Buying Guide
The Best Vertical Ergonomic Mice
Six vertical mice that turn the hand to a handshake position, including a left-handed Logitech and a wired Anker under $20.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A vertical mouse turns your hand to a handshake position instead of palm-down, which reduces forearm twist for people who feel strain from a flat mouse. Expect a week or so to adjust. The biggest mistake is buying the wrong size, so check the hand-size guidance each maker gives.
We researched six vertical mice from their Amazon listings and makers' specifications. We did not test them, and we make no medical claims; if you have pain, a clinician is the right person to advise on it.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Cursor Control
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
A cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one press, on a 57-degree shape.
Best for: Right-handed users who switch between detail work and big screens.
Our take Check price for Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best for Smaller Hands
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
A shape Logitech sizes for small to medium right hands, with whisper-quiet clicks.
Best for: Small to medium hands in shared offices.
Our take Check price for Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best Left-Handed
Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
A left-handed version of the Lift with the thumb rest mirrored.
Best for: Left-handed users, who have few vertical options.
Our take Check price for Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Highest-Resolution Sensor
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless Mouse
The highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI).
Best for: Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Our take Check price for Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Rechargeable
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
A USB-C rechargeable battery and silent main buttons under $30 at the time of writing.
Best for: Hands under 7.5 inches on a budget.
Our take Check price for ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Option
Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
A wired USB connection with nothing to charge.
Best for: Trying a vertical grip for the least money.
Our take Check price for Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Cursor Control1 of 6
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's MX Vertical sets the hand at 57 degrees with a thumb rest and a textured rubber surface.
Best for
- Right-handed users who switch between detail work and big screens.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its battery life before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
A cursor speed switch changes sensitivity with one press, and Logitech says the shape fits a variety of hand sizes. Its 57-degree angle puts your hand in a handshake position, which Logitech says reduces muscle activity by 10%. The design was tested against criteria from ergonomists.
Its 4,000 DPI sensor resolution ranks second of 4 here, behind the Pro Click V2 Vertical (30,000 DPI) and ahead of the Anker wired vertical (1,600 DPI). Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only.
When we checked, only the Lift Left and cheaper picks cost less, and the Pro Click V2 Vertical cost more. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the Lift instead: it runs for up to 24 months, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 4,000 DPI
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed (57°)
- Connection: Wireless, USB receiver
Pros
- 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest
- Cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one button
- Textured rubber surface
- Sensor resolution of 4,000 DPI, ahead of the EM11 NL
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the Anker wired vertical at the time of writing
Best for Smaller Hands2 of 6
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's Lift is a smaller vertical mouse sized for small to medium right hands, with whisper-quiet clicks and a SmartWheel.
Best for
- Small to medium hands in shared offices.
Skip if
- Pass if a published sensor resolution matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It connects over Bluetooth LE or a Logi Bolt receiver and Logitech offers up to two years of battery life. It matches the Lift Left on battery life (up to 24 months). You also get a SmartWheel for fast or line-by-line scrolling and customizable buttons within thumb reach.
Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers. It was priced above the EM11 NL and below the Lift Left at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 24 months
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed, small to medium hands (57°)
- Connection: Bluetooth LE or Logi Bolt USB receiver
Pros
- Whisper-quiet clicks
- SmartWheel for fast or line-by-line scrolling
- Customizable buttons within thumb reach
- Battery life of up to 24 months, ahead of the Pro Click V2 Vertical
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the Anker wired vertical at the time of writing
Best Left-Handed3 of 6
Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Lift Left mirrors Logitech's Lift for the left hand, with the thumb rest sculpted on the other side.
Best for
- Left-handed users, who have few vertical options.
Skip if
- Pass if a published sensor resolution matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
The quiet clicks, SmartWheel and two-year battery rating are the same. It matches the Lift on battery life (up to 24 months). You also get a SmartWheel for fast or line-by-line scrolling.
Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers. It was priced above the Lift and below the MX Vertical at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 24 months
- Grip: Vertical, left-handed, small to medium hands (57°)
- Connection: Bluetooth LE or Logi Bolt USB receiver
Pros
- Thumb rest sculpted for left hands
- Whisper-quiet clicks
- SmartWheel for fast or line-by-line scrolling
- Battery life of up to 24 months, ahead of the Pro Click V2 Vertical
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the Anker wired vertical at the time of writing
Highest-Resolution Sensor4 of 6
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Pro Click V2 Vertical adds a base support that raises the wrist off the desk, plus six buttons and 18-zone lighting.
Best for
- Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Lift offers up to 24 months.
Why we like it
It connects to up to five devices over HyperSpeed, Bluetooth or cable, and a 5-minute charge gives three working days. On battery life it trails the group at up to 6 months, while the Lift runs for up to 24 months. Its 30,000 DPI sensor resolution is the highest here; the MX Vertical comes next at 4,000 DPI.
