Are you tired of overpriced ergonomic peripherals that promise the world but deliver only half of it? The Logitech Ergo M575S might just be the budget-friendly solution you’ve been searching for—but here’s where it gets controversial: while it’s a solid entry-level trackball, it skips out on some of Logitech’s most innovative features, leaving you to wonder if it’s a true bargain or just a clever cost-cutting measure. Let’s dive in.
Logitech is renowned for crafting some of the finest desktop input devices, but their flagship models often come with a premium price tag, easily surpassing $100. Enter the Ergo M575S, a more wallet-friendly alternative to the Editors' Choice-winning MX Ergo S. Priced at roughly half the cost of its high-end sibling, the M575S delivers on the essentials but sacrifices some of Logitech’s cooler software-driven features. Is this a missed opportunity or a smart trade-off for affordability? We still crown the MX Ergo S as our top pick, but the M575S holds its own for budget-conscious buyers.
Design: Familiar Yet Simplified
At first glance, the M575S mirrors the MX Ergo S in shape and size, measuring 1.9 x 3.9 x 5.2 inches (HWD). Its curved shell is designed for right-handed users (lefties, you’re out of luck this time) and tilts at a 5-degree angle to reduce wrist strain. However, it lacks the grippy texture and adjustable tilt options of its pricier counterpart. Is this a dealbreaker, or does simplicity win out?
The layout is a carbon copy of the MX Ergo S, with two additional buttons on the left side and a textured scroll wheel between the main inputs. Yet, the M575S skips directional tilt-scrolling and the extra thumb button above the trackball. Does this make it feel incomplete, or is it a case of 'less is more'?
One area where the M575S shines is customization. Unlike the MX Ergo S’s default matte gray, the M575S offers five color combinations—blue, white, black, or gray. It’s a small win, but it begs the question: why can’t the premium model offer the same variety?
Power and Portability: A Double-Edged Sword
The M575S runs on a single AA battery, forgoing wired use or USB-C charging. While this might seem like a step backward, it pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt unifying USB-C receiver, which supports 2.4GHz RF connectivity for multiple Logitech devices. Disposable batteries are an environmental concern, but the M575S’s power efficiency is impressive—after weeks of testing, the battery still showed 100%. Is this enough to justify the trade-off?
Its lightweight design (half the weight of the MX Ergo S) makes it portable, though its bulk might still be a hassle for some. Is portability a priority for trackball users, or is this a niche benefit?
Performance: A Well-Rounded Experience
Using the M575S feels nearly identical to the MX Ergo S. The main buttons offer a satisfying, silent click—ideal for shared workspaces. While it lacks the adjustable tilt of the MX Ergo S, it’s still one of the most ergonomic devices I’ve tested in years. Trackball newbie? Give it time—the learning curve is worth it. For those with wrist pain, the MX Ergo S’s 'handshake' grip might be superior, but the M575S still reduces wrist motion significantly.
Maintenance is straightforward: pop out the ball, clean the rollers and sensor with a cotton swab, and you’re good to go. However, like most trackballs, it struggles with precision tasks in apps like Photoshop or DaVinci Resolve. Is this a limitation of trackballs in general, or could Logitech improve this with future updates?
Software: Missing the Actions Ring
Logitech’s Options Plus software is robust, allowing macro recording, sensitivity adjustments, and input remapping. But the M575S misses out on the Actions Ring, a feature exclusive to the MX Ergo S. This on-screen menu offers up to eight customizable selections, each with nested functions. Why wasn’t this included? It feels like a deliberate nudge toward the pricier model.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Budget Option with Caveats
The Ergo M575S is a capable trackball that delivers ergonomic comfort at a fraction of the cost. Yet, its omissions—like the Actions Ring and adjustable tilt—leave room for debate. Is it a true bargain, or does it cut too many corners? Let us know in the comments—do you think Logitech could have done more to bridge the gap between affordability and innovation?
