Looking for the best mouse for programming? Programmers, like other creatives, spend a lot of hours in front of the PC.Besides the keyboard and the PC, the best mouse for programming is the other peripheral they interact with the most.
They use the mouse to select items and move the items, among other activities. Using a standard mouse can result in Repetitive Strain Injuries. It can affect your nerves and tendons while causing tension to the muscles in your body. To alleviate such injuries, programmers need the best mouse for programming.
The problem is, there are plenty of high tech mice on the market, which can be confusing for a first-time buyer. Lucky for you, we researched on your behalf, and here is the selection of the best mouse for developers
Product Review
1. Logitech MX Master 3 - Our Pick
Logitech is a trusted brand that makes the best mouse for programmers as well as other computer accessories. Headquartered in Switzerland, the company creates products designed to improve productivity.
One of the best products to come from its production line is the Logitech MX Master 3. As the most advanced mouse from the Master Series, the MX Master 3 is specially designed for creatives like coders.
It features the all-new MagSpeed Electromagnetic scrolling wheel that is 90% faster, enough to scroll 1000+ lines in a second. Unlike a standard mouse that produces noise while scrolling. The MX Master 3 is near silent while scrolling fast. It’s also 87% more precise than other models.
Thanks to this feature, programmers can scan or view long web pages and documents. They can also check their code for errors. What you need to know is that the scroll wheel is typically made of steel, which gives it premium tactility.
Besides the scroll wheel, the MX Master 3 has a thumbwheel and gesture buttons. To use gesture commands, simply click and hold the gesture button. Now, you can work comfortably on your projects without straining your wrist.
MX Master 3 is fully customizable. You can configure every action for your workflow. Since the mouse is fully customizable, you’ll work faster and meet your deadlines on time.
The MX Master 3 is optimized for the following apps: Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Google Chrome, Adobe Premiere Pro, and others.
Besides being compatible with the apps above, the mouse works on both Mac OS and Windows OS. As such, you can control multiple computers using Logitech Flow technology. This enables you to complete more projects.
PROS
- Can control multiple computers
- Compatible with Mac OS and Windows OS
- Has an ergonomic design that contours to your hand
- Customizable for app-specific tasks
- Easy to use
CONS
- Not compatible with Linux OS
2. Logitech MX ERGO Mouse - First Runner’s Up
One of the most common entrapment neuropathy that affects 3% to 6% of adults is carpal tunnel syndrome.
This condition occurs when the median nerve that runs from your forearm to your hand becomes pressed. Another cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive wrist movement.
If you are looking for the best mouse for coding, especially for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, this is for you. The MX Ergo offers a new standard of precision and comfort.
Here is why. It delivers 20% less strain to your hand and wrist, unlike a standard mouse. This is because it features a unique adjustable hinge.
The hinge allows you to select the best angle for comfort. Users have a choice of 0 degrees to 20 degrees. This sets your hand in a natural position, unlike a regular mouse.
As such, you can work long hours without worrying about a repetitive strain on your hand and wrist.
The best mouse for programming also comes with a trackball for precision and advanced tracking. You can now change the speed of your cursor as well as its accuracy.
All you need to do is press the button just above the trackball. If you want to get things done faster, such as accessing shortcuts, use the scroll wheel.
The wheel features horizontal scrolling with tilt. The best mouse for programming comes with a rechargeable battery.
On a single charge, the battery lasts up to 4 months. Thanks to its fast-charging capability, one minute of charge can last a day.
PROS
- Has a rechargeable battery
- Works with Logitech Flow
- Comes with an adjustable hinge for greater comfort
- Stylish
- Easy to use
CONS
- A bit heavy
- Logitech has yet to make a version for left-handers
3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse - Second Runner’s Up
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is a sleek, well-designed mouse that looks great sitting on your home office desk. Since it’s round and large, your hand will rest comfortably, unlike a regular mouse.
What we loved about the mouse is the streamlined curve. Thanks to the streamlined curve, the mouse encourages proper wrist and hand posture.
As such, you don’t have to worry about the pain caused by repetitive stress injuries.
The mouse features Microsoft BlueTrack Technology. This technology combines the precision of laser and the power of optics
. What you have is a mouse that delivers remarkable tracking on any surface.
As such, you can use the mouse on a rubber or cloth surface. Besides the sleek design, another feature we loved is the thumb scoop. The scoop allows you to rest your thumb while using the mouse.
You may have caught the attention of the large blue Windows Logo button. If using Windows OS, pressing this button provides quick access to the start menu.
