Mouse is an important gadget for architects and designers. Gone are the old days when we architects had to spend considerable amount of time with pen, pencils and sheets to complete the design and drafting work. Nowadays, a computer mouse is a must have tool, and we can’t ignore the ergonomics and features of a mouse. If your job includes design work and you spend most of your time using architectural softwares like AutoCAD or Revit, you need an ergonomic mouse that reduces unnecessary discomfort or pain.
I recently encountered that one of my friends, a visualization artist got carpal tunnel syndrome due to prolonged use of a normal mouse as it affected the natural position of his hand. We as an architect should often search for What is the most comfortable mouse?
Check out some of the new and best ergonomic mouse out there. In this article, we take a look at the best ergonomic mouse for architects and designers in 2019.
1. Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse
Logitech has been the most trusted and reliable company in the PC hardware sector from a very long time. Their gadget features, performance, designs and budget price make them a winner. Logitech offers you various mouse options, but Logitech M5370 is our recommended gadget for architects.
This affordable hand shaped mouse is compatible with both windows and Mac. It runs on a single AA battery with usage up to 18 months. Easy to use with wireless plug and play usb connection. With operating distance of 10 meters you can conveniently use this for presentations. We recommend the Logitech M5370 because it’s a great choice for comfort and cost under $30.
2. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse
This Microsoft mouse is perfect for those who love classic design. Comes with a once-touch access button for the “start” menu in windows. We recommend this device because it’s a reliable under $30 option from a trusted brand Microsoft.
The Microsoft sculpt mouse features a very comfortable and advanced ergonomic design with thumb scoop. You can use this mouse on varied surfaces as its featured with MicrosofTrack technology. Supports both mac and windows operating system. Battery life is less as compared to logitech M5370. However, it comes with a warranty of 3 years.
3. Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
Another great option from Logitech is this MX vertical wireless mouse. This device is specially designed to reduce muscle strain which provides extra comfort while working. We recommend the MX vertical mouse because it offers all the features an architect or designer needs in a mouse.
Most important feature of this mouse is cross-computer control which enables you to control up to 3 windows or mac. You can switch speed of the cursor with the inbuilt button on this mouse without touching any settings in your control panel.
Rechargeable battery can last for four months on a full charge.
4. Anker 2.4G Mouse
Anker 2.4G mouse is the best affordable ergonomic mouse you can buy. An excellent choice for design and rendering work. We recommend Anker 2.4G because of its positive reviews and offers excellent features at a very low price.
This Anker mouse is a very comfortable option to reduce hand pain with smooth movement and less hand strain. Perfect for those who like to web surf along with design work as you can control the webpage browsing with a single-touch button. Only drawback is this next/previous buttons for webpage are not designed to work on Mac.
Related : Best laptops for architecture students
5. Lekvey Rechargeable 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice
Another great ergonomic mouse option from Lekvey, this rechargeable mouse is sleek and multi-functional. You can select the sensitivity of the mouse from 3 different levels. Only drawback is that Lekvey mouse is not compatible with Mac.
This Lekvey mouse offer great value with price under $20. This product comes with a warranty of 18 month with both replace and refund option. If you are a professional architect or designer and spend most time on photoshop or other design software, then this product is a must have. Best part is in case of low battery you don’t have to wait for a recharge, this mouse can be used while charging.
6. J-Tech Digital Wired Ergonomic Vertical USB Mouse
If you are bored with the basic mouse designs and looking for something more advanced and cooler, then you should give this J-Tech Digital mouse a try. This unique product comes with a removable palm rest. A blue LED is embedded on the outline of the mouse to make it look cool and trendy.
Designed to reduce pressure on carpal tunnel area while working. The adjustable DPI sensitivity levels is a great choice for digital designing work. Best part is back/forward buttons on this mouse can be optimised according to your preferable functions. Get this mouse if you like to work with a wired mouse.
7. Anker Ergonomic Optical USB Wired Vertical Mouse
This Anker ergonomic optical is another mouse developed for professional designers compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. It’s a popular choice in ergonomics mouse segment because of its low price. The other Anker mouse on this list is wireless and this one is a wired optical mouse.
