EK HEALTH

-by Kim Granata-Clark, MS in Human Factors and Ergonomics, Ergonomic Specialist

There are many mice to choose from out there on the market.  Which do you choose?  There are bilateral mice, right handed or left handed mice, trackball, vertical mice, touchpad, and mice that sit in front of the keyboard.  

Bilateral mice (symmetrical shape mice) can be used with both hands so you can switch hands during the day and not overuse your dominant hand with the mouse.  This is recommended but it’s a challenge to mouse with your non-dominant hand since it may slow down your productivity and it is awkward but it is worth a try.  When you move the mouse to the left hand, you can switch the mouse buttons in the control panel (PC) or system preferences (Mac) so your left index finger is your left click (right mouse button) like the index finger on your right hand.  Otherwise, you will need to mouse with your left middle finger for your left click (left mouse button).  Don’t bend your left hand to the left so your index finger can click the left mouse button.

The right or left-handed mice do not allow you to mouse with your non-dominant hand.  You could try but there are some pressure points that might bother you after a while but you probably won’t use it with your non-dominant hand for very long.  The right or left-handed mice have a curvature to the right or left.

The bilateral, right handed, or left-handed mice needs to fit in the palm of your hand and your wrist should not touch the work surface or keyboard tray but float above the surface.  You should not be squeezing the mouse with your thumb and small finger.  Your shoulder should move the mouse, not rest your wrist on the keyboard tray or work surfaces and move the hand only.

The trackball, touchpad, vertical mice, and mice that sit in front of the keyboard will be discussed in next months tip.