Too many designs to count and too many functions to mention, the computer mouse has come a long way from its one-button job. We take a look back as well as a look forward to the ergonomic computer mouse, styles that have changed the way we click over years.
The Foot Pedal Computer Mouse
I can see where the foot pedal computer mouse would come in handy for a person with disabilities, say, unable to use their arms, but for the average person, this may be more challenging. This is definitely an option for eliminating all hand pain, since its only ones feet that are making the clicks happen. The foot pedal mouse product information states:
The three pedal system allows you to use one pedal for the shift key, one for the ctrl key and one for the alt. However, they can be programmed to be any key on the keyboard, or emulate a mouse click. For many users, the pain associated with mousing is caused by the action of clicking, not from moving the mouse.
The Finger Mouse (Instead of cramping the whole hand, just cramp one finger)
There are several different styles of the finger mouse. From finger computer mice that look like computer mouse pens, to little finger computer mouse rings and touch pads that only require your fingertips. The finger mouse has been around for awhile and comes in an assortment of styles. Using just fingertips on a trackpad, rather than ones whole hand and wrist moving around, can greatly reduce stress on the wrist.
Handshoe Mouse
The Handshoe Mouse was developed by two medical universities in Holland, with stress elimination in mind. Instead of wrapping ones hand to cling to the computer mouse, a person places their whole hand on the mouse, like a hand in a glove, this computer mouse design releases tension that is caused by the grip posture and moves the hand and wrist in comfortable positions.
Switch Mouse
This computer mouse is 30 percent bigger than a regular computer mouse and built to support not just the hand but the whole wrist and encourages the user to move around the mouse using an arm motion, not just a hand.
A Look Into The Future of The Ergonomic Computer Mouse
The future of the computer mouse may be a little bleak- as people move into touch screen monitors. But until that happens, there are numerous wireless computer mice, joystick computer mice, rolling ball mice and extra large or extra small models. One latest computer mouse model is the Microsoft Explorer Mini thats wireless, with a blue track sensor, a USB transceiver that has the capability to move across a screen 30 feet away. Ergonomic features include neutral orientation for right and left handed users, solid shape and comfort on wrists.
Who knows what to expect for the future though- desks without mice at all, giving way to strictly touch screen technology, voice activated computer mice or spongy-clay like models that form to your hand specifically.
Use your current computer mouse and look online at some of the first computer mice ever invented. As far as they have come in function and design, you will be quite surprised to see just how similar the first ones are to the fancy pants ones today.