Using a mouse all day, whether for work or play, can lead to various aches and pains in your mouse arm. While there’s likely no way to completely avoid these issues without stepping away from the computer, swapping to one of the best vertical gaming mice can help mitigate some of the discomfort.

Vertical mice encourage a much more relaxed hand and arm position, allegedly reducing much of the strain that you feel with a horizontal mouse. They don’t work for everyone, but those who enjoy them really like them. We think they’re worth a try, at least. Let’s get started.

Our Favorite Vertical Gaming Mice

Let’s be clear: vertical gaming mice are rare. That’s because the two target demographics—ergonomics-focused users and gamers—often don’t overlap. Mice designed for the former often ignore the latter, and vice versa.

We’ve tried to include as many legit vertical gaming mice as we can. Still, our list will feature a good handful of non-gaming vertical mice simply because there aren’t enough pure gaming-grade vertical mice to choose from.

1. Logitech MX Vertical

If you’re more interested in getting a great all-purpose vertical mouse for desktop and productivity use, look no further than the Logitech MX Vertical mouse. It’s osn the pricey side, but its excellent shape, solid sensor, and fantastic battery life ably justify the asking price.

The MX Vertical is a productivity-minded vertical mouse, so expect a discreet two-tone finish without much visual flair. Like many vertical mice, the MX Master encourages your hand to rest in a neutral handshake gesture that may reduce the risks of mouse-related wrist pains.

Logitech claims that the MX Vertical’s “unique” 57-degree angle further reduces these wrist issues. However, we’d take that claim with a pinch of salt as it’s from Logitech’s in-house testing. Possibly spurious claims aside, however, there’s no denying that the MX Vertical is a comfortable mouse, probably one of the most comfortable ones out there.

Given its target market, it won’t surprise you that Logitech opted against equipping the MX Vertical with a PixArt gaming sensor. However, its unspecified optical sensor is still a decent unit. It has a reasonable 400 to 4000 DPI range and is precise enough for general gaming and productivity. It’s likely not a sensor you’ll want to rely on for high-tier FPS games, especially not with its 125 Hz polling rate.

This isn’t to say that you can’t make it work in an FPS like Apex Legends, although any hardcore Apex player would do well to stick to a proper FPS gaming mouse instead. Think of the MX Vertical as a mouse perfect for more laid-back gaming. Strategy games, point-and-click adventures, and “just-one-more-game” all-nighter Football Manager sessions are the MX Vertical’s stock in trade.

One significant benefit of the slower polling rate and non-gaming sensor is the MX Vertical’s battery life. Logitech claims an impressive four months of battery life off a single full charge, with fast charging technology to help keep the battery topped up. It can’t compete with mice that use AA batteries, but four months is long enough in our books.

Overall, the Logitech MX Vertical is a fantastic vertical mouse perfect for those who prize productivity over gaming. Its long battery life, comfortable shape, and versatile connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C) combine to make a great mouse that more than justifies its nearly $100 price.

2. Zlot Vertical Gaming Mouse

Zlot’s vertical gaming mouse is one of the few vertical mice out there that packs proper gaming hardware and features. Its PixArt sensor and relatively small size, combined with a wallet-friendly price, make it well worth checking out if you’re in the market for a vertical gaming mouse.

The Zlot has a conservative shape, at least as far as vertical mice go. It’s a small wedge designed to keep your hand in a vertical position, relieving strain on your wrist. Feature-wise, Zlot’s most notable feature is the top thumbstick, which, unfortunately, isn’t an analog stick like you’d get on a controller. Instead, it’s simply a novel way to add five extra buttons to the mouse: four for each cardinal direction and an extra button when you press it in.

Think of it as the thumb button cluster on an MMO mouse and not a DualShock-style way to control your character, and you’re set. Also worth noting are the thumb buttons, which are very low on the side. While it may look strange, we find this positioning more comfortable for gaming than thumb buttons on the top edge, like on more productivity-focused vertical mice.

The PixArt PMW 3325 is a good sensor with flawless tracking and high accuracy, so you shouldn’t have any issues aiming with the Zlot. The 3325’s main weakness is its maximum tracking speed of 100 inches per second (ips). This limits its ability to track fast flicks and mouse movement, even with the Zlot’s 1000 Hz polling rate.

