Ergonomic mouse: how to find the ideal model

If you've been in the peripherals' orbit for a while, you may have heard the name ergonomic mouse. Maybe you are here just because you were looking for what is and which is the best. Well look no further, because here we are going to tell you the ins and outs of these peculiar peripherals.

In the market we have different models with different designs for a good price range. We have offers from € 30 to some top mice for around € 90, so if you are interested in trying, you have a great variety.

Index of contents

History of the ergonomic mouse

Ergonomic mice began to market quite a bit later than the first traditional mice. The earliest ergonomic models we can date back to the early 2000s and were rather still imperfect models. It would not be until the second half of this decade that the ergonomic mouse would emerge.

One of the first Evoluent models vs another more current model

At first, almost no brand was interested, and several prototypes were rejected. It was pointed out that they were very large, ugly and that they did not offer any type of health benefit, when today they are one of their most important points. Here we see how the fear of innovating and the comfort of staying rushed into new ideas.

However, these peripherals made a name for themselves and as they gained fame, different brands took action on the matter. Today we have a good series of models from different companies (known or not), among which CSL, Logitech or Evoluent stand out.

We recommend reading our article on the best gaming mice.

The first models of ergonomic mice were what we know today as vertical mice. While in a common one the keys are placed horizontally, in a vertical one the keys are on the side. In this way, we hold the mouse as if we were shaking hands, which may seem ridiculous, but it helps to avoid certain health problems.

Over the years, variations of it have appeared. We have models with trackball (a ball on the side) , joystick format, ergonomic horizontal mice…

Logitech ergonomic mouse with trackball

The variations are numerous, but what is the reason for the existence of these mice. Are they better than gaming mice and we have not told you? Right now we explain it to you.

Benefits of an ergonomic mouse

In a gaming mouse like the Razer DeathAdder Elite the most important thing is the nanometric precision and the comforting grip. That is why e-Sports players and gamers , in general, expose themselves to this evil. They want the best precision so that the limiting factor is their ability and not the peripherals they use.

Simplified explanation of the problem in the forearm

Meanwhile, in an ergonomic mouse, the most important section to comply with is the good health of the user who uses it.

It is well known that if you spend many hours in front of the computer using the mouse you are more likely to develop diseases in the arms. Graphic designers, clerks, receptionists and others have a predilection to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis or Tennis Elbow, among other things. It is for this reason that a new idea began to prevent these ills.

By grasping a traditional computer mouse, we move the forearm tendons in such a way that they are placed in an unnatural position. During long and repeated sessions, this can get into trouble and this is where the ergonomic mouse comes in.

Types of designs

The reason for its creation was clear, but the approach that each brand had towards the solution was different. The first bet on completely different designs and focused on verticality, as we have already told you, but what other models exist.

Next we will see the three main aspects of ergonomic mice that exist on the market today.

We warn you in advance, that some of them have a trackball , that is, a ball that we can use to move the pointer without having to move the mouse. It is a peculiar characteristic and that, if you learn to use it well, it will make you be much more efficient.

Vertical

Upright mice are a type of ergonomic mouse designed exclusively for the forearm problems that arose from using traditional ones. They are among the first ergonomic mouse designs and wherever you see one people will turn to see what it is and how it works.

The niche of users who use it is not small, but it is not predominant either. However, these mice tend to be more bulky to carry and more expensive, which is why not many companies implement them in their offices.

This mouse directly attacks one of the more generic problems of using traditional mice. Offering a vertical (rotated) grip , the tendons are naturally positioned and the arm will function more comfortably. It is a design that does away with the health problem, but in exchange sacrifices some precision and portability.

Still, most vertical mice are wireless, since it is much more comfortable to work than wired and some have trackballs .

Horizontal

Technically, horizontal mice are all traditional, but obviously we are referring to ergonomic horizontal mice.

They usually have more voluminous bodies and tabs dedicated to the thumbs and their reason is rather clear. By offering more space between the fingers and a thumb rest, the hand grips the mouse in a much more organic and healthy way. This design is similar to that of some complex gaming mice, which usually serve as palm-grip.

In these types of mice it is common to see designs with trackballs installed on the left side from time to time.

Joysticks

The last known medium type is joysticks . They look the same as gadgets that were used decades ago in arcade machine rooms. They are the least used of the trio, although their solution is similar to that presented by vertical mice.

Logitech gaming joystick

When holding the joystick by its handle, the grip is done from the side. In this way, the tendons are placed in a natural position with respect to the axis of the forearm. In addition, the buttons are distributed by the handle (depending on the brand) to enhance ergonomics and, as a plus, are usually programmable.

What these devices do suffer a bit is having a special learning curve. Although a vertical ergonomic mouse also suffers a bit from this, the joystick is a 180º turn. With the control anchored and having to move it using a "lever", the first few months can be a bit strange.

Other notable features

Despite being special peripherals, we are going to discuss some features that are consistent with traditional devices. Of course, most features only coincide in the first two types of mice, since the joysticks follow different paradigms.

First, we will talk about connectivity, since most of these devices are wireless. A good number of them work by batteries, but many others bet on AA or AAA batteries . This usually hurts the overall weight of the product, as both batteries and batteries add extra weight.

As a positive point, some can be connected via cable, so we can use it without batteries or charge them while we are still active.

We also have to talk about the customization options they bring. Most have multiple programmable buttons, but not always in the same places. Due to their peculiar shapes, each brand decides where to place the buttons, so we have really strange combinations.

Finally, I would like to talk about DPI , something that users of gaming mice will know closely. Summarized poorly and quickly, DPI is the number of pixels the mouse travels when scrolling. The more DPI you have, the more the mouse will move around the screen.

Although it sounds like something beneficial, most of the time it is unnecessary and the brands know it. Therefore, mice tend to have low levels of DPI .

