Spend a significant chunk of your time in front of your computer can be bad for your health and can result in conditions like repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome. The peripherals you choose can make a huge different, and that’s why you should think about upgrading to an ergonomic mouse.
An ergonomic mouse emphasizes comfort and efficiency above all else. Even though many products nowadays factor ergonomics into the final design, products designed precisely to be ‘ergonomic’ usually go much further. For instance, a standard mouse might be smooth and easy to hold, with a scroll wheel that allows for easier navigation.
Despite this, how you hold the mouse could lead to injury over prolonged periods. Having said that, here is how to go about buying the best ergonomic mouse for your needs.
Types of Ergonomic Mice
There are different types of ergonomic mice on the market. Understanding what each type brings goes a long way in making sure you choose the perfect one for your use case. The most common type of ergonomic mouse, the horizontal ergonomic mouse, doesn’t look or feel that different from a standard mouse. No wonder it is easy to transition over, with no real adjustment period.
You can also choose to go with a vertical ergonomic mouse. This type of ergonomic mouse embraces a more natural-feeling vertical alignment. It is quite similar to holding a mug than using a mouse, and requires a unique button layout that could take some time to adjust to.
A roller bar mouse is also becoming a fan-favorite among many. This mouse may seem like the most radical options out of all the ergonomic mice, but it is very easy to use once you master how. It simply sits in front of your keyboard, and when you roll the bar, the cursor moves accordingly.
To help you choose which ergonomic mouse will suit you, be sure to factor in the pain that you’re experiencing. As a general rule of thumb, if you have mostly wrist pain then looks at an adjustable or vertical mouse.
For anyone experiencing mostly should pain, then a Trackball or Rollermouse is a good starting point. Depending on the ergonomic mouse, you may have the option of a wired or wireless connection, and a choice of size, and a right or left-handed model for some particular mice.