What's the Best Ergonomic Mouse?

As many of us are spending longer times with our computers, you may find the straight, ambidextrous designs of most mice uncomfortable at the end of long workdays or gaming sessions. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of mouse designs with sculpted shapes, thumb rests, and other ergonomic elements. These elements can help contribute to a more comfortable user experience. The following mice are a selection of the best of these designs focusing on ergonomic compatibility, button accessibility, and user comfort.

Ergonomics-first designs put all of the typical mouse functions into a form factor that places your hand in a neutral position. Designed to reduce the stresses that can lead to carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injury, ergonomic mice may look unusual and take some getting used to, but they do alleviate some very real problems. Some have a vertical design; others may have one-off sculpts.

Whether you're looking at a specialized ergonomic mouse or comfort is simply a concern in a more ordinary one, pay attention to the size of your mouse. (Make sure that it's not too big or too small for your hand.) Weight is also a consideration. Some people prefer a heavier mouse that anchors the hand, while others, especially players of MOBA games, want something light that furnishes little resistance to flicking and clicking. As a rule of thumb, a heavier mouse requires more effort to move, and even though the difference may not seem like much, over time it can mount.

It's not just weight and size that is important. The sculpting of the mouse can also lead to unnecessary strain on (or conversely, extra support for) your hand and wrist. The most comfortable mice will fit the contour of your hand, rather than having a flat, shallow shape. Some mice have a thumb rest, providing a resting spot from which the finger can rise as needed to activate controls.