Many people are looking for the best ergonomic mouse that can help make them more comfortable when working on a computer. It is a common occurrence now for a person to work on a computer for 8 hours or more a day by the time that both work and personal use are factored into the calculation. This extended computer use can be very tough on wrists, fingers, thumbs, and even elbows and shoulders. Trying to find the best ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and office setup to eliminate or minimize this pain is a search that many people undertake every day.
Microsoft 69K-00001 Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000
In my personal experience, one of the top mouse choices, and a prime candidate for the best ergonomic mouse is the Microsoft 69K-00001 Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000. I am not a doctor or a medical expert, just someone who has had pain from using a computer and mouse setup at a desk job. And while it hasn’t made the pain go away entirely or “cured” me, the use of a new ergonomic mouse was one of the significant changes made to my office setup that has improved the pain in my wrist and hands.
Evoluent Ergonomic Vertical Mouse (Small)
There are different versions available with the Evoluent series: Wireless, Regular or Small size, Right or Left hand. It is undoubtedly a top ergonomically designed, if not the best. It features 5 buttons (three on the side; two around the thumb) for further customization, adjustment of sensitivity (hi, mid, low, extra low), with effortless clicking. Within minutes of usage, the pain in my forearms and wrist was completely gone. The price was steep (around $100) but well worth it, however now at Amazon, it is much less than what I had paid for back then in 2011 when I got it as my first ergonomic mouse.
Testimonials (Evoluent Vertical Mouse):
- “This exceptional replacement mouse’s unique upended, ergonomic design provides surprising comfort”; 4.5 stars. (PC World)
- “Within minutes the surprising comfort of working at an upright angle completely won me over.” (BusinessWeek Online)
- “It’s surprisingly comfortable and familiar.” (Wall Street Journal)
- “Tension in the wrist dimishes after only a few minutes of use.” (O Estado de Sao Paulo, Brazil)
#2 Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
This was my second ergonomic mouse after Evoluent and fit my hands quite well (I have a medium sized hand). Currently, the Anker mouse has an overall rating of 4.5 stars both on Amazon and on the manufacturer’s website. You will get the feeling of a ‘handshake’ with a diagonal design where the Evoluent is almost vertical. It is comfortable, simple and lightweight in design, with a bit of a firm click required than the Evoluent. It is arguably the cheapest ergonomic mouse you can get with a solid built.
Testimonials (Anker Mouse):
- “Very comfortable and is releasing tension on my sore right arm. I’l never go back to a traditional mouse.”
- “The Anker vertical mouse is a fantastic deal for the price. It’s a solid, well built device.”
- “I love this mouse when it comes to ergonomics. Very good quality. It has standby mode to save battery when it’s not used which is great.”
Other Options
There are many ergonomic mice in the market today and there are other options such as 3M, DXT 2 which might be worth looking into. On the other hand, I don’t recommend Kensington trackball as it tension on the wrist (due to upward bending) or in the thumb in the case of Logitech M570. Also, you end up cleaning out the trackball every now and then due to dust build up.
Verdict:
Switching To A Vertical Mouse, A Life Changer.
- Avoid permanent damage on your wrist
- No more pain with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- More productivity!
How does an ergonomic mouse work?
An ergonomic mouse will position your hand more naturally than a standard mouse. The more natural the mouse position, then the less stress on your wrist and joints. If it is easy and comfortable in a relaxed place, then the wrist strain should improve over the standard mouse.
This mouse places your wrist in a very comfortable position, and the thumb rest/pad area is a very nice feature that you will miss if using another mouse for any length of time. One of the options to improve wrist pain and discomfort is the use of a mouse like this, and it comes recommended by this user to help. Of course, this isn’t medical advice, and some conditions can indicate the need for medical attention, so please consult with a medical authority for medical information, but if it is recommended to make a more ergonomic work environment, then the use of this mouse will be one to consider.
Of course, to be right in addition to these niceties, it must also do the things a mouse needs to do. This choice has good responsiveness, right scrolling, and all around good functionality. It is a solid choice ergonomically and technically.
Pros – Nice feel, thumb rest is a useful feature, places wrist in a comfortable position, reduces wrist strain, comfortable mouse.
Cons – Not many that could be found by this reviewer.
Check out the Microsoft 69K-00001 Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000.
Also, check out an excellent keyboard choice for those looking to add an ergonomic mouse and keyboard combination with the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000.
Should You Use an Ergonomically Designed Mouse?
Having wrist, thumb, or finger pain and fatigue is not an uncommon experience for computer users today. One of the commonly researched options is what type of ergonomic accessories and changes to workspace may be available to help with managing the reality of regular computer use to maximize potential physical comfort.
