5 things to consider before choosing your next ergonomic mouse

There’s no shortage of high-end ergonomic mouse on the market. From the traditional “mouse” shape to the trackball mouse and vertical mouse to roller mouse, the options can seem endless. With dozens of different types, hundreds of brands, and varying sizes, it can be overwhelming for a person who’s looking for a mouse that works for their needs. This can cause some to subscribe to the notion that the pricier the mouse the more “ergonomic” it must be. While others can be overwhelmed and get trapped in analysis paralysis.

Before we dive deeper in the ergonomic mouse selection method, let’s set expectations and fundamental basic facts:

1. The price does not make the mouse!

2. Doing nothing is sure to worsen existing fingers, wrists, & hands discomfort.

3. The time spent not addressing any discomfort is directly correlated to the recovery time (i.e. wrist discomfort endured for 6 months will result in 6 month to recover).  

4. Prevention sometimes means changing it up! Just because you are right handed does not mean your right hand is the only hand that can mouse.  Here are some tips on how you can learn to mouse with the less dominate hand.

• Practice. Switching hands can take up to 3 weeks for the less dominate hand to become accustomed to

• Purchase an ambidextrous mouse. This type of mouse will make it comfortable to mouse

  with both left and right handed, making it easier to switch your mousing hands throughout the day or week.

• Change the mouse setting on your computer to accommodate the hand you are using

5. An ergonomic mouse is like a pair of jeans: plenty of brands, styles, and sizes to choose from and although not all will fit, some will fit just right.

Before selecting an ergonomic mouse ask this question: “Why do I need a new mouse?” This question will help point you in the right direction to the most beneficial mouse for you.