You don't need a special mousepad for a trackball.

Not really. Trackball mice don’t slide around, so they don’t need the same consistent surface that an optical or laser mouse needs. Any flat surface works — desk, notebook, your leg in a pinch.

There are a few specialized pads out there, but they’re mostly for comfort or aesthetics, not function. A thick desk mat can make the wrist angle better. A hard surface lets you wipe it clean easily. But the ball itself tracks fine on anything that isn’t reflective or greasy.

If you want one, go for it. Just know you’re buying style, not performance. The whole point of a trackball is ditching the pad.