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Cursor Controls O50 Trackball
This product has reached End of Life (EOL) status and is no longer in production. Manufacturer support, updates, and spare parts may be discontinued.
All information is provided for reference only. Availability cannot be guaranteed.
Please contact us to discuss current alternatives or recommended replacement models.
Designed for industrial and field deployments, the Cursor Controls O50 Trackball provides precise cursor control with a sealed, durable design built to withstand dust, liquids and continuous operational use. Its optical navigation technology features solid-state sensing, reducing mechanical wear and increasing reliability. The device is protected to IP68 standards, ensuring it remains dust-sealed and waterproof even in washdown or decontamination conditions. The housing uses tough polycarbonate and ABS materials, tested for over one million ball revolutions and able to tolerate downward pressure up to 500N.
It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 55°C and supports USB and PS2 interfaces with auto-select capability. With rear mounting options designed for deployment-ready integration into consoles and keyboards, the O50 is built to deliver consistent performance in industrial settings requiring robust, field-ready peripherals.
O50 Features
- Solid State Optical Navigation Technology
- Sealing Up To IP68
- Smooth Operation In Rugged Environments
- Various Top Plate Configurations
- Various Ball Colours
- Vx3 Integrated Zoom Feature
- USB & PS2 (Auto-Select) Or Sun Systems
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Ruggedness
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
United Kingdom
Case Material
ABS Polycarbonate
Certifications
CE, RoHS compliant
Custom Options Products
Cable Type,Cable Length,Interface,Trackball Colour
Housing Colour
Black
Lifetime
> 1 million ball revolutions
Temperature Rating
Operating Temperature 0C to +55C *
Storage Temperature -25C to + 85C *
* Rating of most sensitive components.
Ball
Epoxy Resin, 50.8 mm
Ball Load
>500N Maximum downward pressure (50 Kg) for 2 mins
Ball Rotation
Continuous and reversible in any direction
Ball Speed
14.4 IPS (2.3 Ball Revolutions per Second)
Housing Material
Polycarbonate
Interface Filter
USB & PS2 (Auto Select)
Mounting Filter
Rear Mount
Mounting Position
All angles (Dependant on top plate arrangement)
Power
Supply Voltage 3.6V to 5.5V Supply Current 110mA typical
Resolution
(Quadrature) 314 / 157 pulses per ball revolution, switchable (custom resolutions available)
(Protocol mode) 1256 pulses per ball revolution (custom resolutions available)
Tracking Force
10 grams Nominal Continuous Free Running 80 grams Nominal Continuous Friction / Scraper Ring
Transducers
Optical Navigation Technology, solid state sensing
The Cursor Controls O50 Trackball is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The O50 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Defence And Military, Energy and Utilities, Food And Beverage Processing, Healthcare And Medical, Industrial Manufacturing, Marine And Offshore, Pharmaceutical, Rail And Transport.
Across these sectors, the O50 is typically used in applications such as Broadcast And Media Control Consoles, Emergency Dispatch And Incident Management, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Medical Carts And Clinical Mobile Workstations, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Quality Control And Inspection, Robotics And Autonomous System Control, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the O50 across both industry sectors and real-world operational use cases. Its suitability extends well beyond the scenarios listed above, making it a flexible solution for a broad range of requirements.
For further information, or to assess whether the O50 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The Cursor Controls O50 Trackball comes with a 18 Month Limited Warranty With Option To Extend against defects in workmanship and materials, effective from the date of shipment (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
To receive service under this warranty, the eligible product, Cursor Controls O50 Trackball, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Cursor Controls O50 Trackball or to arrange repairs and services not covered by the warranty, please visit the warranty section on our website.
Do you need further details about the Cursor Controls O50 Trackball, or would you like to discuss a customised solution or demonstration?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the Cursor Controls O50 or need a custom Rugged Trackball solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
Alternative Products
Explore alternative products offering comparable features, performance, and build quality to the model you are currently viewing.
Our related solutions provide variations in configuration, functionality, and form factor to suit different application requirements. Each option has been selected to meet the same high standards of reliability and performance.
Browse the related products below to identify the most suitable fit for your deployment.
X50-Halo
- IP68 sealed ABS polycarbonate housing
- Contactless laser sensor for durability
- Configurable backlighting options
- Rear mount for secure OEM integration

E38-Desktop
- IP65 dust and water resistant
- Impact-resistant ABS polycarbonate housing
- Certified to IEC 60945 and CE standards
- Patented optical sensors with hall-effect scroll wheel

- Reinforced aluminium body
- Patented anti-vibration technology
- 100% humidity sealed
- USB and PS/2 auto-select interface

- Reinforced impact-resistant aluminium housing
- Electromagnetic shielding for signal integrity
- Patented anti-vibration technology
- Sealed rear-panel mounting with custom options

Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the correct solution for your specific application and operating environment requires careful consideration.
At Rugged, our engineering and product specialists can advise on specifications, environmental suitability, mounting requirements, connectivity, and lifecycle planning to ensure the right fit for your deployment.
With extensive industry experience and a focus on reliability and performance, we help you select a solution aligned with your operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUGGED offers free technical support for the lifetime of products you purchase. This includes help with setup, troubleshooting, and integration. Support is available online or directly from the technical team
Trackballs are versatile and can be found in numerous applications, particularly where durability, precision, and hygiene are paramount. They are commonly integrated into industrial machinery, enabling operators to control complex systems with accuracy. In medical settings, the sealed nature of a trackball prevents the ingress of contaminants, making them easy to clean and sterilise, which is essential for maintaining hygiene standards.
Furthermore, trackballs are frequently used in marine and aviation environments due to their ability to function reliably in conditions with vibration and limited space. They are also prevalent in public access kiosks and ATMs, offering a robust and vandal-resistant input method. The compact and sealed design of these input devices makes them suitable for environments where a conventional mouse would be susceptible to damage or would not perform optimally. To explore a range of robust input solutions, including the rugged trackballs, Rugged Limited offers dependable options built for demanding use.
Rugged Limited provides a selection of trackballs that are indeed designed for panel mounting. These robust devices are engineered to offer reliable cursor control in challenging industrial and public access applications.
Our panel mountable trackball units often feature a stainless steel or robust polymer construction, making them resistant to harsh conditions such as dust, dirt, and moisture. They are typically sealed to NEMA 4X or IP65 specifications, ensuring protection against environmental factors.
When selecting a trackball for panel mounting, it is important to consider factors such as the material, sealing, and the specific interface requirements for seamless integration into your system. To explore our full range of solutions, including panel-mountable options, you can visit our rugged trackballs page.
Trackballs are versatile pointing devices designed for a variety of applications, especially in settings where durability, precision, and space efficiency are critical. They are commonly used in industrial, marine, military, and medical environments.
Key uses for a trackball include:
- Industrial Control: For operating machinery and process control systems where gloves or harsh conditions are present.
- Marine Applications: Ideal for navigation systems, sonar, and communication on ships and boats, offering stability in moving environments.
- Military Systems: Employed in command and control centers, vehicles, and field equipment due to their robust construction and reliable performance.
- Medical Equipment: Used in diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, providing hygienic and precise input.
- Public Access Kiosks: Found in ATMs, information kiosks, and public terminals due to their tamper-resistant design.
Unlike a mouse, a trackball remains stationary, which saves desk space and offers a stable platform for input, making them particularly suitable for situations where movement is restricted or the user needs to maintain a fixed posture. Many rugged trackball units are also designed to be resistant to liquids, dust, and vibrations, ensuring reliable operation in challenging conditions.
A rugged trackball is specifically engineered to operate reliably in challenging conditions. Unlike a traditional mouse, a trackball allows for cursor control by manipulating a ball with your fingers or thumb, which is advantageous in environments with limited space or where precise, stable control is crucial.
These devices are built with robust materials and often feature hermetically sealed designs to protect against dust, dirt, liquids, and extreme temperatures. This makes a rugged trackball ideal for use in industrial control systems, marine applications, military equipment, and public-access kiosks where durability and consistent performance are paramount.
Rugged Limited offers a variety of trackball solutions, and many of these are designed with USB connectivity. USB is a common and versatile interface that ensures broad compatibility with different systems, making it a convenient option for integrating a trackball into various setups.
A USB-connected trackball delivers a stable and consistent connection, crucial for applications requiring precise cursor control and responsiveness. This connectivity method simplifies installation as USB is often plug-and-play, allowing for quick setup without complex configurations.
When selecting a trackball, checking the product specifications for its connection type is always recommended to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
Trackballs are often considered easier to clean than conventional computer mice due to their design. With a trackball, the ball is usually removable, allowing for simple cleaning of both the ball and the internal housing. This design minimises areas where dirt and debris can accumulate unseen. In contrast, mice typically have optical sensors and crevices that can trap dust and grime, making thorough cleaning more challenging.
This ease of cleaning makes a trackball a practical choice for environments where hygiene is a priority, such as medical facilities, industrial settings, or public access terminals. Rugged Limited provides trackball solutions that are designed not only for durability but also with maintainability in mind, ensuring they can withstand rigorous use and remain sanitary with minimal effort.
Trackballs excel in applications requiring precise control, operating like an upside-down mouse where the user moves the ball to control the cursor. This design eliminates the need to move the entire device, which is particularly beneficial in environments with limited workspace or for users who need to maintain a fixed arm or wrist position. The smooth, consistent movement of a trackball allows for highly accurate cursor placement and manipulation, making it ideal for tasks that demand fine motor control. Many professionals prefer a rugged trackball for its durability and sustained precision in demanding conditions.
Trackballs are exceptionally well-suited for industrial environments, offering durability and precision critical for demanding applications. They are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to dust, dirt, liquids, and extreme temperatures, which are common in industrial settings.
Rugged Limited offers a range of industrial trackballs engineered for reliability and long-term performance. These devices typically feature robust construction and often incorporate sealed designs to protect internal components from environmental contaminants, ensuring consistent operation and minimal maintenance. The enclosed nature of a trackball also means that fewer moving parts are exposed, further enhancing its resilience in tough working conditions.
Furthermore, the stationary nature of a rugged trackball allows for precise control without requiring significant desk space, making them ideal for integration into control panels, kiosks, and compact workstations where space is limited. Their ergonomic design can also reduce operator fatigue during long shifts, making them a practical and efficient choice for various industrial applications.







