The Best Mouse Alternatives To Avoid Mouse Pain

Contents

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Updated: 11/19/2022

 

If you are tired of using the regular mouse or are uncomfortable working with it and are looking for a mouse alternate, you are in luck! In this post, I am listing the best mouse alternatives.

 

It’s proved by research that using an ergonomic mouse provides better comfort than a regular mouse. Some alternate mouse designs also help to keep your upper body posture in a neutral position.

Top 3 reasons to use mouse alternative

Red Alert Sign - Mouse AlternativesWhat research says about traditional mouse

 

MDPI Open Access Journal published a research paper regarding sedentary static workload, revealing that a conventional mouse could harm your hand when used for more than two hours without any break.

 

Green Check Sign - Mouse Alternatives

Research and Recommendation for Alternative Computer Mouse 

 

1) According to research published on Taylor Francis Onlineduring the tests, it was recorded that alternate mice reduced stains that mouse users put on their hands and improved their overall body posture.

 

2) The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society of the UK also emphasises using an alternate mouse who suffers from mouse pain in addition to the treatment.

Below table summarise the list of  best alternate mouse

Product

Best for

Action

1. CONTOUR ROLLERMOUSE MOBILE 

Help relief RSI
Improve posture

2. MOUSETRAPPER PRIME PORTABLE

Prevents repetitive strain injuries

Tactical feeling

3. CONTOUR UNIMOUSE

Best for carpal tunnel syndrome

4. 3M JOYSTICK MOUSE

Best trigger finger

5. APPLE MAGIC TRACKPAD 2

Best alternate for Magic mouse

6. ELECOM DEFT PRO

Best for wrist pain

7. XP-PEN STAR G640 DRAWING TABLET

Best tablet for drawing

1. Contour RollerMouse Mobile 

Rollermouse is an odd-looking mouse; it offers several benefits that a standard mouse doesn’t offer.

 

This bar mouse keeps your hand in the center towards the computer while using it, causing your overall body to remain in a relaxed position. As a result, this mouse does not strain your hand, arm, and shoulder.

 

It enables simultaneous access to the keyboard and Rollermouse because this mouse sits right under your keyboard.

 

This means you don’t have to stretch your arm to reach the mouse back and forth as you do while using a regular mouse.

 

RollerMouse Mobile is the best mouse for those working on PCs or laptops all day long.

Roller_Mouse_-_mouse_Alternative

RollerMouse can be used with both hands with ease. This ambidextrous bar mouse utilizes an exclusive Rollerbar that lets you freely move the mouse in any direction using your fingers.

To provide better control and tracking, it has a unique twin-eye laser sensor, which allows smooth cursor movements.

You can change the speed of the cursor. It allows you to alter the DPI to five distinct values, which are 600, 800, 900, 1200, 1500, and 3000. DPI can be changed with a touch of a button.

Roller_Mouse_with_laptop_-_mouse_Alternative

Specifications in a Glance:

  • Connectivity: Wired and Wireless
  • Design: Ergonomic Bar Mouse
  • Sensor: Twin-eye laser
  • Scroll Wheel: Yes, 2-way scroll
  • Dimension: 12 x 2.2 x .9 in
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Power: 2 Lithium-ion batteries rechargeable (included)
  • Buttons: 5 programmable buttons
  • OS compatibility: Windows OS and macOS
Pros
  • It has compact size and easy to use with laptop or desktop computers.

  • Two wide buttons make it easy to access across the bar mouse.

  • Comfortable for the wrist.

  • Awesome battery life.

Cons
  • It’s a bit pricy but saves you from pain and medical bills.

  • No chamber to store the wireless dongle.

Reasons to Buy:

Recommend for users who suffer from repeated strain-related injuries. It can also be helpful for carpal tunnel syndrome conditions, tennis elbow, mouse shoulder, or ulnar nerve entrapment.

The RollerMouse comes with a cover that can be used for three reasons.

  •  You can cover the Rollermouse to protect it from dust.
  •  The cover can also function as a wrist rest when placed in front of RollerMouse.
  •  It can also be used as a keyboard riser. 

Another good thing about this mouse is that it can connect wirelessly using 2.4 or Bluetooth. Its small dimensions make it simple to carry around. It can fit comfortably into your laptop bag with the laptop.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

 

2. Mousetrapper Prime Portable – Best Mouse Alternative

The Mousetrapper Prime is a special mechanical trackpad mouse developed to be used instead of a mouse. You can place it directly before your keyboard. It can also act as a keyboard wrist rest.

It is designed to improve your comfort level so that you can easily track and point.

It reduces wrist and arm fatigue that users often complain about while using the standard flat mouse.

