The best ergonomic mice for carpal tunnel and joint pain

Discover our list of the best ergonomic mice that you can buy today, ideal for use both at work and in your favorite video games.

If you have no choice but to spend many hours in front of a computer, the mouse, keyboard, and screen are your main enemies, in addition to, obviously, spending too many hours sitting down. For this reason, in addition to walking and exercising whenever you can, it is necessary to adapt your workspace with a good monitor, an ergonomic and clear keyboard, and an ergonomic mouse. Ergonomic mice are not as expensive as you might think, and even if you have a cheap one, your experience will be greatly improved considering that your wrist will get less tired and you will have a position that generates less fatigue.

Why buy an ergonomic mouse?

We are not referring to the mice for gaming, but to ergonomics. They are like normal mice, but with a certain inclination.

An ergonomic mouse is one that adapts to the physical characteristics of the person and allows them to work comfortably and healthily for long periods of time, helping to adopt natural postures and keep the muscles relaxed.

The use of ergonomic mice improves comfort, increases performance, and prevents the appearance of pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

However, not all are thought or designed to adapt to the physical characteristics of people and to be used for long periods of time. For a mouse to be considered ergonomic, it must have a design that contributes to adopting natural (neutral) postures and allowing the joints to be aligned and the muscles to be relaxed.

The top 10 ergonomic mice to avoid injuries and joint pain

Without further ado, let’s see the top 8 models on the market right now. Are you ready? Let’s start then.

Logitech MX Master 3S

Logitech MX Master 3S review

It is the most recognized ergonomic mouse in the world and one of the best sellers. The Logitech MX Master 3S is the latest model launched by the brand. It is a mouse that maintains the position of the hand in a semi-rotated position and, above all, is higher than a traditional mouse does. Also, it has extra buttons and a second horizontal scroll wheel.

It is possibly one of the most loved mice by professionals, and its users swear by its good reliability and quality. It has a magnetic displacement system that offers unique speed and precision. This ergonomic mouse is five times more precise and three times faster than a conventional mouse. It works on any surface, even glass. Its machined steel button gives a premium tactile sensation, and its weight offers the perfect dynamic inertia for work.

Pros

  • USB-C charging
  • Can be used with multiple PCs simultaneously
  • Pre-made and customizable app-specific profiles
  • 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth
  • Superb-rated battery life

Cons

  • Not for lefties
  • DPI customization isn’t precise
  • No USB receiver storage

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Logitech Lift

Best ergonomic mice for carpal tunnel and joint pain

The fashionable mouse, and there are plenty of reasons for it. This vertical mouse is available for both left- and right-hand users. It has excellent construction and is very compact. Ideal for small hands and for people whose wrists hurt from spending so many hours in front of the computer.

You can configure this mouse with up to three Bluetooth devices or one USB device and two via Bluetooth, which allows you to use it mainly on your computer, but if you have another one, you can also add it. You can even use it with mobile phones or tablets.

Its design is unconventional, but if you get used to it and like it, you will hardly ever use a conventional one again.

Pros

  • Handsome, compact vertical design
  • Available in version for lefties
  • Rated 24-month battery life on one AA cell
  • Can seamlessly swap connections among up to three devices
  • Compatible with macOS

Cons

  • Not comfortable for larger hands
  • Shallow switches offer little feedback
  • DPI button is unusable

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Contour Design: Single Mouse

Contour Design Single Mouse

If you have wrist pain, joint problems, finger arthritis, or similar issues, it can be difficult to find the right grip to prevent pain.

Contour Design has a solution for you: a mouse that’s fully adjustable, allowing you to choose your grip angle and thumb position until you find something that works.

The innovative design isn’t the only impressive thing here, either: the mouse has 10 cursor speed options and six programmable buttons. If you haven’t had much success with ergonomic mice in the past, it might be a good idea to try one that allows you to customize the position just as easily.

Pros

  • Customizable angle and thumb rest
  • Six programmable buttons
  • Multiple cursor speed options

Cons

  • The design means this mouse isn’t as durable as some options

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Trust Verto’s vertical ergonomic mouse

Trust Verto vertical ergonomic mouse

This is the best cheap ergonomic mouse on the market. It can reduce arm and wrist strain by keeping your hand in a more natural position, similar to holding a pencil, for long periods of time.

The Trust Verto mouse has several connectivity models to choose from (USB cable, wireless, or rechargeable with Bluetooth connection). Its optical sensor allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the cursor to the user’s taste between 800, 1000, and 1600 DPI. In addition, it includes six buttons for more precise and faster control, with plug-and-play operation, so it does not require driver installation. And as if that were not enough, this model includes LED lighting and is compatible with PCs, computers, laptops, and Macs. Amazon buyers highlight that its size is suitable for any type of hand.

