How to Choose a Vertical Mouse with Side Scrolling

On this page (7 sections)

1. What does “side scrolling” mean on a vertical mouse?
2. How is a thumb wheel different from a thumb trackball?
3. Does an upright grip automatically include side scrolling?
4. Which control fits spreadsheets, timelines and wide pages?
5. How should you judge the upright grip?
6. What should you check before buying?
7. Which mouse type should you choose?

A vertical mouse with side scrolling pairs an upright grip with a control that moves content horizontally, but the feature can mean different things across models. Check whether it has a thumb wheel, a wheel that tilts sideways, or another control, then confirm the grip suits your hand.

Side scrolling helps with wide spreadsheets, timelines and large canvases. It is separate from the upright shape, which changes how you hold the mouse.

What does “side scrolling” mean on a vertical mouse?

Side scrolling means moving the view horizontally, usually with a wheel or a dedicated control. It does not mean moving the pointer with your thumb.

A standard scroll wheel moves a page up and down. A tilt wheel may also register left and right movement, while a separate thumb wheel can provide horizontal control without tilting the main wheel.

Some mice use a ball under the thumb to move the pointer. That is a trackball, not a scroll wheel.

The distinction matters because a thumb wheel moves content while a trackball moves the cursor.

Before buying, look for a clear description of the control and what it does. If you need sideways movement in a spreadsheet or editing app, confirm that the control sends horizontal scroll input in the software you use.

How is a thumb wheel different from a thumb trackball?

A thumb wheel scrolls through content, while a thumb trackball moves the pointer. Choose based on whether you need to move the view or the cursor.

The Nulea M501 is a thumb-controlled trackball mouse. Its cursor moves when you rotate the ball, and it has back and forward buttons; its controls are not programmable.

It is a useful comparison if reducing mouse movement matters more than adding a horizontal scroll wheel.

A trackball may take practice if you are used to moving a mouse across a surface. Its shape and thumb motion also differ from an upright mouse grip.

If thumb movement is a concern, compare the best mouse for arthritic thumb options with care. A trackball may reduce arm movement, but it still asks your thumb to rotate the ball.

Does an upright grip automatically include side scrolling?

No. Vertical describes the hand position, not the scrolling controls.

Some upright mice provide side buttons for browsing, while horizontal scrolling may require a separate control or software support.

For example, the Anker 2.4G Wireless Ergonomic Mouse has a right-handed upright design and next/previous buttons for webpage browsing. Those buttons are not the same as a horizontal scroll wheel, so check the control layout if sideways movement is essential.

The Anker connects through a 2.4 GHz USB receiver, not Bluetooth. It uses 2 AAA batteries, which are not included, and its click sounds are audible.

When comparing upright mice, look at the shape, hand orientation, wheel placement and button function separately. A product can meet your grip preference without providing the scrolling action you want.

For a wider look at hand positions and designs, browse our best ergonomic vertical mouse guide.

Which control fits spreadsheets, timelines and wide pages?

A dedicated horizontal control is useful when you often move across wide content. For occasional sideways movement, a tilt wheel or keyboard shortcut may be enough.

Consider how frequently you scroll horizontally and how precise the movement needs to be. A spreadsheet with many columns calls for repeated side-to-side navigation, while a short timeline may only need occasional adjustments.

A mouse with a thumb wheel can keep your index finger on the main wheel. A tilt wheel may be easier to learn if you already use a standard scroll wheel.

A trackball is a different choice: it can move the pointer without sliding the mouse, but it does not replace a horizontal scroll control.

The Logitech M510 provides side-to-side scrolling and zoom, along with back and forward buttons. The extra functions require Logitech software on Windows or Mac, so check software support for your setup before relying on them.

The M510 is not a vertical mouse. It can help you compare horizontal scrolling with an upright design, but its shape serves a different grip preference.

If you're also choosing a typing setup, our best keyboard for computer guide covers keyboard features that can complement your desk layout.

How should you judge the upright grip?

Judge the grip by how your hand rests on the mouse and reaches its controls. A vertical shape is only useful if you can hold it comfortably and operate the wheel without strain.

Check whether the mouse is made for your dominant hand. The Anker model described here is right-handed, so left-handed users should confirm orientation before considering it.

Look for a grip that lets your palm settle without forcing your thumb or fingers into an awkward reach. The mouse should stay stable as you scroll, and the main wheel should be easy to use without tightening your grip.

An upright design can feel unfamiliar at first. If you switch from a flat mouse, give yourself time to adjust pointer movement, but stop using a shape that causes discomfort.

Our best vertical mouse wireless guide can help narrow the options if wireless connection is also a priority.

What should you check before buying?

Check the scrolling method, hand orientation, connection and software support before you buy. These details determine whether the mouse fits your work and computer.

Use this checklist:

1. Identify the control. Look for a thumb wheel, tilt wheel or dedicated horizontal scroll control.
2. Confirm its action. Make sure it scrolls content sideways rather than moving the pointer.
3. Check your dominant hand. Verify that the shape and button placement suit your hand.
4. Confirm operating system support. Extra functions may rely on software with limited compatibility.
5. Check the connection. A USB receiver, Bluetooth or wired connection can affect which ports and devices you can use.
6. Consider your workspace. A trackball may reduce the room needed to move a mouse, but it is not a side scroll wheel.
7. Review power needs. Check whether the mouse uses replaceable batteries or a rechargeable battery.

For Mac use, check both the basic pointer function and the extra controls. Our best vertical mouse for Mac guide focuses on Mac compatibility.

Which mouse type should you choose?

Choose a vertical mouse with a confirmed horizontal scroll control if you want an upright grip and frequent side-to-side navigation. Choose a thumb trackball if you want to move the pointer while keeping the mouse still.

The Anker is a right-handed upright option with browsing buttons, while the Nulea M501 uses a thumb ball to move the pointer. The Logitech M510 offers horizontal scrolling and zoom in a conventional contoured shape.

Pick the feature that solves your main task first, then check hand fit and computer support. If you need the upright shape and side scrolling together, verify that the exact model includes both before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Does a vertical mouse with side scroll have a thumb wheel?

Not always. Side scrolling can come from a wheel that tilts left and right, a dedicated horizontal wheel, or software that changes what a button does.

Check the mouse's controls and confirm that the feature moves content horizontally in the apps you use.

Is a thumb scroll wheel the same as a trackball?

No. A thumb wheel sends scroll commands, often across a page or timeline.

A trackball moves the pointer when you rotate a ball with your thumb, so it can reduce the need to move the mouse across a desk, but it is a different control.

Can a vertical mouse help with wrist comfort?

An upright mouse changes how your hand rests compared with a flat mouse, and some people prefer that grip. Comfort varies by hand size, angle and control placement.

A vertical shape does not guarantee relief, so consider the grip and return policy before choosing.

What should I check before buying a vertical mouse for Mac?

Check macOS compatibility, connection type and whether the buttons you need work on Mac. Some mice rely on software for extra controls, and support can vary by operating system.

Confirm the exact model's functions before you count on horizontal scrolling or programmable buttons.