Most people don’t know how much we abuse our wrists just by using the computer. Much of this abuse can be avoided simply by using an ergonomic mouse.
When we use a traditional mouse, our arms and hands twist just so we can hold and maneuver the mouse. It may feel natural to you at this point, but your opinion will change when you develop RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
You can injure your hand when you make small repetitive movements, just like what you’re doing when you use a mouse.
For this reason, engineers developed an ergonomic mice, which can either prevent the onset or aid in the healing process.
An ergonomic mouse brought massive relief to those already suffering from pain on their wrists. With reduced pressure on the wrists, the injuries can heal quickly.
Even if you’re a casual user, you’ll still benefit from ditching your normal mouse. There are various designs that are more suited to one use or the other. So, no matter what you’re looking for, there’s an ergonomic mouse for you.
Best Ergonomic Mouse 2021
Mouse | Type | Buttons | Connectivity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Razer DeathAdder Chroma | Gaming Mouse | 5 | Wireless | Check Price |
Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse | Productivity Mouse | 5 | Wireless | Check Price |
Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse | Productivity Mouse | 7 | Wireless | Check Price |
J-Tech Digital V628 (Gen2) Scroll Endurance Mousee | Productivity Mouse | 6 | Wired | Check Price |
Logitech Trackman Marble Mouse | Productivity Mouse | 4 | Wired | Check Price |
3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse | Medical Mouse | 3 | Wired | Check Price |
Tecknet Professional Ergonomic Optical Wired Computer Gaming Mouse | Gaming Mouse | 8 | Wired | Check Price |
Redragon M601 Centrophorus Gaming Mouse | Gaming Mouse | 6 | Wired | Check Price |
Razer Naga Epic Chroma MMO Gaming Mouse | Gaming Mouse | 19 | Wireless | Check Price |
Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse | Travel Mouse | 3 | Wireless | Check Price |
1. Razer DeathAdder Chroma – Popular Among Pro Gamers
The Razer DeathAdder Chroma is the ultimate gaming mouse if you’re serious about gaming. It’s the mouse of choice of eSports athletes, so that says a lot about its capabilities.
With a 10,000 DPI optical sensor, you can expect high accuracy and fast responsiveness. You can also adjust the levels according to your need and preference. You’ve never had control like this before.
The left and right buttons have a fulcrum that makes them bounce back up. And the thumb buttons are customizable to whatever function you see fit.
The design allows the players’ hands to rest comfortably on the mouse. The lesser the strain put on your wrists, the longer you can play without issues. Whether you have a claw grip or a palm grip, Razer assures you that it will fit snugly under your hands.
The sharp aesthetic combined with the subtle lighting makes for a stylish gaming experience. With over 16 million color options, you can customize this ergonomic mouse in a way that’s unique to you.
And because of the DeathAdder’s sleek design, you can use it as a productivity mouse as well. You can bring it with you to the office without getting strange looks that other gaming mice will induce.
If not, and you’re looking for a quality gaming mouse that prevents injuries, go ahead then try the Razer DeathAdder Chroma. It has a left-handed version as well, so lefties and righties alike can play like a pro.
- Great for gaming
- Programmable buttons
- Swift response
- Comes in a left-handed version
- More expensive
- No horizontal scroll wheel
- No weight adjustment
2. Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse – Productivity, Comfort, Style
Don’t let the unusual appearance of this ergonomic mouse turn you away. The Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical mouse’s shape is like this, so we can put our hands in its natural position.
If you observe, the resting position of our hands is similar to the handshake position. That means that using a traditional mouse is harmful to our wrists. If you work long hours, your hands are vulnerable to developing RSI, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or other disorders.
To make yourself more comfortable, you can adjust the DPI levels (800/1200/1600) to set the sensitivity of your movements. You’ll also find your fingers naturally resting on the buttons for better accessibility.
You can still right- and left-click using your index finger and middle finger like you’re used to. Your thumb is near the back and forth buttons you can use to navigate the web page.
Another cool feature is the automatic power saving mode. If you leave it idle for 8 minutes, it shuts itself down to save battery. You can turn it back on with a simple press of either left or right button.
