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Cursor Controls P50-Backlit Trackball
For teams working across industrial and medical control environments, the Cursor Controls P50-Backlit Trackball offers precise cursor movement even in low-light settings. Its impact-resistant housing and dust-sealed construction are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring reliable operation where durability is essential. The backlit ball enhances accuracy in dimly lit areas without sacrificing ruggedness.
Built for continuous-duty use, the trackball features a robust assembly capable of over 10 million rotations supported by photo-optical encoders that provide accurate tracking. Compatibility with USB and PS2 interfaces allows integration into OEM keyboards and consoles with secure rear-mount installation. Industrial-grade materials and IP65 dust sealing support dependable performance in environments with temperatures ranging from 0°C to +70°C. The unit withstands high downward pressure, confirming its resilience under operational stresses.
P50-Backlit Features
- Sealing Up To IP65 (BS En 60529)
- PS2, USB Or Sun Systems
- Various Backlit Ball Options
- Smooth Operation In Rugged Environments
- Various Top Plate Configurations
- High Grade Stainless Steel Shafts and Bearings
- Vx3 Integrated Zoom Feature
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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,Backlight Colour
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
30% min, 95% max, non-condensing
Lifetime
>10 million ball revolutions - non-sealed >2 million ball revolutions - seal life
Storage Temperature
Storage Temperature -25C to + 85 C
Temperature Rating
Operating Temperature 0C to +70C
Storage Temperature -25C to +85 C
Ball
Thermoset Phenolic or Polyester, 50mm
Ball Load
200N Maximum downward pressure (20Kg) @ 20C
Ball Rotation
Continuous and reversible in any direction
Ball Speed
200 RPM maximum
Housing Material
Base - PBT + 20% GF, Top ABS/PC blend
Interface Filter
USB & PS2 (Auto Select)
Mounting Filter
Rear Mount
Mounting Position
Horizontal to 30° (non-sealed versions)
Horizontal to 60° rear elevation (sealed)
Power
Standard Output Connector JST 2mm PH 10 way right-angled header
Mating Connector JST 10 way CR, KR or KRD type connector
Resolution (Quadrature) 155 pulses per ball revolution
Resolution (Protocol) 310/155 ppr - switch selectable (other
Resolution
Horizontal to 30° (non-sealed versions)
Horizontal to 90° rear elevation (sealed)
Tracking Force
10gms Nominal continuous no seal (IP40) 20gms Nominal continuous - Felt seal (IP51)
Transducers
Photo-optical encoders with LEDS
The Cursor Controls P50-Backlit Trackball is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The P50-Backlit supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Energy and Utilities, Healthcare And Medical, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Pharmaceutical, Public Sector, Retail, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the P50-Backlit is typically used in applications such as Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Medical Carts And Clinical Mobile Workstations, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Quality Control And Inspection, Secure Access, Authentication, And Control Terminals.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the P50-Backlit 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 P50-Backlit is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The Cursor Controls P50-Backlit 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 P50-Backlit Trackball, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Cursor Controls P50-Backlit 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 P50-Backlit 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 P50-Backlit 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.
- 57mm thermoset phenolic ball for precision
- IP40-rated dust protection for industrial settings
- PS/2 and RS232 interfaces for flexible integration
- Photo-optical encoders for consistent tracking

- Contactless laser tracking system
- IP68 dust-sealed and weatherproof housing
- Removable top ring for easy sterilisation
- Rear panel mounting for integration

P25-Compact-Backlit
- Compact rear-mount design
- Selectable backlit ball for low-light use
- Patented dust and moisture seal system
- Over one million ball revolutions lifetime

- Contactless infra-red optical tracking
- IP68 sealed for washdown and sterilisation
- Rear panel mounting for secure installation
- USB and PS2 auto-select interface

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
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.







