If you find your wrist aching after a long day at the office, it may be time to invest in a vertical mouse. While they take some getting used to, vertical mice can offer a more natural sense of grip and lower risk of pain and carpal tunnel syndrome than what you’d find with more traditional mouses for computers. But how do you know you’re getting the best mouse?
ISITRATED.com has the answer. We’ve picked out 10 of the best vertical mouse models, and we’ve included in depth specs, analysis of the best features, and a detailed buying guide that can help you strip out the inessentials and focus on what matters. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
- The 10 Best Vertical Mice
- Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
- Kinesis DXT2 Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
- LuguLake Vertical Ergonomic Mouse Optical Mice
- LEKVEY Rechargeable 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice
- Evoluent VM4R VerticalMouse 4
- J-Tech Digital Wired Ergonomic Vertical USB Mouse
- Logitech MX Wireless Mouse
- Jelly Comb Wireless Wireless Mouse
- Adesso iMouse E9 Ergonomic Mouse
- NPET VM10 Vertical Wireless Mouse
- Vertical Mouse Buyer’s Guide
- System Compatibility
- Ergonomics
- Buttons
- Connectivity Type
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 10 Best Vertical Mice
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Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
With this mouse, Anker may deliver a simple design, but the $20 price tag speaks for itself, and the elegance at work here is textured by some solid quality of life features. The traditional two button design is complemented by two thumb buttons that allow you to easily shift backward and forward – an asset that can assist with everything from browsing the web to more serious gaming. The three different DPI settings allow you to find a cursor speed that’s best suited to your particular sensibilities, and this vertical mouse is completely wireless, so there’s no need to worry about a tangle of cords.
| Buttons | 5 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, or 1600 DPI |
| Weight | 3.36 ounces |
Pros
- Great value for a low price
- Next/previous buttons for web browsing
- Automated power saving mode
- Sleek and attractive design
Cons
- Below average optical tracking
Kinesis DXT2 Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
The Kinesis DXT2 sports a somewhat unusual design for a vertical mouse – eschewing the traditional grip for something more loose. But that’s all part of the plan. Consultation with psyiotherapists results in a design that feels comfortable while lending you significantly more precise control than what you’d find in the typical vertical mouse. That design helps you make the most of your DPI settings, and it makes this an appropriate choice for both left- and right-handed users. A fingertip grip instead of a full knuckle grip might take some getting used to, but it pays off.
| Buttons | 2 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Sensitivity | 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 DPI |
| Weight | 2.08 ounces |
Pros
- More precise than most vertical mice
- Battery life of up to two weeks
- Works for both right and left handers
- No lag wireless connectivity
Cons
- Limited number of buttons
LuguLake Vertical Ergonomic Mouse Optical Mice
Most vertical mice sport a design that sets them distinctly apart from a traditional mouse, but LuguLake does things differently. Their vertical mouse is essentially a more traditional mouse propped on its side, and that makes it a solid choice for people still getting acclimated to navigation with a vertical mouse. And with a price tag of only $10, the barrier to entry is practically nil. But just because it’s a cheap entry model doesn’t mean that it’s disposable. The button switches are rated for up to 8 million clicks, so it can serve your needs for years and years.
| Buttons | 2 |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensitivity | 1000 DPI |
| Weight | 5.28 ounces |
Pros
- Rated for 8 million clicks
- Backed by 24/7 customer service
- Decent sensitivity ceiling
- Available for the best price around
Cons
- USB connectivity is a little weak
LEKVEY Rechargeable 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice
If you need a vertical mouse that’s well suited to productivity or even gaming, you may want to consider this model from LEVKEY. Six buttons give you the power you need to navigate more easily, and that includes forward and back buttons for making your way around your browser more readily. And with wide compatibility across both Windows and Linux devices, you don’t have to worry about downloading drivers to get it up and running. Best of all, it makes use of a rechargeable battery instead of AAA batteries, so there’s no long term costs involved.
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wired or wireless |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, 1600 DPI |
| Weight | 3.36 ounces |
Pros
- Wide OS compatibility
- Large number of buttons
- Range of up to 33 feet
- Three adjustable DPI options
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
Evoluent VM4R VerticalMouse 4
If you want to buy a vertical mouse based off of mainstream popularity alone, you’ll want to get an Evoluent vertical mouse. Fortunately, their reputation is well earned. While the VM4R costs nearly a hundred dollars, it’s easily one of the best mice you can find today. The larger size is perfectly molded for a handshake grip, and all of the buttons are readily accessible right at your fingertips. That includes a scroll wheel and the ability to adjust sensitivity levels up or down on the fly. Even better, programmable buttons facilitate a more productive experience.
