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What if there were an ergonomic mouse that could actually make a noticeable improvement in your workday? We bought and tested 14 of the best, most popular, and most innovative ergonomic mice on the market and put them through a diverse set of tests to help you find the right mouse to suit your unique needs.
At GearLab, we strongly believe in the importance of ergonomics. We also know that it means different things for different people. For some, an ergonomic mouse might provide comfort and efficiency over a long workday. For others, it's a way to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI) that might eventually result. For those who already have RSI or other restrictive conditions, a specially-designed mouse might be the only way to complete tasks as quickly as their peers. We keep each of these considerations in mind when testing ergonomic mice. Our team consists of expert hardware testers, professional writers, avid gamers, and career office workers, all of whom rely on the quality of their tools.
Our objective analysis shows that the Logitech MX Vertical is the best ergonomic mouse for most users, owing mostly to its refinement of the vertical mouse design. The Logitech MX Ergo S earns our top pick among trackball mice by prioritizing comfort and versatility. These are our highest recommendations for anyone willing to invest to get the greatest relief.
However, we know not everyone needs the most premium options. You can stave off fatigue or discomfort by opting for highly functional budget options like the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical or the Logitech M575S trackball mouse.
We cannot stress enough how beneficial it can be to have an ergonomic mouse in your office, but we also acknowledge that ergonomic hardware does not always have the most cutting-edge features. If you're looking for something with higher performance or more programmable buttons, check out our reviews for the best gaming mouse, wireless mouse, or our favorite mice of all styles.
If you're looking for a comfortable vertical mouse that noticeably reduces repetitive strain, we wholeheartedly recommend the Logitech MX Vertical. This mouse has excellent tracking precision, whereas some ergonomic mice make mistakes when translating your movements on-screen. “I love how this mouse puts my arm in a natural 'handshake' position. It has just the right width and a nice rubberized texture to help my hand stay in place,” notes our lead tester, Austin Palmer. It has a very easy learning curve, even if it's your first vertical mouse, and its precise performance makes it a great productivity tool. You can boost productivity even further by using its 4 extra programmable buttons, as well as programmable “gestures” that perform a variety of functions when you move the mouse a certain way.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
124 grams
Scroll Wheel
Standard
Available Software
Logi Options+
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
Yes
Battery
Rechargeable
While the MX Vertical's considerable surface area makes it a highly ergonomic choice for most users, our testing revealed that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. “Smaller hands may not be able to fully hold onto it,” our lead tester noted, and our tester with the smallest hands confirmed this by submitting a lower comfort score. It's also worth mentioning that this mouse does not have an onboard space for storing its USB dongle, which can be inconvenient if you are frequently carrying between your home and office. It's also not the quietest ergonomic mouse we tested–it's certainly not loud, but a noise-sensitive workspace might demand a more silent alternative. Overall, though, the MX Vertical justifies its price tag by providing the quality and comfort that most users expect when investing in a vertical ergonomic mouse.
If you have smaller hands (less than 7 inches or 18 centimeters in length), consider the Logitech Lift instead. This smaller vertical mouse features the same design as the Logitech MX Vertical, albeit with less of the premium-feeling rubberized texture and without a rechargeable battery. It's the perfect compromise if the MX Vertical is a bit too large for your needs or preferences.
The Logitech MX Vertical excelled in our comfort and performance tests.