But when the discomfort doesn’t go away, or you still feel pain after some time of using it, it may not be the right fit for you. It’s somewhat big, so a smaller hand won’t naturally rest on it like it’s supposed to.
Still, it’s worth trying out. Because of its affordability, anyone can take the first step of using an ergonomic vertical mouse.
- Inexpensive
- Prevents RSI
- Based on scientific data
- Awkward for first-time users
- May be too big
3. Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse – Easy Switching Between Computers
The Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse is for power users, it seems.
It’s one of the best ergonomic mice to use for work, mostly because of its ability to connect to 3 multiple computers. A dedicated button allows the user to easily switch between these 3 computers, so you don’t need a mouse for each one!
You can easily switch to your MacBook Pro from using it on your desktop computer, then to a Windows laptop at your whim. If you’re in the industry that needs to work with multiple computers, this will help in boosting your productivity.
The buttons are also customizable through the Logitech Options software. With it, you can assign a certain function for each button. You can even assign different settings for different apps.
One of the more interesting things about it, however, is the shape. It looks like a traditional mouse except there’s extra material on the left where you can rest your thumb. The ergonomic contours provide comfort to lessen the impact on the wrists.
The Logitech MX Master may be the best productivity mouse if not for its connection issues. The users’ gripe with it is that it randomly loses the connection with the computer. It may be due to distance or the Bluetooth itself is faulty.
A full charge only lasts 40 days, too, and that’s based on a 6-hour daily use. Don’t worry, though, as you can use it while it’s charging.
- Thumb wheel
- Long battery life
- Can switch between different computers
- More expensive
- Randomly loses connections
4. J-Tech Digital V628 (Gen2) Scroll Endurance Mouse – Natural Grip for Reducing Strain
The J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Mouse is another vertical ergonomic model that aims to lessen the twisting of the wrists. To use a traditional mouse, we twist our arm and wrist that leads to pain and tension to the small muscles.
When holding it, your index finger and middle finger are resting on the left and right buttons with the scroll wheel in between. Your thumb, on the other side, can easily access two additional buttons for going back and forth on a webpage.
But we recommend that you try the mouse for at least a couple of weeks before you decide it’s not for you, except if you’re experiencing a lot of pain. It may take some getting used to, but if you overcome it, you will get immense relief from your injuries.
The removable palm rest add extra support for the wrist. It keeps it straight and acts as a cushion to diminish the chances of straining your muscles.
On top of its somewhat odd appearance, it has LED lights that can capture anyone’s eye. It looks professional enough for use in an office setting and cool enough for your preference.
If you’re right-handed and your hand needs healing due to RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, use a vertical mouse like this one.
- Value for money
- Removable palm rest
- Great for medical issues
- May not be for people with smaller hands
- Not ambidextrous, no left-handed version
- Awkward for first-time users
5. Logitech Trackman Marble Mouse – Good Ambidextrous Trackball Mouse
The Logitech Trackman uses a different ergonomic design. This ergonomic mouse doesn’t only rely on contouring but also on the ball to keep the hand stationary.
The trackball controls the cursor, which means the mouse doesn’t have a sensor. You move the trackball using your fingertips that you also use to right- and left-click. Because of this design, your wrist doesn’t need to move at all. If you’re experiencing pain, this might be the mouse for you.
And because there’s no sensor, you don’t have to place it on a smooth surface. You can place it anywhere as long as you’re comfortable. It also doesn’t need a large space to move in. The narrow profile lets you put it on a cramped desk.
But if you want an ergonomic mouse that works for your pain, the Trackman is a great choice. With prolonged use, it will bring you comfort.
The right and left buttons are aptly positioned, but the two programmable buttons may be harder to reach. Scrolling is inconvenient as well, as you need to press a side button first before you can use the trackball as a scroll wheel.
- Works on any surface
- Works for both right- and left-handed users
- Programmable buttons
- Accurate trackball
- No scroll wheel
- Wired connection may be cumbersome
- Some buttons are hard to reach
6. 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse – Vertical Grip for Comfortable Use
The 3M ergonomic vertical mouse looks more like a joystick than a mouse, but it has received great reviews because of it.
