Most people start out with a “standard” mouse, which, to be fair, fits most people quite satisfactorily. However, if a mouse doesn’t fit your hand, the computer sales person isn’t going to be the one to tell you. How do you know if a mouse is right for you? Maybe you’d be better off with a mini-sized “mole” instead. Or, if your hand is large, you might be more of a “lab-rat” aficionado.
We are often asked to do assessments for people who are convinced that the mouse is the problem.
Here’s how to check the mouse’s size for your hand. Place your hand on your mouse, with your fingers gently resting on the buttons, and your forearm resting on the desk or mouse tray.
- If the mouse fills the space under your hand, with your fingers resting on the buttons and your forearm in contact with the desk or mouse tray, congratulations, it’s the correct size for you!
- The mouse is too small if your hand looks bunched up over the mouse. Your wrist is probably bent backwards, and your knuckles are not resting on the mouse. If this is the case, you want look for a rat (a.k.a. a bigger mouse) instead!
- The mouse is too large if there is a gap between your wrist and the desk, or your fingers simply can’t reach the buttons. Look for a mole (a smaller mouse)!
Choosing the best desk rodent is more than just appropriate size. Most often, “mouse problems” are the result of the temperament of the mouse:
- Is your mouse afraid of you? (Bring it closer so that your elbow is close to the side of your body.)
- Is it feeling low, or high? (Adjust the keyboard and mouse surface, or adjust yourself so that the mouse is in line with your relaxed elbow height.)
- Is the armrest blocking the mouse’s zen, causing an awkward and uncomfortable approach? Does your elbow hit the armrest when you try to move the mouse? (Try lowering the armrests, or removing them altogether.)
- If your mouse is over-exerting its “rights”, try it on the left!
- Is your mouse a bit touchy? Jumps and skitters? Take control in the settings, by adjusting the speed of movement.
Join us on February 5th in Kitchener to learn more about how to tame desk rodents. (Oh, and also, how to adjust a chair, how to optimise keyboard, mouse, and screen heights, how to manage requests for sit/stand desks, and more!)