Buying Guide
The Best Ergonomic Computer Mice
Five ergonomic mice that are not vertical: two trackballs and three contoured shapes, from Logitech, Lenovo and Kensington.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
An ergonomic mouse does not have to be vertical. Trackballs keep the body still and move the cursor with a thumb or fingers, and contoured mice support the hand in a flatter position than a vertical model. Both are worth a look if a handshake grip feels awkward.
We researched five mice from their Amazon listings and makers' specifications. We did not test them and make no medical claims; for pain or injury, a clinician is the right person to advise. For vertical mice, see our separate guide.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Thumb Trackball
Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball
A right-handed thumb trackball with an 18-month battery rating.
Best for: Cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still.
Our take Check price for Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball (opens in a new tab)
Best for Smaller Hands
Logitech Signature M650
A right-handed shape sized for small to medium hands, with silent clicks.
Best for: Quiet offices and smaller hands.
Our take Check price for Logitech Signature M650 (opens in a new tab)
Best Multi-Computer
Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse
Switching between three computers at the touch of a button.
Best for: Desks with a desktop and a laptop.
Our take Check price for Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best Rechargeable
Lenovo Yoga Pro Mouse
A USB-C rechargeable battery with silent left and right buttons.
Best for: Users who would rather charge than buy batteries.
Our take Check price for Lenovo Yoga Pro Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best Finger Trackball
Kensington Orbit Trackball with Scroll Ring
A finger-operated trackball with a scroll ring and detachable wrist rest.
Best for: Left- or right-handed users on small desks.
Our take Check price for Kensington Orbit Trackball with Scroll Ring (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Thumb Trackball1 of 5
Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's Ergo M575S is a right-handed thumb trackball, so the mouse body stays still and the thumb moves the cursor.
Best for
- Cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Orbit cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over Bluetooth or Logi Bolt and Logitech rates it for up to 18 months on its battery. Its up to 18 months battery life ranks third of 4 here, behind the Signature M650 (up to 24 months) and ahead of the Yoga Pro Mouse (up to 2 months). Its 3 button count ranks second of 3 here, behind the M720 (6) and ahead of the Orbit (2).
You also get 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech and Smart Actions shortcuts. A trackball stays still on the desk, so it suits cramped desks, but precise selection takes practice. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers. Only the Yoga Pro Mouse came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 18 months
- Programmable buttons: 3
- Grip: Thumb trackball, right-handed
- Connection: Bluetooth or Logi Bolt
Pros
- 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech
- Smart Actions shortcuts
- Battery life of up to 18 months, ahead of the Yoga Pro Mouse
- Button count of 3, ahead of the Orbit
Cons
- Costs more than the Orbit at the time of writing
Best for Smaller Hands2 of 5
Logitech Signature M650 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Signature M650 is a contoured right-handed mouse Logitech sizes for small to medium hands, with silent clicks and customisable side buttons.
Best for
- Quiet offices and smaller hands.
Skip if
- The maker gives no button count, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It pairs over Bluetooth or Logi Bolt, and the maker specifies Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS and Android. Its SmartWheel switches between line-by-line and fast scrolling, and rubber grips suit small to medium hands. Plastics include up to 64% recycled material.
On battery life it ties with the M720 at up to 24 months. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers. Its price falls between the M720 and the Yoga Pro Mouse, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed button count should compare it with the M720, which offers 6.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 24 months
- Grip: Right-handed, small to medium hands
- Connection: Bluetooth or Logi Bolt
Pros
- Customizable side buttons
- Silent clicks
- Support for Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iPadOS and Android
- Battery life of up to 24 months, ahead of the Ergo M575S
Cons
- No published button count
- Costs more than the Orbit at the time of writing
Best Multi-Computer3 of 5
Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's M720 is a full-size right-handed mouse with six buttons that switches between three computers at a press.
Best for
- Desks with a desktop and a laptop.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Orbit cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over Bluetooth or a Unifying receiver and is rated for up to 24 months per battery. Its hyper-fast scroll wheel spins freely through long documents and switches back to click-by-click scrolling when you need precision. The rubber body and sculpted right-hand shape suit a relaxed palm grip.
Logitech Flow moves the cursor, text and files between up to three computers, and it connects over Bluetooth or the Unifying receiver. The Unifying receiver can also pair up to six compatible Logitech devices, which saves USB ports. On battery life it ties with the Signature M650 at up to 24 months.
Its 6 button count is the most here; the Ergo M575S comes next at 3. Its price falls between the Orbit and the Signature M650, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 24 months
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Grip: Full-size, right-handed
- Connection: Bluetooth or Unifying receiver, 3 devices
Pros
- Switching between 3 computers at the touch of a button
- Logitech Flow across computers
- Unifying receiver for up to 6 Logitech devices
- Battery life of up to 24 months, ahead of the Ergo M575S
Cons
- Costs more than the Orbit at the time of writing
Best Rechargeable4 of 5
Lenovo Yoga Pro Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lenovo's Yoga Pro Mouse is a right-handed ergonomic shape with silent main buttons and programmable side and top buttons.
Best for
- Users who would rather charge than buy batteries.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Signature M650 offers up to 24 months.
Why we like it
It pairs with two devices over Bluetooth 5.1 and recharges over USB-C. Its symmetrical full-size shape has soft sides and a thumb rest, and a blue optical sensor tracks on most surfaces. Bluetooth dual-host pairing switches between two devices with a button underneath.