The vertical design keeps the hand and wrist at the handshake position, which is the natural posture of our hands. Because of this, you won’t need to worry about putting undue stress on our wrists.
The set-up forces users to use the larger muscles on the arm rather than the small ones on our wrists. And because there’s no strain, there’s no pain.
It also comes in two sizes. The design is not suitable to be a one-size-fits-all type of mouse, because smaller hands may find it harder to rest their thumbs comfortably.
Your thumb naturally rests on the buttons, so you can right- and left-click with no problems. It may take some getting used to, but those who have managed to get over the awkward phase exclaimed good results.
It’s also more recommended for healing patients than those who just want to prevent complications. If you’re in pain, the 3M vertical ergonomic mouse is worth trying. If not, you can try other mice that you might be more comfortable with.
It’s also important to note that it’s not for gaming despite looking like a joystick. It doesn’t work like one, and you won’t have the controls and accuracy you’ll get from a gaming mouse.
- Great for medical issues
- Ease-of-use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation
- Affordable price
- No scroll wheel
- Not ambidextrous, no left-handed option
- Scrolling button is not on Mac
- Wired connection may be cumbersome
7. Tecknet Professional Ergonomic Optical Wired Computer Gaming Mouse – Best for Gamers on a Budget
Want to buy an ergonomic gaming mouse without breaking the bank? The Tecknet Professional Ergonomic Optical Mouse is just what you need.
Tecknet designed the mouse so it fits comfortably in your hands, giving you a good grip while you’re in the middle of gaming. The ergonomic design lessens the strain on your wrists and tendons to prevent damage.
Those looks might not be a good sign if you’re in the office, however. Although it can function as an all-around ergonomic mouse, it doesn’t fit in a professional setting. It’s better in your home, where you can set up your rig as cool-looking as you want.
Other than its cool looks and comfortable design, it doesn’t lack in the actual gaming experience. The accuracy and response rates are comparable to a more expensive gaming mouse.
It has 5 DPI settings (800/1200/1600/2400/4000) can match your gaming style. And the 12-month battery ensures that you’re not going to have any downtimes. There’s a low battery indicator to let you know ahead of an important game.
But its biggest strength is its price. For the durability, design, and response rate you’re getting, it’s cheaper than you would expect. This is a great starting point for beginners or those who have a tighter budget.
- Great all-around mouse
- Programmable buttons
- Very affordable
- Not the best choice for medical issues
8. Redragon M601 Centrophorus Gaming Mouse – Good Entry-Level Gaming Mouse
Another cheap option for gamers is the Redragon Centrophorus. It has certain functions that the Tecknet Pro doesn’t have, yet they’re about the same price.
The ergonomic design provides maximum comfort and support for long gaming sessions. With less tension on the wrists, you can play more efficiently and not to mention stylishly. The red backlight adds a nice touch to a good-looking mouse, which makes it a welcome enhancement to your gaming computer.
The 8-piece tuning set allows you to adjust the weight until you feel comfortable with the inertia it produces. Each piece is 2.4g, so you can fine-tune your ergonomic mouse in increments.
The good thing about this relatively cheap mouse is that you can configure 5 memory profiles. You can set different game settings, and you can even use one or two for productivity. Its anti-skid scroll wheel is smooth and useful in scrolling through documents. However, its design is not exactly office-material.
You can also adjust the DPI in 4 levels (800/1600/2400/3200) to get accurate tracking. The TEFLON feet allow you to have more control over the mouse’s movement.
It also has a problematic lifespan. Many users have complained about how it breaks in a few months use, but those months are reportedly worth the price.
But hey, the cool storage box it comes in is a huge plus. And for that price, you can just buy one every time it breaks if you really like how it handles.