Pros

  • Prevent arm and wrist pain
  • It’s lightweight, has a good grip, and glides easily on any surface
  • The price you pay for it is quite low
  • It looks great on any desk

Cons

  • Doesn’t have Bluetooth
  • Is not suitable for gaming

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Perixx PERIMICE-513 Vertical USB Mouse 

The top 10 ergonomic mice to avoid injuries and joint pain

Ergonomic mice are usually designed mainly for right-handed people. But in this case, the Perixx brand has created a model, especially for left-handed people, who can have a more natural wrist placement, reducing stress on tendons and nerves.

We can choose from its models with a USB cable, wireless, or Bluetooth, all of which are designed to adapt to any size of hand. Its operation is battery-based, including a switch and an “energy-saving” function to last much longer. It has six programmable buttons, allowing quick access to the most commonly used functions. Additionally, it has a 1000/1600 DPI sensor, allowing you to adjust the cursor sensitivity to suit user preference.

Amazon users say that it has become an essential product in their lives because they are left-handed. Left-handed products are usually more expensive, so they are happy about their value for money.

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable to use for long hours
  • Relieve pain in users with Repetitive Strain injuries (RSI)
  • Ideal for small hands

Cons

  • Button placement isn’t the best for small hands

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Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

Anker 2 4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

Manufactured by the Anker brand, famous for its power banks, they offer you this ergonomic and vertical option for those looking for a healthier hand posture or who suffer from hand or wrist problems when using a traditional mouse.

The mouse has three adjustable resolution levels (800, 1200, and 1600) that allow you to change the sensitivity of the cursor to suit the needs of each person. In addition, it has five programmable buttons, offering greater control flexibility. Its operation is based on a 2.4GHz wireless connection connecting the USB receiver to your computer, making it compatible with all types of computers, such as laptops, desktop computers, PCs, and MacBooks.

According to Amazon‘s opinions, it is an ideal mouse for gamers and people who work for long periods on the computer. They also comment that, thanks to this model, they have forgotten about wrist pain, and the adaptation process is very fast.

Pros

  • Power-saving mode
  • Comfortable to use
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • There are no lighting effects to make it eye-catching

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Razer Death Adder Elite V2

Razer Death Adder Elite V2

The Razer DeathAdder Elite V2 is one of the best ergonomic gaming mice, with high sensitivity for precise gameplay and eight programmable buttons for a variety of shortcuts.

One of the best mice we’ve reviewed, this model also manages to provide decent support for your wrist and hand, regardless of your grip style.

This mouse features a sleek body with the classic DeathAdder look that gamers love. The ergonomic focus of this mouse is to provide adequate wrist support, but it does not include a proper footrest. You’ll find a notch for your thumb, which helps your grip, but there’s no real rest.

This is first and foremost a gaming mouse, and as a result, it has the most demanding performance specs of any of the mice in our roundup. It uses a razor-sharp 20,000 DPI optical sensor with durable mechanical switches and Razer’s exclusive Chroma RGB lighting system. The Razer also comes with exclusive back-end software for key remapping and custom color options.

Unlike many of the better ergonomic mice, Razer also produces a left-handed version of its DeathAdder.

Pros

  • Excellent gaming mouse with 8 programmable buttons
  • A left-handed version is available
  • RGB Options

Cons

  • Dedicated gamers may prefer a mouse with more features

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Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

If your ergonomic mouse feels uncomfortable, it could be the wrong size for your hands and may even do more harm than good.

If you prefer smaller mice in general, look for ergonomic options made for smaller hands, like this clever model from the Jelly Comb, a wireless vertical mouse with a “handshake” grip designed for comfort and only around 4.1 inches long.

The mouse also has adjustable DPI options to choose from: 1,000, 1,200, or 1,500 DPI. This, along with its compact size, also makes it a great mouse for traveling, and an hour of battery charging should last you around two months of work (with the help of an automatic sleep mode). We also like the muted clicking noise, which makes it easier to avoid disturbing others while you work.

While the design is simple, the mouse makes room for a scroll wheel and six multifunction buttons (not compatible with Macs), plus a small indicator light for the battery. Note that the Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless Mouse requires a USB-A port for its dongle, so make sure you have room. It is also a right-handed mouse.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Slim handshake design
  • adjustable DPI

Cons

  • Bad compatibility with Mac

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Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse 

Logitech M570 Wireless

It is an ergonomic Logitech horizontal trackball mouse, although its format allows particular support of the hand, which places it semi-vertically, guaranteeing better posture. Additionally, being a trackball, this mouse does not require as many movements, offering a more neutral position.

Due to this reduced need for travel, it is an excellent choice for small workspaces. It offers a resolution of 540 dpi and is compatible with both iOS and Windows. This mouse also has programmable buttons that allow you to personalize your device, optimizing your work.

It is a wireless model, and its radio is quite impressive since it has almost 30 feet of range. In addition, it works with one AA battery. It is one of the best ergonomic mice that we can buy.