The Logitech MX Master 3S is one of the most versatile mice we've ever tested. It's comfortable enough to be a top contender, and it's impossible to overlook its feature-rich design. You can use the Logi Options+ software to customize 6 programmable buttons, and it even has configurable mouse gestures. The button clicks and wheel scrolling are practically silent, meaning they won't cause a distraction even if you're working right next to someone else. We were also quite impressed by how well this mouse works on any surface–it tracked our movements precisely on fabric, polished surfaces, and even glass.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
141 grams
Scroll Wheel
Standard with horizontal scroll wheel
Infinite scroll toggle
Available Software
Logi Options+
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
No
Battery
Rechargeable
The only factor holding the MX Master 3S from being our unanimous favorite in this category is its relative lack of ergonomic features. While it has an upward-slanting shape that attempts to mimic a more natural “handshake” arm position, it will not reduce repetitive wrist motions like a vertical or trackball mouse can. In fact, the slanted design may be a detriment to some users. One tester with large hands reported, “I don't find it as comfortable as a more traditional mouse angle.” We also feel that neither scroll wheel struck the right balance. The vertical scroll only requires a light touch to navigate pages, but the horizontal scroll, on the other hand, feels slow and requires more force to roll, almost like scrolling through molasses. With minor gripes aside, this is an excellent mouse that feels exceptionally comfortable for all but the largest hands — just don't expect it to alleviate any severe RSI pains.
The Logitech MX Master 3S doesn't feature the most innovative ergonomic design, but we feel that it's unmatched in versatility.
The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical proves that you don't have to pay a premium to get a mouse that satisfies your specific needs. It is a thoughtfully designed vertical mouse that promotes a natural, stress-free hand position while also providing excellent tracking performance. We expected to see some mismatch between our mouse movements and the on-screen cursor movements, but there were minimal errors or angle-snapping in our tests. We were also impressed by this mouse's rechargeable battery–it's a nice change from many budget mice that rely on replaceable batteries to minimize costs. The mouse does not feel like it is made of cheap, loudly clicking material either. It is a quiet mouse that is great for casual browsing or click-intensive office work.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
89 grams
Scroll Wheel
Standard
Available Software
N/A
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
Yes
Battery
Rechargeable
In contrast to its quiet face buttons, the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical has somewhat noisy thumb buttons. While not every user will need these side buttons, those who like to assign helpful functions to extra buttons will notice their clickiness. It's also worth mentioning how narrow this TeckNet mouse is. Unlike the Logitech MX Vertical, which is wide enough to accommodate a natural grip and provide adequate palm support, the TeckNet may require extra effort to maintain a pinching hold on the mouse. Even so, this is an excellent introduction to vertical mice. Its affordability makes it a great choice for accompanying your main mouse as a way to incorporate a more ergonomic posture into at least a fraction of your workday.
The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical is a great purchase to find out if a vertical mouse is right for you.
While many people may picture a vertical mouse when they think about ergonomics, a trackball mouse like the Logitech M575S can also help you overcome certain motion limitations and reduce wrist fatigue. The M575S is a very affordable one, too, so it is a great choice if you're curious to find out how this type of mouse might help you. It has soft button clicks that minimize strain on your fingers and create minimal noise distraction. One of the other great selling points of a trackball mouse is that you control your on-screen cursor with your thumb. Not having to move the entire mouse means you can use it on a crowded desk or on surfaces that a typical mouse cannot detect. The M575S also lets you assign functions to up to 3 mouse gestures for even more versatility.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
155 grams
Scroll Wheel
Standard
Available Software
Logi Options+
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
No
Battery
Replaceable
Trackball mice certainly are not for everyone, though. Using one for the first time comes with a steep learning curve that can really affect your productivity and overall user experience. It is also considered common knowledge that a trackball mouse cannot perform precision movements like a typical mouse can. The M575S, in particular, may feel unnatural or uncomfortable for folks with smaller hands. If you're serious about using a trackball mouse, but this one seems like it has too many negatives, our lead tester has a word of advice: "There is a more comfortable trackball mouse out there." But for something that gets the job done while providing some unique benefits, the Logitech M575S is not likely to disappoint.
We tested the Logitech M575S in the same metrics as our vertical ergonomic mice, and it impressed us with its performance.
