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Unlike traditional mice, vertical mice are ergonomically-focused devices designed to provide comfort above all else. Vertical mice feature a unique “handshake” design to reduce the risk of incurring hand and forearm injuries caused by extended use. While they share the same basic design, there are other features that you should look into before buying a vertical mouse. We’ve narrowed down these features into the following: physical design, connectivity, and essential features.
Contents
Physical design
A vertical mouse is basically a standard mouse oriented vertically, hence its name.
Vertical mice are usually larger and equipped with more buttons than their traditional counterparts. Their large profiles may be uncomfortable for users with small hands, which kind of defeats their purpose.Manufacturers offer right-handed, left-handed, and even ambidextrous vertical mice. Before buying one, you must check the device dimensions, body design, and button positions to ensure that the mouse is comfortable for you.
Connectivity
Like other computer peripherals such as headsets and keyboards, vertical mice are either wired or wireless. Wired solutions are generally more reliable than their wireless counterparts since they do not require batteries to run, have lower latencies, and are cheaper. While wired vertical mice limit the user’s freedom of movement, this is not a downside since most users tend to stay within a few feet of their computers while working or gaming.
Wireless vertical mice do not provide complete freedom of movement. They still have to be within the range of the receiver to function.Wireless mice need batteries, need to be charged now and then, and may interfere with other wireless devices. On top of that, wireless mice are more expensive than their wired cousins.
Essential features
When it comes to wireless mice with built-in batteries, battery life is one of the most important features you should be on the lookout for. Mice with batteries that can last longer in between charges are obviously better. You’re off better with a wired mouse if your wireless mouse needs to be charged often.
Vertical mice often come with additional buttons to improve productivity and enhance comfort. Some vertical mice have sensitivity buttons that allow you to adjust sensitivity on the fly, thumb buttons for faster navigation, and other buttons that provide additional flexibility.
The Best Vertical Mice Compared
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Logitech MX Vertical | Wireless: Yes (Hybrid Wired/Wireless) Hand Configuration: Right-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 400-4000 DPI Connectivity: USB Wired, USB Wireless, Bluetooth Battery Life: 4 months Weight: 135 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | Anker UBA | Wireless: Yes Hand Configuration: Right-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 800-1600 DPI Connectivity: USB Wireless Battery Life: Depends on AAA battery type Weight: 114 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 | Wireless: Yes Hand Configuration: Right-Handed, Left-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 800-2600 DPI Connectivity: Dedicated USB, USB Wireless, Bluetooth Battery Life: Depends on AA battery type Weight: 213 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | Kensington Pro Fit Ergo | Wireless: Yes Hand Configuration: Right-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 800-1600 DPI Connectivity: USB Wireless Battery Life: Depends on AA battery type Weight: 95 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | Evoluent VM4S | Wireless: No Hand Configuration: Right-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 800-2600 DPI Connectivity: USB Weight: 120 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | J-Tech V628X | Wireless: No Hand Configuration: Right-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 600-4000 DPI Connectivity: USB Weight: 244 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
 | Perixx Perimice-518R | Wireless: No Hand Orientation: Right-Handed, Left-Handed Buttons: 6 Sensor Type: Optical Sensitivity: 1000-1600 DPI Connectivity: USB Weight: 152 grams Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux | Check on Amazon |
1. Logitech MX Vertical – Best Vertical Mouse Overall
Logitech has long established itself as one of the most reputable peripheral brands in the market but is a relative newcomer when it comes to making vertical mice. First introduced in 2018, the MX Vertical is the company’s first foray into the market long dominated by Evoluent.
The Logitech MX Vertical is a feature-packed pointing device designed for productivity and general use environments. The mouse sports the traditional “handshake” profile to reduce discomfort and lessen the risk of hand-related injuries caused by prolonged mouse use. At the core of the MX is a sensitive optical sensor with a DPI range between 400 and 4,000, which is rather neat for a vertical mouse. The MX Vertical comes with six buttons that are configurable via OS or Logitech’s Options software.
Connectivity is where the MX Vertical shines. It has three connection options: USB wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired connection. Its built-in 240 mAh rechargeable battery promises up to four months of battery life between full charges and supports fast charging via USB-C. The charging cable also doubles as a physical connector, allowing users to use the mouse while being charged.
- Hybrid wired and wireless connection
- Configurable buttons
- DPI adjustment button
- Long battery life
- USB-C fast charging
- Expensive
2. Anker A7850 – Best Budget Vertical Mouse
Another relative newcomer to the vertical mice market is the Chinese mobile accessories manufacturer Anker. Known for their affordable but durable mobile accessories, Anker is marketing the A7850 towards budget-conscious users who want to make their computing experience better without tearing a hole in their pocket.
