Ergonomic keyboards may get most of the attention from technology review sites and other media, but in recent years the computer mouse has also received a significant upgrade in terms of design and usability. The following are some of the most cutting edge mouse designs – each one created not only to look cool, but enhance workplace health as well.

Microsoft Arc Mouse

Fresh out of the lab, there’s the latest innovation from Microsoft, the Arc Mouse. Freakishly cool, this mouse sports an unprecedented design that can only be described as “scorpion-like.” It has a solid modern look and appealing burgundy color schema. In addition to being crafted for comfort, the biggest selling point of this mouse is that it can be folded up and stored almost anywhere. It’s like the mouse version of a George Jetson’s car! Expect the Microsoft Arc Mouse to be released sometime this Fall.

3M Ergonomic Mouse

This interesting looking device completely rethinks the way you use your mouse. Instead of traditional hand and wrist positioning, the 3M Mouse places your hand in a more ergonomically sound position. Although it takes some getting used to, research has proven that over time, the stress on the digits is greatly reduced and the chance of getting carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress disorders is diminished. This mouse reminds me of the old Atari gaming joysticks. I’m sure all the gamers will enjoy this cool mouse!

Logitech Trackman Wheel Optical

This space-age looking wonder combines the elements of a mouse and trackball into a single design. Like most of Logitech’s products, this mouse is shaped to help avoid strain on the hands and fingers. Plus, it’s got lots of goodies too, such as an extra mouse button which can be used to browse through a predetermined list of your favorite web sites. Prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries by using this ergonomically friendly mouse. Trackballs has been proven to relieve wrist and hand strain that leads to CPS.

Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000

This big old ball of a mouse just feels great in your hand. Microsoft engineers have been refining the mouse for years, and have finally nailed that perfect combination of cool design and functionality. When you use the Laser Mouse 6000, your hand begins to feel more relaxed right from the start. In fact, going back to an older, more traditional mouse is almost impossible after using this beauty. In addition to be a dream to use, the 6000 also features pinpoint accuracy when it comes to pointing and clicking.

Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman

Another nifty design from the minds at Logitech, this compact mouse features everything that’s good about the Trackman Wheel Optical, but in a smaller package. Built to save space on the desktop, the Optical Trackman somehow manages to seamlessly integrate traditional mouse functions and a track ball into a sleek ergonomic package. Along with cool metallic color, this slick design will provide maximum comfort and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Felt Mouse

Finally, for those who really take their ergonomics seriously, there’s the Felt Mouse. Just as the name suggests, this fully-functional mouse is made of wool felt (and some laminated bamboo thrown into the mix for good measure). If you’ve just got to have that office cubicle conversation starter, then the felt mouse might be for you. If not, may we recommend using it to get stubborn stains out of your countertop? I would be interested to see this mouse in action, because I have no clue how you would use it efficiently. The felt mouse is wireless and molds to your hand, but has no positive application towards preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re looking for strain relief, don’t choose this bad apple!

Evoluent Vertical Mouse

This innovative mouse is the only vertical mouse approved for staff use within UC Berkeley. The design looks a bit odd at first glance, but this mouse has proven itself by providing superb comfort, accessibility, and it works to prevent posture and wrist injuries. If you’re looking for something fresh and new the Evoluent Vertical Mouse is perfect for you!

Wow-Pen Joy Mouse

Most people remember the Wow-Pen Mouse, well here here is the new and improved Wow-Pen Joy Mouse. Just as the Evoluent Vertical Mouse above, this mouse is vertically based. It is equipped with 5-button functionality, ideal comfort, and promotes proper ergonomics. Watch out when you this “shark fin” mouse sliding across the desk, it may bite!

Mogo Media Mouse

This wireless multimedia mouse is very unique with its compact design which fits within any laptop PCMCIA slot. With this mouse you have the ability to toggle between multimedia and mouse modes. In multimedia mode you can use the mouse to control the volume, and switch songs tracks. You can also mute any song on the fly and Play/Pause tracks. In mouse mode all standard functions are included: left click, right click, center click, scroll pad, and back button. This mouse is not ergonomically friendly because it provides no wrist support, but it is ideal for temporary use on business trips or short travels.

