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The Big List of Computer Mouse Alternatives

Discover innovative computer mouse alternatives for enhanced productivity and comfort. To the find right computer mouse alternative for you, use the list below for a description, the benefits, and links to examples of each. (Keep in mind there are also alternative keyboards, both hardware and software.)

If you are interested in a particular mouse alternative, contact your State Assistive Technology Project to inquire about an assistive technology loan library. I recommend borrowing a mouse alternative from the loan library. Using an alternative mouse for a trial period will help in determining the best solution for you. Depending on the state’s loan library requirements, you may need to work with a local service provider in order to borrow a device or a laptop with software pre-loaded.

Hardware Options

Listed in alphabetical order

Ergonomic Mouse

A mouse alternative designed to keep your hand, wrist, and arm in a natural position to reduce strain.

Benefits

  • Offers a more comfortable hand position for some individuals
  • Helps prevent repetitive motion disorders

Examples of ergonomic mice at BounlessAT.com

Foot Mouse

Mouse alternative designed to move the mouse cursor and click buttons with your feet.

Benefits

  • Individuals who have limited or no use of his/her hands or has better motor control with his/her feet than with hands

Example of a foot mouse at Special Needs Computers

Note: You can also use a trackball with your foot.

Joystick Mouse

A joystick mouse is a lever that moves in all directions and controls the movement of the mouse cursor.

Benefits

  • No finger dexterity is required
  • Similar to power wheelchair control (read about using your actual wheelchair joystick for mouse control under the Software and Hardware Combination section below)
  • Can be controlled with the chin if positioned properly
  • One particular joystick is designed to be used with your mouth

Examples of joysticks at InfoGrip.com

Keyboard for Mouse Operations

Enable an operating system setting to allow the mouse cursor to be controlled using the keyboard instead of a mouse.

Benefits

  • Individuals with limited hand dexterity
  • May use a typing aid, head pointer, or mouth stick for mouse control
  • Can perform clicking, double-clicking, dragging and dropping

How to use your keyboard to control the mouse pointer in Windows 10 – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

Control the pointer using Mouse Keys on Mac – Apple Support article

Touch Pad

A touch pad uses a special surface to translate the motion or action of your finger(s) to move the mouse cursor and perform functions on the computer.

Benefits

  • Useful for individuals with a very small range of motion
  • Built into some laptops

Examples of external touch pads at BoundlessAT.com

Touchscreen

Touch the screen with a conductive material, like your bare finger, to move the mouse cursor, make selections, or perform an action.

Benefits

  • One of the most cognitively simple input devices because there is a direct connection between the selection action and the reaction on the screen
  • Can be used with a finger or a stylus held in your hand
  • Can also be used with accessories made with conductive copper wire or copper yarn such as touchscreen gloves or special head pointers or mouth sticks
  • Tablets and smartphones have touchscreens

Examples of laptops with touchscreens at BestBuy.com

Examples of head pointers at Assistive Technology Co

Examples of mouth sticks at Rehab-Store.com

Trackball

Move the mouse cursor by rolling a ball contained in a socket

Benefits

  • Requires minimal range of motion
  • Some keyboards have a mini-trackball built-in
  • An external trackball can be used with the foot or chin in addition to the hand

Examples of trackballs at InfoGrip.com

Wireless Mouse

Mouse that is not connected to the computer by a cable.

Benefits

  • Offers flexibility for positioning the mouse
  • Advantageous for individuals using a wheelchair

Examples of wireless mice at BestBuy.com

Software and Hardware Combinations

The following mouse emulators use a combination of hardware equipment and software applications. Listed in alphabetical order.

Brain-Computer Interface

Non-invasive: Move the mouse cursor using the detection of electrical signals on the forehead resulting from subtle facial muscles (eyebrow raise), eye movement, or brainwave activity.

Invasive: Involves a surgical implant

Eye Tracking

The mouse cursor tracks with your eye movement.

Benefits

  • Does not require hand or head control
  • Mouse clicks can be performed with a dwell or hover feature

Resources

List of eye tracking companies in the Assitive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Membership Directory

Get started with eye control in Windows (requires an external eye tracking device/camera) – Microsoft Support instructions

Head Movement

Use head movement to control the mouse cursor.

Benefits

  • Individuals who have limited or no use of hands or have better motor control with his/her head
  • Mouse clicks can be performed with a switch or dwell feature

Resources

Examples of head control at BoundlessAT.com

How to control your computer with head movement in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

Speech Recognition Software

Use voice commands to perform computer operations. Move the mouse cursor using a grid system.

Benefits

  • Individuals with limited motor control

Resources

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Tutorial : Using a Mouse with Speech Recognition on Windows

How to use Voice Access in Windows 11 – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

How to control your computer using Voice Control in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

Switch Interface and Switches

Navigate items on the screen by pressing a switch or multiple switches. Items on the screen are scanned, highlighting each item until you make a selection.

Type on an on-screen keyboard by pressing a switch or multiple switches. Groups of keys or individual keys on the screen will be scanned, highlighting each item, until you make a selection.

You will need a switch interface to connect the switch to your computer or mobile device and to assign the switch action.

Benefits

  • Any body part can be used access the computer (foot, elbow, knee, head, hand, finger for example)
  • Need both a switch interface and switch(es).
  • Option: Morse code can be used to type letters using a single switch or two switches

Examples of switch interfaces at Inclusive Technology

Examples of switches at AbleNetInc.com

How to use switches to control your computer in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

How to use switches to control your device in iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions

Set up switch access for Android – Google Support instructions

Write in Morse Code on mobile device (Android, iPad, or iPhone) – Google Support instructions

Wheelchair Joystick Mouse

Convert a power wheelchair joystick into a mouse with a special accessory and software

Also Read

Cursor Control: Mouse and Touchpad Settings

The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Alternatives

Customize Keyboard Actions: The Power of Filter Keys, Slow Keys, and Sticky Keys

Resource

Closing The Gap Resource Directory – Assistive technology product guide. On the Closing the Gap home page, scroll down to the Resource Directory and select the full screen icon (corners of a square) on the image. In the Table of Contents, click and view either the Product Matrix or Product Listings to find more information on alternative keyboards and mice and product companies.

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