Which left-handed mouse to use?

[cr0ssfire]

OK, so here's the deal. Lately, I've been experiencing some pain and discomfort in my wrists, presumably from typing and mousing too much with "standard" equipment. To help ease the pain and avoid having to sideline my programming summer classes, I've decided to buy a nice ergo keyboard and mouse. The keyboard half of the equation is already taken care of - I picked up a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 from Directron for $29.99 shipped (a deal they still have going, by the way) and it really feels nice. Now, I just need a nice ergonomic mouse to go with my nice ergonomic keyboard.

But of course, it's never easy finding a mouse when you're left-handed since most companies prefer to stick their fingers in their ears rather than listen to your requests for a comfortable mousing solution. I've tried the Logitech MX610 left-handed mouse and not only was the signal quality horrible most of the time, but it outright quit after about 4 or 5 months. That's why I've decided to consider some of the pricier, more esoteric mice in hopes of getting something that will do the trick, like:

The Contour Perfit Optical Mouse
http://www.contourdesign.com/pmo/

The Evoluent VerticalMouse 2
http://www.evoluent.com/vmouse2.html

The Aerobic Mouse
http://www.aerobicmouse.com/

The problem with these more expensive mice is...well, reviews for them are very scarce, so that's why I'm asking for a second opinion or two. I'd appreciate any feedback you all could give me on any of these mice, and I'm really hoping to find something that will make computing a little less painful.

 

[BOLt]

Those are pretty radical solutions!

There are some basic things you can do to increase comfort at the keyboard. Make sure you have a chair that can adjust to the proper height for your desk and body type. Also, read some advice online about how to mitigate computer fatigue. Simple things such as proper seating height, short breaks every hour or so and small easy-to-do exercises can really make all the difference. I am a right-handed person, so I can't really relate to your left-handed mouse situation, but I think the general knowledge tips that you'll find online will really help you out.

As for the mice, I can't say for sure which would be best, but I am sure someone somewhere has tried one of them out and will respond to you.

Best of luck!

 

[lxskllr]

I don't know about those mice you listed. Very strange, I'd have to put my hands on them to see if I could use them. How about a Razer Mouse? Perhaps not the most ergonomic, but they are ambidextrous, and well regarded by many people. I prefer Logitech, but I'm right handed. I'd probably get a Razer if I was a lefty.

 

[cr0ssfire]

They're pretty unusual contraptions, you're right, but I'm willing to do what it takes. If nothing else, they do look comfy. I also found some good ergonomics articles on google, and I plan on taking some of their suggestions (and yours) into consideration from now on. Thanks.

I'm not really looking for an ambidextrous mouse, though - ergonomics is key to me for now, and I'd like a new mouse to be no exception even if it does cost a bundle. I did try a Diamondback once, actually, but ended up returning it a couple of days after I bought it because I couldn't get used to the finger-oriented gripping style. Well, that and the fact that high DPI isn't really a draw for me, honestly; the precision of your average basic optical mouse is enough for me.

 

[RebateMonger]

I'm right-handed, but I've used my left hand for mousing off and on since 1987. I often suggest this to folks who have fatigue issues with their right hands. I just use a standard mouse, but use it with my left hand.

The design of standard keyboards is all wrong for right-handers. The "mandatory" numeric keypad on keyboards means that the keyboard often ends up centered to the left side so that there's room on the right side for the mouse (especially when a keyboard drawer is used). I center the "Space Bar" on the keyboard with my body and put the mouse on the left of the keyboard. It provides a much better position for typing and mousing.

 

[Roguestar]

Left handed people are sinister :evil:.

I use a Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 and it's both a great mouse and shaped to fit ergonomically in either hand.

 

[Oyeve]

I am ambidextrous and find using my left hand more comfortable with mice. But, I prefer trackballs and use a Kensington Orbit at work and a Kensingtom pro trackball at home, I forget the model for the home one but it has 4 mouse buttons, scroll wheel and 6 programmable buttons on top and uses a billard ball sized ball. Been using it for years, great for FPSs. I cant use mice, feels too uncomfortable and I usually have no deskspace for a mouse.

 

[ch33zw1z]

I'm a lefty, I use any symetrical mouse laying around. just switch the mouse buttons around.

 

[lamere]

try a razer out.
not the death adder, but the copperheads or the diamondback.
made for righty's or leftys

 

[KeithTalent]

I switch my G7 from right to left all the time and it fits well either way. Not sure if there is anywhere for you to try these things out, but it may be worth considering; it's a great mouse!

Good luck!

KT

 

[mercanucaribe]

Find a Darwin Smartboard. The keys are aligned vertically, rather than staggered. There is no reason for a modern keyboard to have staggered keys-- that dates back to typewriters and is definately not ergonomic.

 

[Zepper]

Have you looked at the Logitech Marble Mouse - it is an ambidextrous trackball w/ 4 buttons. I got one to use and a backup after my original Trackman FX went TU. Works well but isn't an FX, but then what is?

.bh.