Recommended ergonomic mouse models

Next we are going to make a small list recommending you some well-known and good quality ergonomic mice . They do not have a specific order, so none is strictly superior to another.

Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless

As is common, Logitech sneaks into a top of mice.

Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse

This ergonomic mouse follows the horizontal design of common mice, but is designed to enhance the efficiency of users. With its longer and wider body, it will serve to relax the muscles of those users who suffer from problems due to their mouse.

On the other hand, it has an integrated battery, with which it can last around 70 days of normal use and that we can recharge by cable. In general, the battery drains almost as fast with the USB connection as with the Bluetooth , so we don't have to worry about a thing.

This ergonomic mouse has some interesting features like being able to connect to up to 3 computers at the same time and exchange data between them. We can copy a file to one computer, connect to another and paste the file there.

Also, we can use the mouse wheel from left to right, a little implemented utility. The wheel can be taken down to rotate without anything stopping it, so we can move around long screens.

Logitech boasts a sensor, as it announces that it is capable of reading any surface, including glass.

We can get this mouse in black, white and blue.

Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse, Multiple Devices, Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, Unifying USB Receiver, 4000 DPI Track on Any Surface, 7 Buttons, PC / Mac / i Pad OS, Flounder Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, i Pad OS 59, 99 EUR

CSL TM137U

CSL is the quintessential mouse that comes to mind when you think of vertical mice. It is a very famous model among the community of users who use ergonomic mice since it is simple, fulfills its purpose and is cheap.

CSL TM137U Mouse

It has six buttons, being the sixth to change the DPI between various levels ranging from 1000 to 1600 . The other five are used for common tasks (and the sides can be reprogrammed), that is:

• left click right click wheel next page previous page

It works with a USB antenna , although its greatest strength is not portability as it is so bulky. We miss a Bluetooth mode, but for the low price it has, we cannot complain.

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On the other hand, it has a battery-dependent life expectancy . Its motor is powered by two AAA batteries and lasts a good number of months, so you won't have to worry for a long time. In addition, it has an indicator to alert when you have low energy.

As a positive point, we must emphasize that we have a left-handed version, since ergonomic mice are normally only for right-handed users.

As a negative point, we have to say that we cannot connect this model via cable, since it lacks a battery as such. What we can do is buy its wired version, but the optimum would be to have both options, as in gaming mice.

CSL - Optical Mouse Vertical Shape - Ergonomic Design Tennis Elbow Prevention - Mouse Disease - Especially Protects the Wireless Arm - 5 Buttons CSL TM137U | USB optical mouse | Vertical shape | Especially protects the arm; Provides better handling than traditional mice | Color: black 19, 99 EUR CSL - Optical Mouse TM137U Vertical Shape for Left-Handed - Ergonomic design - Prevention of Tennis Elbow RSI syndrome mouse disease - Especially Protects the Arm - 5 Buttons Provides better handling than traditional mice | Color: black 17.99 EUR

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse

This mouse created by Microsoft itself has a peculiar design. It does not fit well with vertical mice, nor with horizontal mice, although it is more similar to these seconds.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse

However, it has a slightly raised body that naturally causes us to grip it in a diagonal position. In this way, we hold it as if it were a horizontal, but taking advantage of the grip that helps us so much with forearm problems. As with the Logitech , the wheel works in all four directions.

As a special feature, this mouse offers the ability to launch Windows functions a single click away (the Windows icon). This version of the ergonomic mouse is much more portable than the ones we've seen previously, so it won't be a hassle to carry it in your backpack.

On the other hand, it works with batteries, instead of battery, having to install two AA batteries. With average use, the mouse should be able to last about four to five months without problems.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, Wireless, Black Advanced ergonomic design encourages natural hand and wrist postures; The thumb hole helps maintain the correct ergonomic position for hand and wrist 45, 94 EUR

3M Ergonomic Optical Mouse

Although they call it an ergonomic mouse, this peripheral belongs to the group of joysticks.

3M Optical "Ergonomic Mouse"

Like vertical mice, it presents a healthy grip for the health of our forearm. However, it has the problem that it is exclusively for right-handed people.

The device has two buttons around the handle (which work as three) and its main feature is the way to use it. Being a joystick , we do not move it, but we indicate to the pointer in which direction we want to move and with how much intensity. With this system we lose a lot in precision, but we gain the same quality of use.

On the other hand, we will have a wired version, with a fairly acceptable cable, and a wireless version, which works with a USB antenna. Also, depending on the size of our hand, we will have a small version and a large one.

The most negative point that we can get from this peripheral is its learning curve, since a joystick is not at all like a mouse. We have to emphasize that it can be very useful in some situations and the mobility it offers is great, but learning how to use it can become an odyssey.

3M EM500GPS - Ergonomic USB Optical Mouse, Black Color Small ergonomic black mouse; 123 x 81.6 x 103 mm small mouse EUR 57.53

Final words

In general, if you are a user who spends many hours in front of the computer and does not care too much about precision, we recommend using an ergonomic mouse. It will alleviate any discomfort you have and will improve your overall computer experience.

We recommend our article on the best keyboards on the market.

If you changed or played a video game competitively or seriously, it is not highly recommended that you switch to such a mouse. They are generally less demanding on the sensor and the precision loses some importance for the quality of use.

For its part, we can recommend the CSL mouse over others. It is the cheapest device among the four and the best known on the networks. Its design is simple and sufficient and it has a perfect body for what it intends to achieve.

In the end, the decision on which to choose is yours and it all depends on how much you are willing to try. The verticals are peculiar for new users, but the joystick types are already on another level.

And what do you think? Will you buy an ergonomic mouse? Do you think they are not necessary? Share your ideas below.

Source PCWorld Nomadic ApproachOmnicore Agency