If you are unsure which product is best suited to your requirements, you can contact us directly for expert guidance. Share details such as your use case, environment, compatibility needs, and budget, and we will help you select the most appropriate solution.

Cursor Controls P16 Trackball
Designed for industrial installations where space and reliability are crucial, the Cursor Controls P16 Trackball provides precise pointing in a compact, robust design. Its mechanical construction features a removable ball and top ring for straightforward maintenance without complex tools. This trackball is built with an impact-resistant ABS polycarbonate housing and a corrosion-resistant coated steel ball, ensuring durability against continuous use and environmental stress.
Suitable for field-ready applications operating between -10°C and +55°C, the P16 supports installation from horizontal to vertical with a rear mount configuration, giving versatile positioning options in rugged control panels. The device includes dual USB and PS/2 interfaces that auto-select for easy integration and consistent operation. Its photo-optical encoders provide stable resolution with an IP40 ingress rating, complemented by resistance to mechanical shock and vibration common in industrial environments.
P16 Features
- Ultra-Compact Design
- USB & PS2 (Auto-Select) Or Sun Systems
- Jewel Bearing Suspension System
- 16mm Steel Core Ball For Precise Control
- Custom Connector Options
- Custom OEMSolutions Available
- USB & PS2 (Auto-Select) Or Sun Systems
Request a Quote
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
Humidity
30% min, 95% max, non-condensing
Lifetime
> 1 million ball revolutions
Temperature Rating
Operating Temperature -10C to +55C Storage Temperature -40C to +85 C
Ball
Coated Steel, 16mm, 0.8"
Ball Load
10N Maximum downward pressure (1Kg) @ 20C
Ball Rotation
Continuous and reversible in any direction
Ball Speed
300 RPM maximum
Housing Material
ABS Black
Interface Filter
USB & PS2 (Auto Select)
Mounting Filter
Rear Mount
Mounting Position
Horizontal to 0 to vertical 90C
Power
5 V DC +/- 5%
Quadrature format 6ma typical
PS/2 & USB - 12ma typical
Resolution
800 +/- 30 counts per ball revolution (other options available upon request)
Tracking Force
8gms Nominal continuous no seal (IP40)
Transducers
Photo-optical encoders with LED
The Cursor Controls P16 Trackball is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The P16 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Energy and Utilities, Healthcare And Medical, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Public Sector, Rail And Transport, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the P16 is typically used in applications such as Construction Site Supervision And Reporting, Health, Safety, And Compliance Inspections, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Security And Surveillance Operations.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the P16 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 P16 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The Cursor Controls P16 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 P16 Trackball, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Cursor Controls P16 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 P16 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 P16 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.
- Sealed laser tracking for durable precision
- IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
- Robust ABS polycarbonate housing with rear mount
- Removable top ring for easy cleaning

E38-Panel
- IP65 sealed housing
- Hall-effect scroll wheel
- Three-switch design
- Vibration and impact resistant

P75-Backlit
- Sealed ABS polycarbonate enclosure
- Rear mount integration
- Industrial-grade stainless steel shafts and bearings
- Backlit trackball for low-light precision

R50-SERIES
- Sealed aluminium housing for durability
- Photo-optical encoders with LED for low maintenance
- Temperature rating 0°C to 70°C for field use
- Certified to CE and RoHS standards

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
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 designs, some of which are specifically engineered for environments where operators need to wear gloves. Our industrial trackballs can feature larger ball diameters and specific dome designs that facilitate easy and accurate manipulation even when wearing protective equipment. These design considerations ensure that productivity and precision are maintained in demanding work settings where gloves are a necessity.
Many of our standalone and panel-mount trackballs are also available with IP65 sealing, meaning they are protected against dust and water ingress, which further enhances their suitability for harsh environments encountered across various industries.
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.
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 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.
An Industrial Trackball is essentially an upside-down ball mouse. Instead of moving the entire device, the user rotates a ball set within a housing to control the cursor on a screen. This design provides several advantages, particularly for industrial applications, as the device itself remains stationary.
Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged trackballs that are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions. These Industrial Trackball units are typically built to a high specification, featuring robust materials and sealed constructions to protect against elements such as dust, water, and vibrations. This makes them ideal for environments where a traditional mouse would quickly fail.
The precision and compact footprint of an Industrial Trackball also contribute to its suitability in critical applications, allowing for accurate cursor control even in spaces where desk real estate is limited or in situations requiring stable input without the need for a flat surface.
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.
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.







