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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Cursor Control
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic MouseA 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.
Check price for Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Smaller Hands
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless MouseA shape Logitech sizes for small to medium right hands, with whisper-quiet clicks.
Best for: Small to medium hands in shared offices.
Check price for Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Left-Handed
Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless MouseA left-handed version of the Lift with the thumb rest mirrored.
Best for: Left-handed users, who have few vertical options.
Check price for Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Highest-Resolution Sensor
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless MouseThe highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI).
Best for: Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Check price for Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Rechargeable
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical MouseA 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.
Check price for ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Option
Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic MouseA wired USB connection with nothing to charge.
Best for: Trying a vertical grip for the least money.
Check price for Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Cursor Control1 of 6
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
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 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Lift Left cost more.
Key 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
The catch
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.
Best for Smaller Hands2 of 6
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
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. Logitech sizes it for small to medium right hands, with a 57-degree angle and a padded thumb rest. The soft-textured grip suits all-day office use.
The plastic parts include certified post-consumer recycled plastic, and it works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS and Linux. 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 MX Vertical at the time of writing.
Key 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
The catch
There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Best Left-Handed3 of 6
Logitech Lift Left Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
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. This is the left-handed version of Logitech's Lift, sized for small to medium hands. It keeps the 57-degree angle and adds a thumb rest shaped for the left hand.
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 MX Vertical and below the Pro Click V2 Vertical at the time of writing.
Key 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
The catch
There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Highest-Resolution Sensor4 of 6
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Wireless Mouse
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 Lift Left and the rest.
Key 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
The catch
The trade-off is battery life; for more, the Lift runs for up to 24 months.
Best Budget Rechargeable5 of 6
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
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 skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It recharges over USB-C and pairs with three devices across two Bluetooth channels and a 2.4GHz receiver. It charges in about 2 hours over the included Type-C cable and lists up to 200 days of standby. The scroll wheel and the back and forward buttons are not silent.
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.
Key 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
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Lift, which runs for up to 24 months.
Best Wired Option6 of 6
Anker Wired Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
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 vertical shape holds the hand in a handshake position. DPI switches between 1000 and 1600, and next and previous buttons handle web browsing. 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.
Key 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)
The catch
There is no published battery life figure, whereas the Lift runs for up to 24 months.
How We Chose These Vertical Ergonomic 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.
- What we compared
- We lined up six mice on battery life, sensor resolution, grip and connection from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and battery life and sensor resolution are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the MX Vertical to the Anker wired vertical, state grip and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MX Vertical, the EM11 NL and the Anker wired vertical give no battery life; the Lift and the Lift Left give no sensor resolution.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Anker wired vertical (under $50) to the Pro Click V2 Vertical ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Sensor resolution across these picks
Across these 4 picks sensor resolution spans 1,600 DPI (the Anker wired vertical) to 30,000 DPI (the Pro Click V2 Vertical). For less, the MX Vertical is the runner-up at 4,000 DPI. The Lift and the Lift Left give no sensor resolution figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.
Battery life
Here battery life runs from up to 6 months on the Pro Click V2 Vertical to up to 24 months on the Lift, a 300% spread. Start with the Lift if battery life decides it. The MX Vertical, the EM11 NL and the Anker wired vertical give no battery life figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
A hand holding a light-blue mouse on a red mousepad Features beyond the spec table
The Pro Click V2 Vertical: 3 working days of use from a 5-minute charge. The EM11 NL: a USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours. The Anker wired vertical: an 18-month warranty.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the Anker wired vertical and the EM11 NL; $50 to $100 buys the Lift, the MX Vertical, the Lift Left and the Pro Click V2 Vertical at our last check.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Match the pick to your priority
Right-handed users who switch between detail work and big screens: the MX Vertical. Small to medium hands in shared offices: the Lift. Left-handed users, who have few vertical options: the Lift Left.
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
The Pro Click V2 Vertical leads on sensor resolution at 30,000 DPI, ahead of the MX Vertical at 4,000 DPI. "Not listed" marks battery life where the MX Vertical, the EM11 NL and the Anker wired vertical leave the figure out.
| 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
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Anker wired vertical, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Pro Click V2 Vertical at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Anker wired vertical, EM11 NL |
| About $50 to $100 | Lift, MX Vertical, Lift Left, Pro Click V2 Vertical |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the MX Vertical compare with the Pro Click V2 Vertical on sensor resolution?
Between the top two, it is 30,000 DPI on the Pro Click V2 Vertical against 4,000 DPI on the MX Vertical, a 650% difference. The Anker wired vertical closes the ranking at 1,600 DPI. The Lift and the Lift Left don't state a sensor resolution figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.
Is the Pro Click V2 Vertical worth paying more than the Anker wired vertical?
On paper it adds sensor resolution (30,000 DPI against 1,600 DPI). The Anker wired vertical sat in the under $50 tier and the Pro Click V2 Vertical in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if sensor resolution decides your purchase.
What makes the Lift Left the Best Left-Handed?
It carries the badge for a left-handed version of the Lift with the thumb rest mirrored. The Anker wired vertical, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at left-handed users, who have few vertical options.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MX Vertical and the Lift apart?
The MX Vertical: a 57-degree vertical angle with a thumb rest. The Lift: whisper-quiet clicks. The Lift Left: a thumb rest sculpted for left hands.
Who should choose the MX Vertical?
The MX Vertical carries our Best Cursor Control label for a cursor speed switch that changes DPI with one press, on a 57-degree shape. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits right-handed users who switch between detail work and big screens.
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.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Mice for Work
- Related guideThe Best Mice for Programming and Long Coding Sessions
- Related guideThe Best Bluetooth Wireless Mice
- Lower budgetThe Best Mice Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Also see: mouse pads and desk matsMouse Pad Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best Ergonomic Vertical Mice
- 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