Our favorite trackball mouse is definitely the Logitech MX Ergo S. It has an excellent size and shape that makes it very comfortable for all hand sizes, especially large or even extra-large hands. Our tester with small hands really liked it too, saying, “I like this trackball mouse much better than the others because the ball is smaller and therefore easier to maneuver.” Like any trackball mouse, it is effective at reducing strenuous wrist movement, but the MX Ergo S is even more ergonomic than the competition due to its adjustable angle. Its default angle is already more ergonomic than a typical mouse, but adjusting it to a higher 20-degree angle can further reduce forearm pronation for those who require a more natural posture.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
261 grams
Scroll Wheel
4D, or horizontal scroll button
Available Software
Logi Options+
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
Yes
Battery
Rechargeable
Despite being one of the best-designed trackball mice available, there will still be a steep learning curve with the MX Ergo S if you've never used a trackball mouse before. Our testers felt that they often dragged items on-screen rather than clicking them, or they would thumb off of an icon before clicking it. These beginner mistakes would persist even after many, many hours of testing, so efficiency is definitely something to consider before making the transition to a trackball mouse. With that said, though, we believe that the customizability and versatility of the MX Ergo, not to mention its comfortable design, make it the one that is most likely to convert someone into a lifelong trackball mouse user.
The Logitech MX Ergo S was the highest scoring trackball mouse in our ergonomics testing, turning some of our testers into newly-converted trackball fans.
Sometimes, searching for an ergonomic mouse just means seeking comfort to stave off fatigue. But what should you do when comfort comes at the cost of lower performance and less versatility? The Razer Basilisk V3 35K answers that question by providing top-notch tracking, versatile software, and gamer-approved customizability. It's a gaming mouse notable for its semi-ergonomic design that is easy on the hands even in high-intensity situations. With its familiar design, excellent comfort factor, and useful infinite scroll option, this mouse can easily become your go-to choice for work, gaming, and everything in between.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
104 grams
Scroll Wheel
4D
Infinite scroll toggle
Available Software
Razer Synapse
Adjustable Sensitivity Button
Yes
Battery
Wired
While the Basilisk V3 35K is notable for being ergonomic for a gaming mouse, it's worth mentioning that it does not provide the same benefits as a vertical or trackball mouse. “This feels basically like a regular mouse with an ever-so-slight tilt,” one tester commented. It's thoughtfully designed to require gripping effort, but it will not do much to stave off RSI pain or prevent wrist strain. If you are just looking for something more comfortable and performant than your current mouse, though, we can highly recommend the Razer Basilisk V3 35K or its wireless counterpart.
An infinite scroll wheel is a nice ergonomic boost when using the Razer Basilisk V3 35K for browsing tasks.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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How We Tested Ergonomic Mice
Our testers at GearLab always have their eyes and ears open for the latest hardware releases. We are writers, office workers, and serious tech geeks, so every one of us has a personal investment in finding the best, most ergonomic computer gear. We've tested hundreds upon hundreds of products across many categories, and we used that experience to formulate an objective testing process to evaluate which ergonomic mice are the best-in-class.
To rank each ergonomic mouse in a practical, user-focused way, we tested each product based on five rating metrics:
Comfort (45% of overall score weighting)
Tracking and Performance (20% weighting)
Scroll Wheel (15% weighting)
Programmable Buttons (15% weighting)
Surfaces (5% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Each ergonomic mouse underwent many hours of practical testing by four different testers with varying hand sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. The team is led by Austin Palmer, a Senior Review Analyst at GearLab and an avid gamer who knows that using the right mouse can make all the difference in ensuring that he can continue to engage in his work and hobbies without risking injury. Austin has a personal interest in ergonomics and can often be found performing finger, wrist, and forearm stretches in between daily hardware tests–suffice to say, he knows what to look for when we're evaluating the next big ergonomic mouse to hit the market.
This review is written by me, Jonathan Sayers, a full-time writer and a passionate gamer as well. I take pride in my role of clearly conveying our findings to you so that everyday users like me can find the right tools for the job. While each member of our team values ergonomics, we also want to acknowledge that many of the products we tested serve to accommodate physical injuries or conditions that we do not personally experience–we strive to remain mindful of that fact in our effort to provide you with the best buying advice possible.
