Best Mouse for Carpal Tunnel | Trackball vs Vertical. 2022 Buyer’s Guide

What is the best mouse for carpal tunnel? You have two options: a vertical mouse like the Logitech MX and a trackball mouse like the Logitech M570. With a vertical mouse, you hold your hand vertically rather than laying it flat on the mouse. This reduces hand fatigue and discomfort, preventing carpal tunnel from occurring. A trackball mouse uses the thumb for movement and offers a more comfortable hold. A trackball is a bit slower and less precise, therefore, it is not a good choice for certain types of games. If you are a hardcore gamer or a graphic designer, opt for a vertical mouse. If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome or other disabilities but your tasks do not require high precision, consider a trackball. A vertical mouse is better suited for the prevention of this neurological disorder.

What's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? How to Prevent & Relieve Pain Using an Ergonomic Mouse

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by bones and tissues on the palm side of your wrist. If you experience numbness, tingling, and pain in your fingers and hand, you are likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Since this syndrome is caused by the pressure on a nerve in the wrist, it can happen due to a wrong posture. This is particularly relevant for those who spend long hours at the computer.

Experts from Mayo Clinic note that workplace factors, such as repetitive wrist flexion, can create pressure on the nerve or worsen the damage. However, there is no enough scientific evidence to suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome can be a direct result of such work conditions. Medical issues like kidney failure, fluid retention in the body, obesity, arthritis as well as anatomic factors are the primary causes of this syndrome. But when it comes to workplace factors, it is the use of a mouse, not a keyboard, that may be a problem.

Cornell University scientists recommend you to avoid using a wrist rest as it doubles the pressure in the carpal tunnel. They add that restricting arm movement and “wrist flicking” are likely to increase intracarpal pressure as well. Princeton University scientists highlight that a computer mouse should keep your fingers, wrist, and arm in a neutral and relaxing position. For users suffering from pain in the wrist, they advise ergonomic mice that are moved with a finger, not the wrist.

Best Mouse For Carpal Tunnel

For dedicated writers, using an ergonomic mouse is one of the best ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. In this regard, we recommend choosing a model from Logitech, a Swiss company focused on innovation and quality. This brand offers two types of the mouse for carpal tunnel: a vertical option for around $90 and a trackball that will cost you some $55.

Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse – Advanced Ergonomic Design

This vertical mouse is ideal for people with wrist issues and will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Made with a 57-degree angle, it allows for placing the hand in a natural position as if you were handshaking someone or grabbing a drink at a party. The product's advanced ergonomic design reduces muscular strain by 10% and prevents forearm twisting.

The Logitech MX boasts high precision and will be the best bet for graphic designers and gamers. Its 4000 DPI sensor requires 4 times less movement, reducing muscle fatigue. With a simple press of the button, you can easily change the cursor’s accuracy and speed. The mouse offers easy access to the buttons and a texturized thumb area. By the way, you can personalize the buttons to perform your tasks quicker.

A durable rechargeable battery lasts for up to 4 months on a full charge and operates as many as 3 hours after just one minute of charging. There are three ways to connect your mouse: via the Logitech unifying receiver, Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable that comes with the product. When connected wirelessly, the mouse works within a range of 10 meters. On top of that, the Logitech MX can navigate on 3 computers, allowing you to copy and paste files between different devices.

Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse: Check the current price

Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse – Ergonomic Design

The Logitech M570 features an exposed ball on top of the mouse and sculpted shape for comfortable control. Unlike a regular mouse with the optical sensor on the bottom, this model does not require your arm to move. Nor do you need to grip the mouse, which often causes hand fatigue. You can click with other fingers and another side of your hand.

Manipulating the mouse with your thumb is more convenient and ergonomic because you utilize larger muscles, which cannot get injured so easily. Compared to the vertical mouse, this one is less precise but much safer for the hand. The Logitech M570 is particularly helpful for people suffering from wrist pain and hand camps as it effectively reduces unnatural movements.

The product comes with the unifying wireless receiver that stays in your laptop. The mouse runs on a single AA battery which, depending on computing conditions, lasts for up to 18 months. Anyway, the M570 is equipped with the battery indicator that will let you know when the battery is going low.

Since the trackball mouse does not move on the desk, it requires less space and is ideal for tight workspaces. The Logitech M570 works equally well on the desk and soft or uneven surfaces like a sofa. Made with the integrated scroll wheel and back/forward buttons, it is easy to control, no matter what kind of task you are doing. On top of that, the ball is removable and easy to clean.

Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse: Check the current price

Other Best Mice for Carpal Tunnel

If you are not a fan of Logitech, you may pick a good ergonomic mouse offered by other trusted brands. Their features vary and prices range from $25 to $50.

J-Tech Digital Wired Ergonomic Mouse | Best Adjustable

The distinctive feature of this product is an adjustable angle tilt allowing you to find the most comfortable position. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the vertical positioning from 53 to 73 degrees. You can modify your mouse, change LED settings and button commands, using software that comes with the product. Besides, you can set your preferred DPI settings within a range between 600, 1200, 2000, and 4000. With a customizable LED backlight, you can choose your favorite color and lighting effect. The mouse features built-in weight and anti-skidding, ergonomic design. It also has forward/backward, right/left click buttons, and a scroll wheel.

J-Tech Digital Wired Ergonomic Mouse: Check the current price

Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse | Best for the Money

If you are tight on budget, you may like this inexpensive vertical mouse made by Chinese electronics brand Anker. Well, for the price, this product provides you with a basic set of features while alleviating pressure in the wrist joint. It comes with a DPI switch button, previous page/next page buttons, a scroll wheel, and right/left buttons. The device operates on two AAA batteries and comes with a 2.4G USB receiver. With a weight of just 3.4 ounces, it has a compact wireless design. The mouse features 3 levels of mouse sensitivity: 800, 1200, and 1600DPI.

Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse: Check the current price

Kensington Ergonomic Vertical Wireless Mouse | Best Sensitivity

This product features five DPI settings ranging from 800 to 2,400. For the price, this mouse is packed with features, including the back, forward, right, left buttons, and a scroll wheel. The angled slope offers you a whole new grip, keeping the wrist in a natural position. The little finger support makes movement even smoother and more comfortable. Made with a convenient nano receiver compartment, the Kensington vertical mouse provides wireless connectivity of up to 10 meters. Additionally, this product is energy-saving as it is equipped with an auto-sleep function and an on/off switch. Buyers rate the Kensington mouse high, noting that it has good tracking, responsive buttons, and a quiet scroll.

Kensington Ergonomic Vertical Wireless Mouse: Check the current price

Best-Selling Mice for Carpal Tunnel Comparative Table