IS Select 1
A review of the Logitech MX Vertical.
Those of you OG's who've kept up with the program over the years will know what’s up. If you're newer to my stuff, welcome—here's a little something from the archives to get you up to speed.
Last year, I was starting to get a strained backhand and wrist using my old cheapo Logitech B100—it was perfectly serviceable besides those issues. I was also wondering what else was out there and how some of options could get as expensive as they are—it didn't make sense, but I was curious. So I took a leap of faith and bought this pricey little thing, which ended up being my favorite purchase of last year.
I use this thing everyday for all sorts of digital work—from graphics to 3D rendering to clicking between windows to look productive—and it's still a joy. It solved my strain issues and then some—it just feels so comfortable and more natural to use than a regular mouse. It makes me wonder why all mice aren't vertical... it actually kinda makes me mad how long I've had to use regular mice before coming across this one. There’s no going back for me.
It also rocks a killer design. I find that, say, the Logitech MX Master series mice, look only marginally better than regularly-priced mice, and that its use of the traditional mouse shape holds it back from becoming anything special. Xiaomi and Microsoft have cool-looking minimal mice at good price points, but they're among the least comfortable to use in my experience. I won't even get started on Apple's Magic Mouse.
My favorite designs adopt silhouettes that fit somewhere between organic and ergonomic, and geometrically pure—the MX Vertical hits that sweet spot for me. In my opinion, it’s the best mouse ever designed.
On top of being ergonomic, its design is chock full of interesting details—the smooth and flush silicone wave emboss that curves around the device and serves as a grip; the metal oblong cap with the shortened logo etched on one end, the concentric function button on the other—the thing honestly looks like decor when not in use.1
It comes at around 100 USD (~5000 PHP). With that hefty price tag, of course, comes the usual added functionality like multi-device support and custom buttons. I don't personally use them often, but I get my money's worth from simply having the best mouse on the planet. The only thing better, I think, would be a cheaper version without the bells and whistles.
My verdict is, if you still don’t quite get it: You are all missing out and I hope you get a terrible case of FOMO. 9/10
Purchase on Shopee (SEA) or Amazon (US).
Industrial designers will especially enjoy the design. It’s an exceptional artifact of modern CMF.