bluetooth 4.0-enabled Mac computer with OS X v10.11 or later
Seenda Multi-Touch – $59
A great, programmable trackpad
One of the complaints that some people have about trackpads is a lack of hotkeys that they can program to do certain things. The Multi-Touch TrackPad from Seenda alleviates that problem with five hotkeys that you can set up to access the programs you need and at about 4 millimeters thick, it’s not going to take up a ton of space on your desk. The machined metal trackpad is compatible with the Windows operating system and comes with anti-slip pads so it stays in one place.
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【Intuitive Multi-Touch Navigation with 5 Hotkeys】Point, scroll and swipe your way through web pages, emails, documents and more with simple gesture-based controlling. Convenient hotkeys:...
【Ultra Slim Metallic Touchpad】Designed with durable metal base and anti-slip pads on the bottom. 6.3 Inch large touch screen. Touch Dimension: 136*85mm(5.4*3.4 inch), thickness 3-5mm(0.12-0.16...- 【Support High Precision Settings on Windows 10】Our touchpad will be recognized as a precision trackpad to set all the tap to click and multiple finger gesture support. For example, you can set...
- 【Plug and Play & Stable USB Connection】Just Plug the USB cable into your computer’s USB port, the touchpad is ready to work, no additional driver needed. Reliable and stable connection...
- 【Compatibility & Product Warranty】Supports Windows 10, Windows 7 PC, laptop, desktop.(For OS system or Linux, not support three-four finger gestures and precision settings) 30-day Money Back +...
Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad – $209
Best High-end trackpad
With its simple design, the Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad from Logitech will look like a mousepad at first glance but those who look beyond that will find a great product. Thanks to its flat glass surface, the touchpad offers programmable gestures that are smooth and straightforward. USB wireless connectivity means that you won’t have to fumble around with wires on your desk and while it works seamlessly with Windows, Mac uses might have connectivity issues.
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- Fast, fluid Windows 8 touch navigation: Glide through all your content with the full range of Windows 8 touch gestures
- Large, glass touch area: Spacious touch surface delivers premium smoothness and navigating precision
- Click-anywhere surface: Click wherever your fingers rest, virtually anywhere on the touch surface
- Rechargeable convenience: Long-life internal battery with easy USB charging, even while you work
- Wireless simplicity: Tiny Unifying receiver connects up to six compatible mice and keyboards using just one USB port
Logitech Touch Lapdesk – $35
An innovative solution
Created as a small portable desk that sits on your lap, the Lapdesk from Logitech is a laptop tray that is so simplistic in its ease of use that anyone can do it. The design places your laptop on top of the device and the tray pulls out from the right-hand side with a large hand rest area at the bottom and two oversized left and right buttons, a row of multimedia keys, and a 5’ touchpad. Connecting the Lapdesk is very easy. Pre-packaged with batteries, plug in the USB nano-receiver, turn the Lapdesk on, and away you go. While laptops do come with their own touchpad, not everyone is a fan and this helps offer an innovative solution.
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- Easier browsing for your laptop: Large (5-inch) built-in multi-Touch Touchpad makes web navigation smooth and seamless
- Heat-shielding design: Protects you from laptop heat so you can browse in comfort
- Wireless simplicity: No cord hassles - plug the tiny Logitech Unifying receiver into your laptop and start browsing
- All-in-one convenience: The Touchpad retracts inside your lap desk for easy portability
- PC compatibility: Fits laptops with up to a 16-inch display
Jelly Comb Trackpad Mouse – $69
A great Apple trackpad clone for Windows
At first glance, you might think we’re trying to pull a fast one and highlight the trackpad from Apple again but you’d be wrong. While Jelly Comb is far from a household name, they are known for creating innovative products, such as the Trackpad Mouse. While it is a wired device, and only features support for Windows, multi-touch abilities and support for Windows gestures give it a great, natural feeling as an alternative to using a mouse. Taking more than a few cues from Apple’s design, the trackpad has a low profile and smooth, glazed surface that’s comfortable to use.
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- High Precision Multi-touch Controls：Perfect Touch Surface- more smooth operation than laptop touchpad. Fast and sensitive response at your fingertips. Multiple functions including , fluid click on...
- Portable and Convenient : This trackpad has ultra slim design. Almost unnoticed when put in your bag. Very convenient to replace your big mouse. Dimension: 5.5*4.04*0.23in. Perfect size for...