- Great for gaming
- Also great for productivity
- Very affordable
- Short lifespan
- Durability poses a problem for intense gaming sessions
9. Razer Naga Epic Chroma MMO Gaming Mouse – Best Programmable Mouse for MMO
Another brilliant gaming mouse from Razer is the Naga Epic, featuring style, ergonomics, and practicality. Razer aims it towards MMO gamers who’ll find the programmable buttons useful for their strategy.
There are 19 buttons in all, and 12 of which are easily accessible on the thumb side of the mouse. Their design features mechanical switches for faster tactile feedback. The thumb grid lets you access the map, abilities, and macro quickly that can give you the advantage in a heated battle.
You can configure these buttons in-game, which means you won’t have to switch between windows while you’re preparing for an all-important game.
The ergonomic design may only help users that can grip it well. Nonetheless, the Naga Epic Chroma claims to provide an easy-on-the-wrist experience, which can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
It’s not ambidextrous, unfortunately. But there’s a left-handed version for all the lefties out there.
Its wireless functionality also won’t let you lose a game with a low battery. You can plug it in and use it while it’s charging.
The Razer Naga claims to be more precise than it actually is, but it’s response time is still pretty great. You might benefit from a better mouse for FPS gaming.
Perhaps, the most appealing part of the Razer Naga Epic is the Chroma Lighting. The scroll wheel and thumb grid have backlights that you can customize to display your chosen colors. You can either choose one color or spectrum cycling, which cycles through 16.8 million of colors.
- In-game MMO configurator
- Has a lot of programmable buttons
- Chroma Lighting looks beautiful
- Has left-handed option
- May be too big for smaller hands
- Left and right buttons can get loose
- Very expensive
10. Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse – Productivity on the Road
The Microsoft Arc Touch is the great ergonomic mouse for traveling. You can flatten it for easy storage, then just fold it up when you want to use it. Flattening it automatically turns it off, too, so that you can tuck it away in one swift motion. Its slim profile lets people store it like a cellphone.
It adopts an industrial design that looks great on your workstation. But the handsome look is not complete without ergonomic arc design. The hunchback form supports the hand and allows it to rest in a natural position.
This ergonomic mouse is also equipped with BlueTrack technology that Microsoft claims to work on any surface. So far, the mouse is holding true to its promise.
However, it doesn’t connect through Bluetooth. You have to plug in a USB receiver on the computer, which means you can’t use it on mobile devices.
On a more positive note, the connection is very stable.
With all the traveling that the Arc Touch should be ready for, losing the nano transceiver is a real issue. Thankfully, Microsoft thought ahead and attached magnets, so you may attach it to the underside of the mouse when on the go.
What sets Microsoft Arc Touch apart is the neutral design. Aside from looking good, it also allows both right- and left-handed people to use it.
Sacrificing a true ergonomic style for portability is not wrong. After all, what Microsoft is aiming for is a portable design that’s also easy on the wrist. If you have bigger hands, though, you may not find it comfortable to use.
- Ambidextrous
- Compact and portable
- May be too slim for bigger hands
- Not great for medical issues
- No Bluetooth for wireless connectivity
Ergonomic Mouse Buyer’s Guide
As we spend most of our days in front of a computer, whether at work or at home, we put too much stress on our hands. We may not notice the effects of simple tasks such as typing or navigating a mouse on our hands. But these can eventually lead to bigger problems.
How can we relieve some of the stress caused by these daily activities? Is that even possible?
Yes, it is. We can start by replacing your mouse with an ergonomic mouse.
We may not consider buying a mouse by its form. Usually, we look at the price, its size, and sometimes its color as well. However, it may be the time that we care for our hands by using an ergonomic mouse.
So, what is it exactly and why is it good for you?
What is an Ergonomic Mouse?
An ergonomic mouse ensures that our hands naturally rest on the mouse. If you haven’t noticed, our arms and wrists twist when using one. This is not the body’s natural posture and staying this way for hours can lead to complications.
An ergonomic mouse aims to reduce the stress on our wrists. It’s not only useful for those with an injury but for people who want to avoid it as well.
The idea is to let the tool we use to adapt to our body’s natural position rather than us adapting to them. When you rest your arms, you’ll notice that it’s not in the same position as in using a mouse.
