An ergonomic mouse changes the shape you hold, not just the brand. The three main shapes are a vertical mouse, which stands your hand in a handshake position, a trackball, which keeps the mouse still while your thumb moves the cursor, and a left handed model. We compared seven mice on Amazon Australia by the facts in each listing and the ratings behind it.
One caution first: the strain and posture figures below are the makers' own claims from the listings, not our tests.
Best ergonomic mouse: Logitech MX Vertical
Best ergonomic mouse overall: the Logitech MX Vertical, because it combines a 57 degree vertical angle and a thumb rest with wired or Bluetooth use, and it holds 4.5 stars from 14,033 ratings.
The listing describes a natural handshake position that it says reduces muscular activity by 10 percent compared with a standard mouse, a 57 degree vertical angle, and a 4000 DPI sensor with a cursor speed switch. It connects to up to three Windows PCs, Macs or laptops with Easy Switch, and the rechargeable battery is listed at up to four months on a full charge. The rating is 4.5 stars from 14,033 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants one vertical mouse that works with several computers. The honest catch: the rating count may pool reviews across the whole life of this listing, so read the recent reviews, and it is one of the dearer mice on this page.
Best wired vertical mouse: Trust Verto
Best wired vertical mouse: the Trust Verto, because the listing describes a 60 degree vertical position, 6 buttons and a 1.5 m USB cable, with 4.5 stars from 12,504 ratings.
The Verto is plug and play: connect the USB cable and it works. The listing describes a thumb rest, a rubber coating, a lightweight design, a 1000 and 1600 DPI optical sensor, two thumb buttons and a blue LED light on the left side. It also lists a 5 year warranty. The rating is 4.5 stars from 12,504 ratings.
It suits a desk where a cable is fine and you want a vertical mouse without paying for wireless. The honest catch: the listing says it is for right hand users and it is wired only, with no Bluetooth.
Best wireless vertical mouse: Logitech Lift
Best wireless vertical mouse: the Logitech Lift, because the listing describes whisper quiet clicks, a 57 degree vertical shape and a connection by Bluetooth Low Energy or a Logi Bolt USB receiver.
The Lift is listed for small to medium right hands, with a softly textured grip, a snug thumb rest, a SmartWheel and customisable buttons. The listing says it works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS and Linux, with up to 2 years of battery life, and the Graphite plastic parts include 70 percent certified post consumer recycled plastic. The rating is 4.4 stars from 7,077 ratings.
It suits people with smaller hands who want quiet clicks and a wireless vertical mouse. The honest catch: it is listed for small to medium hands, and its 4.4 rating is the lowest of the three Logitech mice on this page.
Best trackball mouse: TECKNET Wireless Trackball Mouse
Best trackball mouse: the TECKNET Wireless Trackball Mouse, because it has the most ratings of any trackball we checked, 4.4 stars from 6,051, and offers thumb control with three device connections.
The listing describes a thumb trackball with a 16 degree vertical angle, which it says reduces muscle strain by up to 50 percent. You can pair up to 3 devices by Bluetooth or 2.4G, and the 500mAh battery charges by USB C, with 15 minutes listed as enough for a full day. There are five DPI levels from 100 to 1200, and the listing says it is silent. It measures about 14 by 10.4 by 5.1 cm.
It suits medium to large hands and tight desk space. The honest catch: it is a lesser known brand than Logitech and its rating is lower than the Ergo M575S, and the listing recommends 1 to 2 weeks to get used to it.
Best rated trackball mouse: Logitech Ergo M575S
Best rated trackball mouse: the Logitech Ergo M575S, because it holds 4.6 stars from 1,524 ratings and the listing describes thumb control with Bluetooth or an encrypted dongle.
The listing describes a sculpted shape, quiet clicks and 3 customisable buttons, with a good fit for most hand sizes. It says the design gives 25 percent less forearm muscle strain, and that it lets you move the cursor without moving your hand. It connects by Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver, with up to 18 months of battery life and an AA battery included.
It suits people who want a trackball from a known brand. The honest catch: it has far fewer ratings than the TECKNET trackball, about 1,500 against about 6,000.
Best left handed ergonomic mouse: Perixx PERIMICE-513L
Best left handed ergonomic mouse: the Perixx PERIMICE-513L, because the listing names it a wired ergonomic vertical mouse for left handers, with 4.4 stars from 1,535 ratings.
The listing describes a left handed design for all hand sizes, 6 buttons, a two level 1000 and 1600 DPI setting, a high quality rubber coating and plug and play USB. It says the mouse is recommended for RSI users and people who work long periods on the computer, and lists Windows 7, 8 and 10. The rating is 4.4 stars from 1,535 ratings.
It suits left handed people who are happy with a cable. The honest catch: it is wired only with 1000 and 1600 DPI settings, so there is no Bluetooth option.
Best budget vertical mouse: Perixx PERIMICE-513
Best budget vertical mouse: the Perixx PERIMICE-513, because the listing sells a wired vertical USB mouse with 6 buttons and 1000 and 1600 DPI settings, and it has 4.4 stars from 4,185 ratings.
The listing describes a right handed vertical mouse in a natural handshake position, with a rubber coating, a 1.8 m cord and no extra driver. It measures 125 by 62 by 77 mm and weighs 160 g, and lists Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. The rating is 4.4 stars from 4,185 ratings.