Now you can access your fast, which allows you to get more work done.
Apart from the big blue button, there is a small button beneath the Windows logo button.
It serves as a “back” button.
To power the mouse, you need 2 AA alkaline batteries. These batteries can last up to 12 months.
Since the mouse allows wireless connectivity, you can connect to compatible devices running Windows OS, Mac OS, and Android OS.
PROS
- Sleek design
- Prevents repetitive stress injuries and pain
- Provides quick access to the start menu
- Black in color
CONS
- BlueTrack Technology does not work on mirrored or clear glass surfaces
- No Bluetooth connectivity
4. Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Optical Mouse - Budget Option
If you are looking for a reliable best mouse for programming or for coders that is vertical, try the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Optical Mouse.
The mouse comes in an ergonomic design that encourages your hand and wrist’s natural position while navigating.
At the same time, you might think that the mouse’s vertical nature will interfere with movement You are wrong.
In fact, it ensures smoother movement and less strain. The mouse comes with forwarding and back buttons.
These are useful when browsing the web. You can move to the next page or return to the previous webpage at the press of a button.
Besides web browsing, these buttons are useful for casual gaming and coding. Basically, this mouse is an effective solution for multiple needs when using a computer. Made from ABS plastic,it has a rubber finish.
The finish prevents slipping and feels natural to the touch. It comes with an auto-sleep feature. This feature puts the mouse to sleep after 8 minutes of inactivity.
To wake up the mouse, press the left or right button. Underneath the mouse, there is a slot where you can store the USB dongle if you plan on traveling.
The mouse can deliver a DPI of 800, 1200, and 1600. This is within the range of a regular mouse.
The only difference is that the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Optical Mouse provides precise tracking on various surfaces.
As a sleek best mouse for programming for programmers, it’s powered by 2 AAA batteries with a battery life of 1+ years.
PROS
- The futuristic design encourages a neutral wrist and hand position
- Has forward and back buttons for web page browsing and casual gaming
- Enters power saving mode after 8 minutes of inactivity
- Comfortable and classy
- Compatible with Windows OS, Linux OS, and Mac OS
CONS
- Buttons are not intuitive
- May take time to learn
5. Razer DeathAdder Chroma Mouse - Multipurpose (Coding & Gaming)
If you are looking for the best mouse for programmers that doubles as a gaming mouse, this is for you. The Razer DeathAdder Chroma mouse comes in a sleek design that fits snugly in your palm.
Thanks to its ergonomic shape, you don’t have to worry about pain even after long hours of gaming or coding.
The mouse also has a 10,000 DPI optical sensor. As such, it’s capable of mouse movements of up to 200 inches per second.
It’s also capable of 50g accelerations. For general users, this sounds like overkill. But for coders who are gamers too, this makes the difference between winning and losing a fight.
What you need to know is that the optical sensor is capable of tracking Z-axis even on surfaces like glass tabletops.
This is beneficial to low sense gamers and coders who want to set the mouse tracking to cut off when they lift it off the surface.
It has five easy-to-use buttons that include the left side button 1, left side button two, and the right-click button.
It also has the left click button, middle click, and scroll wheel. All these buttons allow you to achieve your objectives without hurting your wrist or hand.
With 16.8 million customizable color options, Chroma lighting allows you to enhance your mood.
Whether you are in the mood for red, Razer’s green or electric blue, you can illuminate the scroll wheel and logo with your favorite color.
PROS
- Has a 10,000 DPI optical sensor that improves tracking
- Perfect for coders who are gamers
- Capable of 200 inches per second mouse movements
- Has textured rubber side grips that prevent slipping
- Improves your mood with Chroma lighting
CONS
- No left-handed version
- Expensive compared to other model
Bottom Line
If you are an intense programmer and your primary concern is repetitive strain injuries, worry no more. The mice reviewed here make the best mouse for programming, unlike a regular mouse.
A regular mouse requires you to twist your wrist continually. If you do this for long hours, it will cause stress to your tendons.
Experts recommend that the best way to use a mouse is at the neutral or handshake position.
At this position, you don’t have to twist your mouse as the best mouse for programming is ergonomic. Examples include Logitech MX Master 3, Logitech MX ERGO Mouse, and the Anker Vertical Mouse.
Others include the Razer DeathAdder Chroma Mouse and the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse. We highly recommend the Logitech MX Master 3.
It features electromagnetic hyperfast scrolling, steel scroll wheel, and gesture buttons. As such, it’s 90% faster, ultra-quiet, and 87% more precise than other models.
Best of luck!