You can use the mechanical trackpad with both hands.

mousetrapper_prime_-_BEST MOUSE ALTERNATIVES

The Mousetrapper Prime use patented technology; Swedish engineers developed it.

When you touch the mechanical trackpad, its rubber-textured surface feels soft and smooth.

The trackpad of MouseTrapper is not like a regular touchpad. Its control pad is built mechanically and gives a special tactical feeling when you move your finger on the trackpad.

A standard trackpad has a solid surface, while a Mousetrapper trackpad has a bouncy and flexible surface.

The cursor tracking is precise, just like a regular trackpad. You can perform all the tasks with this mechanical trackpad that you can perform with a standard laptop trackpad. 

The overall size of the Mousetrapper is large. Carrying it around would not be easy. If you have a large-size laptop bag, it can fit in it.

To configure its button, it has a software named MT Key software. With this software, you can assign any action you like it to perform when the buttons are pressed.

You can also create more than one profile with different button configurations. This is great if multiple users use it and have different button configurations. Users can switch between profiles to use their preferred button settings. 

 

The wrist support that comes with it can be detached if you feel you don’t want it.

You can easily use any finger to move the mouse cursor on the screen. It also lets you scroll up and down from its mechanical trackpad.

mousetrapper_prime_mouse_pad_-_Mouse_alternative

Specifications in a Glance:

  • Connectivity: Wired/Wireless
  • Design: Ergonomic Mechanical TrackPad
  • Sensor: Mechanical
  • Scroll: yes, 2-Way Vertical
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Power: Rechargeable Battery
  • Buttons: 8 Programmable Buttons
  • OS compatibility: Windows 7 or later, or Mac OS 10 or later.

 

Pros
  • You can customize all button functions and create separate profiles.

  • Good for your hands, wrists, and shoulders

  • Ships with hand Wrist Support

Cons
  • Take time to get used to it

  • The price is high but worth it.

Reasons to Buy:

You don’t have to stretch your hand on the extreme left or right side as you do when using a mouse. This way, you will make less hand and arm movement.

This mouse is helpful if you have shoulder pain or RSI injuries. It keeps your body posture in a natural position. Your hand remains inwards in the center.

 

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

3. Contour Unimouse – Best Vertical Mouse

Contour_Design_Unimouse_Mouse_-_Best_mouse_alternative_with_adjustable_angle

Unimouse has all the same features as a regular mouse except it is tilted to one side. This mouse allows you to adjust the angle of the tilt so that your hand is in a more comfortable position.

The angle of the mouse can be set anywhere between 35 degrees to 70 degrees. It also has adjustable thumb support.

Unimouse_Ergonomic_Wireless_alternative_Mouse

If you are uneasy working with your mouse and feel pain in your hand muscles, Unimouse can be your remedy. The main purpose of this ergonomic mouse is to reduce mouse-related hand pain.

Using Unimouse could help you avoid mouse-related pain problems like carpal tunnel syndrometennis elbow, and to some extent, repetitive strain injuries.

It keeps your hand in a natural handshake position. Using this mouse cause your ulna and the radius forearm bone stay in the natural state. As a result, your hand muscles do not go under pressure while using this mouse which is not the case with a non-ergonomic mouse.

Unimouse has sculpted shape which can fit well in your hand. It has all the same functions you can find in any other mouse. You can also configure its buttons.

Mouse Features:

  • Connectivity: Wired and Wireless
  • Design: Ergonomic Mouse
  • Sensor: Pixart PMW3330, IR
  • Scroll Wheel: Yes
  • Weight: 4.5 oz
  • Hand Orientation: Available for Left and Right-Hand
  • Power: Wire and Lithium-ion Polymer (LIP) rechargeable battery
  • Buttons: 6 programmable
  • OS compatibility: Windows OS
Pros
  • Adjustable mouse angle and thumb support

  • Programmable buttons

Cons
  • Pricey

Reasons to Buy:

Changing habits and doing things differently requires learning and developing a habit, which takes time. 

Using a changed way to hold and use a mouse could be difficult for many people. The two mice on my list above, Rollermouse and Mousetrapper, could be challenging to adapt.

If you want a mouse that is pretty much like a standard mouse but offers better ergonomics, this ergonomic Unimouse is the best choice to replace your traditional mouse.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

 

4. 3M JoyStick Ergonomic Mouse

The Joystick mouse has an unusual design ,it resembles with a gaming joystick used for playing games.

Holding the mouse cannot be easy when you feel pain while gripping or bending your fingers. 

3M_Joystick_Mouse_for_Carpal_Tunnel_Syndrome_and_Arthritis

The joystick mouse is useful in such conditions. Not only does it keep your hand in a relaxed position, but it provides a good loose grip too.