But everybody’s been doing this for years, right? Well, yes.
And people have been getting injuries because of it.
Just how bad can it be? Read on.
Risks of Using a Non-ergonomic Mouse
Just because people have been using the same design since the 80’s doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are always ways to improve things, and you should embrace the changes that can give you better health.
There are a lot of flaws in today’s mouse design, which makes people vulnerable to:
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Painful Nodules
- Workplace Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
These can all lead to pain. We will typically feel pain in our wrists, which we might brush off as we head home. But we may also experience aching in our elbows, forearm, shoulder, and upper back. These are not normal despite you experiencing it every day.
Musculoskeletal Disorders cover muscles, tendons, and nerves. These are also caused by non-neutral positions, repetition, poor posture, and no movement.
Another risk that you may be more familiar with is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It has more serious consequences than just a painful wrist. If left untreated, you could permanently damage your muscles. You’ll be lucky if you could still use your hand then.
Benefits of Using an Ergonomic Mouse
Although an ergonomic mouse may look weird at first, its benefits far outweigh its odd looks.
They take different shapes, but they are all designed to let our hands rest in a natural position. This can significantly reduce stress and discomfort on our wrists.
The shape also allows us to relax more, lessening the grip strength required. This results in less tension on our tendons and less fatigue. When put remove the pressure from the small muscles, we put it on the stronger muscles that are best suited for mouse movements.
You can then avoid the serious injuries like those listed above. But if you already have strained your wrists, will an ergonomic mouse still help?
Because it promotes a non-neutral position, using it can alleviate pain. You may eventually find that using an ergonomic mouse can also bring relief to aching arm and back muscles.
Keeping on using a traditional mouse can only exacerbate the damage, so if you already have problems in your wrists, it’s best to switch to an ergonomic mouse now.
How to Choose the Ergonomic Mouse for You
First, what are you using it for? Like a normal mouse, there are different types of ergonomic mice with different functions:
- For gaming
- For injuries
- For office work
Ergonomic Mouse Checklist
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- Features: When you’re buying a gaming mouse, you may be looking for more than a typical mouse can offer. Some mice can have more 10 buttons that are programmable. For a gamer, a more customizable mouse is better.
- Size and Weight: The aim is to rest your hand naturally on a mouse, so the size must fit your palms. The weight depends on the preference. Do you want something light or heavy? An ergonomic mouse is no use if you’re not comfortable in using it.
- Design: You are also free to choose based on looks. This might be more important to gamers who want to maintain a certain look on their rigs. The design also refers to the buttons placements. These are shortcuts, so they must be accessible to you.
- Left-hand Support: If you’re left-handed, there are ambidextrous ergonomic mice as well. Some are specifically for a southpaw.
- Grip: Feel the contouring of the mouse. Are you comfortable with the way your fingers and palm settle on it? There’s also a vertical mouse that keeps the hands on the natural handshaking position. This may be more appropriate for people with injuries.
- Connectivity: Not a fan of wires? If you’d rather keep your desk clean of annoying wires, most mice have a wireless option. But you must also consider the battery life. A short life might annoy you more than a wire could.
- Scroll Wheels: Not all mice come with scroll wheels. If you’re not one to use it, you can settle for one that doesn’t have one. However, it doesn’t really affect the design and function that much.
- Thumb Rest: This can make pushing side buttons easier, but only some have thumb rests. If you want a place where your thumb can rest comfortably, choose an ergonomic mouse with it included.
- Trackball: Prefer using your finger to move the cursor around? Then an ergonomic mouse with a trackball is the one you’re looking for. This doesn’t require you to move your arms, so there’s less strain on the muscles.
- Price: Lastly, how much are you willing to spend on comfort? An ergonomic mouse may be more expensive than its traditional counterpart but caring for your health is priceless.
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Final Words
As preferences and neutral hand positions change in each person, there’s no one size fits all ergonomic mouse. What may be comfortable for me may not give the same results to you.
Having a general idea of your budget or your needs can help you limit your search to a few ones. So, try different ones and see what works for you!