We subjected vertical, trackball, and typical-styled mice to the same standardized tests to see which ones would best support our lifestyles–and yours.
Analysis and Test Results
Our testing process prioritized evaluating the comfort of each product. We understand that if you're shopping for an ergonomic mouse, you're probably looking for something that will reduce fatigue or comfortably alleviate pain or strain. However, we also rated each mouse based on its performance, customizability, and versatility. This is because each and every mouse on our list is capable of providing some degree of ergonomic comfort. Narrowing down your choices often requires taking a closer look at these finer details.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Contrary to a common misconception, you do not have to pay a premium for a specially-designed ergonomic mouse. This is especially true if you're just looking for a secondary mouse that you can use to alleviate a bit of strain throughout your day. With that in mind, we strongly believe that the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical will give you the most bang for your buck. It is a very affordable vertical mouse that does not sacrifice much in the way of comfort or performance. If you're looking for a trackball mouse instead, we believe the Logitech M575S provides the best balance between cost and function.
That being said, you barely have to break into triple digits to get a high-end ergonomic mouse. Our overall favorite is the Logitech MX Vertical, and we strongly believe that it is worth the buy if you're willing to stretch your budget just a bit farther. We found it to have the best size, shape, texture, and performance among all vertical mice we tested. Those with smaller hands can enjoy the same experience with the slightly more compact Logitech Lift. Either way, this particular series of products from Logitech is not at all likely to make you feel buyer's remorse.
We carefully evaluate every detail of each mouse and compare our ratings to the product's cost. Our goal is to help you decide which mouse will provide you with the most value for your purchase.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort
For many people, comfort and ergonomics are synonymous. You want a mouse that feels natural and effortless to use. If you have a pre-existing injury or condition, or if you are particularly susceptible to repetitive strain, then you might need a mouse that's designed with specific comfort accommodations in mind. When we tested ergonomic mice, we asked four testers with different hand sizes to use the products throughout their normal workdays. They gave us their feedback in a comfort survey aimed at providing meaningful guidance for shoppers of all types. The Logitech MX Vertical earned the highest average comfort score in our survey, but we recommend paying close attention to the scores given by our tester with the hand size most similar to your own.
Comfort in Different Hand Sizes
Small Hand
Medium Hand
Large Hand
XL Hand
Anker Vertical
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Evoluent VerticalMouse D
✖
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
J-Tech Digital
✖
✖
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Kensington Orbit Trackball
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
✖
1
2
3
4
5
Lenovo Go Vertical
✖
✖
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech Lift
✖
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech M575S
1
2
3
4
5
✖
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech MX Ergo S
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech MX Master 3S
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech MX Vertical
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
ProtoArc
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
TeckNet Rechargeable Vertical
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
TeckNet Wireless Vertical
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Comfort is not just about how a mouse feels, it's also about how long you can use it before you start to feel fatigue or strain. A truly ergonomic mouse will minimize the amount of stress placed on your hand, wrist, and fingers. We performed a precise force-displacement test to measure precisely how much gram force it takes to press the left, right, and scroll wheel buttons on each mouse. The chart below shows our findings, with the Logitech M575S and Logitech MX Master 3S proving themselves to be the easiest-to-click mice.
Click Force
Product
Left Button
Right Button
Scroll Wheel
Kensington Orbit Trackball
89
70
0
Evoluent VerticalMouse D
45
60
144
Logitech MX Ergo S
47
58
145
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
56
55
154
TeckNet Wireless Vertical
59
64
184
ProtoArc
76
77
157
Logitech M575S
38
37
236
Lenovo Go Vertical
80
81
153
Logitech MX Master 3S
29
35
256
TeckNet Rechargeable Vertical
72
61
200
Anker Vertical
74
63
197
Logitech Lift
51
89
219
J-Tech Digital
71
62
227
Logitech MX Vertical
65
64
241
Each person is likely to have differing opinions on how comfortable a vertical or trackball mouse can be compared to a traditional mouse. We strove to be as objective as possible, mainly focusing on how each mouse feels based on the user's hand size. We placed the most value in mice with sufficient surface area for our hands to rest naturally, and we also considered how easy it is to reach and press the buttons. Ultimately, we deemed the Logitech MX Ergo S to be great for large or extra-large hands, while the Logitech MX Master 3S is great for small or medium hands. The most comfortable ergonomic mouse overall is the Logitech MX Vertical, although a bit less so for our small-handed testers.
