This post includes affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase using our links.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
The design and functionality of computer peripherals keep evolving, and one of the best examples of that is the vertical mouse. Due to the awkward and unnatural hand position, spending hours upon hours stuck in front of the monitor, working, or gaming can cause discomfort or even lead to a medical condition called carpal tunnel syndrome. The vertical mouse is an excellent answer to that problem.
Designed with ergonomics in mind, vertical mice offer a natural, handshake-like hand position that minimizes the strain on the lower arm and joints and prevents muscle fatigue.Gamers also got a slice of the pie, as vertical gaming mice provide better comfort for long gaming sessions and plenty of options to customize the button configuration and even the mouse’s grip.
We took every vertical mouse we could get our hands on and ran it through several tests to determine the best vertical gaming mouse in 2021. Check out our favorite choices below.
Best Vertical Gaming Mice Compared
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL CHOICE  | Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse Sensitivity: Adjustable 800/1200/1600 DPI | 9.7 | Check On Amazon |
PREMIUM CHOICE  | Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse Sensitivity: 4000 DPI (fixed) | 9.5 | Check On Amazon |
TOP CROSSOVER CHOICE  | Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse Sensitivity: 400 DPI to 1600 DPI (adjustable) | 9.1 | Check On Amazon |
BEST BUDGET CHOICE  | ZLOT Wired Vertical Mouse Sensitivity: 1200/1600/2400/3200 DPI | 8.8 | Check On Amazon |
BEST RGB CHOICE  | TRELC Ergonomic Mouse Sensitivity: 1500/2500/4000/7000/10000 DPI | 8.6 | Check On Amazon |
MOST VERSATILE CHOICE  | DELUX Ergonomic Wireless Mouse Sensitivity: 800/1200/1600 DPI | 8.2 | Check On Amazon |
BEST 4 SMALL HANDS  | Kensington Ergonomic Vertical Wireless Mouse Sensitivity: Adjustable 800/1200/1600/2000/2400 DPI | 8 | Check On Amazon |
BEST 4 LARGE HANDS  | ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse Sensitivity: Adjustable 1500/2500/4000/7000/10000 DPI | 7.7 | Check On Amazon |
1. Anker Wireless – Best Vertical Mouse
Anker is one of the most reputable brands of computer peripherals and accessories, and their take on the vertical mouse is our top overall choice.
The Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse is a fantastic blend of features, appealing design, and build quality.
This mouse has been around for a while but has undergone several redesigns and functionality updates over the years.
Anker uses high-quality plastic for the casing of the mouse, giving it a premium look and feel. The mouse is of medium size, so it should be comfortable for most grips and hand sizes.
It is a wireless vertical mouse, but the main downside of this otherwise excellent device is that it does not have a built-in battery. Anker needs 2 x AAA batteries to work, and they are not included in the original purchase. Luckily, there is a power-saving feature, which turns off the mouse after 8 minutes of being idle.
Related: Best Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Great value
- Uses replaceable AAA batteries instead of a built-in option
2. Logitech MX Wireless – Premium Vertical Mouse
Logitech is no stranger to the market of premium computer peripherals, and their MX Vertical Wireless Mouse is by far the highest quality vertical gaming mouse on our list.
The build quality and materials are in a league of their own, and the design gives off strong sci-fi vibes.
With its graphite texture, the Ligitech MX vertical mouse is absolutely one of the most beautiful vertical mice to look at.
The mouse’s 57-degree angle provides excellent comfort, but the size might be a bit of a challenge for those with smaller hands. MX Vertical has a built-in battery that can provide up to 4 months of autonomy on a single charge.
The Logitech MX vertical mouse is highly accurate, thanks to the 4000 DPI optical sensor, although there is no way to customize the sensitivity.
- Excellent ergonomics
- Premium build quality and materials
- Attractive design
- Fantastic wireless autonomy
- Industry-leading software support
- Quite pricey
- A fixed DPI setting might be unsuitable for some gamers
3. Logitech MX Master – Best Crossover Vertical Mouse
The next entry on our list is a best-seller and one of the most popular premium mice among the productivity crowd.
The Logitech MX Master series is not the first thing you think of when talking about vertical mice. Still, the high profile and ergonomic hand position qualify the MX Master as a vertical mouse.
