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It was around late 2017 when I first started experiencing pain in my right hand. As an online freelance designer, I often worked for 8 to 12 hours a day on a computer. And as a designer, you’re usually using a mouse for 90% of the time!
When yet another mouse bit the dust, I thought, it’s time for an upgrade. Previously I always used the traditional $10-$15 wireless mouse. If I could get 1 or 2 years out of it, I was happy.
So, like most online workers, my first step was to research on Google, which ultimately led me to the vertical Anker mouse, available on Amazon.
Honestly, my first thought was, what on earth is this? I had never seen or heard of a vertical mouse before. But the reviews were absolutely stellar. And the price was within what I wanted to spend. So I thought, why not.
Using a vertical mouse for the first time
I must say, at first it was a bit awkward. I was used to laying my hand flat on a mouse. With a vertical mouse, it’s like you’re laying your hand down naturally. But, after working with this vertical mouse for an hour or so, I didn’t even give it a second thought.
It feels so natural that you don’t even notice you’re “using” a mouse. Instead, it feels like you’re just moving your hand around.
Setup and connectivity
While this mouse is wireless, it does not require Bluetooth. Instead, you plug in a small connector into a USB port. This connector will make a Bluetooth connection with the mouse. So if your computer or laptop does not have Bluetooth, you’re good!
The mouse has a good range. While that isn’t really a concern as you typically will have it within a foot or two of the computer, perhaps you plan on using it further away. In that case, you’ll be happy to know that it works flawlessly at even 15 feet – perhaps further. 15 feet is as far as I tried.
The buttons and functionality
This vertical mouse by Anker features a total of 6 buttons:
The standard left-click
The standard right-click
A back button
A forward button
A 3-speed-DPI button
A scroll wheel that is clickable as well
The forward and back buttons act like standard utility buttons on Windows. For example, if you’re browsing the internet, clicking the back button on the mouse prevents the need of having to move the mouse and clicking on the browser back button.
On Mac, though, these buttons are not recognized. But, you can download a handy software to map button clicks to do certain actions. Here’s a very simple, and free software that maps the forward/back buttons to do exactly that: http://sensible-side-buttons.archagon.net/
The DPI speed button will switch the mouse speed between 800/1200/1800. DPI stands for dots per inch. In other words, it’s the space a mouse movement will make on your screen. Higher DPI = larger/faster movement for an equal amount of movement.
I personally only use the 1800 DPI, but this could be more convenient for gamers. Being able to switch the DPI on the fly allows you to have an increased speed for “regular guns” in a shooter game, and a slower speed for “accurate guns”, such as a sniper rifle.
On the bottom of the mouse, you will find the:
On/Off switch
Sensor
Battery slot
Receiver hideaway slot, great if you’re going to travel with the mouse
The overall durability of the Anker mouse
I have had this Anker mouse now for close to 5 years. The logo has almost completely disappeared. But that’s about it. It still functions like it did on day 1!
All 5 buttons, 6 if you include the clickable scroller, still work as they should. The three-speed setting works, the scroll works, every-single-thing works.
As far as batteries go, I find myself having to replace the 2 AAA batteries about once or twice a year. It depends on what kind of batteries I use. More expensive AAA batteries push the mouse to last a year, while cheapos will typically last me up to 6 months.
Conclusion after almost 4 years of use
If this mouse gives up on me tomorrow, I’ll be replacing it with the exact same one, the same day. Whether you work, play, or occasionally browse the internet on a computer, this vertical ergonomic mouse is a must-have.
If there’s something I don’t mind spending a little more money on, it’s my health. And this mouse has literally saved my right hand! To develop chronic pain at just 26 years old, and to completely eliminate that pain within a few days is a godsend. No pills, no doctor appointments, just a change of equipment.
Now, at age 30 (almost 31) – yikes, just typing that makes me wonder where the time went, my right hand has no pain at all. I’m 4 years older and still work at least 6 hours a day on my MacBook. I know for a fact that the change is 100% related to this mouse.
So in a nutshell, if you – or someone you know – spend hours on a computer, you have to try this mouse. I personally rate an easy 5/5. Check the latest price on Amazon.
What's your favorite mouse?
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