The 7 Best Intuitive Trackpads to Enhance Your Productivity This 2024
Excellent for swiping, clicking, and pinching-to-zoom, these gadgets make for a more streamlined workflow.
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In the world of computer peripherals, the trackpad has established itself as a versatile, practical alternative to using a traditional mouse. These devices swap the constant wrist movements of pointing and clicking with a mouse for more fluid swiping, scrolling, and multi-touch gesturing. While trackpads are generally built into laptops, our list highlights several standalone models that can help enhance the usability of a computer.
In addition to precise control, silent operation, and customization, trackpads also provide a natural and comfortable experience, including improved accessibility for people with mobility impairments. Plus, some external trackpads provide more surface area than those that are built into even the best laptops on the market. Trackpads also look great with any desk without taking up too much room, thanks to their low profile and minimal footprint — not to mention they’re perfect for a multitude of tasks, from editing images and interacting with lengthy PDF documents to browsing the web.
The Best Trackpads
- Best Overall: Apple Magic Trackpad
- Best Budget: Perixx Peripad-501 Wired USB Trackpad
- Best for PC: VssoPlor USB Trackpad
- Best for the Mouse-Inclined: Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse
- Best Keyboard: Arteck Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad
What to Consider
Compatibility
To use a trackpad, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with the computer’s operating system, whether it is Windows, MacOS, or both. While trackpads are generally compatible with both, some models may only work with older Windows 10 software and not the latest Windows 11 operating system (double-check what OS the computer is running before buying one).
If it’s a Mac computer (or iPad), we recommend using Apple’s Magic Trackpad. The trackpad offers deeper integration with the software, including multi-touch gestures and Force Touch (more on that later).
Wired vs. Wireless
Next, you need to decide whether you want a wireless or wired trackpad. Wired trackpads connect to your computer with a USB cable, while wireless uses Bluetooth. Wired connections are much more reliable and you won’t have to worry about recharging the battery, either. However, wireless models are more versatile and less annoying to use, since a cord won’t get in the way. Unfortunately, wireless models may occasionally suffer from lag, so keep that in mind.
Additional Features
Some trackpads come with additional features like customization, haptic feedback, and palm rejection technology. These features can greatly enhance the experience beyond pointing a computer’s cursor where to go. For instance, multi-touch gestures, such as two-finger scrolling, three-finger swipe, and pinch-to-zoom, can enhance productivity and help you interact well with specific apps. For photographers and graphic designers, pinch-to-zoom allows for precise viewing and detailed editing.
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