The size of your hands may influence whether a trackball, traditional, or vertical mouse might be most ergonomic for you.
Tracking and Performance
Even if you find the most ergonomic mouse imaginable, it will do you little good if it has poor performance and causes mistakes in your work. In our tracking and performance tests, we evaluated how well each mouse tracked our movements to the screen. We also took notes on whether the mouse was consistent or if mistakes were made when trying to correct missed inputs. We decided that the simplest way to illustrate our findings was by drawing simple shapes in Microsoft Paint. The Logitech MX Master 3S and Razer Basilisk V3 35K demonstrated flawless tracking, while the Evoluent VerticalMouse D and J-Tech Digital V628 Vertical with any movements more complex than simple browsing motions.
The Lenovo Go Vertical is one of the mice that demonstrated imperfect tracking, creating some obvious jagged edges and angle-snapping when we tried drawing basic shapes on-screen.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
To put our evaluations into numbers, we measured each mouse's speed-related accuracy variation (SRAV). This is a measurement of how much a mouse's registered input differs from your actual movements based on the speed of movement. A poor-performing mouse might become less accurate if you move it especially fast or especially slow. An excellent performer, like the Logitech MX Vertical or Razer Basilisk V3 35K, will accurately register your inputs regardless of speed. The chart below contains the SRAV measurements for all ergonomic mice we tested. A measurement closer to zero is preferable, whether the number is positive or negative.
SRAV
Average SRAV%
Anker Vertical
-8.91
Evoluent VerticalMouse D
0.51
J-Tech Digital
-4.59
Kensington Orbit Trackball
0.77
Lenovo Go Vertical
-1.11
Logitech Lift
-1.53
Logitech M575S
0.61
Logitech MX Ergo S
1.64
Logitech MX Master 3S
0.68
Logitech MX Vertical
0.05
ProtoArc
-0.41
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
-0.06
TeckNet Rechargeable Vertical
-0.63
TeckNet Wireless Vertical
-0.58
If a mouse is prone to jumping too many pixels or doing other unintended things, you will probably have to repeat the motion again and again until it works the way you want. This goes directly against the concept of ergonomics. We had these types of issues with the Evoluent VerticalMouse D and Anker 2.4G Vertical. Tracking performance is important, and we believe that an accurate performer like the Logitech Lift will cause less frustration and strain in the long run.
We use a specialized rig to pull each mouse in a perfectly straight line–this video shows how the tracking of poor performers like the Anker 2.4G Vertical deviates even under these precise conditions.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Scroll Wheel
A great manufacturer will spend a lot of time focusing on the design of the scroll wheel when building an ergonomic mouse. This little component can be the source of a lot of strain. Scrolling way up or down a page requires much more finger and wrist movement than most people realize, and while not everyone bothers to assign a function to the scroll wheel button, those who do usually have to press harder than usual to register a click. In our scroll wheel testing, one of the first things we do is measure exactly how much force it takes to press the scroll wheel. As you can see in the chart below, the Evoluent VerticalMouse D and Logitech MX Ergo S are top choices to consider if you find yourself relying a lot on your scroll wheel button.
