Abstract: An embodiment is an electromechanical door latch system including a latch device configured for motion between a latched position and an unlatched position. A manually actuated mechanical apparatus is coupled to the latch device and configured to move the latch device to the unlatched position in response to force applied by a user to a component of the mechanical apparatus. An electromechanical actuator system moves the latch device to an actuator unlatched position in response to an electrical signal from an access control device. The electromechanical actuator system includes a control module, a motor, and a ball screw drive including a ball screw or threaded nut, with one coupled to the motor shaft and the other configured for connection to a latch mechanism, and at least one recirculating ball circuit including ball bearings for transferring torque from the motor to the ball screw drive.