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Most people don’t expect sitting at a computer to come with a high risk of injury. However, if you have smaller hands, using a mouse that is too large or isn’t built ergonomically can have painful consequences.
Repetitive strain injuries are some of the most common ailments reported by office workers, and one of the leading causes of RSIs is working with an impractical mouse.
This kind of injury can take months to heal, in which time workers can face substantial medical bills and a decline in their performance at work.
Sadly, mouse-related repetitive strain injuries may disproportionately affect people with smaller hands. This is because more hand extension and repositioning is required when using a regular mouse with small hands.
Everybody deserves to be comfortable and injury-free at work, which is why we’ve compiled a selection of the 5 best ergonomic mouses on the market for people with small hands!
In a hurry? Be quick to click with our top pick: Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
- Ergonomic trackball
- 2.4 GHz wireless/Bluetooth
- Hinged adjustability
- Button customization
- Precision mode option
- Cross-computer functionality
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes battery and charging cord
OUR TOP PICK
Logitech’s MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse is a popular high-end mouse considered one of the most ergonomic options out there. The dimensions of this mouse also make it ideal for computer users with small hands.
This is a trackball mouse designed to maximize comfort and minimize hand fatigue, along with all the other inconveniences of mouse use.
First of all, don’t be put off by the interesting-looking construction of the MX Ergo. The design might look a little futuristic, but it’s incredibly comfortable. In fact, once you’ve tried it, we doubt you’ll ever go back.
Note the contoured, sculpted shape of the mouse overall, for example. Measuring just 5.21 x 3.92 x 2.02 inches, it’s the perfect size for smaller hands and is designed to fit perfectly in the contours of a slightly curled palm.
This mouse’s ergonomic fit is enhanced by the hinge structure underneath, which essentially props the mouse up at an angle.
This allows the user to have their wrist slightly angled to the side, which is a more natural position than the straight position demanded by other mice.
The hinge angle is adjustable from 0 to 20°, so you can tailor the wrist angle of the mouse to what feels most comfortable.
The hinge angle isn’t the only adjustable feature of this mouse, though. The buttons are also customizable, and you can even up the 380 DPI precision using the ‘precision mode’ button.
And if you thought this mouse couldn’t get any better, just wait until you try out the dual connectivity function! Thanks to the 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity of the MX Ergo, this mouse can control up to 3 different computers at once!
It’s compatible with Windows and Mac systems, so no matter what technology you use, the MX Ergo can help you to do so.
Unlike so many of the other mouse models on the market, the Logitech MX Ergo comes with the battery included.
Even better, this battery is rechargeable, so it will last longer than your typical replaceable battery and allows up to 70 days of use between charges. A charging cable is also provided, so no separate purchases are necessary.
With that being said, it’s a very good thing that all the required accessories are included with this mouse because it’s very expensive.
Sure, it’s not as pricey as the Logitech Air and other more advanced models, but it’s still outside of the price range most people would consider for a mouse.
Pros
- Adjustable hinge
- Ergonomic trackball
- Customizable buttons
- Cross-computer control
- 2.4 GHz Wireless and Bluetooth
- Precision mode
- Rechargeable
- Battery and charging cord included
Cons
- Very expensive
EDITORS CHOICE
The Jelly Comb Slim Wireless Mouse has a sleek, streamlined aesthetic designed to catch the eye while remaining understated. At 4.6 inches in length and 2.4 inches in width, it’s the perfect ergonomic mouse for small hands.
This is a wireless mouse with a 15-meter range, offering a stable connection rated at 2.4 GHz. All you need to do is slot the wireless receiver into a USB port on your computer, and you’ll be ready to go!
Jelly Comb has coupled the strong wireless performance of the Slim Wireless mouse with subtly in most other aspects of the mouse’s functionality.
The 3 buttons and scroll wheel of the mouse are all highly responsive, so they’ll respond to the lightest touch - no more wearing your fingers out with heavy clicking.
Speaking of clicking, the buttons are also very quiet when pressed, so you won’t have to worry about distracting yourself or anyone around you with those annoying, repetitive noises.
Thanks to how responsive the controls are, the Slim Wireless mouse also operates at a high level of precision. The optical movement resolution is rated at 1600 DPI so that you can expect efficiency and ease of use from this mouse.
The Slim Wireless mouse has proved itself to be durable through rigorous testing. It’s estimated that you’ll get 5 million clicks at the very least out of this mouse before needing to consider a replacement.
Another reason for the mouse’s longevity is that it has a built-in auto-sleep function that automatically turns off the mouse after an 8-minute period of inactivity.
The Jelly Comb Slim Wireless Mouse model is currently available in 26 color options. If you’re looking for a classic addition to your professional workspace, there are several black and white options with plain or metallic accents to choose from. Alternatively, other colors include ‘wine red,’ ‘powder blue,’ and even color gradient designs!
This mouse is universally compatible and will work with all current Windows systems as well as Mac OX S. The only exception to compatibility are computer systems like Macbook Pro because they only have USB-C ports.
Best of all, the Jelly Comb Slim Wireless is hands down the most affordable product in today’s selection, so you get superior ergonomic construction and quality for a budget-friendly price.
The only drawback we could find with the Jelly Comb Slim Wireless is that, sometimes, it’s a little too good at its job. This mouse is so slim and low-profile that even some customers with smaller than average hands have reported finding it too compact. Therefore, we would primarily recommend the Jelly Comb Slim Wireless mouse to people with the very smallest of hands.
Pros
- Durable
- Small
- 2.4 GHz wireless
- Quiet and responsive
- Sleek design
- Auto-sleep function
- Universally compatible
- 26-color range
- Affordable
Cons
- Too small for some
BEST VALUE
We knew when we reviewed the Jelly Comb Slim Wireless mouse that we’d be coming back to this brand for more small, ergonomic mice - and here we are!
The Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless Mouse has received rave reviews from workers and gamers alike, despite wireless mice not typically being considered gaming mice.
The ergonomic, upright construction of the Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless encourages what experts call a ‘handshake’ hold, which is much more comfortable on the wrists and fingers in the long term.
Unfortunately, although most computer users with small hands will find this mouse an impressive upgrade on standard mice, it may still be a little too large for customers with very small hands.
Outside of its ergonomic build, one of the most exciting features of this mouse is its range of adjustable precision levels. You can crank the precision all the way up from an already very respectable 1000 DPI to an extremely accurate 2400 DPI.
There’s a mid-range option for 1600 DPI as well, which is what the high-performing Slim Wireless works with.
The adjustable precision allows for cursor sensitivity and responsiveness to be tailored to the activity at hand.
This is one of the reasons why even gamers, who would usually gravitate towards more gaming-specific mouse models, also review this mouse highly. It’s great for office work Monday through Friday and Call of Duty at the weekends.
The Jelly Comb Ergonomic Wireless uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology to connect wirelessly to almost any computer system.
The mouse is compatible with Windows and Mac systems, including Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.10. It relies on a rechargeable battery for power, yielding up to 2 months of charge from 1 hour of charging.
This is a durable mouse that you’ll get approximately 3 million clicks out of in its lifetime. They’ll be quiet clicks, as well, because the mouse is designed to minimize noise disturbance in workspaces.
Like the Slim Wireless mouse from Jelly Comb, the Ergonomic Wireless mouse comes in both classic and fun color options, with a plain black model available alongside pastel green and pastel pink choices.
Pros
- Ergonomic upright construction
- Adjustable precision
- Quiet
- Multifunctional
- Universally compatible
- 2.4 GHz wireless
- Rechargeable
- 3 color options
Cons
- Slightly too large for some
RUNNER UP
The Orbit Wireless Trackball Mouse from Kensington is a highly ergonomic mouse that’s also designed to make your working life more convenient in other ways!
This ambidextrous trackball mouse features 2 buttons and a 32 mm trackball that’s comfortable for people of either hand orientation to use.
It’s not strictly a vertical mouse, but it does have a slightly more elevated build than most standard mice to encourage wrist elevation and alignment.
The Kensington Orbit uses 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity to sync with all Windows, Chrome, and Mac OS computer systems.
Once you’ve connected this mouse to your computer using the Nano USB receiver, one of the first things you’ll notice is the high level of precision enabled by optical tracking technology.
But you won’t be able to spend all your time marveling at the precision and responsiveness of the Kensington Orbit mouse because there are so many easily accessible and advanced features to try out!
The buttons, for example, are customizable through free downloadable KensingtonWorks software.
There’s also a touch scrolling function built into the ring around the trackball, as well as media and desktop controls.
One thing to bear in mind if you decide to purchase this mouse is that, while all the extra features are incredible, the controls can also be highly sensitive. Learning how to use the trackball without setting off the scrolling function can be a little frustrating at first.