| Buttons | 4 |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensitivity | 800 to 2600 DPI |
| Weight | 7.05 ounces |
Pros
- Programmable buttons with free software
- An incredibly comfortable design
- Works with all major operating systems
- Convenient sensitivity adjustment buttons
Cons
- Costs nearly a hundred dollars
J-Tech Digital Wired Ergonomic Vertical USB Mouse
The J-Tech digital mouse features the flamboyance of a gaming accessory, but the design is all in service of finding ergonomics suited to you. The blue LED backlighting can be removed completely if you want something a bit more subdued, and that goes for the palm rest as well. Optical Tracking Technology is built right in to improve the acuity of the performance, and that’s a good thing since this mouse can reach a sensitivity level of 1600. That DPI can be adjusted at a whim with built in buttons, and similar functionality is available for scrolling through sites.
| Buttons | 5 |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, 1600 DPI |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces |
Pros
- Bright blue RGB lighting
- Palm rest is completely removable
- Conveniently located thumb buttons
- Backed by free lifetime support
Cons
- Less comfortable for smaller hands
Logitech MX Wireless Mouse
Logitech produces some of the best conventional mice around, but the MX is a demonstration that their talents can apply just as well to the vertical mouse market. Inclined at a 57 degree angle, this mouse sports an ergonomic design that lessens the stress on your wrist you’d experience from an either fully vertical or horizontal mouse.
It can connect wirelessly to your computer using either a USB dongle or the built in Bluetooth connection, and the 4000 DPI maximum sensitivity goes well beyond what the typical vertical mouse can offer. But the coolest feature may be Logitech FLOW, which lets you navigate multiple computers at once.
| Buttons | 4 |
| Connectivity | Wireless or wired |
| Sensitivity | up to 4000 DPI |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
Pros
- Great multitasking with Logitech FLOW
- Smartly tilted ergonomic design
- Three ways to connect to your PC
- Battery can last up to 4 months per charge
Cons
- Below average scroll wheel design
Jelly Comb Wireless Wireless Mouse
Jelly Comb is a pretty fitting name for this model, due to the fact that this wireless vertical mouse looks like a more conventional mouse that’s been contorted in a jellylike shape. It’s raised at a more subtle angle than many of its contemporaries, and that makes it one of the best choices if you’re still getting used to the shape and feel of a mouse. And the price point of less than $20 makes this a very appealing option for curious consumers who aren’t quite sold on the benefits offered to the wrist or fingers.
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, 1600 DPI |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
Pros
- A great introductory ergonomic design
- Includes next and previous buttons
- Backed by a full lifetime warranty
- Very appealing price tag
Cons
- Low profile won’t be right for everyone
Adesso iMouse E9 Ergonomic Mouse
Left handed mice are still something of a rarity, so it’s nice to see a model specifically tailored to the needs of southpaws. A DPI button is very accessible with your thumb, so you can shift the sensitivity whenever and wherever, and the impressive optical sensor will work on just about any surface you can image. Back and forward buttons are included for more easily navigating around your browser. Meanwhile, the low slope design finds a nice medium between standard mice and more ergonomic vertical models, resulting in a natural feel in any circumstances.
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, 1600, 2400 DPI |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
Pros
- Cool ice blue RGB illumination
- Built with left handed users in mind
- Easily accessible DPI switch button
- Highly impressive optical sensor tech
Cons
- Not appropriate for right handed users
NPET VM10 Vertical Wireless Mouse
The NPET VM10 is something of a monstrosity, but it’s an effective monstrosity. Its bulky and slightly heavier frame is designed to mold seamlessly to your hand when in shaking position and leave your wrist comfortably positioned, and it offers full compatibility with any operating system you could find yourself using. And with the soft finish of the plastic coating, you won’t have to worry about your hand cramping even if you find yourself squeezing too hard. Despite sporting a wireless design, latency won’t be an issue even if you’re gaming or engaging in other tasks that need a quick and accurate response.
| Buttons | 6 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Sensitivity | 800, 1200, 1600 DPI |
| Weight | 4.6 ounces |
Pros
- Works with every major OS
- Ration battery life with power saver
- Large and satisfying scroll wheel
- Soft finish coated surface
Cons
- Configuration software is unwieldy
Vertical Mouse Buyer’s Guide
Looking for the best vertical mouse of 2022? All the entries on our list are strong contenders, but that doesn’t mean every vertical mouse listed is going to be the right choice for you. This type of ergonomics mouse requires an adjustment period as well as an understanding of what sort of features you’re looking for specifically. We’re here to help you figure that out.
Many of the qualities you should be looking for are going to be the same whether you’re looking for a vertical mouse or a traditional mouse, but others are unique to the design of a vertical mouse. We’ll focus on the latter whenever possible, but check out our more general guide to the best mice of 2022 if you’re looking for deeper analysis of the key specs.
