Best Ergonomic Mouse – 8 Mice Reviews (Aug 2017)

Do you feel excruciating pain in your wrist and fingers after doing click, hold & drag operations all day with your standard mouse? Perhaps you have suffered from tendonitis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) because of repetitively using the conventional mouse. If so, then you need to find an ergonomic mouse that won’t leave you fatigued or with an agonizing pain.

Myself, I spend most of my days on my PC, mostly doing photo editing and designing graphics. Before I started using an ergonomic mouse, my wrist and fingers would get a strain after using my old mouse the whole day. For real though, every time I walked away from that computer, it felt like my fingers were being fried. Things got worse because I had to deal with CTS from time to time. Now, CTS is no joke. It was then I decided to try an ergonomic mouse. On top of the excruciating pain, I had to take a time-off and even spend on medications. Fast-forward to today; I now use a vertically designed mouse. Ergonomic mice have transformed my world so much; I don’t think I’m going back.

If you are always on the computer like me, and you still use the traditional PC mouse, you probably can relate to this. Toss it away and get yourself an ergonomic mouse.

In this article, I’ll talk about the best ergonomic mouse out there, and how to choose one, so you don’t have a hard time picking the perfect fit.

Oh, my! This gadget is so on point. It’s a mouse, but it’s not a mouse. It looks like a mouse, but also it doesn’t look like a mouse. What is it? It’s the Swiftpoint GT Wireless Ergonomic Mobile Mouse. The first time I took a look at the Swiftpoint GT Wireless Ergonomic Mobile Mouse, I asked myself, “What the hell is this?” It’s small, and at some point, it doesn’t look like a computer mouse, leave alone an ergonomic mouse.

I didn’t have much hope with this mouse. But man, I was wrong. The Swiftpoint GT Wireless Ergonomic Mouse blew me away right from the first time. Since its small, it’s portable, and you won’t be fatigued because of using it for an extended period. It has a strange shape because you don’t hold it like a regular mouse; rather, you hold it like a pen. What also surprised me was that you could use it as a gestural device. You can pinch, zoom, swipe, just like using a touch screen.

The Swiftpoint GT Wireless Ergonomic Mobile Mouse comes with two options to connect to your device: Wireless USB or Bluetooth. Use whatever you want. The USB receiver also acts as a charger and a docking station, so you can move without the fear of losing this mouse. Since you can use the Bluetooth function, perhaps you are wondering how you can secure the mouse. Well, the manufacturer has thought about this, and they also include a magnetic parking spot that allows you can stick this mouse to any place you want.

If that’s not enough, this mouse has one of the best build-quality among the devices that we tested. The package includes USB receiver/charger, magnetic parking spot, palm-rest mat, spare stylus nibs, a cleaning cloth, and the mouse itself.

Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 is an excellent ergonomic mouse that you might want to consider buying.  Evoluent is one of the oldest brands in the industry. I think it’s been around for as long as I can remember. The Evoluent ergonomic mouse proposes a natural way to use computer mouse by using near vertical angle design (it’s more like 80 degrees, not really 90 degrees). With a near vertical angle, your fingers can rest on the mouse while using it; meanwhile, this mouse has a dedicated place for your thumb to rest. Also, Its buttons are highly responsive when you click them.

You can easily change the pointer’s speed at the click of a button because the Evoluent comes with an adjustable optical sensor. Keep in mind that this model is available in two sizes – a standard size and a small one. Be sure to pick the right choice. Otherwise, if you choose the wrong mouse, it may pose some inconvenience when operating it.  Here’s is a buying tip to remember always: if you have a normal adult hand-size, always buy the standard version.

My only complaint with Evoluent is that its exterior finish feels soft and slippery when you hold it. In other words, its grip is not that comfortable. After some time, it starts to peel off I discovered that it has an inner coating, which has a better grip than its exterior finish. While it will help you relieve wrist pain or treat Carpal tunnel, you need to get used to its design. If you can’t adjust to using its buttons, its buttons are reprogrammable.

Lastly, there are two versions of the Evoluent mouse – a Wireless USB and a wired version. It’s best to buy the Wireless USB, because the wire always gets in your way, one way or another. Also, it causes the mouse to drag.

The EV Wireless mouse is designed to relieve the tension from your hand to make you feel better and relaxed.  I went for a regular sized mouse, which BTW, perfectly fit my palm – all my fingers were comfortably resting on the gadget’s curves. If you are right-handed, the EV Wireless ergonomic will provide the ultimate comfort.

