Evoluent VerticalMouse Ergonomic Mouse Product Review

Review

To Catch an Ergonomic Mouse

The Evoluent VerticalMouse looks strange at first. We actually had a customer here at WorkWhileWalking whose first reaction to it was to try and flip it on its side. This one goes out to you, confused Evoluent user – we had the same problems ourselves. Vertical mice are not an easy thing to wrap your head around at first. They basically take everything you know about mousing, and give it a 90º turn. It takes some time to get used to this, but there are some very good reasons to do so.

The Evoluent, and other vertical mice, all address the same intrinsic problem. When using a traditional, horizontal mouse, computer workers tend to pronate their wrists (twist them thumbwards), an action that compresses the carpal tunnel, and can easily lead to pain, fatigue, and an eventual RSI. Vertical mice relieve that pressure by placing the hand into an upright, “handshake” position, and many users find them an effective remedy for work-related wrist and forearm complaints.

Don’t think this covers everything though, users of vertical mice still have to be careful not to rest their wrists on a hard surface. The surface opposite the thumb (the “karate chop” region) is relatively well padded. However, compressing the wrist directly below could damage an area called Guyon’s canal, leading to problems similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why Evoluent?

There are plenty of options for anyone looking to bag a vertical mouse. Numerous companies have gotten in on this ergonomic fix, including giants like 3M. So why is Evoluent still one of the market leaders? Simple, they make some of the best vertical mice around.

The way a product feels is a subjective measure of value, but it can’t be ignored when talking about a mouse. And the VerticalMouse feels really nice. A contoured thumb wrest helps your hand find its way onto the mouse, and once it’s there, it fits perfectly. Three low-force keys, programmable keys line up with your fingers, with a scroll wheel between the first and second. The Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 comes with two thumb buttons (also programmable, earlier versions had one, keyed to “back” in internet browsers”), as well as a feature unique among vertical mice – a sensitivity selector. Treadmill deskers in particular should appreciate this. It’s easy to forget you’re walking, right up until you have to click-and-drag to edit a picture. We at WorkWhileWalking have beheaded many an unfortunate photograph like this. Setting an Evoluent to a lower setting gives you the precision needed for tricky tasks, and you’re always free to bring it back to a convenient level once you’re done. Plastic glides and a bit of heft make the Evoluent a joy to use – absolutely miles away from some of its lighter competitors. Lastly, if you’re after a wireless ergonomic mouse, Evoluents come in both wired and wireless, and in a wide range of color options.

A couple of small warnings for some users. The standard Evoluent is designed for users with decently large hands (7” from tip of middle finger to top of wrist), anyone under that should consider grabbing the small version of the vertical mouse. Evoluent helpfully provides a sizing guide for anyone thinking about making a purchase. Left handed users should also know that the Evoluent VerticalMouse is not ambidextrous – instead, a left-handed version is made for those who need them.

The Company

While Evoluent is primarily known for their mouse line, they also make a selection of other ergonomic office products, including a flexible, roll-up keyboard that’s definitely worth at least looking at. Apart from that, the website also hosts a short ergonomics chart, troubleshooting information and some very well-deserved industry accolades.

Warranty

The Evoluent VerticalMouse comes with a 30-day satisfaction guaranteed return policy – return it before then, and you’ll get your money back – minus shipping cost. Beyond that, they also come with an excellent 2-year warranty.