3 Reasons to Avoid Cloth Pads for Trackball Mice
Cloth pads accelerate bearing wear Rough surfaces catch fibers and embed grit into the three tiny bearings (ceramic or chrome steel) inside trackball mice like the M570. This creates more friction, requires frequent cleaning, and causes uneven wear over time.
Cloth pads create unwanted friction The “grip” you feel on cloth is actually fibers grabbing the ball, which makes fine cursor movements jumpier. Trackballs roll—they don’t slide—so they don’t need traction from the surface.
Hard smooth surfaces work best A plain desk, glass pad, or hard plastic mat lets the ball roll freely with less resistance. Your bearings will last longer, and cursor movement will feel more consistent.