Ergonomic and Vertical Mice

What makes a mouse ergonomic

An ordinary mouse is held palm down, with the forearm turned flat. A vertical mouse stands up on its side, so the hand rests in a handshake position, with the thumb on top. The movement then comes more from the arm and less from the wrist. A trackball goes the other way: the mouse stays still and the thumb or a finger rolls a ball to move the pointer. Neither is a treatment for anything. They are different shapes, and some people find one far more comfortable for a long day than a flat mouse.

What is in the range

• Vertical mice in several heights and angles, one at a steep upright angle, with a groove for the thumb. Most are right-handed.
• A left-handed vertical mouse, made the other way round.
• Trackballs: a desk trackball worked by the thumb, and a handheld one used off the table, which suits either hand.
• A multi-device mouse with programmable buttons, which connects to several computers and moves between them.

Many connect by both a receiver and Bluetooth, some by a receiver only. Most are rechargeable, and one or two take AAA batteries.

How to choose

Which hand. A vertical mouse is shaped for one hand only, so check before ordering. A trackball held in the hand suits either.

Size of hand. Vertical mice vary more in size than flat ones. Some say they suit medium to large hands; if yours are small, look at the measurements on the product page.

Vertical or trackball. A vertical mouse moves like a mouse, so it takes a day or two to get used to. A trackball takes longer, but needs no room on the desk, which helps on a small table or a train.

Where you put it. The Health and Safety Executive says the mouse should sit right beside the keyboard, in line with your elbow, with the forearm supported and the mouse held lightly. A compact keyboard and a wrist rest help with both. The HSE also notes that a different device may be better for some tasks and worse for others, so give it a fair try.

Questions people ask about ergonomic mice

Will a vertical mouse stop my wrist hurting?

No mouse can promise that. If pain in your hand, wrist or arm does not go away, or gets worse, the NHS advice is to see a GP. Our guide to ergonomic mice and keyboards explains who they suit.

Is there a vertical mouse for left-handed people?

Yes, there is a left-handed vertical mouse in this range, and the handheld trackball suits either hand.

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door.

More to look at

• Wireless mice
• Bluetooth mice
• Wrist rests
• Mouse mats and desk mats
• Compact keyboards
• Guide: How to choose a wireless mouse
• Guide: Ergonomic mice and keyboards: what they are for and who they suit