Let’s face it, our computers are like a second home.  Wait, they are actually more like a second spouse or significant other.  After all, we spend more time staring into our monitors than the eyes of our loved ones.  And since we’re spending so much time together, we want a relationship that makes us feel comfortable…and cool. Using cutting edge design and extensive research several top PC accessory-makers have broken new ground in the area of ergonomic keyboards, which now looks better and cost less than ever before. And while some of these keyboards help us keep our joints healthy, others are just plain cool and innovative.

Here’s our top ten (in no particular order):

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

This hulking behemoth sports most of the features you’d want in an ergonomic keyboard, including: programmable favorites keys; dedicated back/forward keys for Web surfing and a nice, wrist-friendly design.  However, you might want to clear off some extra room on the desk for this bad boy.  It takes up its fair share of space.

Logitech Wave Keyboard

The Wave is a sleek addition to the ergonomic keyboard landscape, featuring a raised wrist pad and programmable keys like those found in many of its brethren.  The design is a bit smaller than many of Microsoft’s ergonomic keyboards and fits nicely on even the smallest of workspaces.  The real difference with this keyboard is the “wave concept” behind the design.  Commonly used parts of the keyboard are raised up just enough to save you that extra effort – which really adds up over time.

True-Touch Flexible Keyboard

Sometimes, innovation = crazy!  Check out this completely flexible keyboard from True-Touch.  It works as a totally functioning QWERTY keyboard, but when you’re done using it, you can roll it up into a ball or fold it away for later use.  And at only $30 (retail) it is a small investment to amaze and delight your friends.

Combimouse Keyboard

Not since peanut butter and chocolate has a combination looked this mouthwatering to programmers and web surfers everywhere.  From Combimouse Ply Ltd comes this ingenious amalgamation of the mouse and keyboard.  The product allows users to switch seamlessly between typing and mouse movement, without ever taking their hands off of the keyboard.  This product is currently in the final of stages of development, so look for it soon!

Fellowes 98915 Antimicrobial Split Design Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard for those who want to avoid Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and still be able to log serious hours on World of Warcraft.  The design is no-nonsense and the additional hotkeys (7 more than most like-minded keyboards) means gamers were definitely on the minds of the good people at Fellows. One more cool feature:  if you share your keyboard with co-workers or fellow gamers, this unit has Microban antimicrobial protection to keep it cleaner and ward off dirt and germs.

Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard

Sure, it may look a little crazy, but once you have used this customizable split keyboard for a few days, you’ll realize why it is the choice of so many hardcore PC users.   The QWERTY keyboard is split in two, and each side can be tilted at the ideal angle to suit the user’s body type of seating arrangement.  The result is faster typing and much less stress on the wrist and hands.

Virtual Laser Keyboard

Excuse us for a minute while we live out our sci-fi movie fantasies with this incredibly cool “virtual laser keyboard” from I-tech.  Developed for use with PDAs and small laptops, the device emits a laser image of a QWERTY keyboard on any surface.  When you start moving your hands over the area, VOILA!  There may be more functional keyboards on the market, but none with the kind of WOW factor this laser keyboard delivers.

SafeType Ergonomic Keyboard

Now here’s a keyboard that uses some serious science to deliver ergonomic comfort to its users. Based on the principals of biomechanics, the two towers on the sides of the keyboard actually force the hands of the typist into what the makers call an “Orthopedically Neutral(TM) position” which will remove all the stress on the hands and wrists caused by other keyboards on the market.

Kinesis Advantage Keyboard

Another design concept so freaky it HAS to be good for you!  The creators of the Kinesis Advantage spent years perfecting their design – and went so far as to field test it with people who use their keyboards the most, namely programmers and medical transcriptionists.  The result is an amazing device that lets the user flow through hours of work without reaching for their hands once!

Saitek PC Gamer’s Keyboard

Got a gaming addiction?  Live the joy without the soreness!  This keyboard has been a hit with gamers for more than the just the fact that it looks like it was plucked off the deck of the USS Enterprise.  It’s also got tons of function keys, wrist rests and a sweet back-lit display.