When we spoke to Carrie Schmitz, a certified health coach who’s currently a wellness and ergonomic research manager at Ergotron, for a story on ergonomic office equipment, she said that when you’re working, you want your elbows tucked in so you’re not reaching far away and taking yourself out of a neutral posture. If you want to use a mouse with more than one device, whether multiple computers or a computer and a tablet, look for one with the option to connect to and swap between multiple devices.Ĭomfort and ergonomics: When using a laptop’s dedicated track pad, you may not immediately notice the strain on your wrists, but over time it can become more apparent and uncomfortable. Almost every mouse in this guide connects via Bluetooth or comes with a USB receiver that you can plug into your computer for a quick and easy setup. The mouse should slide easily without too much friction that causes you to constantly reposition your hand. A good mouse should also work well on a variety of surfaces, whether or not you are using a mouse pad - from a wood or bamboo desktop to a granite or laminate kitchen countertop. Every mouse on this list is able to quickly register movement, which makes scrolling and clicking feel as seamless and precise as possible. Responsiveness and connectivity: A mouse that lags and drags can be super-frustrating to use. To help you pick the right one, we spoke with a range of experts including WFH professionals, tech writers and YouTubers, ergonomic researchers, and gamers.īest overall | Best less expensive | Best for travel | Best for gaming | Best ergonomic | Best for multiple-device connectivity In addition to making your workspace more ergonomic, a wireless mouse can also make it easier to navigate certain software programs or websites because they often have more features and functions than a track pad. Scott Weiss, a physical therapist and board-certified athletic trainer. “The wrong mouse-and-keyboard setup can wreak physical havoc on your hand, wrist, and forearm,” says Dr. That may not be a problem for short periods of time, but if you’re on a laptop all day, using a separate mouse will help maximize comfort and minimize muscle strain. If you haven’t already noticed, using your laptop’s dedicated track pad can make your wrist curl up like an armadillo and your arms resemble those of a T. A wireless mouse can drastically improve how you work.

The best gaming mouse of 2018