Product improvement ergonomic mouse

Computer mouse - standard

Vertical mice, trackballs, unusual sculpts: You can find quite a few ergonomic approaches to mousing comfort. The common aim: minimising the threat of repetitive strain injuries you may incur from using a mouse and keyboard for many hours each day. There are so many shapes, sizes, and features out there. The mice shown below are based on design, features, connectivity, comfort, and value. The five-star-rated Logitech MX Master 3S is the top ergonomic mouse pick for most people. Let's break down the pros and cons of each one below.

If you don't currently suffer from RSI symptoms, you may not want to deal with the tradeoffs of a specialized ergonomic mouse, such as an adjustment period or reduced fine accuracy. In this case, you can still do yourself a solid and buy a mouse with a comfortable, supportive shape. Conventional mice come in all shapes and sizes, and whether one feels good in your hand is perhaps the most important. 

If possible, get a mouse fitted to your dominant hand. Unfortunately, left-handed mice aren't as common as those shaped for righties, but you should still be able to pick from a modest set of specialty options or, failing that, choose a well-shaped ambidextrous mouse. 

Beyond that, ergo-positive traits vary from mouse to mouse. Certain features imply more support, such as a "thumb wing" or rest for your opposable digit, but having one doesn't guarantee comfort. Some companies definitely skew toward different hand shapes; gaming mouse maker Corsair, for instance, offers many well-shaped mice, including some for users with large hands. 

Easily one of the best mice on the market, the Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse is not a true ergonomic mouse, but offers exceptional comfort. The large, curved shape leaves plenty of room for larger hands, while the silent buttons are responsive and satisfying. It's a productivity king, although it may not be the best choice for those with specific ergonomic considerations—in those cases, a vertical or roller ball mouse might be a better choice. But if you're looking for a dependable and comfortable mouse for work and even a little play, the Logitech MX Master 3S is for you.

If you're looking for an excellent all-around mouse that excels in both ergonomics and productivity, the Logitech MX Master 3S is the top pick.

Trackball mice are ideal for protecting wrists and fingers during long sessions at the computer, but they don't always come cheap. That's where the Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball comes into play. With both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless options, a well-designed scroll wheel, and a detachable wrist rest, the Orbit is a solid entry-level ergonomic mouse. The build quality leaves a bit to be desired, but for just $49, are you willing to compromise.

The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball combines the freedom of a trackball with the familiarity of your typical mouse, resulting in a daily driver that's both easy on the eyes and easier on your hands. With a shape typical of conventional mice, the Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 cuts the trackball learning curve in half, relying on the right thumb for navigation instead of the fingertips. (Sorry, left-handed users, you'll have to look elsewhere.) Plus, the sturdy build will keep your hand steady and free of unwanted cursor movements.

Ergonomic mice come in all shapes and sizes. Some keep a low profile, while others, like the Lenovo Go Wireless Vertical Mouse, are as tall as they are comfortable. This mouse features a stylish, compact design and a supportive cork material that acts as a grip. A lack of Bluetooth connectivity does ruin some of this mouse's usefulness, requiring you to rely on a USB dongle as the wireless tether. Still, the Lenovo Go puts comfort above all, making for a capable wireless daily driver.

The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse, designed with the differently abled in mind, is a modular mouse that can be tweaked and fine-tuned to your specific needs. At its core, it's a simple puck—it's up to the user to install adaptive accessories, either purchased from Microsoft or 3D-printed, if you have access to a 3D printer. Microsoft’s effort to create a versatile system for people who either cannot use a traditional mouse or simply want to create a custom input device is commendable. Accessibility is a human right, and the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is one step toward accessible tech for all.

You can find plenty of ergonomic mice for the office, but very few are designed with gaming in mind. The QuadraClicks RBT is a rare exception. With a unique shape and a steep learning curve, the RBT may seem intimidating initially, but once you’ve settled in, the stress relief is palpable. The RBT attempts to avoid strain by using not your fingertips but the bottom of your fingers to click. It's a pricey palm pleaser, but it's worth the time and effort you put into it, especially if the safety and comfort of your hands are important to you.

Vertical mice are an acquired taste, so instead of committing to a full 90-degree tilt, why not try the Goldtouch Semi-Vertical Wireless Mouse? With a 66-degree tilt, the mouse sits comfortably between the vertical and standard mouse designs. It also comes with a unique accessory: a detachable plastic hand rest. The rest does add some girth to the already-large mouse. However, you can adjust the mouse's weight by removing or adding up to four 5-gram weights, which are also included. Plus, it's available in both right-handed and left-handed versions. Overall, the Goldtouch is comfortable, flexible, and a good choice for users not ready to commit to a fully vertical mouse.

The Logitech Lift is a vertical mouse with a lot going for it. Vibrant colors, a long-lasting battery, and silent buttons make it a versatile tool for working at home or in the office. Support for Logitech's Flow technology, which allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and seamlessly swap files between them, makes the Lift an ideal choice for ergonomic control of PCs and Macs alike. The only major downsides are its diminutive size and buttons that don't offer much feedback. Overall, the Logitech Lift offers style and comfort at an affordable price.

Perhaps the most avant-garde choice on our list, the Contour Design SliderPro Wireless is a rare two-handed mouse. The idea? Use both hands to navigate the page: one on the slider, the other on the buttons and the scroll wheel. The wide wrist rest offers a lot of support, while the sliding bar results in accurate cursor movement. You have to rewire your brain a bit to make sense of using both hands to coordinate your movements, but when it clicks, you'll find a wonderfully unique ergonomic mouse for one or both hands.