A lot of computer users today discover themselves in instances where they are utilizing their computers for 8 hours or even more a day at their job and then coming home to additional time being spent on a laptop from website browsing and surfing. There is no doubt that this use is higher today than in even the last few years. This continuous use of the computer and it’s related main input device the computer mouse can lead to wrist and hand pain and fatigue that can make it tough for the individual to continue working on the computer and doing what they either need (work) or want (personal use) to do.
It is an all too typical fact of modern life that the personal computer has become a necessity for both employment use and personal use. At work, this impact on productivity and at home the vast possibilities for entertainment make personal computer usage a requirement for many. With this high usage, there has often been an increase in troubles for computer users. Not uncommon problems of heavy computer users involve discomfort and soreness in the wrists, fingers, thumbs, back, and neck. If one thinks about it, it makes sense that staying in a mostly stable posture for several hours at a time using a computer can bring about some complications of physical discomfort and fatigue.
One way that computer users have tried to combat this wrist and finger pain and fatigue are through the utilization of ergonomic peripheral products. One of the primary ergonomic devices that could be utilized is an ergonomically constructed computer mouse.
An ergonomic mouse is made to give an end-user experience that is more comfortable and normal. Most of the ergonomic mice available these days are formulated to put the computer user’s hand in the most natural posture possible and placing the minimum tension on the wrist and hands. There are numerous alternatives used to provide this solution including ideas as simple as using softer material such as gels to make the device more comfortable to as unique as those that have an entirely nonconventional construction that is radically different than what is ordinarily anticipated from a mouse. An example of this latter type would be a vertical mouse which upends the standard mouse style and design to place the mouse buttons on the side instead of the top with navigation impacted as well. Individual users will have their favorite types from among the multiple options available.
Regardless of whether the exact type chosen is more of a standard mouse style with modifications or one that incorporates a dramatic change from the typical, for someone who is a heavy computer user investigating the ergonomic mouse alternatives on the market is a robust strategy to consider.
Best Ergonomic Mouse
The primary purpose of an ergonomic computer mouse is to relieve hand tension and prevent serious long-term health risks, namely Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI). Many of us use computers on a daily basis and it is hard to ignore the fact that very few computer workstations are ergonomically correct. It is extremely important to take the proper precautions and buy the proper gear to prevent yourself from developing any debilitating injuries from prolonged computing with poorly designed input devices.
A basic computer mouse is by no means designed for daily use. In terms of ergonomics, a standard mouse is only acceptable to use for about 20 minutes before a break of an equal amount of time is recommended. Think about how often you spend more than 20 minutes at the computer, its probably every day like most of us. Now imagine if your boss would let you take breaks from doing your work every twenty minutes to give your hands a break, its highly unlikely. This is why using a well-designed ergonomic mouse is the only way to go. It is a smart, effective way of enhancing your comfort, preventing injuries and increasing productivity.
Ergonomic mice have specific design features that set them apart from standard computer mice. One of the most obvious differences is the natural, sloped, hand-conforming shape of an ergonomic mouse. This is to provide your hand with more support and to reduce tension in the small, sensitive hand muscles. Similar to how a good sole in your shoe will conform to the bottom of your foot, an ergonomic mouse is made to “fit like a glove”. Some are even size-adjustable or are produced by the manufacturer in different sizes, to fit each and every unique user’s hands.
Some of the ergonomic mouse devices you will find will seem downright strange looking. In fact, the most popular mouse of them all is the Vertical Mouse by Evoluent which actually turns your hand sideways into the “handshake” position. This is said to reduce hand tension and eliminate arm twisting, which according to user reviews it does very well. Some say that it takes a little while to get used to the new feel of a mouse like this one, but for most people it is worth the wait and it proves to increase mousing comfort. Evoluent also makes a left-hand version of their mouse as well as a wireless version, but if going cordless is your goal there are also a few decent ergonomic bluetooth mouse devices available you can take a look at.
Buying an ergonomic computer mouse is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of ergonomics and to become more familiar with the needs of your body. After a top-notch mouse is attained users usually next opt for an ergonomic keyboard, followed by an adjustable keyboard tray to hold both the keyboard and the mouse and to allow them both to become fully articulating, or movable. Once you have the right peripherals and you’re able to adjust them accordingly you can look into what types of ergonomic seating are in your budget. While some are priced beyond most of our reach you can find a well-built ergonomic chair for $300-$600 that will last for many years and will help better support your hard-working back muscles.