This mouse is for users who cannot grip the mouse properly due to arthritis, trigger finger, or any other RSI pain.

This 3M mouse is medically tested for problems like RSI. To use it, you don’t have to grip it tightly; you just need to grab the joystick softly without pinching it.

Your hand rests on the mouse base comfortably. The base has a soft surface for added comfort.

To use it, you need to move it just like any other mouse. Buttons are placed on the stick for easy access and are easily pressed with a soft touch.

This mouse is available in two models to cater to all palm sizes. Below are the measurements.

Small Joystick Mouse: palm size 2.75 inch – 3.5 inch.
Large Joystick Mouse: palm size 3.5 inch– 4.0 inch.

Mouse Features:

  • Connectivity: Wireless 2.4 GHz 
  • Design: Ergonomic Joystick Mouse
  • Sensor: Optical Sensor
  • Scroll Wheel: Yes, 2-way scroll
  • Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
  • Power: Two AAA Battery
  • Buttons: 2, Not programmable
  • OS compatibility: ‎WindowsOS
Pros
  • Ergonomically suitable for trigger fingers or hand pain

  • Light Weight

  • Easy setup and connectivity

Cons
  • No Bluetooth

  • It takes time to get used to it.

Reasons to Buy:

This alternative mouse option is ideal for those who suffer from severe hand pain or have weak hands and cannot hold the mouse properly.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

5. Apple Magic Trackpad 2 – Apple Magic Mouse Alternative

If you have started to hate regular mice, you can start using a trackpad as an alternative to a mouse, and the best trackpad you can get is the Apple magic trackpad.

The limitation of the Magic trackpad is that it is only compatible with limited Apple products.

To use it on non-Apple operating systems, you must use third-party software. It is not recommended, but still, many users use it.

Apple Trackpad has an aluminum body and is available in two colors, white and black. It has a smooth surface with round edges.

 

The Magic trackpad is not completely flat. It has an inclination height of 0.43 inches.

This incline provides a little extra finger reach compared to other flat touchpads.

 

This Magic trackpad has amazing capabilities; it can sense force touch and multi-touch gestures.

Apple_Magic_Trackpad_2_alternate_option_for_Apple_Magic_Mouse-BG

Pressing the trackpad surface at different pressure levels can take inputs differently.

You can move the cursor flawlessly. You can pinch to zoom and use two fingers to scroll the pages.

This Magic pad 2 is great for CAD engineers because it allows you to easily rotate and pan the 3D model.

Trackpad has a built-in rechargeable battery. It has an average power backup of up to two to three weeks.

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 in hands

Trackpad Features:

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wireless 2.4 GHz, and Lightning port
  • Design: Flat TouchPad
  • Sensor: Touchpad Sensor
  • Scroll Wheel: NA
  • SizeH: 0.19–0.43 inches, W: 6.30 inches, and D: 4.52 inches
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Power: Rechargeable battery and wire
  • Buttons: No Buttons
  • OS compatibility: ‎OS X 10.11 or later , iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later
Pros
  • The rounded corners of the Magic Trackpad allow easy gripping.

  • It helps break the repetitive strain cycle.

  • You can use it with both hands

Cons
  • Heavier than the previous model

  • Trackpad 2 take more desk space

  • Not easy to carry around

Reasons to Buy:

Working with Magic trackpad 2 puts less strain on your hand than a regular mouse. Using this trackpad, you don’t get tired quickly because it keeps your overall body posture relaxed.

Its multi-touch and force-touch technology make it stand out among all other trackpads available.

The downside is that it can only work with Apple computers. Some open-source software enables it to work with other operating systems, but you can’t get its full features working with it.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

6. ELECOM Deft Pro – Finger Operated Trackball Mouse 

The trackball mouse has always fascinated me. They look sophisticated and provide superior level performance.

Elecom Deft Pro is undoubtedly one of the best trackball mice on the market. It is far better than a standard mouse when it comes to precise micro cursor control work.

Usually, top mounted trackball mouse has a ring scroller placed around the trackball, but in this trackball mouse, the scroll wheel is placed on the side of the mouse, which can be scrolled with the thumb.

Another unusual thing about this finger trackball mouse is that it is optimized for the right-hand side. Usually, a top mouseted trackball mouse can be used with both hands, but this is not the case here.

If you are lefty, you must buy the left-hand model of this trackball mouse.

The button arrangement on Deft Pro is fine. Buttons are large enough to accommodate any hand size. It has a trackball size of 44mm

The shape of the mouse is ergonomic. It is tilted a bit to keep your hand in a relaxed position. Users with small hands may struggle to spin the scroll wheel.

