Keyboards aren’t the only cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries (RSI). The computer mouse has the same defect. One of the best ways to prevent RSI is to use an ergonomic mouse.
Employers and health and safety committees take this into account, so you may be able to get one at work. The variety available today means there are affordable mouse for the home and even ergonomic designs for gamers. These are the best ergonomic mouse available in 2023, in our opinion.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Mouse
If you’re unfamiliar with ergonomic mouse, they might look weird. There are several types. The key to choosing one is to make sure it’s comfortable on your hand and wrist. A quick way to see which style suits you best is to shake someone’s hand. Notice the angle of your wrist and the degree of rotation angle of your hand. An ergonomic mouse that mimics this is your best bet. Combine it with one of the best ergonomic keyboards and forget about wrist pain.
Next, consider the technical aspects.
- Does the mouse work on Microsoft Windows or Apple MacOS? Many will work on any operating system, but sometimes with limited functionality.
- Is he left or right handed? Most are right-handed.
- 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth or dongle? Dongles are lost, but some like Logitech allow both mouse and keyboard connection.
- Do you need programmable buttons or are conventional mouse buttons sufficient? What is PPP? This is the resolution or precision of the mouse. The higher the DPI number, the higher the accuracy.
Features and Functions of Ergonomic Mouse
You’ll see ergonomic mouse in different configurations with a variety of mouse features, including scroll wheels, trackballs, wrist rests, programmable buttons, and more. But what do they do and how do they help?
- Trackballs: The idea behind the trackball is to replace the optical sensor at the bottom of the mouse so you don’t have to drag the mouse. Nobody moves, nobody gets hurt. You will often see trackballs built into the side of the mouse.
- Scroll wheels: Chances are your normal mouse also has a scroll wheel, and they come in handy. The ergonomic benefit of the scroll wheel is to reduce the number of mouse movements.
- Palm rest or wrist rest: Sometimes built-in, sometimes removable, a palm rest or wrist rest can elevate the wrist enough so that the hand is aligned with the forearm in a neutral position. The less the wrist bends, the lower the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- thumb rest: Imagine a traditional mouse, but with a rim on which you can rest your thumb. This counteracts the curvature of the hand widthwise, relieving pressure on the wrist.
- Programmable buttons: The best ergonomic mouse use programmable buttons and thumb buttons, as well as the standard left and right buttons. This makes the mouse more functional as the buttons can often be programmed to perform repetitive tasks, saving you unnecessary movements or keystrokes on a keyboard.
- Vertical design: The vertical mouse looks like an ordinary mouse placed on its side. While holding it, you will notice that your hand is very close to the handshake position which is supportive of your wrist health.
- Adjustable tilt: Although rare, some mouse allow customization of the degree of rotation angle of the wrist and forearm. This can help you dial in the right angle for you.
- wireless: Yes, a wireless mouse is more ergonomic than a wired mouse. Greater freedom of movement and less struggle with cables reduce muscle fatigue. Also, a clean desk is nice.
Price: $265
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS
Characteristic:
- Wrist/palm rest
- programmable buttons
- Ambidextrous
- Scroll wheel
The central pointing device isn’t technically a mouse, but it does everything a conventional mouse does and more. Plus, its design is ergonomic, keeping your hands close to the keyboard and in the same neutral position they should be for typing.
In addition, it can be used by left-handed or right-handed people. Yes, it sounds weird and there is a learning curve, but you get used to it quickly and then it becomes essential. RollerMouse claims there is a 19% improvement in productivity. The roller bar controls vertical movement, while the roller bar handle controls horizontal movement. Between them, you can move the cursor anywhere quickly and easily.
2. Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse: Razer Basilisk V3
Price: $60
Compatibility: the Windows
Characteristic:
- thumb rest
- programmable buttons
- Scroll wheel
- wiring
Razer is known for their gaming peripherals and this is the best ergonomic gaming mouse they have. The main ergonomic design of the Razer Basilisk is the thumb rest. Of course, programmable buttons and a scroll wheel facilitate free spins.
Most ergonomic gaming mouse designs don’t deviate from the traditional mouse. It’s stereotypical gaming RGB lighting, with 11 programmable buttons for macros and 26,000 DPI precision. Thus, only the slightest hand movement is necessary.
Purchasing the matching mouse pad and elastic mouse cord can also reduce wrist pain. Released only in the fall of 2021, the popularity of the Razer Basilisk is skyrocketing.
3. Best Ergonomic Trackball Mouse: Logitech MX Ergo
Price: $100
Compatibility: windows mac
Characteristic:
- trackball
- programmable buttons
- Scroll wheel
- Wireless (Bluetooth and USB key)
- angle adjustable
If you prefer a trackball mouse or haven’t tried one yet, Logitech MX Ergo is for you. The wrist rotation angle is adjustable between zero and 20 degrees. The MX Ergo allows you to navigate between 2 computers at the same time, thanks to Logitech Flow technology, even if one is Mac and the other Windows.
You can even move files between computers. The resolution is up to 2048 DPI, which makes it excellent for regular office work. A full charge can last up to 4 months, so it’s reliable for everyday use.
Price: $100
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPadOS
Characteristic:
- Scroll wheel
- Wireless (Bluetooth and USB key)
- portrait design
- programmable buttons
- thumb rest
Ideal for medium to large hands, Logitech MX Vertical has 2 programmable thumb buttons, keeps a full charge for up to 4 months, and has up to 4000 DPI with a cursor speed switch. The MX Vertical also incorporates Logitech Flow technology like the MX Ergo, which allows you to switch from one computer to another simply by moving the cursor from one screen to another.
Price: $90
Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix
Characteristic:
- Scroll wheel
- portrait design
- programmable buttons
- thumb rest
- Wired USB and PS/2
From the inventor of the vertical mouse comes the Evoluent VM4L left-handed vertical mouse. Left-handed people constantly suffer from wrist pain when forced to use a traditional right-handed mouse, thinking there’s nothing ergonomic about them.
With LED cursor speed indicators, natural vertical wrist positioning, scroll wheel, 6 programmable buttons including thumb buttons, and a comfortable lip for your little finger to sit on, this is the best possible ergonomic mouse for left-handers. If it was wireless, that would be perfect.
Price: $119
Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux
Characteristic:
- Scroll wheel
- portrait design
- programmable buttons
- thumb rest
- wireless bluetooth
Designed to mimic the grip of the pencil, the Swiftpoint ProPoint Wireless may also be Apple’s best mouse and the best laptop mouse, replacing your laptop’s trackpad. Its rechargeable battery has a quick charge mode that allows for an hour charge in one minute.
Absolutely tiny, it fits between your fingers, and with an iOS app for programming buttons and other on-screen functions, it’s more than meets the eye. Swiftpoint has integrated optional hand health software to do things like remind you to take breaks. It can even be used as a presentation pointer. There’s a lot in this little package.
Price: $28
Compatibility: the Windows
Characteristic:
- Scroll wheel
- thumb buttons
- thumb rest
- 2.4GHz wireless
Affordable, reliable and comfortable, although it doesn’t have all the customizations available on other devices, it does the job well and within budget. The design of the mouse is simple but it’s not an ambidextrous mouse.
The AmazonBasics Ergonomic Mouse features a reliable 1600 DPI optical sensor with an on/off switch that provides extended battery life on the two included AA batteries. The 2.4 GHz non-Bluetooth USB receiver also has a storage location inside the battery compartment to prevent it from being lost during transport. Like many Amazon products, it’s simply the best buy for most people.
