The mouse is one of those devices that hasn’t really changed much in the last 30 years, but with more and more of us using computers both during our work day and during our leisure time, the number of repetitive strain issues from excessive usage is growing.

Evoluent’s vertical mouse aims to change things, with their handshake grip design aiming to make using the mouse not only healthier but more intuitive.  I’ve been playing around with a review copy for a few weeks to explore just how much of a difference it can make.

The mouse is designed so that you don’t need to twist your wrist to use it.  Whilst a primary market is those who have hand or wrist issues, as that doesn’t really apply to me, I’ll be looking more at the usability of the device.

The mouse has six buttons, three for the fingers, two thumb buttons and a wheel.  These can be customized to perform a huge range of functions, from copying and pasting to opening applications.

Whilst setting up the mouse is very easy, adapting to using it took a bit more time.  I’d had a couple of decades exposure to more traditional devices, and it took a few days to unlearn these behaviors and acclimatize to the upright design.

After that initial initiation however, the mouse soon becomes very natural and comfortable, such that when I had to return to using my old mouse whilst I hunted for replacement batteries for the Evoluent, it felt positively antiquated.

Whilst it is considerably more expensive than standard mice, if you shop around you can find it cheaper than the $109 it normally retails at if you shop around.