Most people almost never give a second thought to the mouse they use – most focus their attention on the latest graphics card, CPU, or even PC case. If can recognize yourself in this description, think about this – besides the keyboard, the computer mouse is the only part of the computer you’re constantly in physical contact with. As such, not paying its due attention, may have serious repercussions.
When using a traditional mouse, you put your hands in an unnatural position so that you can maneuver with the mouse. And although it may feel natural to you at this point, your opinion will quickly change in case you develop the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The ergonomic computer mouse has been developed by engineers to prevent the onset of this syndrome or aid in the healing process by reducing the pressure on the wrists.
So, if you use a computer on a daily basis for long periods of time, you may want to invest in an ergonomic computer mouse. Even if you are a casual computer user, you can still benefit from ditching your regular mouse. There are various designs of ergonomic mice available on the market, which means that everyone can find their ideal model.
Ergonomic Horizontal Mouse
This is the most commonly used model due to its similarity to the standard mouse design. It has a contoured dome shape for improved comfort and uses either laser or optical laser to track movement. This model is well-known to increase productivity so you might want to invest in one if that’s your goal.
Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
Having a vertical mouse design, the main buttons of this model are located on the side. With the user assuming a ‘handshake’ position to hold it, there is almost no twisting of the wrist, which reduces your chances of developing the carpal tunnel syndrome. It might take some time for you to get used to this type of mouse and use it with the same level of ease as a traditional mouse.
Trackball Mouse
With this mouse, the base generally remains stationary as the user rolls a ball to control the mouse cursor. Besides taking less space, the trackball mouse also requires virtually no wrist or arm movements to operate, which can greatly reduce the chances of developing a carpal tunnel syndrome. Although this mouse offers a decent precision, some users find general tasks (such as cut, paste or drag/drop) more difficult due to its form.
Joystick Mouse
The joystick mouse is often recommended for people who suffer from certain musculoskeletal issues. This includes individuals with tendinitis, arthritis and carpal syndrome. To operate the joystick, the user’s hand stays perfectly perpendicular to the desk, resulting in no pronation of the wrist whatsoever. However, precision tends to be an issue with this form of a mouse.
As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all in the world of ergonomic design. At the end of the day, the best one for you will be the one that conforms to your physical needs and workflow.