The Anker A7850 is as basic as it gets given its price. Its plastic body features an ergonomically-focused design it shares with its wired variant. The mouse weighs just around 95 grams without the two AAA batteries required to power the device. The mouse connects via a 2.4 GHz USB wireless dongle with a range of up to ten meters. On the device are five buttons and a scroll wheel. The two thumb buttons allow for quick page navigation while a third allows for sensitivity adjustments on the fly from
- Cheap
- DPI switching on the fly
- Limited connectivity
3. Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 Wireless – Best Premium Vertical Mouse
Evoluent has been in the business of making vertical mice since 2002. Credited for creating the first ergonomic vertical mouse, the company has popularized its use and set the standard form factor associated that other manufacturers would soon follow.
The VerticalMouse 4 is the latest iteration of Evoluent’s iconic pointing device and is not a one-size-fits-all pointing solution. In addition to the standard right-handed configuration, Evoluent also offers a left-handed version for lefties. The mouse also comes in standard and small size variants to suit different hand sizes. Users can also choose between USB wireless, Bluetooth, and wired versions of the device.
All mice in the VerticalMouse 4 family have six programmable buttons configurable via the OS or Evoluent’s mouse management software. Built into the device are four cursor speed indicators to complement the DPI adjustment button. The mice incorporate Evoluent’s time-tested vertical mouse design; all are made of plastic but well-built. A single AA battery powers the wireless versions of the VerticalMouse 4.
- Available in two sizes
- Programmable buttons
- DPI switching button
- Cursor speed indicators
- Expensive
4. Kensington Pro Fit Ergo – Best Mid-Range Wireless Vertical Mouse
Kensington’s Pro Fit Ergo is a mid-friendly wireless mouse from the security lock and mobile computing accessories manufacturer. Positioned between premium and entry-level vertical mice, the Pro Fit Ergo is poised to dominate the mid-range segment with its mix of performance, refined ergonomics, and value.
The Pro Fit Ergo is made from plastic and is one of the lightest vertical mice at 95 grams. It features a streamlined ergonomic design with a 46.7-degree slope and a protruding lip to support the pinky finger. The Pro Fit Ergo sports the usual 6-button configuration found on other vertical mice. Each button is programmable via the OS or Kensington’s KensingtonWorks software. A DPI adjustment button behind the scroll wheel allows users to switch between different sensitivity levels.
The Pro Fit Ergo connects to devices via a nano receiver capable of providing wireless connectivity up to 20 meters. A single AA battery is required to power the device. A low battery indicator light beneath the scroll wheel alerts its user when the battery is running out of juice.
- Refined ergonomic design
- Affordable
- DPI switch with four preset settings
- None
5. Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 Small Wired – Best Premium Vertical Mouse
Evoluent took vertical mice design to another level by tailoring their products to meet different needs. While other manufacturers focused more on providing one-size-fits-all vertical mice, Evoluent took a new route by offering low profile mice and left-handed variants of their pointing devices.
The small versions of VerticalMouse 4 share the same specs and design with its larger siblings. The only difference is its small form factor. They still have six programmable buttons that can be customized using Evoluent’s software. The wired variant is equipped with a 2.1-meter long cable and connects to devices via a USB port.
- Small form factor
- Programmable buttons
- Cursor speed indicators
- Expensive
6. J-Tech V628X – Best Vertical Gaming Mouse
Most vertical mice are productivity-oriented devices that look identical, have narrow sensitivity ranges, and roughly bear the same features. The J-Tech V628X is the most unusual vertical mouse we’ve seen. Marketed towards gamers, the V628X features a unique design that offers added functionality and ergonomic flexibility.
From the looks of it, J-Tech took a radical approach in designing the V628X. The mouse is made entirely out of ABS plastic and has a relatively large base and a prominent scroll wheel. Also notable is a tilt-adjustment mechanism that allows users to adjust the mouse’s tilt angle from 53 to 73 degrees. At around 244 grams, the V628X is relatively heavy compared to other vertical mice.
Inside the pointing device is an optical sensor capable of tracking up to 4,000 DPI. The V628X connects to the computer via a USB connector at the end of a 1.8-meter long braided cable. Extra features include RGB lighting customizable via software.
- Affordable
- Has tilt adjustment
- Unique scroll wheel design
- Programmable buttons
- Heavy
7. Perixx Perimice-518 – Best Budget Vertical Mouse
The Perimice-518 is a wired vertical mouse from the German peripheral device manufacturer Perixx. Aimed at budget-constrained users, the Perimice-518 combines comfortable ergonomic design, performance, and value in one neat package.
The vertical mouse sports a plastic body that weighs 152 grams. For added comfort, the palm rest and thumb recess are lined with rubber. Perixx states in the spec sheet that the Perimice-518 is designed for people with large hands and offers right- and left-handed versions of the device.
The Perimice is equipped with the standard fare of 6 buttons, each of which is programmable via the operating system or Perixx’s proprietary software. The mouse is equipped with a two-level DPI button that allows users to switch mouse sensitivity levels between 1000 and 1600 DPI. At the end of its 1.8-meter long cable, a USB connector provides wired connectivity to computers and other devices.
- Affordable
- Mediocre DPI range