You also get a Focus Pro 30K sensor that tracks on glass. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the MX Vertical and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Battery life: up to 6 months
- Sensor: 30,000 DPI
- Programmable buttons: 6
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed, with base support
- Connection: HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or wired, up to 5 devices
Pros
- Base support that raises the wrist off the desk
- 3 working days of use from a 5-minute charge
- Focus Pro 30K sensor that tracks on glass
- Highest sensor resolution of the picks (30,000 DPI)
Cons
- Battery life trails the Lift (up to 24 months)
- Costs more than the Anker wired vertical at the time of writing
Best Budget Rechargeable5 of 6
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ProtoArc's EM11 NL is a 58-degree vertical mouse for hands under 7.5 inches, with silent left and right buttons.
Best for
- Hands under 7.5 inches on a budget.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It recharges over USB-C and pairs with three devices across two Bluetooth channels and a 2.4GHz receiver. On sensor resolution it sits mid-pack at 2,400 DPI: the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI, and the Anker wired vertical comes in at 1,600 DPI. You also get a USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours and a stated hand-length limit of 7.5 inches.
Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. Its price falls between the Anker wired vertical and the Lift, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Lift, which runs for up to 24 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 2,400 DPI
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed, hands under 7.5 in (58°)
- Connection: Bluetooth (2 channels) and 2.4GHz, 3 devices
Pros
- Silent left and right buttons (the wheel and side buttons are not silent)
- USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours
- Stated hand-length limit of 7.5 inches
- Sensor resolution of 2,400 DPI, ahead of the Anker wired vertical
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the Anker wired vertical at the time of writing
Best Wired Option6 of 6
Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Anker's wired vertical mouse is the simplest way to try the handshake grip: a 5.3oz body on a 1.5m USB cable with nothing to charge.
Best for
- Trying a vertical grip for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if sensor resolution matters most to you; the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Why we like it
It has next and previous page buttons and an 18-month warranty. Its handshake position eases wrist strain, and at 5.3 oz it is light. DPI switches between 1,000 and 1,600.
Its 1,600 DPI sensor resolution is the lowest in this group; the Pro Click V2 Vertical leads at 30,000 DPI. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only.
It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the EM11 NL the next step up. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the Lift runs for up to 24 months.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sensor: 1,600 DPI
- Grip: Vertical, right-handed
- Connection: Wired USB, 1.5m cable
Pros
- 5.3oz body
- 18-month warranty
- Next and previous page buttons
- A wired USB connection with nothing to charge
Cons
- Sensor resolution trails the Pro Click V2 Vertical (30,000 DPI)
How We Chose These Vertical Ergonomic 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.
- Connection and battery
- We recorded connection options and rated battery life.
- Sensor
- We noted listed sensor resolution and surface support.
- Productivity features
- We compared scroll wheels, programmable buttons and multi-computer control as described by each maker.
What to Look for in a Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
Quiet clicks for shared rooms
Silent or quiet-click switches reduce noise on calls and in shared offices. The feel is slightly softer.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Right-handed users who switch between detail work and big screens | MX Vertical | A cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one press, on a 57-degree shape |
| Small to medium hands in shared offices | Lift | A shape Logitech sizes for small to medium right hands, with whisper-quiet clicks |
| Left-handed users, who have few vertical options | Lift Left | A left-handed version of the Lift with the thumb rest mirrored |
| Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops | Pro Click V2 Vertical | The highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI) |
| Hands under 7.5 inches on a budget | EM11 NL | A USB-C rechargeable battery and silent main buttons under $30 at the time of writing |
| Trying a vertical grip for the least money | Anker wired vertical | A wired USB connection with nothing to charge |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Mice | Battery life | Sensor | Grip | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX Vertical | Not listed | 4,000 DPI | Vertical, right-handed (57°) | Wireless, USB receiver |
| Lift | up to 24 months | Not listed | Vertical, right-handed, small to medium hands (57°) | Bluetooth LE or Logi Bolt USB receiver |
| Lift Left | up to 24 months | Not listed | Vertical, left-handed, small to medium hands (57°) | Bluetooth LE or Logi Bolt USB receiver |
| Pro Click V2 Vertical | up to 6 months | 30,000 DPI | Vertical, right-handed, with base support | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or wired, up to 5 devices |
| EM11 NL | Not listed | 2,400 DPI | Vertical, right-handed, hands under 7.5 in (58°) | Bluetooth (2 channels) and 2.4GHz, 3 devices |
| Anker wired vertical | Not listed | 1,600 DPI | Vertical, right-handed | Wired USB, 1.5m cable |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Anker wired vertical, EM11 NL |
| About $50 to $100 | Lift, Lift Left, MX Vertical, Pro Click V2 Vertical |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there left-handed versions?
Many ergonomic mice are right-handed only. Check the product page for a left-handed model.
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.
Does DPI matter for work?
Higher DPI helps on large or high-resolution displays. Most work needs far less than the maximum.
Will it work on a glass desk?
Only mice whose listings mention glass tracking are designed for it. Others may need a mouse pad.
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 MX Vertical is the pick for one-press cursor speed changes on a 57-degree shape, while the Logitech Lift is the smaller, quieter option Logitech sizes for small to medium hands, and the Lift Left is the rare left-handed model.
The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical adds a wrist base, six buttons and five-device switching. The ProtoArc EM11 NL is the budget rechargeable pick for hands under 7.5 inches, and the Anker wired vertical mouse is the cheapest way to find out whether the grip works for you.