Review: Logitech’s Lift vertical mouse helps control RSI
The IS Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) claims that Repetitive Pressure Injury (RSI) hits hundreds of thousands of workers every year— one in 50 workers I have and have developed a long – term condition tackled for years.
That’s why, when I learned about it Logitech’s new vertical LIFT mouse, I had to try . I have been using it for the past two weeks and, anecdotally at least, I am happy to say that it has helped to reduce discomfort.
What is Logitech’s new elevator mouse?
The Elevated Vertical Ergonomic Mouse (that’s its full name) is a wireless mouse designed for daytime use. It’s the latest addition to the company’s Ergo Series of mice and keyboards, which are ergonomically designed to improve posture and alleviate discomfort.
LogitechLogitech Ergonomic Vertical Lift
The wireless mouse is available in left and right handheld configurations, but is designed for smaller hands than the company’s current MX Vertical or MX Ergo mice.
The Lift is about 20% smaller than those. It is 2.8-in. ard, 2.7-in. wide and 4.2-in. long and weighs 4.4 ounces. You will find a rubberized grip fitted with a thumb rest, a silent scroll wheel, four configurable buttons (including the scroll wheel, which acts as a button when pressed), and two mouse buttons. The whole thing is pleasantly comfortable to use.
The mouse is not rechargeable, which seems like a missed opportunity – although it’s no big draw since it works for up to two years using only one AA battery, and you can rechargeable batteries. use reloads if you wish. Two years is what I call great battery life in a mouse.
Let It Flow
The company has also built its own Universal Control software, which she asks Logitech Flow. This allows you to use the mouse over up to three devices from different operating systems, sliding between the devices by pushing to the edge of the screen. It also allows you to move files between your devices.
This is not the case either / or Mac – iPad users will be happy to know that the mouse also works with Apple Universal Controlwhich means you can control three Apple devices from a single mouse.
It always interests me that Logitech works for it keep in step with Apple on peripherals, though both companies are among the oldest names in technology.
Ergonomics and RSI
Some may still remember that Apple mouse “puck” round perhaps the worst ergonomic mouse ever made; fortunately there was always an industry rich in alternative mice.
A must have. Millions are suffering from conditions caused by poor posture and repetitive movement, which is great 6.7% of US workers they will be diagnosed with one of these conditions during their lifetime.
Lots of experts advising computer users rotate regularly between different mice instead of using the same mouse / mouse design, as this helps to mitigate damage over time by changing your hand and arm posture. That’s an approach that I’ve been following for the last decade and it helps.
The next step is to use ergonomic mouse designs. These work because they prevent you from twisting your hand in an unnatural way for a long time, which is what most of us do when using a normal mouse (or touchpad). Ergonomic controllers used in conjunction with a good chair, desk at the right height and good posture help manage or mitigate the development of these conditions.
The next level after this is the use of a vertical mouse, because it allows you to use your computer in a much more comfortable and natural setting. A combined, ergonomic and vertical design should help you hold your hand in a neutral (or natural) position, reducing the stress and strain of computer use.
What Lift Provides
The lift is comfortable to hold in a small or medium arm and has a small angle of 57 degrees for use that helps you maintain that vital natural forearm posture while in use. To find out why this works, all you have to do is press your hand on the side-by-side table and change it until you find the most comfortable place. You will probably find a slight inclination towards your body, which is what the mouse aims to help you do.
Because the mouse is designed to help your hand continue at this natural angle, you avoid putting it under the kind of pressure that causes problems like RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It will not completely prevent this, but it does help.
Logitech told me that the company ‘s ergonomic design lab put the device through an extensive development process in which thousands of designs were considered before it became the Lift.
Two weeks with a mouse
Although it took me a while to get used to using a vertical mouse with my part (still great) M1 Mac Mini, I am glad I followed. Sometimes I have to resort to painkillers to handle the discomfort caused by my RSI and I have become sensitive to ways of working that make a difference.
When using it, the rest of the thumb is much more comfortable than I was using a normal mouse, and the soft rubber grip nests comfortably in my hand. My personal experience is that the new Logitech mouse has made a significant difference and greatly reduced discomfort.
I would advise anyone suffering from this condition – or trying to ensure that they do not develop it – to add one of these devices to the collection of mice they rotate between.
What about the software?
The Logitech software is growing on me. It allows you to create different shortcuts for the four buttons on the device. I use two for Mission Disclosure and Control gestures, which is useful to me as a Heavy spaces user.
The power tool here is that you can assign various app-related shortcuts to various applications, including Word, Safari and many more.
I’ve found that it’s not always worth enabling custom shortcuts for any frequently used applications. The reason for this is that, like the infamous Touch Bar, it’s a burden to remember the shortcuts you assigned and do not end up using them.
However, if you frequently use one or two applications, this feature should save you time and help you access frequently used controls with a single click.
What about sustainability?
We know that hardware manufacturers of all kinds must focus on more sustainable business models if we are to have any hope of achieving the 2030 climate change targets. Logitech recognizes this, and while not on the same scale as Apple, working to manufacture products with higher volumes of recycled materials. An elevator uses up to 70% recycled plastics. It is also confirmed to be carbon neutral for the strength of Logitech’s investments in renewable forests and community carbon reduction schemes.
Must or miss?
Any business that assigns computer equipment to staff should definitely look at ergonomic input devices as a viable option to help prevent work-related injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or RSI. The costs of such industries are estimated to be between $ 15 billion and $ 20 billion per year. according to OSHA.
For my own unique case, the Elevated Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is a definite must. I have seen a significant reduction in muscle discomfort since I have been using it, and for that reason alone I would recommend it. I also recommend it to anyone who wants to avoid such a condition in the first place.
Availability and price
The mouse is now available from Logitech and select retailers in left and right hand models (make sure you choose the right one) for $ 69.99 in rose, white and graphite. Works with Windows, Macs, Android, iPadOS, Linux and Chrome systems, which means you can use it with your Mac, iPad, PC and Chromebook.
Your hand and arm will thank you for using it.
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Review: Logitech’s Lift vertical mouse helps control RSI
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