Moreover, we also vouch for it as the best vertical mouse for Mac.
Like most premium devices from Logitech, the MX Master has a fantastic build quality and plenty of features. It is incredibly accurate and performs flawlessly during extensive gaming sessions.
The built-in battery can power an MX Master for up to 40 days without recharging.If it weren’t for the hefty price tag and the weight, MX Master would be as close to a perfect mouse as it gets.
- Plenty of features
- It fits nicely in the hand
- Premium build quality and materials
- A single charge is enough for 40 days of use
- Expensive
- Heavy
4. ZLOT Wired – Top Budget Vertical Mouse
For our top choice in the budget segment, we selected this unit from ZLOT.
The ZLOT Wired Vertical Mouse costs just a fraction of what our previous Logitech entries go for, but even at this price point delivers excellent performance.
ZLOT did not cut any corners on the essentials, but you will be hard-pressed to find additional features and customization on this one.
The ergonomics are excellent, and the mouse feels good in the hand, although a bit heavy. Aside from the main button and the scroll wheel, the only other options are the back and forward buttons.
Related: Best White Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
The construction is solid, although the plastic does not feel or look premium. Adjustable DPI settings are also a great way to customize the mouse to your needs.
- Fantastic value
- Good ergonomics for large hands
- Adjustable DPI settings
- Solid build quality
- A bit heavy
- Unfit for small hands
5. TRELC Ergonomic – Best RGB Gaming Mouse
A surprise pick on our list is this unit from TRELC. The Ergonomic Gaming Mouse is one of the flashiest vertical mice we have tested, sporting bright RGB lights and a 5D rocker for gamers.
The mouse feels solid and fits nicely in hand, but it is one of the heaviest ones we tested.
If you need speed when you are gaming, perhaps a different model would be better suited for you.
The RGB support is excellent, and you can easily synchronize it with the rest of your setup. Performance in games was outstanding as well, with incredible accuracy and pointer speed, with no ghosting.
Particularly MMO gamers should enjoy this vertical MMO mouse that supports macro functions for complex actions. TRELC Ergonomic Gaming Mouse is a great pick for a sideways mouse for gamers.- Good ergonomics
- Excellent functionality with 11 buttons
- Solid build quality
- RGB for improved aesthetics
- 5D rocker for gaming
- Heavy
- No wireless connectivity
6. DELUX Wireless – Versatile Ergonomic Mouse
At first glance, DELUX Ergonomic Wireless Mouse looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. This massive unit looks and feels modern with excellent build quality.
It is by far the largest and bulkiest vertical mouse on this list, so those with smaller hands should probably give this one a pass.
But as a big plus for it – this is the most comfortable mouse for gaming we tested.
The sensor is accurate and provides 3 DPI settings for adjusting the sensitivity to your liking. Other features include wireless 2.4G connectivity, six buttons, and compatibility with Windows and Linux operating systems.
- Fantastic ergonomics
- Detachable wrist rest
- Works on multiple types of surfaces
- Adjustable DPI settings
- Suitable for those with large hands
- Heavy and bulky
- Uses removable batteries
7. Kensington Wireless – Best Ergonomic Vertical Mouse for Small Hands
Gamers with smaller hands find it difficult to find a mouse that fits them well while not compromising build quality and features.
Kensington’s Ergonomic Vertical Wireless Mouse is perfect in that sense.
Gamers we know, but also several members of our staff with smaller hands gave it a spin and came away impressed.
Wireless connectivity is reliable, and we did not experience any drops or issues with it. Adjustable DPI settings have five modes, from 800 DPI and up to 2400 DPI. If it did not require replaceable batteries, we would consider this a perfect mouse for those with smaller hands.
The batteries do provide solid autonomy, though.
- Ideal for those with small hands
- Solid build quality
- Accurate and fast sensor
- Adjustable DPI settings
- Wireless connectivity
- Replaceable batteries
- No RGB
8. ZLOT Wired – Best Vertical Mouse for Large Hands
The final entry on our list is another device from ZLOT.
Gamers with large hands often have trouble with mice designed to fit most hand sizes because the button location and ergonomics are off and uncomfortable for long sessions.
ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse is an ideal fit for that crowd, providing a comfortable gaming experience and solid build quality.
