![Logitech Lift](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/angled-800x450.jpg)
Scharon Harding
Instant specifications: Logitech Lift | |||
---|---|---|---|
Sensor | Optical (model not stated) | ||
Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy, 2.4 GHz wireless dongle | ||
Programmable buttons | 4 | ||
Built-in profiles | 0 | ||
Lighting | None | ||
Size | 4.25 x 2.76 x 2.8 inches (108 x 70 x 71mm) |
||
Weight | 0.28 lb (125 g) | ||
Guarantee | 1 year | ||
Price (MSRP) | 70 USD |
With shockingly high stature and unconventional curves, vertical mice require some adjustment to use. But the claimed benefit, if you have to believe mouse makers, is greater arm, wrist and hand comfort due to a more natural hand position.
But like any ergonomic peripheral, you will reap no benefits if you do not get used to the device. Logitech is one of the biggest names in vertical mice, thanks to MX Vertical, one of the most feature-rich vertical mice on the market. The Logitech Lift Wireless Mouse is not as feature-rich, but it’s more inviting due to its smaller build aimed at small to medium-sized hands, a left-handed setting, and more colors.
These options make it easier to find a good fit, which is crucial for ergonomics. And despite having a hand size that fits both the Lift and MX Vertical, I found the Lift to be easier to grab while navigating the side buttons than any other vertical mouse I’ve used.
Vertical design
![The lift has four programmable buttons.](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/main-buttons-640x360.jpg)
Scharon Harding
The lift puts your hand at a 57-degree angle with the desk and in a handshake-like position. By comparison, the MX Vertical is at the same angle, and Logitech’s trackball mouse, MX Ergo, is at a 20-degree angle. The angled designs result in less forearm pronation, keeping it and your hand more in line with the rest of your arm. Logitech made the Lift (4.25 x 2.76 x 2.8 inches, 0.28 lb) for hands up to 7.5 inches long, while the MX Vertical (4.72 x 3.11 x 3.09 inches, 0 , 3 lb) are for hands measuring at least 6.9 inches long.
![Logitech Lift (left) and Logitech MX Vertical (right).](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/top-e1650311676643-640x295.jpg)
Scharon Harding
Ergonomics is about comfort, so Logitech’s vertical mouse capabilities include two sizes (and the left-handed option) for the benefit of people’s needs. But is there any evidence that a vertical mouse can relieve pain?
A little research on vertical mice
There is no hard evidence that a vertical mouse can alleviate problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury (RSI). Logitech is also careful not to make any strong promises other than saying that the mouse “takes the pressure off the wrist while promoting a more natural forearm position during the day.” However, there is research that confirms that vertical mice successfully combat forearm pronation.
A study, a 2015 paper, by researchers from Synaptics and the University of Washington’s School of Public Health, found that vertical mice greatly reduce pronation. It also found that “increasing the height of the mouse and angling the topcase of the mouse can improve the posture of the wrist without adversely affecting performance,” and that vertical mice can also lead to less discomfort in the neck and shoulder.
For carpal tunnel, the study showed that although there was less ulnar deviation with vertical mice, there was not a sharp decrease in carpal tunnel pressure.
![The left-handed version only comes in the graphite color (left).](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logitech-lift-640x415.jpeg)
Logitech
Ergonomics experts, including the U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), place an emphasis on keeping your wrists and hands in line with your forearms when working with a computer. Although it does not comment on arm pronation.
Germany’s AGR, which certified MX Vertical and MX Ergo, says a non-ergonomic mouse or non-ergonomic keyboard, based on a Google translation, can “put an unnecessary strain on the spine (especially the cervical spine), muscles and the joints (primarily shoulder and hand). These massive loads, possibly also in combination with stress, can make the user sick in the long run. “
![The forearm is less twisted when holding a vertical mouse compared to a traditional one.](https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/arm-640x360.jpg)
Scharon Harding
So while there is no evidence that a vertical mouse will cure or prevent medical problems like carpal tunnel, they reduce pronation and should also help your arm maintain a more true 90-degree angle. If you have pain that originates from one of these areas, a vertical mouse may be helpful.
That is, if you use it comfortably.