For rigid body robot manipulators, the computed torque approach provides asymptotic stability for tracking control tasks. However, the state dependent matrices needed to complete the computed torque algorithm are normally unknown and possibly too complex for a real-time implementation. This paper proposes a simple controller with computed-torque-like structure enhanced by integral sliding mode, having pole-placement capability. For the reduction of the chattering effect generated by the sliding mode part, the integral sliding mode is posed as a perturbation estimator with quasi-continuous control action provided by an additional low-pass filter. The time-constant of the latter tunes the controller functionality between the perturbation compensation and a pure integral sliding mode control, as well as between chattering reduction and system robustness. A comparative simulation study between conventional sliding mode control, integral sliding mode control, and integral sliding mode in form of a perturbation estimator for a two-link robot arm validates the proposed design.