It brings a uniquely comfortable user experience thanks to its vertical orientation design and contoured shape. With the vertical design, it will keep your arm in a neutral upright position, so you don’t twist your arm. When your palms rest on the mouse, your arm will assume ‘handshake position, which is the neutral forearm position. This position allows you to move the mouse using your entire arm, which lessens the stress you put on your wrists when using the conventional mouse.  When I used the EV Mouse at first, I was uncomfortable, but after some time, I adjusted.  

When it comes to tracking, it uses Laser 2.4g Technology for increased sensitivity. So it has a smooth and precise tracking, regardless of the surface you move it on. On the sideways, it has a roughened, firm grip. Also placed on the side are two ergonomic buttons to help move back and forth quickly. When you click its buttons, they respond without resistance. Also, you can switch to different DPI setting whenever you want with a single click. The various options include 500, 1000, 1800 and 2,500 DPI resolutions.

If you have big palms, there is a larger version, and for those with tiny hands, a smaller version is available.  The Rainbow color breathing light will create a stunning environment for working or gaming. The EV ergonomic mouse will get the job done. It’s pain-free, and it can keep you going for hours.

The Microsoft Sculpt mouse looks sleek and its design, which is vertical with streamlined curves, encourages a natural, comfortable posture that doesn’t stress your arm and wrist. Some of the buttons are on the side, and it has thumb scoop for resting your thumb. Hence, you can expect maximum comfort from the hardware. You will have a different experience when you get to use this mouse.

Because the mouse uses MicrosofTrack Technology, you will have precise control on a variety of surfaces. Also, if you are using Windows OS, you will probably love the Windows logo button. When you press this button, it gives you instant access to the Start Menu. However, the button seems incompatible with Linux or Mac OS. So, if you have installed either of the two, this particular feature may be annoying. After all, perhaps you are used to having a zoom button in place of the Window’s logo button.

Although it is a large mouse, it’s lightweight, and its buttons only need a light touch when clicking. Its scroll wheel is on the side, and it works fine. When you move it back and forth on a surface, the mouse glides smoothly. Since you are not used to the buttons being on the side, it may take you some time to get the hang of it. The Microsoft sculpt seems like it was designed for right-handed people, but left-handed people can learn to use it too. Also, because it does not use Bluetooth, you have to get used to having one of your ports filled with a USB dongle, which BTW sticks out a few inches.

The Handshoe ergonomic mouse is a fantastic piece of hardware that will make a significant difference in your life. When you look at the Hippus, it looks like a drone only that it is small. Despite its unique shape, it’s among the most expensive computer mice out there. It’s unique and contoured shape will allow your hand to continuously rest on its surface, ensuring your hand is in a relaxed position. Assuming your hands are huge, your palm, from the wrist all the way to the fingertips, will fit nicely on its curves. Also, its buttons are easily clickable, and they don’t need force.

Most probably, Hippus developed the Handshoe ergonomic mouse with left-handed people in mind.  Obviously, it’s not the most comfortable mouse out there, but it’s far much better than using a standard mouse. Its ergonomic design will keep your hand off the surface, such that it rests on the mouse, a posture that will help you avoid RSI (Repetitive strain injury), and at the same time, make your hand feel completely relaxed.

Although the Hippus ergonomic mouse is high-priced, I’m pretty sure you will love it, particularly if you are left-handed and you have big hands.  Since it’s a huge gadget, you will probably need a large mouse pad to go with it. Perhaps the only time you need to put a little more effort is when you are navigating with it since it’s a big and heavy mouse.  The other concern is this: if you are looking for a mouse that can game, the design of this particular one makes it hard to game with it.

Next on the line is the J-Tech Wireless mouse that also mimics a scientific ergonomic design. You can tell by looking at its engineering and aesthetic look that someone put some work into developing it. Being an ergonomic mouse, it has a vertical design to help keep your arm in an upright and neutral posture. Although it’s not at the top of our list, it will effectively alleviate the discomfort that comes with long-term use of an ordinary mouse.