I like its plastic body; it’s solid and does not flex. 

Deft Pro allows you to change its cursor speed. But the problem is DPI button is given under the mouse, which is one of the drawbacks of this mouse because you can’t change the DPI on the go. You have to pick it up to switch the DPI value.

Elecom_Deft_Pro_trackball_mouse_-_Alternate_mouse_option

Trackball Mouse Features:

  • Connectivity: Wired, Wireless 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth
  • Design: Ergonomic Fingers Operated trackball mouse
  • Sensor: Optical Trackball Sensor
  • Scroll Wheel: Yes, 4-way scroll
  • Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
  • Power: Detachable Wire and Replaceable 1 AA Battery (Included)
  • Buttons: 8 buttons programmable
  • OS compatibility: ‎WindowsOS, macOS 10.13

 

Pros
  • Durable and awesome quality.

  • Buttons are placed aptly on the mouse for easy access.

  • The mouse trackball size is big enough to roll it with two fingers.

  • Can connect multiple devices and switch between them easily.

  • Good for wrist.

Cons
  • The price is a bit high.

  • It takes time to get used to it.

Reasons to Buy:

It has excellent ergonomics form factor. It fits nicely in small to large hand sizes. Equally suitable for work and casual gaming.

I have not seen a trackball mouse with so many features housed in one body. I like the idea of a side scroll wheel with a trackball on top.
It has all the available connectivity options, like wire, wireless and Bluetooth.

If you have less space on your desk to work with a regular mouse, the Elecom Deft pro is the mouse you should replace the standard mouse.

It has an amazing form factor.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

 

 

 

7. XP-PEN StarG640 Drawing Tablet – Best Mouse Alternative for Graphic Designers and TeachersXP-PEN_StarG640_-_Mouse_alternative_option_for_teachers_-_designers

 

The conventional mice are undoubtedly the most effective to work with but when it comes to creative work, you cannot draw or design with perfection, no matter how hard you try.

Every creative professional who creates digital art must have a drawing tablet. Several tablets are available for creating graphic designs, but XP-PEN G640 is one of the top tablets.

XP PEN StarG640 mouse alternative benefits

I know many users still use mice for drawing and graphic designs, but once you use G640, you will not look back to your old mouse for design works.

With XP-PEN, you can draw more precisely and accurately.

Teachers can also use the XP-PEN drawing tab, especially those who teach online. For instance, if you have to illustrate some concept, drawing it with a mouse would be difficult, but with a drawing tablet, you can draw quickly and better.

You can also use it for digital business signatures. I have used it several times in customer service outlets. You can sign your signature exactly as you do with a pen or pencil.

The XP-PEN is slim enough to fit with your laptop in the laptop bag.

The pen used with this tablet is battery-free and has twenty nibs with different densities.

You can also attach it to your computer for presentations.

Drawing Tablet Features:

  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Design: Ergonomic Drawing Tablet
  • Sensor: Pressure Sensing Sensor
  • Resolution: 5080 LPI (Line Per Inch)
  • Size: 7.5 x 6.5 x 0.1 inches
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Power: Wired
  • Buttons: No Buttons

Operating Systems Compatibility: ‎Windows system 10/8/7(32/64bit), Mac OS X version 10.10 or later, Chrome OS 88.0.4324.109 or above, and Linux.

Pros
  • Reasonable drawing active area for about 6″ x 4″

  • Can be used with both hands

  • 20 replacement nibs

Cons
  • No wireless connectivity

  • It takes time to get used to it.

  • Not suitable for gaming.

Reason to Buy:

XP-PEN 640 drawing tablet is a versatile product. It is more suitable for certain types of tasks which can be challenging to do with a normal mouse. It does not completely replace the mouse but has a clear edge over on a mouse in certain situations like digital sketching, or drawing.

Buy ButtonBuy on eBay button

 

Mouse Buying Guide

Conclusion

Standard mice are the most widely used input device and are more functional, but they could be prone to serious medical issues in the long run. Mainly when we use mice for long hours, we start to develop mouse pain which is clearly due to our negligence and not taking our hand health seriously. So choose the best mouse alternatives from the above list that suits your condition.

I would recommend you start using Mousetrapper or RollerMouse if you spend several hours using the mouse for work.

Standard mice are the most effective mice but the problem with them is that they could cause hand pain when used continuously for several hours regularly.  In this article I have listed and reviewed some best mouse alternatives that you can use. These mice take some time to adapt them. you have to make some effort and step out of your comfort zone to benefit from these mice.

My highly recommended mimce are as below

Rollermouse
Contor Unimouse
ELECOM Deft Pro

If you have any question let me know in the comment box.

 

Share with somene you care