Dan Eveland—June 5, 2023
I have used Macs since 1984, when the mouse was shaped like a bar of dial soap. I have CTS in both wrists, and my right (mouse) wrist has been slowly getting worse. This is, by far, the best mouse I’ve ever used. Most are too small or have buttons that are too easy to click or stupid features I’ll never use. Every single one I’ve tried (I’ve spent hundreds of dollars recently) has been a complete disappointment. This one feels great. Zero pain. Also, the buttons are well placed and have the right amount of resistance. The part that sticks out where your pinky finger rests keeps your hand from touching the surface, which no other vertical noise that I have tried has as a feature. The lack of software is fine. My Mac recognizes the buttons and with the latest MacOS, they can be assigned to whatever you need without any third party software. I have a total of 6 buttons assigned. The place where you put your thumb is really nice and give support. Basically your whole hand is supported, not just part. The buttons on either side of the thumb seemed strange, but in practice they are great. I have Show Desktop assigned to one and Mission Control to the other. Fantastic. I also have bigger than average hands, and the large version fits perfectly! I’ve never had one that fit before like this. If you have non-tiny hands and want a truly ergonomic mouse, get this! Read more
Dylan Fairchild—August 22, 2022
This is the most comfortable vertical mouse I have tried. It holds your hand the most sideways, which is very important for eliminating lateral wrist motion. I tried a cheaper vertical mouse and returned it before coming back to Evoluent, man it was not even close. You don't have to twist your arm, pinch your fingers, make any weird motions, your hand just sits there. Compared to other mice this one is like AHH so natural. I LOVE having 3 finger buttons, being able to use middle click for opening links or pasting (usually the mouse wheel click on a normal mouse). Mouse wheel can also scroll horizontally while holding down one of the thumb buttons. I never knew I needed these two features in a mouse but I now use them constantly. The Evoluent software (Windows only?) allows you to remap the buttons for many additional functions. One change from the older model Vertical Mouse 4 I do not necessarily like is they have made the 3rd mouse button smaller. This is the button you press with your ring finger, whereas on the previous model it was pressed with your ring and pinky finger, definitely easier. I cannot comment on the battery life, this is my first wireless version and it has not run out yet. It takes 1 AA battery. Pros: Most comfortable vertical mouse available (this is #1) Lots of additional functions for common activities. Contoured finger buttons feel nice. Includes battery (!!) and extension cord for the wireless receiver (I have not needed to use it so far) Looks cool (better than in the picture), feels more premium compared to old model, more on par with mice at this price point. Cons: Expensive Mouse button 3 harder to press than the Vertical Mouse 4 now that you can't use two fingers. Read more
A Hurst—July 3, 2020
For years, I used a wired mouse with weights I could add or remove to adjust feel. It was fine but too heavy and inaccurate. I then moved to a Logitech MX Master 2 wireless, which was outstanding in every way...except ergonomically it was horrible. The muscles on the outside of my elbow began hurting. I knew I needed a new mouse. I initially settled on the Logitech MX vertical. However, after more research, I found the angle of the Logitech when holding it to be 57 degrees, not 90. The key to reducing pain was to keep your hand, while using the mouse, in a natural handshake position with your thumb on top and pinky finger on bottom. The only mouse that does this was the Evoluent brand. They have several models, but their most popular appears to be the the VM4. Their newest model, the one I'm reviewing, is the VMD. They also have a "C" version. All models come in small, medium and large. Medium hands are considered to have less than 7.8 inches from tip of middle finger to the crease in your wrist. On their website. they have a template you can print to size up your hand. My hand measured 7.75 inches. I started with the VM4R medium size wired model and used this for several days. The pain was immediately reduced and almost eliminated entirely. This mouse does work for those in pain. I also ordered their newest variant in large size - the VMDLW model. This model was wireless. I ordered large because at 7.75, I was borderline between the M and L and wanted to compare it to the medium VM4. Vertical mice take some time in which to acclimate yourself. You will be frustrated at first, but quickly get used to how it feels. Precision is the hardest thing to master, but it does come. The Evoluent software can customize each button on the mouse, but I kept mine simple. The difference between the 4 and the D was: the D had a higher quality build; wireless was less clutter and allowed for better precision movement of the mouse; the tips of the buttons have carve-outs that help keep your fingers in place; and the scroll wheel was smoother. I am glad I went with the D version and the large size. This helps me hold the mouse better. Overall, Evoluent has a really good, quality ergonomic mouse that worked for me. Update: Comments about the "glossy" finish in some reviews I have read. True, this mouse is not rubberized. However, I have no issue maintaining control and my hand does not get sweaty at all. Maybe if you sweat heavily, the gloss feel may not appeal. UPDATE - Oct 17, 2020 Still give this mouse a 5-star. Love it. NO WRIST PAIN. Glossy surface not an issue at all. Still on original battery and I use it 50 hours per week. Read more
