Computers

Logitech MX Vertical mouse wants to ease the strain on your wrist

Logitech MX Vertical mouse wants to ease the strain on your wrist
Logitech says its MX Vertical mouse reduces wrist strain by 10 percent
Logitech says its MX Vertical mouse reduces wrist strain by 10 percent
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Logitech says its MX Vertical mouse reduces wrist strain by 10 percent
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Logitech says its MX Vertical mouse reduces wrist strain by 10 percent
The Logitech MX Vertical features a scroll wheel and five buttons
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The Logitech MX Vertical features a scroll wheel and five buttons
By encouraging you to move your whole arm, the Logitech MX Vertical takes the pressure off your wrist
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By encouraging you to move your whole arm, the Logitech MX Vertical takes the pressure off your wrist
The MX Vertical can go four months between recharges, Logitech says
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The MX Vertical can go four months between recharges, Logitech says
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Injuries and strains from repetitive computer use are all too common, which is why the new Logitech MX Vertical tries something a little different. The mouse is designed to be held in a more natural hand position, reducing effort and strain while keeping all the usual point-and-click functionality.

It's not the first vertical mouse to hit the market but it is the first from Logitech, which makes it a notable debut. At 79 x 78.5 x 120 mm (3.11 x 3.09 x 4.72 in) and 135 grams (0.3 lb) it's heavier than most mice, but the ergonomic benefits are worth it, Logitech says.

The "natural handshake" position and 57-degree angle is reported to reduce muscular strain by 10 percent and will even improve your overall posture as you won't have to grip your mouse in the usual claw-like hold. The vertical mouse also encourages you to move your whole arm when you're selecting and clicking, lessening the pressure on your wrist.

Logitech has included extra cursor speed and accuracy settings in the associated software too, which it promises will lead to around four times less hand movement overall – again taking the pressure and strain off your overworked mouse hand. These settings can be quickly adjusted via a dedicated button on the top of the mouse.

By encouraging you to move your whole arm, the Logitech MX Vertical takes the pressure off your wrist
By encouraging you to move your whole arm, the Logitech MX Vertical takes the pressure off your wrist

As well as the standard left and right buttons, and the scroll wheel, the mouse features two extra customizable buttons on the left-hand side. Speaking of hands, this looks like a mouse exclusively for right-handers, at least for now.

All the craftsmanship and design quality that Logitech is known for appears to be in evidence again, though it's only possible to tell so much from a press release – the mouse is built from soft rubber and aluminum. Charging is handled over USB-C, and the device can last for around four months on a single charge, according to the specs sheet.

The actual connectivity can be handled via the USB-C charging cable, Bluetooth, or a Logitech Unifying Receiver. You get a cable and a receiver in the box, and the mouse is both Windows and macOS compatible.

Tempted to try and improve the ergonomics of your workstation? The Logitech MX Vertical can be yours for US$99.99. Pre-orders are open now on the Logitech website, with shipping scheduled for September.

Product page: Logitech MX Vertical

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2 comments
2 comments
Josh!
I've been using a vertical mouse for 6+ years now. Here are 4 key attributes to look for: 1. A slightly tapered finger-catch at the base (for pinky/ring finger to rest on). 2. The ideal lean-angle (this one looks about-right). 3. Super ultra light-weight. If you can't open it up (screws) to remove the factory weights, then I wouldn't consider it. 4. Size. You want stubby, because otherwise scrolling is painful. I went through about 6 or 7 different mouse options and probably spent around $400 before finally finding my favorite, which is ironically the cheapest option out there @ $20.
eMacPaul
I've been using an Evoluent vertical mouse at work for the past year, after developing wrist pain. The vertical mouse has relieved the pain, but I have found control of it to be less precise due to using more of my arm to move it.