Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 Right Hand
$89
Evoluent's VerticalMouse 4 features a patented shape that supports your hand in an upright neutral position that generally avoids forearm twisting. It's highly customizable with easy-to-reach programmable buttons.
Our take
A classic choice for ergonomic enthusiasts.
Alright, let's get into the Evoluent VerticalMouse 4. If you're used to the regular mouse setup, this thing might look a bit like a spaceship for your hand. The whole idea is to keep your wrist in a more natural "handshake" position, which sounds promising if you've ever had those annoying wrist pains. In practice, it does feel more comfortable after you get used to it. But there's definitely a learning curve, and it's not as intuitive as you'd hope right out of the box.
The build quality is solid, which is good because this isn't the cheapest mouse out there. The materials feel sturdy, and the buttons have a satisfying click without being too noisy or stiff. The scroll wheel is smooth, too. But here's the catch: if you've got smaller hands, this might be a bit of a stretch — literally. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, so if you're on the petite side, you might feel like you're wrestling with it.
Customization is a big thing here. You can tweak the buttons to do pretty much whatever you want, and it works on both Windows and Mac. That's a plus if you're the kind of person who likes having shortcuts at your fingertips. However, setting it up can be a bit of a chore, especially if you're not super tech-savvy. The software isn't the easiest to navigate, so be ready to spend some time on it.
Now, let's talk about performance. For regular browsing and basic tasks, it works just fine. But if you're a gamer or need precision for design work, you might notice it's not quite as responsive as you'd like. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind if you're expecting lightning-fast reaction times. For most day-to-day stuff, though, it gets the job done without any major hiccups.
Overall, the Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 is a decent pick if you're struggling with wrist discomfort and want to try something different. Just know that it comes with its quirks and isn't the easiest to adapt to at first. If you're patient and willing to give it a chance, it could be a game-changer for comfort. But if you're all about plug-and-play simplicity, you might find it a bit more hassle than it's worth. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if wrist pain is a real issue for you, it might be worth a shot.
