When I was briefed about the Logitech MX Vertical mouse a few days ago, I wondered how a mouse could change my life. I didn’t pay much attention until I started using it and realised that those who spend a lot of time in front of computers silently suffer from inflammation in their wrists.
Although I take small breaks between work and avoid sitting in front of the computer unless necessary, as a tech journalist whose profession demands writing, I can’t escape the fatigue, stiffness, and shooting pain in my neck, shoulders, and wrists. I am sure it’s the same for you as well, and I am fully aware that many also suffer from tendonitis or, worse, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a nerve condition affecting the wrist and hands, where patients experience numbness or tingling in their fingers, particularly in their index fingers and thumbs.
Logitech MX Vertical is designed for people with medium to larger hands. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
I keep changing my position while working, moving around a lot from desk to couch, reading, and trying different sitting postures. I have even changed gears, but not once did I realise it could be a mouse problem (at least, part of it). Maybe Logitech figured out that changing your computer mouse is what’s needed to take control of your health and make changes in your lifestyle, which can help ease the pain in your hands or arms after a day of sitting in front of the computer. Its MX Vertical is not an ordinary computer mouse — it reduces strain on your wrist and is ergonomically designed. I have been using the Logitech MX Vertical mouse for a few days, and here’s my experience with it.
What: Logitech MX Vertical, Price: Rs 12,295 but the mouse typically sells for Rs 8,000 online.
Odd shape
The moment I took the MX Vertical out of the box, I asked myself, “What did Logitech do to the mouse?” It has an odd shape, and the MX Vertical barely looks like any mouse I am familiar with. It is indeed very different. Unlike a standard mouse, the MX Vertical is designed to be held in a handshake position, which means your thumb curves around one side, and the rest of your hand around the other. Since the body of the mouse curves at a 57-degree angle, it allows your arm to stay straight. This helps reduce muscle strain.
Pain in the wrists occurs when there is continuous effort in the same position over time. When you hold a heavy DSLR camera, the wrist position is not a “natural one,” and while you can use a tripod to reduce the strain, it doesn’t fully eliminate it. Similarly, if you use a mouse heavily all day long, we tend to ignore that it may not necessarily be made for your hand size or the awkward angle it puts your wrist in.
The MX Vertical is designed to be more ergonomic than a standard mouse, helping reduce strain when working. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The mouse has a rubbery coating instead of a matte finish, and it’s a good thing because that prevents your hand from slipping when holding the mouse. The click area is made of a high-quality material, something you won’t find on affordable mice on the market. On top sits a button that, after installing the Logitech Options app, lets you change the cursor speed between two user settings. On the thumb side, you have two buttons that, by default, are configured for Forward and Back—ideal for browsing and checking PDF files. The scroll wheel moves gently, and the pointer and scroll speeds are easy to adjust. The mouse is completely silent; it makes zero noise.
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The box comes with a USB-C cable, the Logitech Unifying USB dongle, and the mouse itself. The MX Vertical offers long battery life, rated to last four months, though it depends on daily usage. You can pair up to three devices with the mouse, which is great if you switch between multiple devices, like myself, who uses a Windows laptop, a Mac, and an iPad. The mouse is fully customisable, and its four buttons can be programmed once you download the Logi Options app.
I would like to point out that the MX Vertical is not a small mouse. It’s portable, but it’s larger than a typical mouse, so you will need a case or cover to store it, especially if you are a heavy traveller like myself, who doesn’t have a fixed desk and likes to move locations to work. I recommend using a mouse pad with the MX Vertical; it does make a difference. I haven’t tested the mouse on a glass desk, but since the laser sensor on the bottom is sensitive, it’s better to use a mouse pad.
Feel, daily use, and the impact
It can take up to four days to get used to the mouse. There is no steep learning curve, but because the mouse is shaped differently, the first few days — mostly for the clicking part — may not go smoothly. At least, I felt a bit cumbersome using the mouse for the first few days.
Logitech MX Vertical works fine with both Windows computers and Mac. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Logitech says the mouse is designed for medium to large hands. My hands are small, and I had no trouble moving the mouse. After a day or two, I started getting used to the grip, and ever since I have been using the MX Vertical, I haven’t felt stiffness in my wrists. I still sit for long hours in front of the computer, but there is a slight difference (I am still figuring out what it is, but there’s definitely a change).
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Wrap up
The truth is, all your workspace problems may not be solved in a day. You need to sit down and figure out where you’re making mistakes. Health is something I have been taking extra care of since the pandemic — and we all should take it seriously.
Logitech’s MX Vertical is a different type of mouse, designed for wrist comfort. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Maybe the Logitech MX Vertical seems like a big investment, but it’s cheaper than seeing a doctor or going for therapy. Hand strain and pain in the wrists are real issues, and many IT professionals suffer from them. In that context, this price seems small compared to the potential health problems it can help prevent in the long run.
