If you are experiencing pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders it might be time to consider switching up your computer mouse to see if it eases the pain. When switching to a new mouse, be patient with the process. It takes a while to become accustomed to a whole new setup! It may take several weeks to be back at your normal mousing speed but don’t let the short-term inconvenience dissuade you from finding a long-term solution.
Below are several alternative, ergonomic mice options to consider.
Contour Design Contour Mouse – $59.95-$69.95
Contour Design Contour Mouse
Credit: https://www.contourdesign.com/product/contour-mouse/
A trusty old favorite. The Contour Mouse has been around since 1996.
The Contour Mouse has a “patented 17° slope built into its apex to accommodate the natural, resting posture of your hand. This allows your hand to be in a relaxed posture throughout the day, minimizing the strain associated with using a computer mouse.”
Other features:
- Right and left-handed versions
- Available in 3 sizes
- Wired and wireless options
- 5 programmable buttons (left, middle, right, scroll wheel, forward/backward toggle switch)
- Adjustable cursor speed
Contour Design Unimouse – $79.99
Contour Design UniMouse
Credit: https://www.contourdesign.com/product/unimouse/
A unique, ergonomic mouse that can be adjusted in several different ways to best fit the user’s hand for comfort and usability. The Unimouse features a hinge mechanism that allows the user to adjust the angle of the palm anywhere between 35 and 70 degrees. The Unimouse also features an adjustable thumb rest with three different positions; which, according to the company, eliminates “harmful gripping” and helps to reduce tension in the hands and forearms.
Other features:
- Right and left-handed versions
- Wired and wireless options
- 6 programmable buttons (left, middle, right, scroll click, forward, and back)
- Adjustable cursor speed
3M Ergonomic Mouse ~ $56-$76
3M Ergonomic Mouse
Credit: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Wireless-Ergonomic-Mouse-Small-EM550GPS/?N=5002385+3294308590&rt=rud
An ergonomic mouse that keeps the user’s hand and wrist at a neutral angle. The user’s hand grips the handle while resting on the base. The left and right clicks are performed by the thumb rather than the forefinger. A third button on the handle allows for scrolling.
Other features:
- Right-handed version only
- Available in 2 sizes
- Wired and wireless options
Evoluent VerticalMouse – $89.95-$109.95
Evoluent VerticalMouse
Credit: https://evoluent.com/products/vm4rw/
An ergonomic mouse that keeps the user’s hand and wrist at a neutral, handshake angle eliminating the twisting of the forearm arm typically required by a standard mouse. All buttons are within
Other features:
- Right and left-handed versions
- Available in 2 sizes
- Wired and wireless options
- 5 programmable buttons (left, middle, right, scroll click, forward, and back)
Orthovia OrthoMouse – $100-$135
Orthovia OrthoMouse
An ergonomic mouse that “imitates the shape and proportions of the hand that uses it, while the hand and fingers copy the attitude of writing with the same natural configuration”. The hand is completed supported by the mouse’s molded shape.
Other features:
- Right-handed version only
- Can be configured in 6 different ways to accommodate the user’s hand – 3 palm sizes and 2 thumb placement adapters
- Wired and wireless options
- 5 programmable buttons (left, right, 3 for scrolling)
- Adjustable cursor speed
AirO2bic Quill Mouse -$99.95
AirO2bic Mouse
Credit: https://www.aerobicmouse.com/products/?productid=16
A “gripless” mouse. The user’s hand rests in an upright position on the mouse; this unique feature means that no pinching or gripping of the mouse is required.
Other features:
- Right and left-handed versions
- Wired option only
- 3 programmable buttons (left, right, scroll wheel)
- Adjustable cursor speed
Contour RollerMouse -$199.95-$269.95
RollerMouse Red
Credit: https://www.contourdesign.com/product-category/rollermouse/
Perhaps the most striking of the ergonomic mice on the market, the RollerMouse doesn’t really look like a mouse. The RollerMouse sits in between the keyboard and the user. It allows the user’s shoulders and arms to remain in line with the body, unlike other mice that sit off to the side of the keyboard.
“All RollerMouse products rely on our patented Rollerbar to control the cursor on your screen. This new way of cursor control will allow you to work fluidly with your fingers and thumbs and is easily used ambidextrously. The Rollerbar doesn’t require the gripping and squeezing of a handheld mouse, reducing hand, wrist, and forearm strain.”
Other features:
- Wired and wireless options
- 6 programmable buttons (left, middle, right, scroll click, copy, and paste)
- Click using the Rollerbar
- Adjustable scroll speed
- Adjustable click sensitivity
I have used the RollerMouse for the last 5+ years. It has made a tremendous difference in my pain level. I love that I can copy+paste with a single click, that I can click using the Rollerbar, and that I can switch mousing hands when my dominant hand grows tired.
Check out our article on the RollerMouse below:
Interested in trying one or more of these?
To schedule your free hands-on demonstration with an Assistive Technology Consultant, please call 800-895-4728 or email info@ndassistive.org.
All of the options discussed are available for a 6-week, short-term loan to North Dakotans and Minnesotans. To request a loan, please visit our Loan Library database at https://nd.at4all.com/, call 800-895-4728 or email info@ndassistive.org.