When it comes to computer peripherals, all mice are not created equal. And, selecting the right mouse is more important than most people might think. Using a mouse that provides the right ergonomic fit helps reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries. It also improves overall comfort level while working at a computer. So many people spend a number of hours a day working at a computer. Because of this, even small gains in comfort are a boon to mental and physical wellbeing.
Ergonomic computer peripherals are specifically designed to reduce muscle strain and improve the physical comfort of users while working at a computer. In the case of an ergonomic mouse, the design guides the hand, wrist, and arm into a more appropriate position suitable for long hours at the computer. Users tend to find ergonomic devices more comfortable. They often note that it reduces or eliminates pains they experienced in their hand, wrist, forearm or shoulder when using their previous mouse.
Preferences of Ergonomic Mice to Consider
There are a variety of ergonomic designs available in computer mice. The design options are meant to address the pain issues common for frequent computer users stuck with a standard mouse. A computer mouse is a personal preference for each user.
The first preference to consider is size – this preference directly correlates with a user’s hand size. Goldtouch carries mice ranging from Small to X-Large, so no matter the size we have you covered. Many customers enjoy using our handy Mouse Sizing Generator to see which mice will fit their hand before purchasing.
Another preference to consider is Wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4 Ghz Wireless. Please refer to our blog titled “A Guide to Goldtouch Wired and Wireless Products” to learn more about the difference between Wired, Bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz Wireless devices.
The last preference we have for you to consider is the degree of mouse slant. The Goldtouch catalog includes mice ranging from 24 degrees to 90 degrees (vertical mouse). Any mouse that repositions your hand away from a 0 degree horizontal slope is ideal. Typically between 24 to 90 degrees is best, and then within that range the rest comes down to user preference. Some people will prefer something around 24 to 33 degrees, while others may prefer 66 or 90 degrees.
More About Vertical Mice
Moving to a vertical orientation computer mouse is perhaps the most out of the ordinary to get used to at first, but is an option sought by many users experiencing significant stress and pain from extended computer work. The switch to a vertical mouse orientation alters the posture of the user’s hand and forearm while engaging the computer mouse. The vertical orientation puts the user in more of a “handshake” posture as opposed to a pronate one. The pronate position most standard computer mouse users find themselves in requires greater muscle contraction in the forearm during use. This results in more tension and even pain for many users. Switching to a vertical computer mouse puts the hand and forearm in a more neutral working position. This reduces the muscle contraction required to operate the mouse and the associated forearm tightness and wrist pain common for many people who work on computers for hours at a time.
The Takeaway
For computer users who experience frequent tightness and pain in their hands, wrists, forearms and/or shoulders, switching to an ergonomic computer mouse may provide the relief they need. Ensuring that the mouse fits their hand size and determining whether a switch to a vertical orientation provides more comfort are key considerations when deciding which computer mouse to choose.
Check out our full line of ergonomic mice at https://shop.goldtouch.com/collections/ergonomic-mice/ .
