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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Benefits
- Individuals with limited motor control
Resources
Mind Control for the Masses – No Implant Needed
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
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
Benefits
- No finger dexterity is required
Example of joystick mouse emulator at Special Needs Computer Solutions
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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