Scroll Wheel Press Force
Product
Scroll Wheel
Evoluent VerticalMouse D
144
Logitech MX Ergo S
145
Lenovo Go Vertical
153
Razer Basilisk V3 35K
154
ProtoArc
157
TeckNet Wireless Vertical
184
Anker Vertical
197
TeckNet Rechargeable Vertical
200
Logitech Lift
219
J-Tech Digital
227
Logitech M575S
236
Logitech MX Vertical
241
Logitech MX Master 3S
256
We also considered advanced scrolling capabilities in our test. If a mouse has “4D scrolling,” it means you can tilt the scroll wheel left or right in addition to scrolling it up and down. This makes horizontal scrolling much easier, cutting down on the amount of clicking and dragging you need to do to navigate a spreadsheet or other wide pages. Among the ergonomic mice we tested, only the Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Logitech MX Ergo S had 4D scrolling, giving them a significant boost in our perspective.
The Razer Basilisk V3 35K is capable of both 4D scrolling and infinite scrolling.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Infinite scrolling is another advanced feature. If a mouse has infinite scrolling, you can proceed up or down a page with little or no additional movement. It's also known as “smooth scrolling” because it doesn't have the same “clicky” resistance that would normally force you to exert extra effort and motion to constantly push the up or down. Of the mice we tested, only the Logitech MX Master 3S and Razer Basilisk V3 35K had infinite scrolling.
The infinite scroll feature on the Logitech MX Master 3S lets you pass several screenfuls of text with a single swipe.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
In the absence of infinite scrolling, we took it upon ourselves to evaluate each mouse's scroll wheel based on its resistance and scrolling noise in tandem with the effort it takes to press the wheel. Our overall favorite scroll wheel on an ergonomic mouse was the Logitech Lift, which was beautifully easy and silent to click.
Programmable Buttons
Versatility and programmability can make a mouse more ergonomic because they increase the number of actions you can perform without having to reach or make additional movements. A mouse with multiple programmable buttons will enable you to execute your most common actions with only the slightest movement of your finger or thumb, and that can include complex actions that would normally be comprised of multiple clicks or keystrokes. For this metric, we evaluated each mouse based on its number of programmable buttons, the quality of the software used to program those buttons, and whether or not the mouse lets you program “gestures” that perform even more functions based on specific mouse movements.
The Razer Basilisk V3 35K stood out big time in this test with its 12 programmable buttons (or 24 if you use its Hypershift function). It's hard to match a dedicated gaming mouse when it comes to customization, but we also appreciated that the Logitech MX Ergo S and Logitech MX Master 3S each have six programmable buttons and configurable gestures.
Unfortunately, programmable buttons do not always play nicely with every operating system. For example, we noticed that the thumb buttons on the Anker 2.4G Vertical and ProtoArc EM11 NL did not work on Mac devices. The user-friendliness of programmable buttons also depends heavily on how intuitive the software is. The chart below shows what software each mouse uses, if any–we are particularly big fans of the Logi Options+ software from Logitech and Razer's Synapse software.
Surfaces
Our Surface tests are only worth 5% of each product's score, but we still think it's an important factor to consider. Using a mouse on a less-than-ideal surface can require extra strain and movement, so the best ergonomic mouse should help overcome that handicap. We also acknowledge that people with certain motion limitations might have very little control over where and how they can set up their computer space. If, for whatever reason, you have no choice but to use your mouse on a crooked dining table or clear glass surface, we want to help you find the right product for that situation.
In our surface testing, we examined how well each mouse performed when used varying surfaces, including standard mouse pads, bare desktops, uneven tables, cardboard, glass, and fabric couch cushions.
Unsurprisingly, many mice failed to accurately track movement when used on clear class or polished white surfaces. We were impressed by how the accuracy of the Logitech MX Master 3S and Razer Basilisk V3 35K, even on a glass pane with no other surface on the other side.
The Logitech MX Master 3S had no problem registering our input even in the most unorthodox situation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Of course, if surface type or surface area is an issue, the clear solution is to use a trackball mouse. While a typical mouse uses LED optics or lasers on the underside to track movement across the surface beneath, a trackball mouse always stays in one place while you control on-screen movement by moving the ball with your thumb. A trackball mouse will always perform the same, no matter where you use it, and they are perfectly convenient for situations when you do not have enough desk space to swing a mouse around.
