Moving computer mouse to the opposite side of the keyboard

[Warhawk]

We changed to to wired USB Trackman's some years back, not so much for ergonomics but for speed.
There was some end to even small discomfort from a traditional optical mouse as you place a Trackman where it's most comfortable and leave it there.....on your knee if you must.
Seriously though, I recently converted a retired mate to one and he loves it even after decades or using a traditional mouse. Unfortunately all that seems available new now is the wireless version at an inflated price. 

Well, I borrowed M570 from a colleague and did not like the thing at all. Every time I clicked the button I moved the cursor. Also, did not feel comfortable moving my thumb all around. Nevertheless, thanks for the tip !

[tggzzz]

Before using a trackball, it would be worth doing research to see whether prolonged use knackers your thumb.

[tooki]

Before using a trackball, it would be worth doing research to see whether prolonged use knackers your thumb.

Yep. For some people they're great. For me, a thumb trackball would literally be the worst thing imaginable — my thumb is hands-down my problem digit. It's highly individual.

[tautech]

We changed to to wired USB Trackman's some years back, not so much for ergonomics but for speed.
There was some end to even small discomfort from a traditional optical mouse as you place a Trackman where it's most comfortable and leave it there.....on your knee if you must.
Seriously though, I recently converted a retired mate to one and he loves it even after decades or using a traditional mouse. Unfortunately all that seems available new now is the wireless version at an inflated price. 

Well, I borrowed M570 from a colleague and did not like the thing at all. Every time I clicked the button I moved the cursor. Also, did not feel comfortable moving my thumb all around. Nevertheless, thanks for the tip !

They can sometimes take a little getting used to and in your case I'd give it a couple of days.
I always install the unfortunately bloated Logitech software especially if you want to assign button functionality.

I'm the other way, place a standard mouse in front of me and all I want to do is give it percussive therapy or flying lessons. 

[nctnico]

Before using a trackball, it would be worth doing research to see whether prolonged use knackers your thumb.

Good idea. I get instant cramp in my hand when I use a trackball. BTW another option is to use a pen tablet (from Wacom) instead of a mouse.

[kalel]

There's always this:


I'm pretty sure it is useless (accuracy issues most likely), just looks interesting.
There's possibly a wireless version, as 2.4 GHz is mentioned.

[tautech]

Whichever mouse you use, I have found bigger is better. I like the mouse to be large enough for my hand to rest on it without touching the mouse mat. Unfortunately, last time I tried to buy a new mouse I found this was getting hard to do. They keep making mice smaller and I can't find the big ones anymore. Smaller mice make my hand feel cramped and my wrist ache.

I think you have made a good point. I also find small mice require me to hold my hand elevated over it and it must  become a strain. I still use my very old Microsoft PS/2 compatible intellimouse. I even sometimes think about putting some padding on the back of it under my palm but I don't want to make it uncomfortable with a bodgy job.

This is what I find with the normal optical mouse, fatigue in the arm using it as opposed to a Trackman (not Trackball) where the ball of your hand is placed firmly on the bench, supporting the weight of your arm and fingers gently wrap around a Trackman, more to locate your hand in the correct position to use it. Then the thumb, forefinger and index finger all rest in their positions; trackball, left and right click buttons. The forefinger only shifts to use the scroll wheel.

I think there are other variables that come into play with RSI and mouse usage, namely seating height and screen size/resolution where if you have to get up close to see the screen then you end up all crunched up instead of being relaxed. I type this with a 24" display 1 meter from my seated position in front of a 800mm high bench.

[f5r5e5d]

Logitech Marble Mouse here, symmetric, easy to swap - and I do

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/trackman-marble

[FrankBuss]

I was wondering if anyone has experience with moving the mouse to the other side? Should I switch buttons too? Or any other tips for improved ergonomics?

I move the mouse all the time, every few weeks. I have a cheap symmetric mouse:



I don't change the buttons. It is not problem for me, I can use it with both hands with not difference.

[Warhawk]

Just a short update after couple days - a mouse on the left is easier than I thought. However, ctrl+c and ctrl+v are quite complicated...

[GreyWoolfe]

Does anyone use a vertical mouse?

I do, the Anker one:
https://www.anker.com/products/variant/Ergonomic-Optical-Mouse/98ANWVM-BA

I like it.  It took a couple of days to get used to it, during which I kept accidentally back-hand slapping it across the desk, but it's fine now.  When I first got it the buttons were also really stiff, which made using it a little challenging since the effort required to click the button kept moving the mouse, but that passed relatively quickly.

I got 2 of them.  1 each for myself and SWMBO.  Mine is on my personal computer and hers is on her work computer.  She finds it a bit big but still comfortable.  I like it enough that I will be getting another for my company computer.