Life

The Best Mice For Anyone Who's Glued To Their Computer All Day

by Lisa Fogarty

If you're like a lot of people, hours of computer screen time is affecting your body. You may use it so much that your wrist and hand are aching by the time the day is over. Making the switch to one of the best ergonomic mice is an easy way to minimize pains and discomfort brought on by forcing your hand into an unnatural position when using a traditional mouse.

Unlike flat computer mice that require you to curve your hand in order to use them, these ergonomic mice have shapes that defy convention. It may take a few hours to get used to using an ergonomic mouse, like a vertical one that boasts programmable buttons so that you barely have to move your fingers and hand. But, once you do, we're pretty sure you'll never go back to your old way of working, scrolling the internet, or gaming.

These mice range from left-handed vertical models and a rollerball mouse that lets you use either or both hands to control it, to a standard mouse supported by a gel pad that instantly reduces pressure on your wrist. No matter how you use your computer, these unique mice will make the experience a lot more comfortable.

1

A Vertical Mouse With Sensitive Resolution Optical Tracking Technology

Anker Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse, $14, Amazon

They may take some getting used to, but an ergonomic vertical mouse like this highly rated one (more than 5,500 reviews) provides a natural hand position that can alleviate pain. "So far i can use it for hours and don't have any pains," writes one reviewer.

Some details about this mouse: It's sensitive and has 800/1200/1600 DPI resolution optical tracking technology, the "next/previous" buttons on the device are convenient to use when you're surfing the web, and it enters power saving mode all by itself after eight minutes idle.

2

An Award-Winning Rollerball Mouse That Lets You Use Two Hands

Contour Design RollerMouse Red, $265, Amazon

An open rollerball controls this unique ergonomic mouse, which won the red dot design award in 2013 and encourages the use of two hands to relieve pressure on the hand and wrist you primarily use. It has up to 2,400 dpi tracking technology, which provides precise and more accurate movements than with many other mice, and a detachable leatherette wrist mat adds to the comfort you get from switching to this option.

There are eight key functions on the mouse that include double click and copy and paste, so you can do more without straining your fingers and hands. And the larger surface area on this device means you'll have an easier time clicking and scrolling.

3

A Left-Handed, Wireless Vertical Mouse With Six Programmable Buttons

Perixx Perimice Left-Handed Wireless Mouse, $30, Amazon

Specifically designed for left-handed people, this wireless vertical mouse gives you complete freedom of movement and the option of using six programmable buttons and a nano USB receiver. It has rubber coating at the thumb for better grip and support, and it automatically goes into auto power-saving mode after it's on standby for 10 seconds.

Reviewers say this provides a natural feel for lefties with larger hands (it may be too big for smaller hands) and that the thumb rubber suction feels great. "I'm an engineer and work on CAD all day," writes one reviewer. "This is a very comfortable mouse."

4

A Supportive Wireless Mouse With A Battery That Lasts 18 Months

Logitech Wireless Trackball M570, $25, Amazon

Your hand stays in one place the entire time you're using this wireless trackball ergonomic mouse, even when you're moving the cursor. Compatible with Windows or Mac OS, you can control your laptop, desktop, or theatre PC from as far as 30 feet away, and its included AA battery is expected to last a long time — as long as 18 months, in many cases. You can use this mouse to connect to up to six unifying compatible devices, and the mouse boasts everything to keep your hands comfortable, including a pointer-finger scroll wheel, thumb-controlled trackball with adjustable cursor speeds, and a sculpted shape that conforms to your hand.

5

A Simple, Quality Wireless Mouse With A Gel Mouse Pad That Takes Pressure Off Your Wrist

Belkin Blue WaveRest Gel Mouse Pad And Wireless Mouse, $16, Amazon

The gel-filled cushion pad provides comfortable support for your wrist and a smooth tracking surface with a non-slip rubber base for this wireless mouse. Compatible with Windows 2000, Apple OS X, XP, and Vista 7, 8, and 10, the mouse itself has three buttons with a nano receiver for laptops, desktops, or netbook PCs. With more than 6,000 reviews, this is a popular comfortable mouse choice, described by one reviewer as "a good, quality, simple mouse pad with a comfortable wrist rest."

6

An Adjustable Wireless Vertical Mouse That's Perfect For Gamers

EV Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse, $60, Amazon

Whether you work for hours at a time on your computer or like to stay up all night gaming, this wireless ergonomic vertical mouse for right-handed people will ensure you avoid twisting your forearm and straining your hand. This plug-and-play mouse doesn't require drivers and features six buttons (including two ergonomic buttons on the side of the mouse), plus seven rainbow color breathing lights that enhance your user experience.

It has a rechargeable, built-in battery and works with myriad operating systems that include Mac OS, Windows, Vista, XP, and more. And, an adaptable laser sensor with four adjustable DPI levels makes this mouse more sensitive than most, providing precise and accurate movements.

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