Proper posture is hard enough on its own, but maintaining proper posture when using a computer can seem like a monumental task. Proper elbow and leg angles are annoying enough, but when you throw in typing and mouse arm posture recommendations most people just give up. The truth is that flat keyboards and mice just aren't good for our bodies if used for prolonged periods. Switching to a vertical mouse provides a more ergonomic grip through a gentle vertical tilting of the traditional mouse structure. It takes a bit of getting used to, but if you're willing to put in the time then your arms will thank you in the long run.
ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse
If you're planning on doing some gaming then you're going to have limited options in the vertical mouse market. Thankfully, this mouse from ZLOT fits the bill both in ergonomics and gaming features with a max DPI of 10,000 and a top-mounted joystick. The joystick is mapped to WASD, which means you can likely do a good bit of gaming with just the mouse if you're able to overcome some muscle memory. It comes in non-gaming and wireless configurations as well, and all versions clock in at less than $30.
Anker Ergonomic Optical Vertical Mouse
Anker has made quite a name for itself as one of the better budget PC accessory brands out there since opening its doors about a decade ago. While their vertical mouse offering is a bit on the safe side as far as design and features go, it's a very solidly built piece of kit that will stand the test of time. This wired mouse has a maximum DPI of 1600, a DPI mode switch, and the standard array of mouse buttons. It's not the most exciting vertical mouse out there, but if you're just looking for a simple optical mouse that won't give you a repetitive stress injury then it will do the job admirably.
Kensington Vertical Wireless Mouse
This wireless vertical from Kensington has your usual suite of mouse functions complete with a DPI mode switch, but opts for a slightly different kind of design as compared to most vertical mice on the market. It uses a flatter, wider footprint which means you're going to need to use a wider grip on the mouse during operations. It might not seem like a drastic change, but many vertical mouse users dislike how close together their fingers need to be for most vertical mice. That closeness creates a pinching, claw-like kind of grip that can cause fatigue for a lot of users. Kensington smartly side-steps that pitfall for users who have issues with the traditional vertical grip.
Evoluent VM4SW
Evoluent doesn't just specialize in ergonomic mice, they also specialize in specific models of ergonomic mice depending on your handedness and hand size. They offer both left and right hand versions of all their mice and three different sizes of each so you can match the mouse you need to your exact needs without having to adapt to a prescribed mouse size. It's a 2.4GHz wireless mouse that uses a three-button design, has DPI switching, and features a much higher thumb platform to reduce strain even compared to competing vertical mice. If you need a mouse specifically catered to your hand needs, then Evoluent likely has something for you.
Related: Best Keyboard and Mouse for the PS5
Logitech MX Vertical
Logitech has really started to dip into the wide world of ergonomic mouse options, after years of chasing behind Microsoft in the ergonomic keyboard space. The MX Vertical has the full array of features you'd expect from a mouse in the MX line with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB Type-C connectivity, DPI switching, a rechargeable battery, and the ability to customize shortcuts in Logitech's software. It also uses a textured grip, which can reduce fatigue and keep users from gripping the mouse too hard (a common issue with a vertical mice grip).
If you spend a lot of hours per week using a mouse then it's worth investing in the hardware you're using. Neglecting ongoing posture and strain issues can very easily lead to a repetitive stress injury, and waiting until the pain starts is a bad idea. Do your forearms a favor if you're on a computer for more than a few hours a week.
For more hardware guides, check out 2021’s 5 Best Budget Capture Cards and 2021’s Best Wireless Computer Speakers for Gaming on Pro Game Guides.
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Justin is a retro and PC gaming enthusiast with a passion for emulation, benchmarks, and comparing controllers. You can usually find him installing Linux for the umpteenth time or exploring old DOS games.