Vertical mouse

A vertical mouse is shaped so the hand grips it sideways, similar to a handshake position, rather than resting flat on top of it the way a standard mouse is used. This changes the forearm from a twisted, palm-down position to a more neutral, thumb-up orientation.

The twisting motion required to use a flat mouse, called forearm pronation, is held for hours across a workday and is one of the more commonly cited contributors to forearm and wrist discomfort among frequent computer users. A vertical mouse reduces that twist, though the angle varies by model, from a fully vertical 90 degree grip to gentler 45 to 60 degree designs.

Switching to a vertical mouse usually takes some adjustment time, since click accuracy and cursor control can feel different at first compared to a standard shape. Size matters too, since a mouse designed for an average or large hand can feel awkward for someone with smaller hands, so checking dimensions rather than buying on shape alone tends to give better results.