How to Choose an Ergonomic Mouse?

How to Choose an Ergonomic Mouse?

If you use a computer at work you will most probably hold it for longer than any other piece of equipment, maybe even your mobile phone!

Due to the amount of time you have contact with your mouse you may be asking yourself “How to choose an Ergonomic Mouse?”

Below are a list of things to think about during your purchase of an ergonomic mouse. The main point to remember is even if you do find the perfect ergonomic mouse try to pre-empt discomfort during use with a change of posture or task. This method will reduce the risk of exacerbating current issues or causing pain or discomfort.

How to choose an ergonomic mouse

How to Choose an Ergonomic Mouse?

1.Do you require accurate cursor movements? If the answer is yes, you should choose an ergonomic mouse that does not fill the entire hand. Many ergonomic mice are large and act as a hand support. This is OK if you are not planning to move your mouse, but mice need to be moved. By not filling the hand your fingers and hand can help manipulate the mouse to ensure accurate cursor control. If the mouse fills the hand the fingers and hand will not be able to work and movement of the mouse will be pushed to the shoulder which is not designed for accurate precise movements.

2.Go for wireless if possible. Choosing a wireless ergonomic mouse will allow you to use the mouse in a number of different positions/postures. A common issues with mouse users is shoulder pain which can be increased if your movements are hindered by the USB cable. A wireless mouse will allow you to easily use the mouse to right, left or in front of your keyboard. Using your mouse as close to your body will reduce the loading on the shoulder.

3.Consider an ergonomic mouse that can be used with both left and right hand. This is especially important if you have been diagnosed with an injury like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

4.Choose an ergonomic mouse that allows your hand to adopt a neutral posture of the hand and wrist . This posture is called the position of function or rest and is where your hand is designed to rest and move from. Adopting the position of function or rest will promote comfort and accuracy. Many vertical mice place the hand in too much of a vertical position which will reduce the hands ability to achieve accurate cursor movements.

5.Adjustable DPI will allow you to easily increase the speed of the cursor. This is key as some tasks will require more speed than others.

6.Mouse can be easily lifted off the mouse mat or desk. The ability to easily lift the mouse is key to your productivity. When you get to the edge of the page with your cursor you have to lift the mouse to re-position the cursor.  Many ergonomic mice do not allow you to easily lift without completing repetitive gripping/pinching movements. You will need a ledge under the thumb to allow you to lift the mouse without the need to grip/pinch.

7.Mouse is not too large. Large ergonomic mice increase the distance your hand and arm has to move to use the mouse. This movement is called abduction and will increase the loading on your shoulder. Smaller ergonomic mice such as the DXT Ergonomic Mouse allow you to keep the mouse close to your keyboard which will help with comfort and accuracy.