Mice Mice Baby – healthy and fun alternatives to your standard mouse
Looking for something to replace your boring old mouse? Mice are among the most common causes of ergonomic injuries. It’s worth your time and resources to explore alternatives to find what works best for you. Replacing your mouse with one that fits your specific needs is a great way to start a new year (and check off your “be healthier” resolution, too!).
Most of us use one of these two mice:
They get the job done. But neither of these is the most comfortable thing in the world. They aren’t fitted to our hands. They require a range of motion that not everyone has.
Are there other options that might be a bit kinder to our hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders? Yes, and plenty of them.
Note: I’m featuring the products below as examples to consider. These are not recommendations.
Aside from the specific mouse I use daily, I have no idea how well they perform. When determining your options, consider hand size, wrist position, range of motion, and other needs you may have. Prices vary, but are generally between $5 and $150.
Vertical Mice
Built for the human hand!
The traditional mouse isn’t really built with the shape of a hand in mind. Vertical mice conform better. Some of us prefer a “partially vertical” design that balances traditional feel with modern ergonomics.
Maximum Ergonomics
If you need even more ergonomic function, these provide a “handshake” grip that eliminates wrist strain.
There are even ones with joysticks to provide more detailed control for specialized tasks.
Trackball Mice
Stationary precision. Minimal movement.
Need something even more ergonomic? A trackball might be perfect!
But do they still make trackball mice? They do! With new options!
The Popular Choice
Side-Thumb Trackball
Ideal for those transitioning from a standard mouse. Your thumb does the heavy lifting while your wrist stays still.
The Pro Choice
Top-Finger Trackball
Used by designers and engineers. You use your middle fingers for the ball, enabling precise control.
The Wildcard
Handheld Trackball
A tiny, hand-held option. A good option for presenters or those who want to control their PC from the couch.
Pens, Tablets, Spheres & More
Need alternative ergonomics? Try a tool built for precision.
The Pen Grip
Lychee offers a mouse that looks and feels like a pen. Helpful for those who want to grip their mouse as if they were writing.
Swiftpoint sells the Pen Grip Series that uses a unique design (picture using a pinch grip along the top). They are very small- the ultimate portable mouse.
The Drawing Tablet
For the ultimate pen experience, you can use a drawing tablet (like a Wacom) as a mouse. It provides a natural ergonomic position for your wrist.
No-Desk Solutions
Want to avoid using a desk surface? You have options!
Try a wireless Presenter Mouse. They can do much more than advance slides!
Or consider the Cynus SphereOne—a hand-held sphere built specifically for 3-D graphics. Rotate the mouse for complete precision control!
The Wearable & The Unusual
Mice you wear, step on, or slide—redefining the interface.
Can I use my finger as a mouse?
The Trackpad: A classic choice for those who prefer gestures and multi-finger control.
Prolo Ring: For those who want to wear their mouse. Prolo is launching a customizable ring controller for finger-tip precision.
The Anywhere Mouse
The TapXR
“Can I wear my mouse on my wrist?”
The TapXR is a wrist-based mouse which lets you type on your leg (if you really want?). It’s wearable that turns any surface into a keyboard or mouse.
The “No Movement” Strategy
Contour Design offers trackpads and roller mice positioned directly in front of your keyboard. These are perfect if you don’t want to move your arms.
Can I use my foot?
Navifut has a Kickstarter for a foot-driven input device. While some similar options feel clumsy, this looks like a fairly intuitive solution for hands-free computing.
These are Boring…
I want a really weird mouse!
Discontinued Legend
The MonsterGecko PistolMouse
Well, you can’t get this one anymore, but it remains one of the most famous “weird” mice. It was literally a gun-shaped controller for FPS gaming.
The Aero Aqua Liquid Mouse: For those who need a fishbowl on their desk.
The Real Spider: A literal arachnid suspended in resin.
The Coupe: Driving your cursor in style!
The Mus2: A mouse shaped like a pointer.
The Bling: For those who need 1,000% more sparkle.
The Hedgehog: Silicone spikes for ultimate grip and fidgeting!
Can I make my own mouse?
Sure! If the market doesn’t feature what you want, build it yourself. You can carve one or even 3D print your own custom mouse.
Need dedicated accessible mice?
From head-tilt and eye tracking to devices that integrate into wheelchairs, there really is a mouse for everyone.
I also read an article last year recommending using your mouse with you non-dominant hand to stretch your brain and give your dominant hand a break. I haven’t tried yet, but it’s another option to consider!