If you are worried about carpal tunnel or wrist pain and looking for an affordable ergonomic mouse, we recommend you buy this one. Best part about Anker is their customer service, with this mouse you will get 18-month warranty with lifetime technical support.
8. Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse
This Logitech’s flagship mouse is designed for professional designers and architects. This mouse is a time saver with features like multi-computer control. With quality tracking of this mouse, you can use this on a glass table top without any mouse pad. Recharge it for just 3 minutes and you are good to go for a whole day usage.
We recommend this because you can set custom functions for different applications by installing logitech software on you pc or laptop. Side buttons are placed as well on this mouse and are easily accessible with your thumb even for small hands. If you are looking for mouse for CAD work we recommend you to buy this Logitech MX 2S.
What is an ergonomic mouse ?
An ergonomic computer mouse is specifically redesigned to reduce bodily discomfort and reduce the strain on muscles as well as associated injuries like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis that my take place due to using a mouse at an uncomfortable position or unnatural hand posture. This ergonomic mouse is thoughtfully created to flow with the movement of the palm or the hand and fit comfortably into the natural hand shape and posture, feeling comfortable even during prolonged usage.
Should I Use an ergonomic mouse?
Ergonomic mouse for work is not a necessity since you can just use your normal mouse or touchpad. However, especially for tasks like graphic designing and 3D modelling which demands consistent long hours of work, ergonomic mouse can make your work more comfortable and productive. Plus, you can reward yourself with a new mouse just to feel refreshing time to time. Ergonomic mouse help you improve your work experience in certain software like photoshop and illustrator by customizing the buttons according to your choice. Also, if you are gamer, these mice will definitely improve your gaming experience.
Another benefit of using an ergonomic mouse is the comfort it offers. Ergonomic mouse is specially designed for prolonged designing work, whereas normal mouse are designed for basic usage. The ergonomic design these mouse means all the elements like button, scroller and hand rest are right there where they should be – within comfortable reach of your fingers. By using a quality mouse, you don’t need a break from your important work just to comfort your hand. Most importantly you can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome issue and won’t suffer from wrist muscle pain.
One more benefit of ergonomic mouse is that they are designed to use on any practical surface whether is glass or wood and you don’t have to look for a mouse pad to get your work done.
How to Choose the Best Ergonomic mouse for CAD, Revit, 3D Modelling or Graphic designing work?
There are many options available on the market for ergonomic mouse, so it can be time taking task to select the right one. We’re going to explain how to choose the right product.
Wide Compatibility
If you have both windows and Mac, it’s a no-brainer to get a mouse with cross-platform compatibility. Logitech Ergonomic mouse supports both Windows and Mac operating system. Both Logitech and Microsoft mouse are great choices and allow you to keep practicing your designing skills different OS, no matter what device you’re using currently.
Wired or Wireless:
Obviously wireless is more comfortable and convenient to use, but there is a potential for lag. Few of the ergonomic mouse will connect to your Laptop or PC using Bluetooth, sometimes there can be issues with Bluetooth connection depending on the operating system. If you want to buy a wireless mouse, we suggest you to buy one with USB plug n play option. Wired mouse are generally cheaper than wireless mouse, so you can save few bucks by buying a wired mouse.
Size and Weight:
If you are a professional architect or designer, with long hours being spent on your pc, it’s important to have a mouse that feels comfortable and relaxing in your hands. Not too heavy, not too light, properly designed, durable, etc. You can also buy ergonomic mouse for small hands. Unless until you don’t buy one it can be hard to know for sure. Also, the best deals on these mouse are found online. Our advice is to buy from merchants who have good return policies. This way, if you receive the mouse and are not happy with it, you can return it and try a different option. All the mouse we recommend in this article are well-reviewed and comfortable for architects and designers as well for architecture students and those other professional who spend long hours working on their pc’s.
What Ergonomic Mouse Should I Buy?
Even with the tips listed above, it can be difficult to choose the right mouse for you. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of the best ergonomic mouse 2019. Keep in mind that these aren’t necessary in order from best to worst – they are all great options for architecture and design professionals.
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