Review: Mousetrapper Advance

Concerns over the dangers of extensive computer usage, specifically relating to conditions such as RSI, have calmed in recent years.

Wrist rests and supportive mouse pads seem to have reassured the health and safety departments, at least for the time being.

However, there are still plenty of alternatives to the traditional mouse, with the Mousetrapper Advance being the latest.

The ergonomically designed wrist rest incorporates a mouse replacement, most accurately described as a mobile pressure pad, and series of control buttons. The Mousetrapper sits in front of your keyboard with a rubber pad slotting underneath to prevent it sliding around the desk.

It connects instantly via USB and, while there is no software required (or indeed supplied), you can download a key configuration tool from the manufacturer website to customise the controls. By default, these cover left-click and right-click mouse operation, along with a centre button that acts as an autoscroll wheel and an automatic double-click.

It’s very simple to get up and running but, rather strangely, the mouse controls are situated on the left of the device, actively encouraging left-handed use. This isn’t a ‘left-handed’ version, simply a choice of placement decided upon during design, but we were rather confused as to why.

If you’re right-handed, you’ll find yourself altering your body shape and arm positions far more than you would when using a regular mouse, which considering the focus on ergonomics seems a little strange.

In addition, if your keyboard already has a built-in wrist rest that can’t be removed, it’s not nearly as effective. We tried it with one and found it seemed to increase strain because of the position and distance you have to move your hands. In terms of accuracy and performance though, the design works well.

The pad is smooth and responsive, and as well as performing standard mouse functioins, it also provides scrollwheel and back/forward page control for web browsing by applying pressure on a certain position. Since there are controls both above and below the main pad, you can choose which are most comfortable to use as your additional mouse buttons.

It does take some getting used to, but we’d expect as much from such a new way of operating your PC. Whether or not it will reduce RSI or general comfort when operating a PC is a tricky question to answer, but we can say that, certainly to begin with, it takes a lot more additional effort. Watch a video of the Mousetrapper Advance in action.

Considering the price of the product, we were hoping for some dramatic and ultra-comfortable way to operate our PC. We didn’t get this, but after a bit of practice, operation does come more naturally. Perhaps over time regular users will feel some small benefit, but considering the initial outlay we were expecting a little more short-term appeal.

Also consider:
Logitech 3D Connexion Space Navigator
Ingenious controller for CAD and other types of 3D software

Gizoo Flexible Keyboard
A portable, roll-up keyboard

Logitech Dinovo Edge
The ‘world’s most advanced keyboard’ finally hits our shores

All keyboard and mice reviews

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