- WIDE COMPATIBILTY:SUPPORT Win 7/Win 10 PC Laptop Desktop Computers. NOTE: NOT work for Apple products.
- STABLE USB CONNECTION: Plug ang play. No additional driver needed. Reliable and stable connection through USB cable, enables you to use it freely without any connection problem.
- Best Customer Service: All products with 30-day Money Back✚12-month Manufacturer Warranty. If you receive any defective item, we provide FULL REFUND or FREE REPLACEMENT. Please feel free to contact...
Perixx Peripad-501 – $19
A great, budget-friendly trackpad
Aesthetics aside, the Peripad-501 from Perixx is an incredibly reliable device at an affordable price that doesn’t need fancy features for it to be useful. Packed with multi-touch support, a pointing feature, and two-finger scrolling so you can browse your favorite websites without a problem, the Peripad-501 is simply to use. Plug it into a USB port and you’re ready to go. The device is compatible with Windows 7-10, making it a great choice for the home or the office.
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- Easy to Use: 2 Buttons external touch pad with a plug and play feature; No driver needed
- Multi-touch Gestures: with 7 features such as one finger slide, one finger touch, 2 finger tap, double click, tag and drop, vertical scroll, and zoom in/out
- Durable USB Cable: Wired touch pad with 5 foot and 3 inches long durable cable
- Compact Design: Small and Light portable touch pad with a dimension of 3.39 x 2.95 x 0.43 inch
- Compatible Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 for PC, laptop, desktop only; Package includes: Peripad-501 II and 12-month limited warranty
Wacom Intuos Pro (small) – $249
The best “outside of the box” trackpad
We know what you’re going to say. You’re going to tell us that the Intuos Pro from Wacom is a graphic design tablet, not a trackpad but hear us out. The Intuos Pro is one of the few high-end drawing tablets that can be used to emulate a high-precision trackpad that is used with most PCs. The 4×6-inch work area gives you a large amount of room to handle tasks on your computer, plus it comes with a multitude of programmable controls that very few other trackpads do. All this and the inclusion of the Pro Pen 2 stylus make this outside the box choice very appealing.
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- Wacom trusted Professional Pro pen 2 technology in a precision graphics tablet, optimized for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
- Slim tablet design with the most compact footprint in the Intuos Pro line (10.6 inch x 6.7 inch) and an active area of (6.3 inch x 3.9 inch) for anyone with a serious creative passion but lacking in...
- Pro pen 2 features 8, 192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt response and virtually lag free tracking for ultimate precision and control; Latex free silicone rubber grip
- Speed your workflow with the multi touch surface, programmable express keys, radial menus and pen side switches; Customize your experience with pro pen slim or pro pen 3D (sold separately)
- System requirements: USB port, Windows 7 or later (64bit), Mac OS 10.12 or later, Bluetooth classic for included wireless connection to PC or Mac
Perixx Peripad 504 – $29
A great trackpad built to be durable
While the Peripad 504 is available in two sizes, the 2 x 4-inch trackpad makes the larger size a better option. Featuring multi-touch gesture support in Windows, and a left and right physical buttons that are super responsive and incredibly tactile. Like other trackpads from Perixx, the 504 puts a priority on function, not aesthetics which helps it be one of the most durable trackpads available. An additional benefit is a long cord that comes with the trackpad, a feature that many other trackpads have seemed to do the opposite. Perixx designed the Peripad to withstand years of use in industrial environments so its durability is without question.
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- 4. 72x3. 54x0. 75 Inches (120x90x19mm) compact size design with roomy touchpad 4. 13x2. 17 Inches (105x55mm) and 2 buttons
- Sliding, tapping, scrolling and zooming feature
- Perfectly match with industrial and professional application
- Durable 6. 0 ft. cable
- System requirements: Windows 7, 8, 10. Wired USB connection. Package includes: 1 x PERIPAD-504. 12-Month limited
Best Trackpads of 2021
Using a trackpad can not only be a more affordable decision but can also help save your hands and wrists from an unneeded injury that might occur when using a mouse. While the battle rages on over which is better, if we’ve added some fuel to the fire and made you reconsider a trackpad, then we’re glad you checked out our list of the best trackpads of 2021 and hope the right side wins.
The post 10 Best Trackpads & Touchpads of 2021 first appeared on JUST™ Creative.
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