Pros

  • Very comfortable right-handed design.
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Connects wirelessly with a USB receiver.

Cons

  • There is no Bluetooth support.
  • The scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons.

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3M Ergonomic Optical Mouse

3M Ergonomic Optical Mouse

Although they call it an ergonomic mouse, this peripheral belongs to the group of joysticks. Like vertical mice, it presents a healthy grip for the health of our forearms. However, it has the problem that it is exclusively for right-handed people.

The device has two buttons around the handle (which work as three), and its main feature is the way to use it. Being a joystick, we do not move it, but we indicate to the pointer in which direction we want to move and with how much intensity. With this system, we lose a lot in precision, but we gain the same quality of use.

On the other hand, we will have a wired version with a fairly acceptable cable and a wireless version that works with a USB antenna. Also, depending on the size of our hands, we will have a small version and a large one.

Pros

  • Unique “joystick” design
  • Three buttons, including scroll wheel
  • USB-wired connection
  • LED optical sensor
  • 6.5-foot USB cord attachment

Cons

  • Poor browsing efficiency
  • Difficult, to be precise

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How do I choose an ergonomic mouse?

Try the mouse out in person, if possible, or check out the reviews and general features when you make your choice. Decide early on whether you want a vertical mouse (where your hand is in a handshake position, common for those with wrist issues) or a more traditional horizontal mouse with added support. Where are your pain points, and what positions relieve them? Some models specialize in relieving the thumb so your thumb doesn’t freeze up after a long day at work, while others, like trackballs, focus on helping people with shoulder pain. Ultimately, you are the best qualified to make the decision.

Can ergonomic mice help with carpal tunnel?

Vertical mice are particularly useful in this situation. A vertical mouse like our previous Anker wireless model places your wrist and hand in a handshake-like position as you work. For those with carpal tunnel and wrist-related issues, that position tends to feel more natural and less painful and is certainly worth a try if you’ve been struggling.

Are trackball mice considered ergonomic?

A trackball mouse allows you to use short, smooth motions with your fingers and palm (or sometimes just your thumb) to control the cursor. If you are recovering from injuries or dealing with accessibility issues, then a trackball mouse is very helpful. It is also useful for those who suffer from shoulder pain. It is also helpful if your fingers suffer from severe arthritis. Trackpads are another alternative worth considering.

Ambidextrous vs. Ergonomic Mice: What’s the Difference?

An ambidextrous mouse has a neutral design that allows you to use it with your right or left hand as needed (not to be confused with mice that are specifically for lefties). An ergonomic mouse is designed to reduce necessary movement and promote a more comfortable and healthy hand position. The problem is that those two goals are often incompatible, making it harder to find an ergonomic mouse that’s also ambidextrous. If you’re primarily interested in mouse performance, not pain reduction, try both to see which you like best.

Is an ergonomic mouse worth it?

There is no magic mouse way to solve all problems; much of it is personal preference and what your goals are. That said, various ergonomic mouse shapes have received much praise for reducing pain and managing injury, so if you’re having difficulty, we suggest looking into your ergonomic options. And don’t stop with a mouse! The right ergonomic keyboard with a wrist pad can also help.

Is a vertical mouse ergonomic?

Vertical mice are designed to be held in the “handshake” position we mentioned above. This is a more natural position for your wrist and can help prevent certain types of strain. Several of our picks have this vertical design, but it’s not the only type of ergonomic mouse available, and not everyone likes how they feel.

Is an ergonomic mouse good for gaming?

It can help reduce the risk of gaming-related injuries such as carpal tunnel. Of course, you’ll also have to get used to the feel of a new type of mouse while gaming, which can take some time. If not, they may be completely suitable for gaming. If you have any type of injury related to repetitive motion while playing, talk to a doctor about it and the best ways to prevent or recover from it.

Is a flat mouse ergonomic?

Flat mice are generally not considered ergonomic. Its shape requires a lot of wrist movement to wear, which can create wrist problems over time. Ergonomic mice tend to have a different shape that encourages more fluid movement with less wrist activity.

Final words

In general, if you are a user who spends many hours in front of the computer and does not care too much about precision, we recommend using an ergonomic mouse. It will alleviate any discomfort you have and improve your overall computer experience.

If you changed or played a video game competitively or seriously, it is not highly recommended that you switch to such a mouse. They are generally less demanding on the sensor, and precision loses some importance for the quality of use.

For its part, we can recommend the Anker mouse over others. It is the cheapest device among the seven. Its design is simple and sufficient, and it has a perfect body for what it intends to achieve.

In the end, the decision on which to make is yours, and it all depends on how much you are willing to try. The verticals are peculiar for new users, but the joystick types are already on another level.

And what do you think? Will you buy an ergonomic mouse? Do you think they are not necessary? Share your ideas below.