You'll have no problem using a trackball mouse on any surface, even if that surface is just the thin arm of a chair.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How To Choose an Ergonomic Mouse
Choosing the right ergonomic mouse is not an easy decision, especially if you're just exploring ergonomics for the first time. How will you know if a vertical mouse will even help? What if a trackball mouse is too difficult to use? Can't you just get a “normal” ergonomic mouse? With our ergonomic testing results fresh in our minds, we'll help explain when a vertical mouse or a trackball mouse might be best for your situation, and we'll also go over the ergonomic features included in some traditional mice that can also make a significant difference.
There are different ergonomic benefits to a vertical, trackball, and traditional-styled ergonomic mouse. Choosing the right one depends on your hand size, daily activities, and any pre-existing conditions you might have.
Vertical Mice
The benefit of a vertical mouse is that it promotes a natural handshake position for your hand, wrist, and forearm. Twisting your hand and forearm downward to use a traditional mouse is not ergonomic by any means, and it's the reason many people develop repetitive strain injuries in that region after excessive use. If you notice that you're building up wrist fatigue quickly, or if you want to be proactive about preventing RSI, we recommend picking up a vertical mouse. Even an inexpensive option like the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical can make a very positive difference. For a more premium option that provides very comfortable palm support, check out the Logitech MX Vertical or its smaller counterpart, the Logitech Lift.
The sideways “handshake” position is much more natural for our bodies, and you can definitely find a vertical mouse that's perfect for your hand size.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Trackball Mice
If you have a condition that demands no wrist movement whatsoever, a trackball mouse is a better option than a vertical mouse. You can also use a trackball mouse in a completely stationary position, which not only saves you space but also reduces shoulder pain by allowing you to stay in a proper and relaxed position. There is a steep learning curve when you're trying to perform precise tasks with a trackball for the first time, though. It may be a good idea to try out a budget model, like the Logitech M575S, before fully investing in a high-end trackball mouse like our personal favorite, the Logitech MX Ergo S.
Enjoy a consistent and highly ergonomic mouse experience with a trackball, no matter what unusual circumstances you might find yourself in.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Other Considerations
If you'd rather use a traditional mouse, either due to personal preference or because you enjoy a precision hobby like gaming or graphic design, then we have ergonomic recommendations for you as well. Consider a mouse with a more supportive shape, such as the Logitech MX Master 3S with its shelf-like thumb rest component. A dynamic scroll wheel can also cut down on your repetitive movements, which makes the Razer Basilisk V3 35K a compelling choice with its 4D scrolling and infinite scrolling features. Our top consideration, though, is to have multiple mice of different shapes–during our testing, we found that switching between a traditional mouse and a vertical mouse throughout the day can noticeably reduce the fatigue or discomfort caused by keeping your posture the same for hours on end.
Our lead tester is a strong advocate for switching between mouse types throughout the day, and the rest of us are ready to convert to this ergonomic lifestyle too!
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
At GearLab, our goal is always to provide meaningful buying advice to people from all walks of life. To objectively convey which ergonomic mice are the most relieving and versatile, we carefully evaluated each mouse based on its comfort factor, performance accuracy, scroll wheel quality, its number of easy-to-use programmable buttons, and how it performs on various surface types. These metrics not only reflect how ergonomic a mouse is but also whether or not the manufacturer sacrificed essential functionality for the sake of its design. The right ergonomic mouse for you is the one that will minimize strain and enable you to maintain productivity or enjoy your hobbies, no matter what physical conditions you may have or what your desktop environment looks like.
If you're also looking for a keyboard to complement your ergonomic lifestyle, check out our ergonomic keyboard review. Looking for other top-notch mouse options? Our wireless mouse and gaming mouse reviews might have just the thing with all the features you need.