It suits a first vertical mouse where the aim is to try the shape. The honest catch: it is wired, listed as right handed, and has no Bluetooth.
How to choose an ergonomic mouse
Vertical mouse or trackball
A vertical mouse such as the MX Vertical or Lift stands your hand on its side, and you still slide the mouse around. A trackball such as the Ergo M575S or TECKNET stays still while your thumb rolls the ball, so it suits a small desk. If you have never used either, the cheaper Perixx PERIMICE-513 or TECKNET lets you try the shape first.
Hand size and which hand
Listings differ on fit. The Lift is listed for small to medium right hands, the TECKNET for medium to large hands, the PERIMICE-513L for all sizes, and the Ergo M575S for most hand sizes. Most vertical mice here are right handed, and the PERIMICE-513L is the left handed one.
Wired or wireless
The Trust Verto and both Perixx mice are wired and need no battery. The MX Vertical works wired or over Bluetooth, the Lift connects by Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver, and the TECKNET offers Bluetooth or 2.4G. Wireless adds a battery: the Lift lists up to 2 years, the Ergo M575S up to 18 months on its AA battery, and the MX Vertical recharges and lists up to four months per charge.
Vertical angle
The listings give the angle: 57 degrees for the MX Vertical and Lift, 60 degrees for the Trust Verto, and 16 degrees for the TECKNET trackball. The angle is the main difference between the vertical shapes, so compare it before you compare brands.
DPI is cursor speed. The MX Vertical lists 4000 DPI, the TECKNET 100 to 1200, and the Perixx and Trust mice 1000 and 1600. If you move between a laptop and a desktop, the MX Vertical lists connecting to up to three computers, and the TECKNET lists up to three devices.
Ratings and counts
A high rating from few buyers is thinner evidence than a slightly lower one from thousands. The Ergo M575S has 4.6 stars from 1,524 ratings, while the Trust Verto has 4.5 from 12,504. Counts on some listings may pool several colours or years, so read recent reviews as well.
The rest of the desk
A mouse is one piece of the setup. A wrist rest and a good ergonomic chair sit alongside it, our wireless keyboard combo guide covers keyboards, and our wireless mouse guide covers standard shapes. For fast games, start with our gaming mouse guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ergonomic mouse in Australia?
For most people it is the Logitech MX Vertical. The listing describes a 57 degree vertical angle, a thumb rest, a 4000 DPI sensor, and use wired or over Bluetooth. It holds 4.5 stars from 14,033 ratings, the most of any vertical mouse we checked. The Trust Verto is our cheaper wired option.
Which ergonomic mouse is best for wrist pain, RSI or shoulder pain?
We cannot judge pain, so we only repeat the listings. The Logitech MX Vertical and Lift describe a 57 degree angle for wrist posture, and the Perixx PERIMICE-513L listing recommends it for RSI users. The Logitech Ergo M575S listing says you move the cursor without moving your hand.
What is the best wired ergonomic mouse?
The Trust Verto is our pick for a wired vertical mouse: the listing describes a 60 degree position, 6 buttons, a 1.5 m USB cable and a 5 year warranty, with 4.5 stars from 12,504 ratings. The Perixx PERIMICE-513 is the cheaper wired choice, and the PERIMICE-513L is the left handed one.
What is the best wireless ergonomic mouse?
The Logitech Lift is our wireless vertical pick: the listing describes quiet clicks, Bluetooth Low Energy or a Logi Bolt USB receiver, and up to 2 years of battery life. The Logitech MX Vertical also works wirelessly, and the TECKNET and Ergo M575S are wireless trackballs.
Is the Logitech Lift or the MX Vertical better?
Both use a 57 degree vertical shape. The MX Vertical has more ratings, 14,033 at 4.5 stars, plus a 4000 DPI sensor and a wired option. The Lift is listed for small to medium right hands, adds quiet clicks and a Logi Bolt receiver, and has 4.4 stars from 7,077 ratings.
Is a trackball or a vertical mouse better?
A vertical mouse such as the Logitech MX Vertical turns your hand to a handshake position, and you still move the whole mouse. A trackball such as the Logitech Ergo M575S stays put while your thumb moves the cursor, which the listing calls ideal for space saving setups. The TECKNET is the other trackball here.
Is there a good ergonomic mouse for left handed people?
The Perixx PERIMICE-513L is the left handed pick here. The listing calls it a wired ergonomic vertical mouse for left handers, with 6 buttons and 1000 and 1600 DPI settings, and it has 4.4 stars from 1,535 ratings. The Trust Verto and PERIMICE-513 are listed for right hands.
Is an ergonomic mouse good for gaming?
None of these picks is sold as a gaming mouse. The Logitech MX Vertical has a 4000 DPI sensor, and the TECKNET trackball has RGB lighting and five DPI levels up to 1200 in its listing. For fast games, our gaming mouse guide is the better starting point.
Which ergonomic mouse goes with an ergonomic keyboard?
The Logitech Ergo M575S listing suggests pairing it with the Logitech Wave Keys ergonomic keyboard, which it says has a cushioned palm rest. The M575S connects by Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt receiver, with 4.6 stars from 1,524 ratings. Our wireless keyboard combo guide covers keyboards.