DPI steps change on the fly, and software unlocks finer settings. Bluetooth Swift Pair connects it to Windows quickly. Its up to 2 months battery life is the shortest in this group; the Signature M650 leads at up to 24 months. It also offers a USB-C rechargeable battery.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 2 months
- Sensor: 4,000 DPI
- Grip: Ergonomic, right-handed
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.1, 2 devices
Pros
- USB-C rechargeable battery
- Silent left and right buttons
- Programmable side and top buttons
Cons
- Battery life trails the Signature M650 (up to 24 months)
- No published button count
- Costs more than the Orbit at the time of writing
Best Finger Trackball5 of 5
Kensington Orbit Trackball with Scroll Ring on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Kensington's Orbit is a finger-operated trackball with a scroll ring around the ball, a detachable wrist rest and an ambidextrous design.
Best for
- Left- or right-handed users on small desks.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Its two buttons can be reassigned in Kensington's software, and it was the lowest-priced pick here at the time of writing. A detachable wrist rest cushions the hand, and free software assigns functions to both buttons and the scroll ring. On button count it trails the group at 2, while the M720 offers 6.
A trackball stays still on the desk, so it suits cramped desks, but precise selection takes practice. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the M720 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Signature M650, which runs for up to 24 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 2
- Grip: Finger-operated trackball, ambidextrous
Pros
- Scroll ring around the ball
- Detachable wrist rest
- A finger-operated trackball with a scroll ring and detachable wrist rest
Cons
- No published battery life
- Button count trails the M720 (6)
How We Chose These Ergonomic Computer Mice
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Shape and grip
- We grouped each mouse by grip style and noted listed hand sizes.
- Productivity features
- We compared scroll wheels, programmable buttons and multi-computer control as described by each maker.
- Connection and battery
- We recorded connection options and rated battery life.
- Sensor
- We noted listed sensor resolution and surface support.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Computer Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pick a shape for your wrist
Standard sculpted mice suit most hands; vertical mice reduce forearm twist; trackballs keep the arm still. Each takes different adjustment time.
If you have wrist or forearm discomfort, try vertical or trackball first.
Match the hand size
Makers often state a hand size range, especially for vertical mice. A mouse that is too small forces a claw grip.
Measure from wrist crease to middle fingertip before buying.
Quiet clicks for shared rooms
Silent or quiet-click switches reduce noise on calls and in shared offices. The feel is slightly softer.
Multi-computer control
Some mice switch between computers with a button, and a few can move the cursor and clipboard across machines.
This helps if you work on a laptop and a desktop at once.
Fast scrolling helps with long files
Free-spinning or magnetic scroll wheels move through long files and logs quickly, then switch to line-by-line for precision.
If you read long code or spreadsheets, prioritise the scroll wheel.
Programmable buttons save shortcuts
Extra buttons can run copy, paste, undo or IDE commands. Per-app profiles change them automatically in each program.
Check that the software runs on your operating system.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Computer Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still | Ergo M575S | A right-handed thumb trackball with an 18-month battery rating |
| Quiet offices and smaller hands | Signature M650 | A right-handed shape sized for small to medium hands, with silent clicks |
| Desks with a desktop and a laptop | M720 | Switching between three computers at the touch of a button |
| Users who would rather charge than buy batteries | Yoga Pro Mouse | A USB-C rechargeable battery with silent left and right buttons |
| Left- or right-handed users on small desks | Orbit | A finger-operated trackball with a scroll ring and detachable wrist rest |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Mice | Battery life | Programmable buttons | Grip | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ergo M575S | up to 18 months | 3 | Thumb trackball, right-handed | Bluetooth or Logi Bolt |
| Signature M650 | up to 24 months | Not listed | Right-handed, small to medium hands | Bluetooth or Logi Bolt |
| M720 | up to 24 months | 6 | Full-size, right-handed | Bluetooth or Unifying receiver, 3 devices |
| Yoga Pro Mouse | up to 2 months | Not listed | Ergonomic, right-handed | Bluetooth 5.1, 2 devices |
| Orbit | Not listed | 2 | Finger-operated trackball, ambidextrous | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it work on a glass desk?
Only mice whose listings mention glass tracking are designed for it. Others may need a mouse pad.
Does DPI matter for work?
Higher DPI helps on large or high-resolution displays. Most work needs far less than the maximum.
Is a vertical mouse better for programmers?
It can reduce forearm twisting for people who feel strain. It takes about a week to get used to.
Are trackballs good for coding?
They save desk space and keep the arm still. Fine selection takes practice, but many users adapt quickly.
Are there left-handed versions?
Many ergonomic mice are right-handed only. Check the product page for a left-handed model.
Do I need the maker's software?
Basic use works without it, but button remapping and per-app profiles need the software.
Bottom Line
The Logitech Ergo M575S is the pick for a thumb trackball, with an 18-month battery rating and Bluetooth or Logi Bolt. The Kensington Orbit is the finger-operated alternative with a scroll ring, at the lowest price here at the time of writing.
Among conventional shapes, the Signature M650 suits small to medium hands and quiet offices, the M720 switches between three computers, and the Lenovo Yoga Pro Mouse is the rechargeable option with silent main buttons.