Contour Unimouse tested: A flexible vertical mouse

The Logitech Lift convinced me of the principle of the vertical mouse. However, it only has two main buttons and is a little too small for my hand. These two points of criticism do not apply to the Unimouse from Danish manufacturer Contour Design. Reason enough for me to try it out, even though it has been on the market for at least six years. However, I can't completely ignore its age.

A mouse for readjustment

The Contour Unimouse is not only vertical, but also flexible. The part of the mouse that protrudes upwards can be moved. I can move it at an angle of between 35 and 70 degrees to find the most comfortable position for me. However, my knowledge of ergonomic hand postures leads me to believe that I should use the mouse as upright as possible.

The second movable element is the thumb rest on the inside of the mouse. I can adjust its angle and rotate it 360 degrees. It also has a movement radius of around 1.5 centimetres horizontally.

After some trial and error, I found the right positions for me with both elements. All the moving parts can be adjusted precisely, but at the same time are so stable that they don't move during use.

I really like using the Unimouse - especially as it is slightly larger than the Logitech Lift. However, Logitech also advertises the Lift explicitly for smaller hands and also has a larger model on sale with the MX Vertical.

Five buttons and a wheel

The Unimouse has five buttons and a rotary wheel. It only takes me a short time to get used to the two buttons on the Logitech Lift. I quickly got used to opening links in a new tab using the centre button. The mouse software allows me to customise the functions of the various buttons as required. The buttons have clear pressure points, which are harder than on the Logitech Lift. This also makes the Unimouse click a little louder.

The mouse wheel is located between the left and centre mouse buttons. As is usual with vertical mice, it has no freewheel. It only moves as long as I turn the wheel. I keep switching between my index and middle finger. However, I tend to use my middle finger, as this keeps my index finger on the button for the frequently used left click.

I hardly ever use the two thumb buttons due to their uncomfortable positioning. I also rarely click back and forth through websites or Explorer directories. These are the default settings for the two buttons.

If you want to change the cursor speed regularly, there is a button on the Unimouse that allows you to do this quickly. It is located on the top of the base, directly behind the five LED lights. The selection ranges from 800 to 2800 DPI in steps of 200.

Wireless or wired, left or right-handed

I tested the wireless version of the Unimouse for right-handers. It works wirelessly and I have to plug the receiver into a USB-A socket on the computer. The mouse does not support Bluetooth. Alternatively, I could also connect it via cable. However, I only use its micro USB port to charge it. It lasted me several weeks on a single charge.

Contour also offers the wireless Unimouse for left-handers. And if you only want a cable connection, the manufacturer also has a model for left-handers and right-handers on sale.