How this wireless mouse and trackpad duo saved my wrists

Several years ago, I began to suffer from painful fatigue in the wrists, fingers and forearms. Since I write between 100,000 and 200,000 words a week, that’s normal. When this started I was not using the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard which would have helped me with my issues. I also didn’t have the Logitech MX Ergo Mouse, which seriously relieves my wrists.

On the other hand, I had (and still have) the Logitech T650 touchpad. Although this device no longer exists, you can find a large number of other devices that can replace it.

In fact, I’d say modern iterations of the hardware, like the Apple Magic Trackpad, would be far superior, thanks to better support for multi-touch gestures. Despite this, I still love my Logitech T650, and I use the touchpad in addition to the MX Ergo mouse. I think this combination could benefit many people who work all day on a desktop computer.

Let me explain.

The MX Ergo mouse is second to none

First of all, the MX Ergo mouse is second to none. I’ve tried many shapes and styles of computer mouse, but none offer the comfort and precision of this device. Anyone with repetitive stress disorder in the forearm, wrist or hand will find relief with this mouse. But if your tendonitis is as bad as mine (when it shows up, it’s terrible), sometimes one device isn’t enough.

Logitech MX ERGO – Best prices:

On days when my right wrist is just begging to die, I find the only way to stick it out in my writing schedule is to mix and match devices. If my right hand repeats the actions using only the MX Ergo, there will be pain. However, if I switch from the mouse to the touchpad, I find that it brings me a welcome relief. No, it does not prevent the pain, but it certainly alleviates it. And when you have deadlines to meet and you can’t get around them, any form of relief is welcome.

But it’s not just about relieving the pain spikes that radiate to the tendons in my wrists. Sometimes I need a touch more delicate than a mouse can achieve. Although the MX Ergo is very precise, using a touchpad on a desktop computer offers a more delicate experience. Suddenly the cursor becomes an extension of my hand and not the other way around. It’s an almost inexplicable feeling, one that a laptop touchpad doesn’t deliver as well.

Apple’s Magic Trackpad can be used with Linux, macOS and Windows

A laptop’s touchpad is an irremovable device. It sits under the keyboard in the center of the device, so your hand and arm are limited to a restricted range of motion. With my T650 (or a reasonable facsimile) I can place the device wherever I want on my desk. Sometimes I put it on so my right arm reaches out to use it. Other times the touchpad is placed directly to the right of my mouse. You’d be surprised how much a touchpad placed in such a location can not only relieve a tired wrist or forearm, but also make it easier to control when not placed directly under the keyboard. It all depends on how I feel at the time.

Since the Logitech T650 is no longer available, I recommend these options:

• the Apple Magic Trackpad;
• the Keymecher Mano trackpad;
• the Seenda Touchpad trackpad.

Unfortunately, the options are not as many as one might think. Fortunately, Apple’s Magic Trackpad can be used with Linux, macOS, and Windows. The only downside is that getting it to work on Linux takes a bit more work than on macOS. But for basic touchpad use on the open-source OS, it’s a great option (if you can’t find a Logitech T650).

For me, the variety of possibilities is the thing that keeps my hands and wrists from continual pain. If you have the same issues, adding a touchpad might give you some much-needed relief.

Source: ZDNet.com