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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Thumb Trackball
Logitech Ergo M575S TrackballA right-handed thumb trackball with an 18-month battery rating.
Best for: Cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still.
Check price for Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Smaller Hands
Logitech Signature M650A right-handed shape sized for small to medium hands, with silent clicks.
Best for: Quiet offices and smaller hands.
Check price for Logitech Signature M650 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Multi-Computer
Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device MouseSwitching between three computers at the touch of a button.
Best for: Desks with a desktop and a laptop.
Check price for Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Rechargeable
Lenovo Yoga Pro MouseA USB-C rechargeable battery with silent left and right buttons.
Best for: Users who would rather charge than buy batteries.
Check price for Lenovo Yoga Pro Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Finger Trackball
Kensington Orbit Trackball with Scroll RingA finger-operated trackball with a scroll ring and detachable wrist rest.
Best for: Left- or right-handed users on small desks.
Check price for Kensington Orbit Trackball with Scroll Ring on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Thumb Trackball1 of 5
Logitech Ergo M575S Trackball
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 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
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 skip it if that figure decides your choice.
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 skip it if that figure decides your choice.
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 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
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five mice on battery life, button count, grip and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 1 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while battery life and button count have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Ergo M575S to the Orbit, state grip.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Orbit gives no battery life; the Signature M650 and the Yoga Pro Mouse give no button count.
- Price range
- From the Orbit to the Ergo M575S, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Computer Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much battery life you need
Here battery life runs from up to 2 months on the Yoga Pro Mouse to up to 24 months on the Signature M650, an 1100% spread. The M720 comes second at up to 24 months, in the same price tier as the Signature M650. The Orbit gives no battery life figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Button count
Across these 3 picks button count spans 2 (the Orbit) to 6 (the M720). Start with the M720 if button count decides it. The Signature M650 and the Yoga Pro Mouse give no button count figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Extras that separate them
The M720: Logitech Flow across computers. The Yoga Pro Mouse: silent left and right buttons. The Orbit: a detachable wrist rest.
Budget
All 5 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the Orbit at the low end to the Ergo M575S at the top, so decide on features first.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Start from what matters most
Cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still: the Ergo M575S. Quiet offices and smaller hands: the Signature M650. Desks with a desktop and a laptop: the M720.
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
The Signature M650 leads on battery life at up to 24 months, ahead of the M720 at up to 24 months. "Not listed" marks battery life where the Orbit leaves the figure out.
| 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
Is the M720 ahead of the Ergo M575S on button count?
The M720 tops button count at 6; the Ergo M575S follows at 3, 100% apart. The Orbit is at the other end of this group with 2. The Signature M650 and the Yoga Pro Mouse don't state a button count figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Ergo M575S add over the Orbit?
What it brings is button count (3 against 2). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in button count cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Yoga Pro Mouse our Best Rechargeable pick?
It carries the badge for a USB-C rechargeable battery with silent left and right buttons. It suits anyone who would rather charge than buy batteries.
What extras do the Ergo M575S and the Signature M650 include?
The Ergo M575S: 25% less forearm muscle strain, per Logitech. The Signature M650: customizable side buttons. The M720: switching between 3 computers at the touch of a button.
Who should choose the Ergo M575S?
The Ergo M575S carries our Best Thumb Trackball label for a right-handed thumb trackball with an 18-month battery rating. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits cramped desks and users who want the mouse to stay still.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Vertical Ergonomic Mice
- Related guideThe Best Mice for Work
- Related guideThe Best Mice for Programming and Long Coding Sessions
- Lower budgetThe Best Mice Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Mouse for Computer
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Also see: mouse pads and desk matsHow to Choose a Mouse Pad for Gaming and Work
- Similar guideThe Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
- Topic hubAll mice guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles