Here’s a bold statement: Not everyone can—or wants to—splurge on a premium trackball mouse, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort. Enter the Logitech Ergo M575S, a budget-friendly alternative to the high-end MX Ergo S. While Logitech is renowned for its top-tier desktop input devices, their flagship models often come with a hefty price tag, easily surpassing $100. But the Ergo M575S offers a more wallet-friendly option, priced at roughly half the cost of its premium sibling. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about saving money—it’s about finding the right balance between functionality and affordability. But here’s where it gets controversial: does the Ergo M575S sacrifice too much to hit that lower price point? Let’s dive in.
The Ergo M575S is essentially a streamlined version of the MX Ergo S, Logitech’s Editors' Choice-winning trackball (https://au.pcmag.com/computer-mice/115553/logitech-mx-ergo-s). It handles the basics admirably but skips some of Logitech’s cooler features, particularly those tied to its software. For instance, the Actions Ring—a nifty feature on the MX Ergo S that lets you access a customizable radial menu with macros and shortcuts—is nowhere to be found here. It’s a shame, because enabling this feature on the M575S would’ve been as simple as remapping an existing button. Is this an intentional omission to push users toward the pricier model? It certainly feels that way. Still, the M575S holds its own as a solid option for budget-conscious buyers, even if it doesn’t dethrone the MX Ergo S as our top pick.
Design: Familiar Yet Simplified
At first glance, the Ergo M575S looks strikingly similar to the MX Ergo S. Its 1.9-by-3.9-by-5.2-inch (HWD) frame curves inward to accommodate right-handed users (lefties, unfortunately, are out of luck) and tilts at a 5-degree angle to reduce wrist strain. However, the similarities end there. Unlike the MX Ergo S, the M575S lacks the grippy texture and adjustable tilt options that make its premium counterpart so comfortable. It’s a no-frills design, but it gets the job done.
The layout mirrors the MX Ergo S, with two additional buttons on the left side of the index finger and a textured scroll wheel between the main buttons. However, the M575S skips the directional tilt-scrolling feature and the extra thumb button above the trackball—both staples of the MX Ergo S. That said, the M575S does offer one small perk: a choice of five color combinations (blue, white, black, or gray), a customization option the Ergo S oddly lacks.
Power-wise, the M575S relies on a single AA battery, forgoing wired use or USB-C charging. It connects via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt unifying USB-C receiver, which can pair with other Logitech peripherals for 2.4GHz RF connectivity. While I’m not a fan of disposable batteries—especially in ergonomic devices—there’s a silver lining: the M575S is significantly lighter than the MX Ergo S, making it more portable, though its trackball design still takes up space in your bag.
Testing the Ergo M575S: A Well-Rounded Performer
Using the Ergo M575S felt eerily similar to the MX Ergo S. The main buttons share the same satisfying, near-silent switches, ideal for quiet workspaces. While I missed the adjustable tilt of the MX Ergo S, the M575S remains one of the most ergonomic input devices I’ve used in years. If you’re new to trackballs, there’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it—especially if you’re dealing with wrist pain or repetitive stress. Trackballs minimize wrist movement compared to traditional mice, though the MX Ergo S’s adjustable tilt offers a more natural “handshake” grip, which some users might prefer.
Maintenance is straightforward: pop out the trackball, clean the rollers and sensor with a cotton swab, and you’re good to go. The sensor’s tracking resolution is smooth enough for multitasking across multiple monitors, though precision tasks like photo editing in Adobe Photoshop or video work in DaVinci Resolve may require practice. And despite my gripes about disposable batteries, the M575S is impressively power-efficient. After weeks of testing, the AA battery still showed 100% in the Logi Options Plus software.
Software: Missing the Actions Ring
Logitech’s Options Plus software is a powerhouse for customizing peripherals, allowing you to remap buttons, adjust sensitivity, and record macros. But the M575S misses out on the Actions Ring, a feature that could’ve been easily enabled with a software update. This feels like a deliberate move to push users toward the MX Ergo S, and it’s a missed opportunity for Logitech to enhance the M575S’s value proposition.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Budget Choice—But Is It Enough?
The Logitech Ergo M575S is a capable trackball that delivers comfort and functionality at a fraction of the cost of its premium sibling. It’s not perfect—the lack of adjustable tilt, disposable battery, and missing software features are notable drawbacks. But for budget buyers, it’s a worthy contender. Here’s the controversial question: Is Logitech holding back features to justify the higher price of the MX Ergo S, or is the M575S simply a stripped-down version for a different audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. If you’re on a tight budget and can live without the bells and whistles, the Ergo M575S is a great entry point into the world of ergonomic trackballs. But if you crave customization and premium features, you might want to save up for the MX Ergo S. Either way, your wrists will thank you.
