Logitech’s Lift is a vertical mouse that’s easier to grip

Specifications at a glance: Logitech Lift
Sensor	Optical (model not disclosed)
Connectivity Options	Bluetooth Low Energy, 2.4GHz Wireless Dongle
Programmable Buttons	4
Profiles on board	0
Relief	No
Mate	4.25 x 2.76 x 2.8 in (108x70x71mm)
Weight	0.28 lb (125 g)
Guarantee	1 year
Price (list price)	$70

With shockingly tall stature and untraditional curves, vertical mice require some adjustment to use. But the claimed reward, if the mouse makers are to be believed, is greater arm, wrist and hand comfort thanks to a more natural hand position.

But as with any ergonomic peripheral, you won’t reap any benefits if you don’t get used to the device. Logitech is one of the biggest names in vertical mice, thanks to the MX Vertical, one of the most versatile vertical mice on the market. The Logitech Lift wireless mouse isn’t quite as feature-rich, but it’s more inviting due to a smaller build aimed at small to medium hands, a left-handed option, and more colors.

These options make it easier to find a good fit, which is essential for ergonomics. And despite having a hand size that can accommodate both the Lift and MX Vertical, I found the Lift easier to grip when navigating the side buttons than any of the other vertical mice I’ve used.

Vertical design

The Lift places your hand at a 57-degree angle to the desk and in a handshake-like position. In comparison, the MX Vertical is at the same angle and Logitech’s trackball mouse, the MX Ergo, is at a 20-degree angle. The angled designs result in less forearm pronation, keeping it and your hand more in line with the rest of your arm. Logitech made the Lift (4.25 x 2.76 x 2.8 inches, 0.28 lb) for hands up to 7.5 inches tall, while the MX Vertical (4.72 x 3.11 x 3.09 inches, 0.3 lb) is for hands at least 6.9 inches long.

Ergonomics is all about comfort, so Logitech’s vertical mouse options include two sizes (and the lefty option) to suit people’s needs. But is there any evidence that a vertical mouse can relieve pain?

A little research on vertical mice

There is no hard evidence to show that a vertical mouse can alleviate problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or RSI. Logitech also takes note that it doesn’t make any strong promises, other than that the mouse “relieves pressure on the wrist while promoting a more natural forearm position throughout the day.” However, there is research confirming that vertical mice successfully combat forearm pronation.

One study, a 2015 paper by researchers at Synaptics and the University of Washington School of Public Health, found that vertical mice greatly reduce pronation. It also found that “raising the mouse height and tilting the mouse top case can improve wrist posture without negatively impacting performance,” and that vertical mice can also lead to less neck and shoulder pain.

For carpal tunnel, the study found that although there was less ulnar deviation in vertical mice, there was no strong decrease in carpal tunnel pressure.

Ergonomics experts, including the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasize that you should keep your wrists and hands in line with your forearms when working with a computer. Although it does not make a statement about arm pronation.

The German AGR, which has certified the MX Vertical and MX Ergo, says that a non-ergonomic mouse or keyboard, based on a Google translation, “can put an unnecessary strain on the spine (especially the cervical spine), the muscles and joints (mainly shoulder and hand). This enormous load, possibly also in combination with stress, can make the user ill in the long run.”

So even though there’s no evidence that a vertical mouse will cure or prevent medical problems like carpal tunnel, they reduce pronation and should also help your arm maintain a better 90-degree angle. If you suffer from any of these areas, a vertical mouse can be helpful.

That is, if you use it comfortably.