This study aims to propose an optimal approach for the mechanical efficiency of cam-controlled planetary gear trains such that the efficiency can be increased. First, the kinetostatic analysis is performed to establish equations of the force between parts, the shaking force, the pressure angle, the friction torque, the friction power, and as well as the mechanical efficiency. Then, kinematic sizes and variable input speed curves are specified as the design variables, and the mechanical efficiency is set as the objective function for optimization. Furthermore, three design examples are given for illustrating the process of the optimization. The results show that the proposed optimal approach can significantly improve the mechanical efficiency of the trains.