Does anyone have any experience of a 'vertical mouse'?

Question

I am thinking of getting a vertical mouse to help with an RSI problem. Does anyone have any experience of them, would you recomend them?

Answer 1

I use an Evoulent VerticalMouse 3 at home and work; it's done wonders for my wrist pain. A quick list of pros and cons that I've noticed:

The Good

• The grip is far more comfortable than on traditional mice
• The sensor, despite being infrared, goes up to 2400dpi (I play a lot of video games, so this was key)
• The build quality is solid (except for one button…)

The Bad

• The mouse is fairly light, so if you prefer some heft to your pointing devices (like I do), using the VerticalMouse takes some adjustment
• You need to have good arm/elbow support
• Thumb button feels cheap
• The DPI switch is on the bottom of the mouse

Like Ivo noted, the best thing to do is to give them a shot!

Answer 2

Here's a compilation of interesting readings over @ stackoverflow on this topic:

• Mouse for programmer
• How do you beat RSI?
• Are keyboard/mouse wrist pads effective against RSI?
• What is the best keyboard/mouse for ergonomics or to prevent wrist pain?
• ergonomics: what’s better; trackball, ergonomic mouse or some other pointing device (a-la touchscreen)?

Personally I have some experience with them and I found that you get used to any kind of mouse fairly quick.

I used a trackball mouse, a vertical mouse and used the mouse with my left hand (instead of right). Of these three possibilities the left handed way was the hardest, since coordination for my left hand is a lot harder than doing something different with my right. Though in the end it may be a cheaper/easier solution.

Simply put: give them a try!

Answer 3

Although it may not be completely in line with your question. If you want to beat RSI you should start mousing with your other arm every now and then. I can tell you that certainly helps and is easy.

Next to this I have a trackball, the one you see below and I still use it alot. It is so nice when you get used to it. Lately I also noticed that it is quite usefull in situations where you dont have much space to mouse (trains, schools, other peoples desks when you bring your laptop.. ).

But on the vertical mouse, I have never used it but as said above, you adopt every input devicde quite fast :D.

Answer 4

From el reg: HandshoeMouse (Handshoe is the, rather literal, German and Dutch translation for glove)

Very high end with a price tag to match.

Answer 5

A vertical mouse is something you have to lift and if you have to do this continuously, your RSI could return again. RSI is often caused by overuse of a certain tool. If you get RSI from your regular mouse, it's likely that you're using it intensively. You're likely to use the vertical mouse just as regular, thus it won't solve the RSI. Furthermore, you could also get RSI from your keyboard or even just by writing a lot with a pen.

You could, for example, use two mice on your system. Two different models and different shapes. Switch your mice regularly to break the repetitive motion. It also helps to change your sitting position to change the repetition that causes the RSI. It won't go away but it might reduce it a bit. Take regular breaks and do exercise with your arm and shoulder, which will lower your chances of developing RSI. And try to reduce possible stress factors. It is suggested that stress is one main cause for RSI.

Answer 6

At work I’ve used the Aerobic Mouse for years and find it very comfortable. It cradles your hand, oriented on edge, and allows your hand to completely relax except to click or scroll. Mousing accuracy is reduced because movement comes only from your arm and wrist, not fingers. Your elbow and forearm need good support. The included software provides automatic clicking by hovering and other aids for the physically impaired. I only tried it briefly, years ago, and do not remember it now. The cost of the mouse [~100 USD] must be for the software because the mouse itself is cheaply made.

At home, I emulated this design with a Logitech 'Trackman Wheel' [~30 USD] modified by gluing a 40 degree wedge under the left side to roll the trackball housing to the right, so that the ball faces up. This assembly is fixed to the keyboard tray of my desk to keep it positioned comfortably, my hand resting on edge, thumb up. These devices have relieved my wrist pain and numbness.

Aerobic Mouse http://www.aerobicmouse.com