What Should I Consider When Buying an Ergonomic Mouse?

An ergonomic mouse is a type of computer mouse that an individual can use for extended periods of time without causing serious damage to his or her arm. When the first commercial mice appeared in the 1980s, there wasn’t any recorded experience on the use of these computer input devices. As time went by and millions of people around the world began using them, it was found that the mouse, as it was designed, wasn’t ergonomic enough for human hands.

For this reason, several companies decided to create an ergonomic mouse that didn’t cause any kind of temporary or permanent damage to employees. That way, both the company and the worker benefited from its use. Although an ergonomic mouse is more expensive than a typical mouse, it is much cheaper than the medical costs of curing the affected employee.

The first thing to be considered when buying an ergonomic mouse is how it will be used. A mouse can be used for something as simple as navigating through spreadsheets or as complex as three dimensional design. Also, it may be used for only a couple of hours per day or for several hours. The second thing to consider is when buying an ergonomic mouse is to find one that the employee feels comfortable with. Both the employer and the employee must agree that the ergonomic mouse is the best selection for the purpose it will serve, while still proving comfort to the employee.

The third issue is the level of support that the brand offers. An ergonomic mouse, as any mechanical device, is prone to breaking. Therefore, it is best to find out about the warranty and post-warranty conditions of the brand and to look for the one that gives the best post-sales support.

The fourth thing to be taken into account is that the user of the ergonomic mouse must be trained to use it. In addition, the employee needs to know how to sit properly at his or her workstation without generating any kind of bodily damage. This is extremely important, since an employee may determine that his or her ailments are due to the ergonomic mouse, rather than to lack of knowledge of ergonomic regulations. As a result, the company may find itself paying for expensive medical costs that are really the employee’s fault.

Finally, it is important to ask the seller about previous companies that have purchased a particular type of ergonomic mouse. By taking note of their names and giving them a call, the buyer may be able to gain helpful information regarding the experience other companies' employees had with the ergonomic mouse.