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Vertical mice can seem like a gimmick on the surface. Designed to be tall rather than wide, these accessories look strange on the eye since they go against the classic shape of a mouse, one that has remained largely consistent for decades. However, they do serve a purpose and can be game-changers in certain situations. Having an ergonomic setup overall can make a real difference, whether you are at your computer all day for work or gaming, or a little bit of both. If you need some help check out the best ergonomic gaming chairs, and the best computer desks, to round out your PC setup.
Although they are starting to become more common, vertical mice are still niche products that tend to be more expensive than a traditional variant. Consequently, investing in this periphery can seem like an unnecessary expense since the common mouse gets the job done without much issue.
Still, at times, an ergonomic vertical mouse can be worth it.
What's The Point Of A Vertical Mouse?
Horizontal mice like the Razer Basilisk Ultimate, while good for ergonomics in a way, require users to place their hand on the accessory's flat body and then push the device using their palms and wrists. Using a mouse this way may feel intuitive, but this setup does not provide much support for the wrist and requires the arm to be in an abnormal state, including a rotated shoulder. Most users will also have to slightly clench their fingers. When using a computer every day for hours on end, this lack of support can cause issues, leading to pain and cramps.
A vertical mouse combats this problem, employing a design that permits the person's hand to assume a more natural position. Basically, vertical mice are held like a soda can, a form that puts less pressure on the wrist since movement will mainly be carried out by the forearm. In fact, when using this accessory, a user's wrist might not touch the desk at all.
Does It Really Make That Big Of A Difference?
The immediate effects of using an ergonomic vertical mouse will differ from person to person, and only time will tell how big of a difference vertical mice will make on overall ergonomics. However, much of the evidence so far is pointing towards vertical mice being slightly better for users in the long run. Although other studies have shown that users who already have carpal tunnel syndrome won't see any changes in their condition using either horizontal mice or vertical ones, most people would likely reduce the strain on their wrist and shoulder by using a vertical mouse.
Naturally, switching to a vertical mouse comes with a learning period, but that should only last for a few days. After that, holding the device will probably become second nature. First-time buyers might also want to physically visit a PC store that allows them to try out different models as vertical mice vary in size and shape. It is also important to buy one created specifically for left or right-handed use, depending on the person's needs. Similar to many high-end gaming chairs, choosing the right size and shape is imperative to finding a vertical mouse that will actually feel good.
Is An Ergonomic Mouse The Same Thing as a Vertical Mouse?
Yes and no. A vertical mouse is an ergonomic mouse, but "ergonomic mouse" is an umbrella term that covers a wider spectrum of forms than just one. Many gaming mice are ergonomic mice, such as the Logitech G502 Hero, while other gaming mice prioritize performance, such as the Razer Viper Ultimate. How ergonomic a mouse is largely depends on the type of grip style it's designed for.
Is A Vertical Mouse Suitable For All Types Of PC Usage?
A vertical mouse will work perfectly fine for general PC usage; in fact, this design tends to be quite popular with programmers due to the number of hours they spend in front of a screen. Quite a few of these devices also come with additional options alongside the scroll wheel and left and right-click controls, such as a DPI switch and reprogrammable buttons.
When it comes to practical requirements of vertical mice, a slightly more spacious desk is recommended since the user's forearm should rest on the surface and not hang in midair. For the most part, these devices are wireless and use rechargeable batteries, so actively connecting them to the desktop should not be an issue.
Left-handed users aren't left out when it comes to vertical mice, unlike most standard mice. More and more companies are focusing on offering ergonomic mice specifically for lefties, but most vertical mice already have a left-handed option.
Are Vertical Mice Good For Gaming?
Unfortunately, vertical mice do make some sacrifices for their unusual design. Typically, vertical mice don't offer the same precision as their horizontal counterparts. For instance, the Logitech Lift ergonomic mouse has a DPI that caps out at just 4,000. That's good enough for plenty of gamers, especially those who aren't playing competitive shooters. However, those fast-paced games will feel like a slog with such a slow sensor speed.
Ultimately, a vertical mouse should not be bought if it will be primarily used for FPS gaming. FPS gamers who experience pain when using a normal mouse, should look into a wrist rest.
However, gamers who do not play fast-paced, competitive games should consider a vertical mouse to help prevent carpal tunnel and other strain or pain.
What Are Some Vertical Mice Brands?
Although there are nowhere near as many options as the traditional versions, the vertical mice market is still relatively expansive. There are quite a few lesser-known companies out there, but it is generally advised to start with some of the more established brands such as Logitech, Anker, Contour and Lenovo.
Here are some models to get people started.
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Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
$21 $25 Save $4Pros- Very comfortable to use.
- Well built for the budget
Cons- Extremely affordable
- High click latency
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Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
$63 $70 Save $7The Lift Vertical Ergonomic mouse was not originally designed for gamers, but the unusual design is both more ergonomic and more ideal for left-handed players. Plus, since this mouse was designed for use commercially, the battery life is absolutely insane: 24 months of power with regular use. This charge will likely last less time when paired with an avid gamer, but it was designed to support an 8-hour workday, which is no small task.
Pros- Compact Vertical Design
- 24 month battery life
Cons- Too small for larger hands
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Lenovo Go Wireless Vertical Mouse
Pros- Corkboard material is comfortable
- Vertical grip is comfortable for long periods of use
Cons- Lacks rechargeable battery
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Contour Unimouse Ergonomic Mouse
Pros- 3 programmable buttons
- Very customizable to fit all hand types
Cons- Feels flimsy at some angles
- Clunky software
FAQ
Q: Are vertical mice better?
Vertical mice offer a vastly different experience than traditional horizontal mice offer, When it comes to gaming horizontal mice are better, but if you are looking for an ergonomic mouse that won't cause RSI (Repeated Stress Injuries) a vertical mouse is the better way to go.
Q: How long does it take to adjust to vertical mouse?
As with any new product, a vertical mouse can take some getting used to, especially for those of us who have been using horizontal mice for most of our lives. That being said after using a vertical mouse for around 1 week people tend to feel more confident using it, but this can vary from person to person.
Q: Can a vertical mouse hurt your wrist?
It is hard to rule out any injury possibility, but vertical mice have a much lower chance of hurting your wrist or hand than horizontal mice do. The natural oreintation that a vertical mouse puts your hand in creates way less of a risk for injury or the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome.