Prolonged desk work can leave wrists, forearms, and shoulders feeling tight. Vertical mice, trackballs, split keyboards, and wrist rests address the problem by changing how your hands and arms sit while you work. This roundup highlights 8 practical options for reducing strain at a desk, each designed for a different combination of hand size, desk space, and typing style.
How we choose
The products below are grouped according to the specific job they do: upright-hand mice for smaller or larger hands, thumb-driven trackballs for tight desks, split keyboards for typists, and accessories that add support to your existing setup. Each entry notes the most useful features and the practical limitation to consider before buying.
Our 8 Picks
LogitechMX Vertical Wireless Mouse Ergonomic Design - Graphite | Reduces muscle strain, move content between 3 Windows and Apple computers, rechargeable
What it is
A wireless vertical mouse with a 57-degree angle, 4000 DPI optical sensor, and Bluetooth or USB receiver connectivity.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to full-size-hand users who want a vertical shape plus a multi-computer workflow: it can pair with up to three Windows and Apple computers, and the cursor-speed switch lets you change sensitivity on the fly. The 57-degree handshake angle is designed to keep the wrist straighter than a conventional flat mouse.
Caveat
It is a right-hand, full-size mouse, so people with smaller hands may find the Lift more comfortable.
LogitechLift Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse - Graphite | Connect via Bluetooth or included Logi Bolt USB-A receiver, quiet clicks, 4 of 6 buttons customizable, Windows Mac compatible
What it is
A wireless vertical mouse sized for small to medium right hands, with Bluetooth or Logi Bolt USB-A receiver connectivity.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for smaller hands: Logitech explicitly sizes this model for small to medium right hands, and its 57-degree angle, textured grip, and thumb rest are designed for a relaxed forearm posture. Logitech states the battery lasts up to 24 months, and 4 of 6 buttons can be customized.
Caveat
It is a right-hand model, so left-handed users should look for the dedicated left-hand version.
KensingtonMY630 EQ Wireless Rechargeable Mouse, Ergonomic Vertical Design, Bluetooth LE, 2.4GHz, Black (K72484NA)
What it is
A full-size wireless vertical mouse with Bluetooth LE and 2.4GHz connectivity, silent switches, and a rechargeable battery.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to users who want a vertical mouse with a more sustainable build: Kensington states it is made with at least 57% post-consumer recycled content in its plastic components. It also has silent switches, a rechargeable battery, and built-in receiver storage.
Caveat
The full-size vertical shape is better suited to medium-to-large hands.
LogitechErgo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Split Keyboard with Wrist Rest | Curved split keyframe, pillowed wrist rest, Bluetooth, USB connectivity with included USB Receiver, Windows Mac compatible
What it is
A wireless split ergonomic keyboard with a curved keyframe, pillowed wrist rest, and Bluetooth or USB receiver connectivity.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for typists who want a one-piece split board with a wrist rest: the curved, split keyframe is designed to let forearms and wrists stay straighter while typing. Logitech states it reduces wrist bending by 25% and offers 54% more wrist support than a standard keyboard, and the adjustable tilt legs suit seated or standing desks. The full-size layout includes a numpad.
Caveat
As a full-size keyboard, it needs a wide desk area.
MicrosoftSculpt Ergonomic Wireless Desktop Keyboard and Wireless Mouse L5V-00001
What it is
A wireless ergonomic desktop set with a split-keyset keyboard, cushioned palm rest, separate number pad, and mouse.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for people who want a coordinated ergonomic setup rather than mixing pieces: the Sculpt Desktop includes a split-keyset keyboard, a separate number pad, and a mouse. The separate number pad can be placed to suit your workspace, and the cushioned palm rest supports the wrists. Microsoft lists AES encryption for secure wireless data entry.
Caveat
The set is Windows-focused, so Mac users may need to map keys differently.
LogitechMX Ergo S Advanced Wireless Trackball Mouse USB C - Graphite | Advanced ergonomic design, rechargeable battery, Bluetooth and encrypted dongle, 6 programmable buttons, PC/Mac compatible
What it is
A wireless thumb-operated trackball mouse with a 20-degree tilt, USB-C charging, and Bluetooth or Logi Bolt dongle connectivity.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for small desk setups because the cursor is moved with the thumb, so the arm stays still. Logitech states the 20-degree tilt supports a more natural forearm posture, and the clicks are 80% quieter than previous models. It also has six customizable buttons and USB-C recharging.
Caveat
The 20-degree tilt is fixed, so it does not offer adjustable angles.
GimarsUpgrade Enlarge Silky and Superfine Fabric Gel Memory Foam Keyboard Wrist Rest Set, Ergonomic Keyboard Mouse Wrist Support for Typing Pain Relief, Comfort for Office, Gaming, Computer, Black
What it is
A keyboard and mouse wrist rest set with gel memory foam cushions and non-slip rubber bases.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for anyone who wants to add wrist support to an existing keyboard and mouse without changing devices: the set includes both a keyboard rest and a mouse rest, and the 1.2-inch memory foam cushions are covered in a water-resistant, stain-resistant spandex fabric. It is the lowest-cost item in this edit, so it works as a first step before committing to a vertical mouse or split keyboard.
Caveat
It cushions the wrist but does not reposition the forearm the way vertical or split devices do.
KensingtonTB675 Wireless Vertical Trackball Mouse, Ergonomic Design, Rechargeable - Black (K72171WWMY)
What it is
A wireless vertical trackball mouse with a 60-degree tilt, thumb-operated ball, and nine programmable buttons.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for users who want the upright wrist angle of a vertical mouse but the minimal hand movement of a trackball. The 60-degree tilt is more upright than the MX Ergo S's 20-degree angle, and the thumb ball keeps the forearm still. Kensington states the contoured shape is ergonomist-approved, and the metal 4D scroll wheel allows side-to-side scrolling.
Caveat
Thumb-driven trackballs have a learning curve.
How to choose
How to choose the right vertical mice and split keyboards for wrist pain at a desk
Takeaway
An ergonomic desk setup does not require replacing everything at once. Pick the single change that targets the part of your workspace that bothers you most — a vertical mouse, trackball, split keyboard, or wrist rest — and adjust from there.
