We all know we spend a significant amount of our lives sleeping, so investing in a good mattress is a no-brainer. Similarly, if you’re someone who spends long hours working with a mouse, it makes sense to invest in a quality one that promotes comfort and reduces strain. That’s why I decided to try a vertical mouse, and now I can’t imagine going back to a regular one.
Unlike traditional mice, which keep your hand in a horizontal position and can lead to wrist and arm strain, vertical mice are designed to keep your hand in a more natural, handshake-like position. This reduces the twisting of the wrist, which is often the culprit behind repetitive stress injuries that can accumulate over time from using a conventional mouse. The theory behind vertical mice is sound, but how well does it work in real life?
I first encountered vertical mice about a decade ago when a friend gave me one to test. It was from a company called Evoluent, and at the time, I had no idea what a vertical mouse even was. At first, adjusting to it was challenging. For a whole week, I struggled with the new grip, which felt awkward compared to the way I naturally held a regular mouse. The mouse kept tipping over, and I often found myself accidentally clicking buttons in frustration.
However, after that initial learning curve, I started to notice a significant difference. The vertical mouse felt more in sync with my hand and arm, reducing the strain I was used to with traditional mice. It also seemed to complement my posture better, especially since I use a high drafting stool that encourages me to sit upright. With my arms hanging low in this setup, the vertical mouse naturally kept my arm in a more comfortable position, making long hours at the computer much more tolerable.