I’ve used a Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball as my primary pointing device on my home, mobile, and work computers for many years, reserving mouse usage to specialty cases like games. After a bout with carpal tunnel-like symptoms in the mid-1990s, I’ve really come to rely on Logitech’s thumb trackball design for maximum comfort (side note: I used to also need an ergonomic keyboard, but for many years now have no longer had the need, preferring instead traditional mechanical keyboard designs).
As a side effect of needing the comfort of more ergonomic computing devices, I’ve had a keen interest in the category. Nevertheless, despite my desires, I’ve never had an opportunity to try a vertical mouse. With the iXCC Wireless Vertical Mouse, that failing has finally been rectified.
The iXCC package comes with the mouse and a tiny user manual. Two AAA batteries are required, but not included. The design of the mouse is interesting and immediately intuitive, but, sadly for left-handers, purely a right-handed experience.
Next to the battery compartment is the dock for the 2.4GHz USB dongle (roughly 30 foot range). Once the batteries are inserted into the mouse and the dongle into your computer, you can turn the mouse on with its switch. You can choose to use the mouse with or without its removable palm rest, but I found it quite comfortable, so I left it on.
DPI is adjustable between 800 and 3000 (optical resolution). A power saving auto-sleep function puts the mouse into sleep mode after 8 minutes. Clicking any of the mouse’s many buttons wake it from sleep.
In terms of functionality, the mouse features a DPI Switch button, Scroll Wheel/Middle button (i.e, scrollable and clickable), Previous/Next buttons, and the expected Left and Right click buttons. There’s no native programmability or adjustments other than the onboard DPI Switch, but that’s OK because that means its compatible with nearly any mouse-capable device, including of course Windows XP or greater, Mac OSX (10.4 and greater), and Linux computers. I’m using it with a Windows 10 desktop.
The all-important indicator with any mouse, naturally, is how it performs. I was also concerned about a learning curve. There definitely was a learning curve, but after a few days I was able to get the hang of it. Even during the learning curve, I noted that the action was smooth and the comfort top-notch.
If you’re concerned about carpal tunnel symptoms or a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), the iXCC Wireless Vertical Mouse is worth investigation. It makes a nice alternative for those who don’t like trackballs.
Pluses:
– Ergonomic and comfortable
– Great price
– Button placement is logical
– Smooth action
– Minimal setup requirements
Minuses:
– Only works for right-handed mousers
– No way to know what DPI setting you’ve selected
– Few extended features
– There’s a learning curve
Summary:
A great value for an ergonomic vertical mouse.
Thanks to iXCC for the review unit.
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