As a certified professional ergonomist, Ken Thatcher knows a thing or two about computer mice. In this post, he shares his expert advice on the different types of computer mice available and when to use them.
First up, the traditional mouse. This is the one that probably comes to mind when you think of a computer mouse. It’s corded and inexpensive, making it a good choice for line-side computer workstations where data entry is infrequent. However, for daily constant use, Ken would never recommend this mouse as it causes increased stress on the tendons and structures of the wrist.
For those of you that travel, the touchpad or trackpad on the laptop is never recommended for constant primary use. Instead, you should always have some sort of peripheral mouse to use with your laptop. A travel mouse or laptop mouse is a good option as it’s portable and cheap, but it should only be used for short-term use.
Next up, trackball styles. There are several different trackball styles available, but the one Ken recommends is the thumb-operated trackball mouse. This type of mouse is recommended for those who are already experiencing wrist discomfort as it keeps the wrist neutral and static, keeping the elbow and shoulders in a neutral posture.
The vertical mouse is the next one on the list, and if Ken had to recommend one mouse more than anything else, it would be a mouse similar in shape and concept to this. The reason for this is that it keeps the wrist in a neutral position, like the handshake position, and there’s no contact stress on the underside of the wrist, so there’s no unnecessary irritation of nerves and tendons.
Finally, Ken shows an example of an alternative mouse called the Contour. This mouse replaces the traditional mouse altogether with a slide bar. This is recommended when someone experiences discomfort from moving their arms away from their body, perhaps due to a shoulder surgery or similar. The Contour fits right in front of the keyboard, so as a person types, they can keep their arms and wrists in the same plane and move the cursor by rolling back and forth and side to side.
In conclusion, there are five different styles of mice, each with their pros and cons. Ken’s expert advice is to choose the right mouse based on your specific needs and circumstances. By taking the time to consider your options and making an informed decision, you can help prevent discomfort and injury from using a computer mouse.