Is your current mouse becoming too much of a pain, literally? Consider a vertical mouse instead. The vertical mouse is actually a relatively new form factor, invented by Jack Lo only in 1994 after his own dissatisfaction with the traditional mouse design that resulted in constant discomfort. Since then, this patented “handshake” design has been validated by countless users who suffer from hand and wrist pain, and whom have found great relief after switching over to this form factor.

So just what are the main benefits of using a vertical mouse, and just as importantly, what is the proper way to hold and maneuver one? Let’s find out the answer to both of these questions now.

Vertical versus Regular Mouse

To understand the logic behind the aggressive sloping found on any vertical mouse, try resting your arm and hand on your desk now. When you do that, the chances are, your hand is rested at a 60 – 80 degree angle relative to the surface of your desk, instead of facing flat down. There is no pronation of the forearm, and your shoulders are naturally rotated externally. Called the handshake position, this is the neutral position for most people’s arm and hand at rest, which unsurprisingly is also the most comfortable at rest.