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Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Rev. 2
Reviewed by
Rich Brown
on 06/20/2007
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Add to my list Product summary

The good: Keeps your arm even straighter than the competition (assuming that's ergonomically sound); DPI toggle button with LED indicator; software allows you to configure application-specific button profiles.

The bad: At $80, it's not cheap; not wireless; needs another thumb-side button; DPI-switching button inconveniently located on the bottom of the mouse.

The bottom line: Evoluent's updated VerticalMouse 3 refines its longtime ergonomic mouse product into a robust modern competitor. It lacks the wireless freedom of Microsoft's recent ergo mouse, but otherwise, it's just as comfortable, more feature-packed, and better designed. Just don't be afraid of its unorthodox looks.

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CNET editors' review

  • Reviewed by:
    Rich Brown
  • Reviewed on: 06/20/2007
Had this reviewer known about the Evoluent VerticalMouse prior to reviewing the Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 a few months back, he likely would have drawn a comparison to CNET's review of the Evoluent VerticalMouse 2, released in 2004. Fortunately he gets to redeem his ignorance with this review of the $80 VerticalMouse 3 (Rev. 2), which made its debut last month. It's a step up from the VerticalMouse 2, and we like it a bit better than the Microsoft ergonomic design. But as full-featured as the VerticalMouse 3 is, it could benefit from some more buttons. If you can get past the price and the unfamiliar design, we think it's worth trying if you're looking to give your sore mousing hand a shake-up.

First, a disclaimer. Despite a fair amount of research and even the backing of the Evoluent design by the University of California at Berkeley, no agreed-upon ergonomic standard for computer mice exists. Thus, neither CNET nor anyone else can really point to any mouse design as superior to any other. If you are experiencing repetitive-stress-related discomfort due to using your computer, you should definitely seek out the advice of a doctor.

The new VerticalMouse 3 looks very similar to the VerticalMouse 2. As for the "Rev. 2" in the product name, Evoluent informed us that it indicates the model with a DPI switching button on the bottom. We'll go over that feature in a minute, but needless to say, we'd rather have the button than not.

From the VerticalMouse 2 design, Evoluent says it reshaped the grip for a more universal fit on the VerticalMouse 3. Astute observers will also notice a lip on the bottom-right edge of the new mouse, which Evoluent added to keep your little finger up off the desk surface. Cosmetically, Evoluent also made the buttons silver, updating the purple from the previous design.

Compared to the Microsoft mouse, the Evoluent design cants your hand up at a more severe angle, positioning your hand nearly perpendicular to your mousing surface. The idea is that gripping a traditional mouse makes you twist your forearm in an unnatural manner. Ideally, ergonomic experts say, you would grab the mouse so that your palm is about 90 degrees to the table top. If indeed it's true that the closer to perpendicular the better, the VerticalMouse 3 does a better job than Microsoft's mouse at keeping your hand and forearm in the proper position.

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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

  • alaTest.com

    Editors' rating: 88

    Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 78 reviews of Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 78/100 and users 82/100. Comparing these reviews to 82988 other Mouse & Pointing Devices reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 88/100 = Very Good.

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  • everythingusb.com

    Summary: Recommended Accurate, comfortable, easy to use, slim to nil learning curve, and highly programmable with adjustable sensitivity. Crippled gamers rejoice!

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  • pcmag.com

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: The Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 offers the benefits of an ergonomic mouse and the features of a gaming mouse. Consider its price a long-term investment, but just stay conscious of using it as vertically as possible.

    Read full review

Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Rev. 2

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