Some tasks suit a mouse, but navigating your way around Apple's desktop isn't necessarily one of them. macOS is arguably better suited to use with the Magic Trackpad than a standard mouse.

macOS Works Best with a Trackpad

The popularity of the MacBook range has forced Apple's hand in making macOS an operating system that can be comfortably and effectively operated using a touch input method. Stopping short of implementing a touch screen, the company has refined its legendary Magic Trackpad through several iterations and taken advantage of its ability to design the software in unison.

This means that macOS is an operating system that arguably works better with a Magic Trackpad than it does with a Magic Mouse (or any other pointing device, for that matter). Foundational to this functionality is Apple's vast array of touch gestures that become second nature if you're able to fully embrace them.

Apple gives you a quick preview of what is possible with a new Mac (or macOS install), but you can head over to System Settings > Trackpad for a refresher. You can also use this preferences area to customize these gestures to your liking. You'll either need to be using a MacBook or have a Magic Trackpad connected for this to work.

Some of the standout gestures that you'll miss out on if you avoid the trackpad include the "natural" feeling of the two-finger scroll, pinch-to-zoom, and the ability to rotate items (like maps) with two fingers. Customize tracking speed, haptic feedback, and whether or not you want to use the secondary "Force" click, too.

On the "More Gestures" tab, you'll find the real timesavers. Use a two-finger swipe to move backward in your web browser, skip between different desktop spaces with a three or four-finger swipe, and access Mission Control or App Exposé by swiping up or down with three or four fingers. You can even show the desktop quickly by spreading your thumb and three fingers.

Many of these gestures have keyboard equivalents, which can help plug the gap if you're a staunch mouse user. You could also program spare mouse buttons to perform the same tasks.

The Magic Trackpad Can Do Everything a Mouse Can

We're not going to pretend that there aren't tasks that may be better suited to the use of a mouse. Some photo editing tasks work better with a mouse (they're even better with an Apple Pencil and an iPad, though), as do first or third-person shooters and many games in general. But Apple's trackpad can hold its own most of the time too.

Apple has built in a few considerations for trackpad users, with the most notable being the three-finger drag. Dragging items from one side of the screen to another with a trackpad can be an exercise in frustration. Nip this in the bud by enabling Three Finger Drag under System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options.

Three Finger Drag works so well since it gives the operator a chance to "pause" without letting go of whatever is being dragged. You can reposition your three fingers and carry on dragging. It works well for moving files between folders (or spaces), repositioning tabs in a browser, dragging to select icons or an area you want to screenshot, and so on.

Right-clicking is a simple case of two-finger clicking. All this means is that you need two fingers to make contact on the trackpad when you click (you only need to click with a single finger). You can also hold the Control key and click if you find this a bit cumbersome.

To make clicking and double-clicking even easier, enable "Tap to click" under macOS Trackpad settings. With this enabled, you'll only need the lightest of taps (not the full force of a click) to make a selection. Double-clicking is a case of double-tapping instead.

A Trackpad May Be More Comfortable

Comfort is subjective and largely depends on how often you use your devices, whether you're prone to certain medical conditions, and the habits you've formed. With this in mind, we think that the Magic Trackpad (particularly the desktop variant) could provide a more comfortable computing experience compared with many models of computer mice.

This is especially true of Apple's Magic Mouse, which leaves a lot to desire when it comes to ergonomics. Using a trackpad is a more tactile experience compared with using a mouse, which may require forcing your wrist into a set position. By comparison, tapping and swiping a trackpad feels like a more casual computing experience.

Of course, you can circumvent the problems caused by many mouse models by instead opting for an ergonomic design. Something like the Logitech MX Vertical offers a wrist-friendly position that can take some getting used to but will likely pay off if you prefer using a mouse.

The Magic Trackpad Is Only Marginally More Expensive at Checkout

Some desktop Mac models like the iMac come with a Magic Mouse (and a Magic Keyboard) as part of the purchase price. Others like the Mac mini lack peripherals altogether but you'll still be prompted to add one to your order at checkout. If you're upgrading you can switch to the Magic Trackpad for an extra $50 or buy a Magic Trackpad outright for around $129.

Apple Magic Trackpad (White)

Magic Trackpad

Use the wireless and rechargeable Apple Magic Trackpad to control the pointer on your desktop Mac, access gestures, and even sign your name on PDFs.

See at Bestbuy Apple

Even if you're a fan of using a mouse in general, we'd recommend opting for the Magic Trackpad as an upgrade (and as a standalone purchase if you can justify it). The Magic Mouse isn't particularly comfortable or useful, doesn't feature a scroll wheel, has limited touch integrations, features only two buttons, and the charging port is located on the bottom of the unit.

You're better off buying a better mouse for less money than opting for Apple's.

You Can Create Custom Trackpad Gestures, Too

BetterTouchTool is a paid ($10 for two years) app that lets you turn just about any pointing device into an incredibly powerful and customizable tool for navigating your Mac desktop. The app works incredibly well with a MacBook or desktop Magic Trackpad.

Use taps, clicks, combinations of button presses, gestures, and more to trigger powerful workflows. These include complex keyboard and pointer inputs, the ability to launch applications, trigger menu items, run external scripts, send specific shortcuts, and much more.

You can download a 45-day trial version of BTT to find out if it's for you. Though you can use it with a standard mouse, your input options really open up when combined with a trackpad.

Consider Adding a Trackpad Even if You Use a Mouse

You can buy the Magic Trackpad as a separate unit in both white ($129) and black ($149, for some reason). Though it's not cheap, you might find that the improved productivity that you get from the use of a Magic Trackpad justifies the price.

The Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, so it can be placed wherever you have a space that is comfortable. If you're using a laptop stand with your MacBook and you want to retain that tactile pointer experience, Apple's Magic Trackpad is the way to go. Check out some other great MacBook accessories you might want to invest in.

Not got a Mac? Even PC users might want to consider investing in a touchpad.