Keychron M5 ergonomic mouse goes vertical for your wrist

Anyone who spends a lot of time working on a computer will tell you the mouse is almost an extension of their hand. Even with the constant improvements in trackpads, many still return to a trusty mouse for precision and comfort, or at least that’s the idea. The truth is, the traditional mouse design was never really about comfort, and most of us are just used to its familiar, flat shape.

That’s changing, though, as more people realize that using a standard mouse day in and day out isn’t exactly great for your body. Some designers have started pushing the boundaries, reimagining the mouse so much that it sometimes hardly resembles the device we’ve known for decades. The most popular newcomer is the vertical mouse, and now Keychron, more famous for its keyboards, is introducing its own take on this ergonomic trend with the wireless M5.

Designer: Keychron

Traditional mice force your hand into a palm-down position, twisting your forearm in a way that doesn’t come naturally. Over time, that small twist adds up, leading to repetitive strain injuries and sometimes more serious issues like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The idea behind vertical mice is to let your hand rest in a more neutral, handshake-like position. With the Keychron M5, your wrist is angled naturally, promising less strain during those long hours of scrolling, clicking, and dragging.

Keychron brings some unique touches to the M5 that help set it apart from the rest of the vertical mouse crowd. One of the standout features is a thumb scroll wheel positioned opposite the usual finger scroll. It’s a simple addition, but giving your thumb an active role instead of letting it rest idly can make navigation smoother and reduce the load on your index and middle fingers. This is especially noticeable if you’re moving through massive spreadsheets or long documents.

The versatility of the M5’s connectivity options is another strong point. It works via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or a direct wired connection. But there’s also a bonus: a USB-C to USB-A cable lets you plug in the wireless receiver even if your computer’s USB ports are hidden away, which is handy for those with tidy cable management setups or desktops tucked out of reach. This little touch makes it more practical for a variety of workspaces, whether you’re in the office or working from home.

Beyond ergonomics and connectivity, the M5’s pricing is appealing. At $69.99, it’s far more accessible than many other vertical mice with similar features. For someone curious about switching to a vertical mouse but turned off by higher price tags, this strikes a fine balance between quality, functionality, and affordability, making it an easy entry point for anyone looking to protect their wrists without dealing with sticker shock.

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