Is it a deal-breaker? No, not really, especially not when the mouse weighs 170 grams (5.99 oz). You’re simply not going to move the Zlot as nimbly as a 70-gram speed demon like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste. But it’s something to bear in mind before choosing the Zlot over its competitors, especially if you’re a high-sensitivity gamer.

As with any modern gaming mouse worth its salt, the Zlot mouse sports RGB lighting and fully programmable buttons via software. You also get onboard memory, so you won’t have to keep the software running to use the thumbstick in your favorite games (or computer programs).

The Zlot vertical gaming mouse is a strong contender if you’re seeking the best vertical gaming mouse on the market. While the somewhat outdated sensor holds it back from true greatness, there’s enough to the Zlot to make it our top recommendation for anyone seeking a vertical gaming mouse.

3. Delux Wired Ergonomic Mouse

Delux’s Wired Ergonomic Mouse combines a large vertical shape with gaming-grade hardware to create a compelling vertical mouse option for gamers. Its size and weight hold it back, but it’s still worth checking out if you have large hands.

The Delux has all the traits of a standard vertical mouse, with a shape designed to encourage a “handshake grip” for reduced wrist strain. However, it’s much longer than most vertical mice, with a sculpted rear section seemingly designed to offer some wrist support. We like the thumb button positions, which are easier to press than the typical side-by-side positions that many gaming mice stick with.

That said, at 5.74 inches long and 3.9 inches tall, the Delux is huge. It’s not as big of an issue with a vertical mouse given how you grip it, but it could still prove awkward if you have a small (or medium-sized) hand. You at least don’t have to worry about a top button, so that four-inch height isn’t a total deal-breaker.

The highlight of the Delux mouse is its sensor. While the PAW 3327 is undoubtedly one of PixArt’s lower-end offerings, it’s still a good sensor that tracks smoothly and is capable of maintaining accuracy during high-speed swipes and flicks.

We also like that Delux exposed the sensor’s full DPI range, letting low-sensitivity gamers turn the DPI down to 100 in the software. Couple the solid sensor with a 1000 Hz polling rate and you get a bonafide vertical gaming mouse that’ll perform significantly better than a standard vertical mouse in-game.

However, don’t expect it to feel as zippy as a standard gaming mouse. The Delux weighs a staggering 200 grams (7.06 oz), significantly heavier than the 70-gram ultralight gaming mice that dominate the market. We get that you have to sacrifice something for a vertical mouse’s comfort and ergonomics, but its weight is a big deal.

Overall, the Delux vertical gaming mouse is a solid vertical gaming mouse, primarily for its high-quality implementation of a good optical sensor. That said, while the basic hardware is great, the size and weight will take some getting used to.

4. Lenovo Go Wireless Vertical Mouse

Lenovo’s Go Wireless Vertical Mouse is a mid-priced vertical mouse that stands out from the pack with eye-catching aesthetics and excellent comfort. Its 2.4 GHz-only connectivity will be an issue for some, but those who don’t mind a lack of Bluetooth will find much to appreciate here.

Let’s start with its looks. Lenovo went for a cork material that gives the Go Wireless Vertical Mouse a unique, earthy appearance. The cork material has a liquid- and UV-resistant coating to ensure its longevity, so you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating or getting dirty too quickly.

The Lenovo is also one of the lightest vertical mice on the market, coming in at 96 grams (3.38 oz) without an AA battery. Some of this undoubtedly comes down to the smaller shape. Note that installing a battery increases the weight to about 119 grams, but that’s still noticeably lighter than most competitors.

Does the light weight make the Lenovo a great vertical gaming mouse? No, not really. Despite having a PixArt sensor, gaming isn’t much of a priority for the Lenovo. You can use it for casual and slow-paced games where accuracy and precision aren’t paramount, but the 125 Hz polling rate and limited DPI options will hold you back for serious FPS gaming.

