How should you properly hold a mouse? - briefly
Hold the mouse with a relaxed palm on the side, thumb resting on the side button and fingers naturally curved over the left and right buttons. Keep the wrist neutral, avoiding excessive flexion or extension.
How should you properly hold a mouse? - in detail
Holding a computer mouse correctly reduces strain, improves precision, and supports prolonged use. The hand should rest naturally on the device, with the wrist aligned to the forearm and the elbow relaxed at a roughly 90‑degree angle. Keep the forearm parallel to the desk surface; avoid bending the wrist upward or downward.
Three common grip styles are:
- Palm grip – the whole hand rests on the mouse, fingers lie flat on the buttons, and the thumb rests on the side. This position distributes pressure evenly across the palm and is suitable for large hands or tasks requiring steady movement.
- Claw grip – the palm contacts the back of the mouse while the fingers arch to press the buttons. The thumb rests on the side. This grip offers quick, precise clicks and works well for gaming or detailed graphic work.
- Fingertip grip – only the tips of the fingers touch the mouse; the palm does not make contact. The thumb hovers over the side button. This style maximizes agility and is ideal for rapid cursor movements.
Regardless of the chosen grip, maintain the following guidelines:
- Wrist position: Keep the wrist neutral, neither flexed nor extended. Use a wrist rest if the desk surface is hard or if the mouse sits low.
- Finger placement: Position the index and middle fingers on the primary buttons, allowing the thumb to rest lightly on the side. Avoid excessive pressure; the fingers should hover just enough to activate clicks.
- Arm movement: Drive larger cursor motions with the forearm rather than the wrist. Small adjustments can be made with the fingers, but the wrist should remain still.
- Mouse height and angle: Adjust the device so the top surface is level with the palm. Tilt the mouse slightly forward if it has an ergonomic contour that encourages a natural hand posture.
- Grip pressure: Hold the mouse loosely enough to move freely but firmly enough to prevent slipping. Excessive grip tightness increases muscle fatigue.
Common errors include resting the wrist on the desk, gripping the mouse too tightly, and using a mouse that is too small or too large for the hand. Selecting a mouse that matches hand size and preferred grip, combined with the posture rules above, ensures comfortable, efficient operation.