The most common ergonomic mouse problems, from 2,682 verified buyers

1. The most common ergonomic mouse problem owners report: “Uncomfortable shape, or caused strain”, raised in 36% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Clicks or scroll wheel give trouble” (16%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Comfortable for long days”, in 24% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 92% of verified buyers rated their ergonomic mouse 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; ergonomic mice rank 20 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 4% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 25.
5. Across the 8 ergonomic mice with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 86% to 96%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these ergonomic mice had a median of 93% happy buyers, against 92% for the cheaper half (up to £85).
7. Owners agree with experts here: models whose expert reviews earned our “great choice” verdict had a median of 94% happy buyers, against 88% for “good with caveats”.
8. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (95% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (82%).

Share of the 206 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Uncomfortable shape, or caused strain36%
   Came up on 7 models
2. 2. Clicks or scroll wheel give trouble16%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Lag or dropped connection12%
   Came up on 6 models
4. 4. Broke down or developed a fault10%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Software problems on Mac, Linux or iPad7%
   Came up on 4 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Uncomfortable shape, or caused strain (36% of complaints)

   Measure your hand and check the mouse size and angle: vertical mice take a week or two to get used to. Buy where returns are easy.

2. 2. Clicks or scroll wheel give trouble (16% of complaints)

   Check the warranty, as worn clicks and wheels are the usual fault after a year or two of daily use.

3. 3. Lag or dropped connection (12% of complaints)

   Use the USB receiver close to the mouse for the steadiest connection, and keep it away from USB 3 ports and Wi-Fi routers.

4. 4. Broke down or developed a fault (10% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

5. 5. Software problems on Mac, Linux or iPad (7% of complaints)

   Check the maker's software supports your system before relying on extra buttons.

Share of the 649 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Comfortable for long days24%
   Came up on 8 models
2. 2. Programmable buttons and smooth scrolling11%
   Came up on 5 models
3. 3. Eased wrist, arm or hand pain11%
   Came up on 5 models
4. 4. Easy to set up and use8%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. Quiet clicks6%
   Came up on 5 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.