Logitech Lift hands-on: A vertical mouse for the rest of us

Because the pandemic has caused me to spend more time at my PC than ever before, things like carpal tunnel syndrome and other repeated stress injuries have become a growing concern. And while MX Vertical is one of the best gadgets to avoid straining your tendons, its bulky dimensions meant it never really worked for me. But with the new Lift, Logitech finally has a great alternative for people with smaller hands.

Priced at $ 70 and available in three colors (graphite, rose and off-wite), Logitech says the Lift was developed by their Ergo Lab following feedback from employees and customers who, like me, were put off by the size of the MX Vertical. So after several rounds of user testing and approval from third-party ergonomic institutions, the company decided on a slimmer model that is 22 percent smaller than before.

Unlike the MX Vertical, the Logitech Lift comes in both left- and right-hand versions. — Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Now that may not sound like much, but as a guy with medium-sized hands, the difference is immediately apparent. When I tested both Logitech’s offerings side by side, the Lift felt smoother and more natural, while the MX Vertical felt like holding a softball.

To further enhance all-day usability, the Lift features a 57-degree vertical design that the company says mimics a person’s natural arm and wrist position, while a practical thumb support and soft rubber coating help provide a firm, non-slip grip . And unlike the MX Vertical, the Lift even comes in both right- and left-handed versions, so there’s something for everyone.

To work better for people with smaller hands, the Lift is 22 percent smaller than the MX Vertical. — Here is a size comparison between MX Vertical (left) and the new Lift (right).

It is noteworthy that while the Lift does not carry the MX designation for Logitech’s most premium peripherals, the mouse still has a sleek magnetic SmartWheel and can be paired with up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth or the Logi Bolt receiver (included). But one of my favorite things about the Lift is that apart from the clickable thumb buttons, the scroll wheel and left and right mouse buttons are super quiet, which is really nice if you do not want to disturb your family or colleagues (especially if you work at night) .

My only two minor complaints are that I would have preferred a rechargeable design and that Logitech still does not make a USB-C version of its receiver. That said, longevity is not likely to be a major issue with an alleged battery life of 24 months from a single AA battery. And if you have a PC that only has USB-C ports, there is a good chance that you already have the necessary adapter lying around.

Logitech underwent a series of iterations before landing on the final design of the Lift. — Sam Rutherford / Engadget

All in all, even though I know the Lift is not a groundbreaking product, I appreciate Logitech’s drive to make its ergonomic devices more accessible. With the ongoing shift to working remotely, I have tried to take stock of my home office and eliminate all objects that cause unnecessary stress. And although I’m not sure I could switch to Lift full time, as it’s not great for games, I noticed that even using it for an hour or two had a big impact on how my wrist felt at the end. the day . So while not quite as sophisticated as the $ 100 MX Vertical, from what I’ve seen so far, the Lift is a comfortable and even more affordable option for upgrading your daily work.

You can order the Logitech Lift for $ 70 directly from the company’s website or third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy right now.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial staff, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we can earn an affiliate commission.