Pros
- Ergonomic trackball
- Optical precision
- 2.4 GHz wireless
- Button customization
- Media and desktop controls
- Touch scrolling function
- Universally compatible
Cons
- Overly sensitive controls
RUNNER UP
The ergonomic, vertical construction of the Anker Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical mouse makes it one of the most comfortable (and interesting-looking) mouse models for small hands.
The design might resemble a cross between a shark’s dorsal fin and a tiny model spaceship, but this clever little device will soon become your new work best friend!
Its shape encourages ‘handshake’ holding and a comfortable, contoured grip.
The Anker Wireless mouse uses 2.4 GHz technology to pair with most computer systems. It even works with Mac OS X computers, although the minor downside is that the page navigation buttons won’t work on these systems.
Thankfully, there are plenty of other useful features of the Anker Wireless mouse that will work on any system.
For example, the precision is adjustable from 800 to 1600 DPI, so you can double or halve the precision rating according to your current task. There’s also a power-saving mode that turns off the mouse after 8 minutes if not in use.
Pros
- Ergonomic vertical construction
- Contoured shape
- 2.4 GHz wireless
- Adjustable precision
- Power saving mode
Cons
- Page navigation buttons not responsive with Mac OS X
Best Ergonomic Mouse for Small Hands Buying Guide
So, it’s clear that there are some pretty advanced, ergonomic mouse designs out there for people with small hands. But how can you choose the best one? That’s what we’re here to help with!
Shape
Regularly shaped mice encourage users to position their wrists at an unnatural angle, where the wrist rests against the desk with the hand angled upwards. This, of course, does not foster proper alignment in the arm.
The reason why vertical or ‘upright’ mice are becoming more popular on the market for ergonomic mice involves a couple of factors.
Firstly, vertical mice typically encourage ‘handshake’ holding, which feels more natural than the curled grip required for other mice.
Moreover, an upright mouse encourages the wrist to elevate off the desk, promoting mouse movement that starts at the shoulder. Because the shoulder is a more robust joint than the wrist, there’s less risk of repetitive strain injury this way.
However, everybody is different, so what might be the perfect ergonomic mouse for one person might not help another.
This is why we’ve included some other non-vertical design options in our selection, like the Jelly Comb Slim mouse and the Kensington Orbit Trackball.
Size
Since you’re specifically looking for a mouse to fit small hands, you’ll also need to pay attention to dimensions.
‘Small’ isn’t a very specific descriptor, so we’d recommend taking some measurements of your dominant hand.
The measurements you want to focus on are the total length of your hand and fingers and the width of your palm.
If your hand length is under 17 cm (6.69 inches), then you should be fine with most mice advertised as small, which tend to be between 4 and 6 inches in length.
If your hands are longer than 17 cm, you may be more comfortable with a regular-sized mouse than a small one.
If your hand measures significantly shorter than 17 cm, you’ll probably need to narrow your search to the very smallest mouse models for comfort (see the Jelly Comb Slim mouse).
Movement Detection System
The main types of mice you’re likely to encounter are optical, laser, and trackball mice. The kind of movement detention system your mouse uses will impact how much movement is required for navigation.
This, in turn, can either enhance or reduce the ergonomic properties of your mouse.
A trackball mouse, for example, relies on the central trackball for most of the navigation, so very little physical movement at the wrist or shoulder is necessary.
This is a good ergonomic choice for anyone suffering from repetitive strain in either of these areas. However, it’s perhaps not the ideal choice for anyone suffering specifically from pain or tension in the fingers.
Laser and Optical mice both boast high precision rates (up to 2400 DPI in many cases). The high levels of responsiveness of both Optical and Laser mice translate to a need for smaller movements.
The click buttons are highly sensitive to touch in more advanced models, so you don’t need to use too much force, which is another ergonomic plus.
Connectivity
Most mouse models manufactured today are wireless, or at least have the option for wireless connection. This is especially true of ergonomic mice because wrangling with a connection cord is hardly a recipe for comfort.
2.4 GHz wireless connectivity is the standard for wireless mice. This rating provides a long-distance connection, so you won’t have to worry too much about your mouse getting out of range.
The speed isn’t as fast as, say, 5 GHz wifi, but it’s more than sufficient for a high-performing mouse.
Alternatively, if you want a fast, long-range connection plus multi-computer functionality, you could opt for a mouse with Bluetooth connectivity built-in.
Be sure to check for the inclusion of batteries and charging cables before purchase to ensure no further purchases will be necessary.