On a more positive note, the upshot of using an AA battery is that the Go Wireless Vertical Mouse boasts an impressive 12 months of runtime. It also helps keep costs down by eliminating the need for a charging circuit and Li-ion battery. Would it be nice to have a built-in rechargeable battery? Yes, of course. But it’s not a major issue in our books, especially since you can get rechargeable AA batteries to cut down on e-waste.

Another cost-cutting measure is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity, with the only wireless option being the included 2.4 GHz dongle. While we prefer 2.4 GHz wireless over Bluetooth, the latter is often more convenient if you work on the go or don’t have spare USB Type-A ports for the dongle.

The Lenovo Go Wireless Vertical Mouse isn’t necessarily the best vertical mouse out there. However, it makes a good case for value-conscious buyers with its great shape, unique look, and impressive battery life.

5. Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse

Sometimes all you need is an affordable, no-frills product that does the job and nothing more. Well, that’s precisely what the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse does. It’s a basic wireless vertical mouse that offers improved ergonomics for less than $30.

The Anker has a conventional medium-sized vertical mouse shape with two thumb buttons and an extra button on the top lip. The thumb buttons are positioned nicely enough, but the top button may be slightly hard to reach, considering the Anker’s three-inch height.

As you may expect with a budget mouse, the Anker’s hardware isn’t anything to get excited about. It uses an unspecified optical sensor with a DPI range of 800 to 1600, without adjustable sensitivity settings. Fixed DPI steps are unfortunate, but it’s a fine enough range for desktop and productivity and suits the mouse’s price.

At this price point, though, you probably shouldn’t even consider the sensor as something worth gaming on. As with most vertical mice, you’ll be fine in slow-paced games. But we wouldn’t be surprised if the Anker’s sensor starts behaving erratically when you ask it to track fast flicks and rapid movements.

But that probably won’t surprise any of you reading this. If you want a vertical gaming mouse, either of our two dedicated gaming picks will do a better job at a similar price. But the Anker deserves its place for offering a good productivity-minded wireless vertical mouse experience for noticeably less money than the big names.

Anker also sells a wired version, although it usually sells for a few dollars more than the wireless mouse version. Unless you’re adamant about having a wired mouse, we think the 2.4 GHz version is the better buy.

6. Logitech Lift Left

There’s no such thing as a symmetrical or ambidextrous vertical mouse, so left-handers looking to improve their mouse ergonomics were often out of luck with vertical mice. Thankfully, Logitech’s stepped in to save the day with the Logitech Lift, which is available in left- and right-handed guises.

The Lift is a compact vertical mouse designed for medium-to-small hands, although it’s truthfully suited for all except the most oversized hands. It’s essentially the same shape as our top pick, the MX Vertical, just scaled down and with a more casual aesthetic that matches the lower price.

You get the same Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking sensor as in the MX Vertical, which is a 400 to 4000 DPI sensor that’s reasonably accurate and smooth despite not being a high-end PixArt unit. As with most vertical mice, though, just because it has a solid sensor doesn’t necessarily make it a great vertical gaming mouse.

It’s adequate for slower-paced games, which goes hand-in-hand with the Lift Left’s low 125 Hz polling rate and substantial 125-gram (4.40-oz) weight. But it won’t be much help in high-precision competitive games, where accuracy and fast responses are paramount. You’ll want a proper gaming mouse for those. But if your definition of “gaming” is a chill Civilization session (and there’s nothing wrong with that!), then this will do just fine.

The Lift runs on a single AA battery, which Logitech claims will last up to 24 months before needing a replacement. Your mileage will vary, but it’s still an impressive claim that far surpasses most other battery-powered mice.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the Logitech Lift and Lift Left. They’re ultra-comfortable, one-size-fits-most vertical mice with a good sensor and outstanding battery life. The fact that you can get one for under $70 makes an even better buy, and one of the best vertical mice on the market right now.

The Lift Left is only available in Graphite, but the right-handed version also comes in White and Rose colors.

Before You Buy

Vertical mice are a different breed than your usual horizontal mice, so let’s cover the benefits and drawbacks of an ergonomic vertical mouse and whether you should use one for gaming.