Apart from comfort, the J-Tech Wireless mouse did not disappoint when we tested its performance.  The Laser sensing technology makes it efficient when it comes to tracking. Its buttons are soft and ergonomically placed, and they are easy to click. At least, you won’t have a hard time trying to tap them, and your muscles will be at ease. When your palm rests on the mouse, it supports even the pinky finger. Two thumb buttons allow you to navigate back and forth when gaming or browsing the web. Just like our best-rated peripherals, this one too has a switch for adjusting the mouse’s sensitivity. Depending on the purpose, you can choose from 600/1,000/1,600 DPI. Another thing I liked about this mouse is the fact that it has a removable palm rest – a feature that helps reduce pain in the wrist and hand. Also, it comes with a Nano receiver for wireless capability.

When I first got to use this mouse, sometimes I would accidentally click its forward and back buttons, which are located near the thumb side. But after several days, I can’t remember the exact number for sure, I got used to its unique build, and everything went smooth. Once you know how to navigate with this mouse, it’s comfortable to use it.

Another ergonomic mouse in the market is the Sharkk Wireless vertical mouse. It’s a huge mouse; when I first used it, I’d knock it off my desk when trying to reach out to it. Straight out of the box, it comes equipped with advanced features like adjustable DPI switch and 2.4G wireless technology.

Regarding comfort, it will help alleviate arm and wrist pains since when you operate it, your hand will take a natural form. The mouse did not give me a hard time when working with it. Its scroll button was smooth and fast, and sliding on my mouse pad was effortless.  It’s front and back buttons make it easy to browse the web.  It has a strong grip, but you do need to get used to it. Also, it has a DPI switch for varying the cursor’s sensitivity, including 800, 1,200, and 1,600 DPI resolution.

Its Auto-sleep function ensures the two AAA batteries that power this device last longer. If you leave the mouse idle for about 10 minutes, it will automatically go into sleep mode. I wish this feature was in all other pointing devices. Perhaps my only regret is that you have to click a button to wake it up; simply pushing the mouse won’t cut it. Also, the gadget comes with a USB Nano receiver, the size of a quarter, for plugging into your PC.  At the bottom of the mouse, there is an On/Off switch, plus an additional slot for storing the Nano USB receiver.  

Also, its price is unbeatable; if you can’t afford the Evoluent and the likes, the Sharkk mouse is a wise option.  Besides, who said the best ergonomic mouse has to be pricey? Another favorite thing I liked about this hardware is that its mouse pad has gel wrist, which is useful for resting your pisiform bone, thereby making navigation easier.  Lastly, don’t expect Laser or LED flashes from this particular mouse because it uses an invisible light frequency.

The Anker ergonomic mouse is not so different from the Sharkk mouse.  After testing both of them on separate occasions, I was convinced they function the same way.  It will nicely fit into your hands, and because it has a rubber matte finish, its grip is firm – at least, it won’t slip from your hands when using it. To get a good hold of the mouse, I had to squeeze it, and whenever I did so, my hand would form into a concave shape. Also, the Anker works on most surfaces except glass.  At times you need to use a mouse pad because it’s a lightweight mouse.

Just like the Sharkk, the Anker has an auto-sleep feature and three DPI modes, including 600, 1200 and 1600 DPI.  The mouse goes into power saving mode whenever you leave it idle for eight minutes or so. For you to wake it up, you will need to press either the right or left button.  

I’d like to mention one thing – the Anker is not completely upright.  It will hold your hand around 65 degrees or so.  Sure, it will relieve tension from your wrist and fingers, but it leaves the wrist pisiform bone hanging out on the table, which somehow feels uncomfortable.   Also, its buttons required some pressure when clicking since they are a bit rigid. Clicking its buttons did not feel intuitive like using the SwiftPoint GT or Evoluent.  You sure need some time to work them. The other thing I noticed is that its scroll wheel works just fine, although it’s not stellar.  If you ask me, the Anker mouse is suitable for casual use.

Repetitive motions syndrome (RMS) or if you would like, Repetitive Strain Injury is not something new. It was there before Candy Crush or GTA; it goes back to the Industrialization Age when people used to perform repetitive tasks all day long on their farms. Today, we have new forms of RMS that have evolved with us.  Using the standard mouse for a long time now causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis and other never damages ailments that affect the wrist, fingers, and shoulders. In case you have no clue, the standard mouse forces you to twist your forearm from a neutral ‘handshake’ position to a risky and uncomfortable angle. It’s true to say that whenever we engage a particular body part in a physical task repetitively, that body area gets overused and injured.

It’s common to feel torturing pain after using the regular mouse for long. That’s because it forces you to twist your wrist and forearm to an unnatural posture.  Things get complicated if the gadget is hard to click and it buttons require extra pressure when pressing.  A well-designed ergonomic mouse reduces the risk of suffering from such conditions.