System Compatibility
As computers become an integral aspect of practically everyone’s life, we tend to take for granted the notion that hardware, software, and operating systems will play nicely with each other regardless of the combination. But that’s not always the case, and that’s especially true for vertical mice.
While most vertical mice you find are going to natively work with the latest few iterations of Windows, and a vast majority will work with Linux, the compatibility with Apple computers is a bit more spotty. While you can usually make a mouse work with a little finesse, it will require jumping through some hoops and dealing with third party drivers.
And with Chromebooks becoming more popular, compatibility with the Android operating system is questionable as well. Many older models of vertical mice likely weren’t made with Android optimization in mind. We suggest that you check closely to check out the compatibility rather than just trust that everything will work out fine.
Ergonomics
There are a lot of benefits that come from using a vertical mouse, but the best advantages all boil down to ergonomic design. A good vertical mouse reduces the stress on your wrist and helps prevent short term effects like cramping and more long term effects like carpal tunnel syndrome.
A vertical mouse is intended to be held like you’re shaking a hand. Doing so prevents your wrist from being twisted at an abnormal angle for extended periods of time, but the right angle isn’t going to be the same for everyone. Most vertical mice aren’t designed to face directly up but are instead slanted at an angle, but the exact angle can vary significantly. We suggest you try before you buy when seeking out the best vertical mouse. Different sizes and different angles are better or worse fits for different users.
Ergonomic design and reduced stress on your wrist is also influenced by other factors. If the buttons aren’t easily accessible to your hand, you could do more damage to your wrist trying to reach for them, and an ergonomic mouse with a thumb rest or a wrist rest can help prevent fatigue with those longer productivity or gaming sessions.
Buttons
How many buttons are there, and are they easily accessible? A wired or wireless vertical mouse isn’t going to offer the wealth of buttons you’ll find in a gaming mouse, but many come with some advantages designed with compatibility in mind. Programmable buttons are one of the most useful inclusions you can find. Also common are DPI buttons that allow you to change the sensitivity without having to go into menus and back/forward buttons that can help you scroll through websites without even having to twist your wrist or reach for the keyboard.
If you plan on using your mouse for high productivity needs, we suggest you pay close attention to the scroll wheel. While it’s a standard in any vertical mice you can find, the actual craftsmanship of these wheels can vary from model to model.
Connectivity Type
Do you want a wireless vertical mouse or a wired mouse? Given that vertical mice aren’t designed with tight precision in mind, any latency that comes from a wireless vertical mouse isn’t going to be much of an issue, but wireless models do tend to cost more on average. You also have to keep in mind that wireless models can go through batteries quickly. Generally, a rechargeable model is better than one that uses AAA batteries, but even then, you shouldn’t have to replace them more than once every few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Vertical Mouse Better?
In terms of ergonomics? Absolutely. A vertical mouse reduces strain on the muscles in your hand, so that you can be more productive for longer periods of time without having to rest. While it takes some getting used to and isn’t the perfect choice for everyone, we think a vertical mouse offers some of the best features and can give a standard mouse a run for its money.
Can You Game With a Vertical Mouse?
The short answer is yes, but it may take some time to get used to how a vertical mouse works. If you’ve been gaming for a while, a significant portion of your performance is going to come down to muscle memory. But once you unlearn those habits, a vertical mouse can provide you with a more naturalistic and painless experience during longer and more intense gaming sessions. Just keep in mind that vertical mice tend to be less precise than their traditional counterparts, so you may experience a drop in performance with games that require a higher level of accuracy.
What is the Best Mouse to Use for Carpal Tunnel?
A vertical mouse is going to be the best choice if you find yourself suffering from chronic pain in the hand or carpal tunnel. The “handshake” holding position inherent in vertical design is more natural and means that you don’t have to twist your wrist at stress positions to move the cursor with your computer mouse, and that value is compounded when you add up the costs of pain over the course of weeks, months, or years.
How Do You Use a Vertical Mouse?
Rather than place your hand over the top of the mouse like you would with a more traditional mouse, a vertical mouse is designed to be held as if you were shaking someone’s hand firmly. Once you try it a few times, it will start to feel like second nature. Mouse ergonomics are one of the biggest considerations for vertical mouse manufacturers, so any decent computers mouses with a vertical design will leave the buttons accessible but out of the way.
Final Thoughts
So you want to make the transition to a vertical mouse. Fortunately, our guide offers everything you need to know, but we believe that feeling is believing with devices like these. We can provide you with the tools you need to shop smarter, but we suggest you get out there and test drive some of these models before you pull the trigger and make a purchase on Amazon. They may take a minute to get used to, but you can comfortably say goodbye to arm and wrist pain.
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