Rough cloth pads aren’t great for trackballs.

No, a rough cloth surface doesn’t help traction and can accelerate bearing wear.

Trackball mice like the M570 sit on three tiny bearings (usually ceramic or chrome steel). A rough cloth pad catches fibers, drags, and can even embed grit into those bearings over time. That means more friction, more cleaning, and eventually uneven wear. Hard smooth surfaces (plain desk, glass pad, or a hard plastic mat) let the ball roll freely with less resistance.

Some people swear by a cloth pad because they think it adds “grip.” But the ball doesn’t need grip — it rolls, it doesn’t slide. The traction you feel on cloth is actually friction from fibers grabbing the ball, which makes fine cursor movements jumpier.

Stick with a smooth hard surface. Your bearings will last longer, and the ball will feel more consistent.