With an ergonomic mouse, you will position your arm in an upright, neutral position that’s comfortable and does not strain your arm or wrist. Getting an ergonomic mouse will save you a steep cost of injuries, among them being: pain, surgery, time-off, and recovery expenses.  Remember, over the long-term, using a mouse still degrades your health; however, an ergonomic mouse will minimize the effects.

Now that you know why you need an ergonomic mouse, how can you go about choosing one? This section will answer that question. I know it’s not always easy to pick an ergonomic mouse, especially because they are many unique and well-designed products in the market. When picking an ergonomic mouse, I always consider the following factors, which you too can keep in mind when shopping for one:

Size

Size matters, and that’s why I have included this point as my number one.  When looking for a mouse, try and find the perfect fit – Do not forget this. If the mouse is too large or small, your tendons will cramp or stretch unnaturally.  When you rest your hand on the mouse shell, it should fit in your hand. If it’s too big or small for your palms, it’s not right for you. Another thing that comes into the picture when thinking about size is accuracy and precision. Obviously, you want a mouse that is accurate when you move its cursor. In that case, choose a mouse that will nicely fit your palm, such that it does not fill your hand. When the mouse fits well in your hand, it will be easier to manipulate it and accurately control the cursor. If the mouse fills your hand, moving it with your finger and hands becomes a challenge. You will have to exact some force from your shoulder, which in turn messes with the precision.

Whether it has a vertical design

Your hand forms a contour or an arch when it is at rest.  You should select a mouse that will reproduce that arc. A vertically designed device allows you to maintain your forearm in a neutral posture (the handshake position). Your hand is meant to stay in this natural posture, an angle that promotes not only comfort but also accuracy.

Whether the mouse is wireless or wired

A wireless gadget has an advantage over the wired one. That’s because you won’t have wires entangled in the same space you will be maneuvering with the mouse.  Also, using a wireless mouse makes it easy to try out different positions.  Cables tend to limit your movement, which ultimately causes discomfort.  Also, a mouse with a cord tends to drag, particularly if it’s a light mouse.

Are you a leftie, ‘ rightie’ or ambidextrous?   

Most models in the market are specially made for right-handed people. Few are designed for lefties while some models are ambidextrous, which means they can be used by either right-handed or left hand people.

An adjustable DPI

A mouse with an adjustable DPI resolution is a plus. That’s because you can alter the cursor’s speed to suit your preference. Some tasks require a low DPI setting while others need a high DPI.  This feature is useful for gamers, graphic artists, and videos editors.

Weight

This factor is just a matter of preference. If you want a mouse that anchors the hand, go for a heavier one while if your interest is to play the MOBA games, for instance, choose a light peripheral.  However, always remember: you need more effort to move a big mouse. The difference in weight may seem negligible, but as time passes, it does count.

Thumb rest  

The thumb rest is an ergonomic feature in some mice, and it’s a plateau for resting your thumb when moving the mouse or when you are not clicking the side buttons.  This feature reduces surface friction and the drag the thumb causes when it sticks out.

Ease of use

Pick a mouse that is easy to use.  The forward buttons, plus the scroll wheel should respond with a light touch, at least. If the wheel offers a lot of resistance when scrolling or the forward buttons are hard to click, it may strain your fingers over time. The same case applies to the right and left buttons. A mouse with a strong grip will be easy to hold when gliding on a surface.  Some peripherals have side grips. Also, check that the buttons are not awkwardly positioned. It doesn’t matter how stylish it looks, if the buttons are awkwardly placed, it won’t be comfortable to use.

Unfortunately, we foresee no huge changes in ergonomic mouse market. So we think this list of best ergonomic mouse will stay this way for 2018. If you think there is anyway we can improve this list, please let us know.

There you have it – a definitive guide on the best ergonomic mouse in 2017 and some tips on how you can pick the right fit. You can’t go wrong if you choose any of the above gadgets I have reviewed. But I believe your budget, needs, and taste will profoundly influence the option you pick. An ergonomic mouse is all you need to kiss goodbye tendonitis, CTS, and other nerve related ailments that affect the fingers, wrist, and shoulder because of constantly squeezing and clicking with the old mouse. Keep in mind; it will take you some time to get used to a vertical ergonomic mouse. Even so, once you do, it will save you a lot of trouble and money.