Wireless connectivity would be nice, but ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse makes up for it with an accurate sensor and five modes of adjustable sensitivity up to 10000 DPI. Additionally, RGB is a nice touch for gamers that like flashier setups and synchronizing the lights on their peripherals.
- Excellent ergonomics for those with large hands
- 11 button configuration (6 buttons plus 5D pad)
- Sturdy build quality & RGB
- Accurate sensor with adjustable DPI
- No wireless connectivity
- Heavy
Vertical Gaming Mouse Buying Guide
Buying a vertical gaming mouse can be tricky for the first time, as not all vertical mice are alike. Finding an ideal personal fit is something that all gamers should strive for. We have put together a short buying guide, emphasizing the different factors you should pay attention to when choosing the best vertical gaming mouse.
Size
Size plays a crucial role in how a vertical mouse will fit in your hand. Slightly too large, and you will put unnecessary strain on your hand muscles, or slightly too small will lead to hand fatigue due to the unnatural grip and hand position.
Most of the reputable mouse brands offer vertical mice in different sizes. We recommend trying out the mouse you like in the store before you decide to purchase it.Connectivity
Connectivity is important when choosing a vertical mouse. Traditionally, all mice use a USB cable to connect to the computer, but the recent advancements in wireless technology put the wireless performance on par with the wired one.
There are two main wireless connectivity options, Bluetooth (if your computer supports it) or a wireless connection using a USB dongle-like receiver that you plug into your computer. The more connectivity options a vertical mouse has, the more versatile it is.
Comfort
Comfort is the No.1 priority for all vertical mice designers and manufacturers. The idea behind a vertical mouse is to provide a more comfortable experience. That does not mean that all vertical gaming mice are more comfortable for all people.
From the types of materials used to the hand and button position and the angle of the mouse, brands try to create universal vertical mouse designs that will provide the ultimate comfort. Try out various vertical mouse models and see which one feels more natural and more comfortable to use.
Compatibility
Make sure that your vertical mouse supports the operating system you will use. Since vertical mice are not that common and mainstream currently, the manufacturers might not spend too much time optimizing the device for Windows, macOS, or Linux at the same time.
This is especially important for customization features, like custom button configurations, etc. Check the specifications of the vertical mouse and look for the list of supported operating systems.
Performance
The comfort and customization options are all fine, but the ultimate measure of a gaming mouse is the performance. The biggest single factor that influences the performance of a gaming mouse is the optical sensor inside.
Ultimately, you need a vertical mouse that has a high-DPI for accuracy but also provides adjustable DPI settings. The sensor’s quality also depends on registering all movements (no ghosting) and being able to work on a variety of surfaces.
Button Configuration
The position of the buttons on the vertical mouse is key to comfort and ease of use, so make sure that your mouse of choice has the optimal button position for your hand.
Additionally, vertical mice offer more functionality in terms of programmable buttons compared to the regular ones.
If you play games that need extra dedicated buttons or have a productivity workflow that needs shortcuts, a vertical gaming mouse with programmable buttons is a must.Vertical Gaming Mouse FAQs
What is a vertical mouse?
The vertical mouse is a computer peripheral designed with ergonomics and long-term comfort in mind. It rethinks the way people grip and hold the mouse and emphasizes a more natural handshake position. This is why vertical mice have a higher profile than regular ones.
Are vertical mice better?
Vertical mice are more comfortable to use due to the natural hand position. Also, vertical mice lower the strain on the muscles in the lower arms and prevent wrist and hand torsion, which can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There are a slight learning curve and adaptation necessary for vertical gaming mice, so keep that in mind.
How good is a vertical mouse for gaming?
Using a vertical mouse for gaming is a rewarding experience due to the ability to play long gaming sessions without hand fatigue and plenty of customizable buttons. It is important to note that vertical mice weigh more than regular mice on average and might not be suitable for FPS gamers who need an ultralight mouse.
Conclusion – What’s the best vertical mouse for gaming?
It took a lot to put together this list of best vertical gaming mice in 2021. All of our choices have plenty to offer to gamers and should provide superior ergonomics for those long gaming marathons.
We were particularly impressed with Anker’s 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse, our pick for the best vertical mouse for gaming. The combination of build quality, feel, materials, and features are something that we did not find in any of the products at this price point.