The Case for Using a Vertical Mouse

Vertical mouse advocates often highlight improved ergonomics as the main selling point of vertical mice. They argue that vertical mice reduce wrist and forearm tension by allowing your hand to rest in a more natural position, often described as a “natural handshake position,” when holding it.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that this position is more comfortable than the horizontal position normal mice require. However, medical research is somewhat more equivocal. A 2013 Brazilian study found that using a vertical mouse can decrease the chances of developing mouse-related muscle issues. Similarly, a 2015 study found that vertical mice reduced pronation, albeit at the cost of “pointing performance” (more on this later).

On the other hand, a 2014 study found that while vertical mice “significantly reduced ulnar deviation,” the altered wrist position didn’t help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome issues. Similarly, a recent Spanish study from 2022 found that vertical mice didn’t significantly reduce muscle activity compared to a horizontal mouse.

A common theme in much of the medical research is that ergonomics boils down to personal preference. There often isn’t a strong enough case for vertical mice to definitively recommend them over horizontal mice. Which, conveniently, brings us to our next topic.

The Case Against Using a Vertical Mouse

While vertical mice can improve ergonomics, they have a few noticeable downsides. Chief amongst these is the increased weight. While some vertical mice—like the Lenovo Go Wireless Vertical Mouse—hover around the 100-gram mark, most of the best vertical mice weigh significantly more than that. Some even come close to the 200-gram mark.

We know that some of you prefer heavier mice, but 150 to 200-gram mice are arguably too heavy. Moving that much weight around daily can lead to wrist strain and fatigue, doubly so if you’re not used to it. This counteracts the vertical shape’s potential ergonomic benefits and may leave you more uncomfortable than with a horizontal mouse.

Vertical mice also take time to get used to, with pointing precision and accuracy often taking a hit to start with (as highlighted in this 2015 study). Some users eventually adapt to this, but I’ve known people who could never get used to a vertical mouse even after six months. Even the best vertical mouse will be a waste of money if you can’t get used to it.

While you can really only know whether you’ll get along with a vertical mouse if you try one, it’s important to remember that they’re not necessarily the be-all-end-all of mice that some advocates claim they are. The benefits are real, but so are the drawbacks.

Can You Game on a Vertical Mouse?

A vertical mouse is still a mouse, so it’s perfectly possible to game on one. But that’s only part of the issue. The bigger question is whether you should, and that’s not a question that we can answer unequivocally.

We don’t think vertical mice are that great for gaming, even if they pack flawless PixArt sensors. After all, sensor quality is only one part of the picture. The increased weight and radically different shape will likely have a more significant negative impact on your game by reducing accuracy and disrupting your muscle memory. This isn’t to say that you can’t play Apex Legends with a Logitech MX Vertical, only that it may not be ideal.

But say you’re a competitive gamer desperately in need of improved ergonomics. What then? Well, one option is to use both mouse types. Keep a lightweight gaming mouse on hand for your competitive shooters, and have a vertical mouse around for internet browsing or working. That way, you retain the mouse behavior you’re used to in-game while potentially relieving strain on your wrists when you’re just watching YouTube videos or chilling on Discord.

If you want a bit more support when gaming, you could invest in a mouse wrist rest. A good one will provide a more cushioned surface for your wrist to rest on, which could help reduce discomfort when gaming.

Of course, if you’re the type that indulges in slower-paced games—RPGs or strategy games, for example—then you’ll likely find it easier to use a vertical mouse for work and play. That said, the vertical mouse drawbacks we pointed out in the previous section still apply. So it’s worth trying a vertical mouse out before committing.

Closing Thoughts

The best vertical mice are a big departure from the horizontal mice you and I are used to. While they’re not a magic bullet that’ll resolve all your mouse-related aches and pains, we think they’re definitely worth trying out if you’re struggling with ergonomic issues related to long-term mouse use.

If you want the best vertical mouse for gaming, go with the Zlot Vertical Gaming Mouse. It has a good sensor and a somewhat compact body, and we’re sure you’ll find a use for that thumbstick at the top. But if you’re after something more general purpose, there’s really no looking past the Logitech MX Vertical. It’s not cheap, but it’s the best vertical mouse right now and worth every penny in our books.