How to Choose a Vertical Mouse with Horizontal Scroll

On this page (7 sections)

1. How does a vertical mouse scroll sideways?
2. Which horizontal-scroll control should you choose?
3. What should you check for wide documents and spreadsheets?
4. Can you configure a vertical mouse without a side wheel?
5. Which mouse features matter alongside horizontal scroll?
6. How should you test the scroll control before committing?
7. How do you choose a vertical mouse with horizontal scroll?

A vertical mouse with horizontal scroll needs a side-to-side control that works in your apps, such as a tilt wheel, thumb wheel or programmable button. Check the control type and software support before buying, especially if you often move across wide spreadsheets or documents.

A vertical shape describes how you hold the mouse; it doesn't guarantee horizontal scrolling. If you are choosing a keyboard too, compare ergonomic keyboard and vertical mouse combos.

If you also need a new keyboard, our desktop keyboard guide covers how to choose the rest of your input setup.

How does a vertical mouse scroll sideways?

A vertical mouse can scroll sideways through a tilt wheel, thumb wheel or assigned button, depending on its design. These controls aren't interchangeable, so match the movement to the way you work.

A tilt wheel moves left or right when you push the scroll wheel sideways. A thumb wheel is a separate control near your thumb, while a side button may be assigned to a scroll action through software.

For a spreadsheet, look for movement across columns without dragging the scrollbar along the bottom of the window. For wide documents, consider whether you need fine, continuous movement or occasional jumps between sections.

The mouse's vertical shape and its horizontal-scroll control are separate buying decisions. Our best vertical mouse ergonomic guide covers the grip and fit questions to consider alongside scrolling.

Which horizontal-scroll control should you choose?

Choose a tilt wheel for a combined control, a thumb wheel for a separate sideways action, or a programmable button if you prefer using a click. Your app and operating system can affect how each option behaves.

Before settling on one, check whether the horizontal movement is smooth or stepped and whether you can change its speed. A control that works in one program may behave differently in another.

Does a vertical mouse with side scroll need special software?

A side wheel may work directly, but a programmable button can depend on mouse software. Check compatibility with your computer and the apps you use most.

Software can also let you change button assignments or scroll behavior. If you use a work computer where you can't install apps, a built-in wheel or tilt action may be easier to use.

For an example of setting up a vertical mouse, see how to use a Logitech Lift mouse.

Don't assume a side button scrolls sideways by default. Check the setup options and confirm the button can be assigned to a useful action before you count it as a scroll control.

Is a vertical mouse with thumb scroll right for spreadsheets?

A thumb wheel can suit frequent sideways movement because it gives horizontal scrolling its own control. It may take practice if you aren't used to moving the thumb while keeping a vertical grip.

Consider how often you switch between scrolling down and moving across columns. If you do both constantly, a tilt wheel may feel simpler because both directions use the main wheel.

Try to picture your hand on the mouse during a normal task. Thumb reach and comfort matter more than the control's label.

What should you check for wide documents and spreadsheets?

Check the scroll action in your main app, then compare wheel placement, sensitivity and button assignments. These details determine whether the control fits your work better than its vertical shape alone.

Use this short checklist when comparing models:

• App support: confirm that the sideways action works in the spreadsheet or document editor you use.
• Movement style: decide whether you want smooth movement, stepped movement or a button that moves in set increments.
• Control location: consider whether you can reach a thumb wheel or tilt the main wheel without shifting your grip.
• Speed options: check whether you can adjust how far each movement scrolls.
• Software access: find out whether setup requires an app or driver you can install.
• Other mouse tasks: check whether horizontal scrolling uses a button you need for another action.

Wide spreadsheets may have many columns and small cells, so make sure the scroll speed is manageable. For long documents, smooth movement may matter more than jumping quickly between distant sections.

A mouse with a joystick has a different kind of control. If that option interests you, see how to choose a vertical mouse with a joystick.

Can you configure a vertical mouse without a side wheel?

Sometimes you can assign a button to horizontal scrolling, but that depends on the mouse software and your operating system. If no suitable assignment is available, your app's scrollbar, keyboard or trackpad may be the fallback.

A button can be useful when you scroll sideways only now and then. If you move across columns all day, a dedicated wheel or tilt control may be easier to reach.

Another option is to use the spreadsheet or document's own navigation features. Keyboard shortcuts can move the view without changing your mouse, though the exact commands vary by app.

If you want a more unusual scroll behavior, compare what a vertical mouse with infinite scroll offers. Infinite vertical scrolling and horizontal movement solve different navigation needs, so check which direction you need most.

Which mouse features matter alongside horizontal scroll?

Choose the grip and basic controls that suit your hand first, then treat horizontal scrolling as a key feature if you use it often. If you have larger hands, compare vertical mice for large hands.

If you want a stationary ball with an angled grip, compare vertical trackball mice. A useful sideways control won't help if the mouse's shape or button layout is uncomfortable for you.

Check hand orientation and fit, since some models are made for a specific hand. For a left-hand-specific option, compare left-handed MMO mice.

Also decide whether you prefer wired or wireless and whether you need extra buttons for frequent tasks. See our guide to wireless vertical mice for cord-free options.

These examples show different vertical-mouse features to compare. None of the listed product details specify a horizontal-scroll wheel, so verify that feature separately if it's essential.

For gaming controls, see our guide to a vertical MMO mouse. If you're deciding whether to switch shapes at all, our Vertical Mouse vs Standard Mouse comparison can help frame that choice.

How should you test the scroll control before committing?

Test the exact sideways action in the app you use most, if you have a chance to try the mouse. A quick check can reveal whether the control is reachable and whether the movement is too fast, too slow or awkward.

Open a wide spreadsheet or document and try moving sideways without changing your grip. Then scroll vertically, switch directions and see whether the control feels predictable.

If you can't try it first, confirm the control type and software compatibility before you buy. Check the mouse's hand orientation and return terms as well, since grip comfort is personal.

How do you choose a vertical mouse with horizontal scroll?

Choose a tilt wheel for shared, frequent scrolling, a thumb wheel for a dedicated sideways control, or a programmable button for occasional movement. Then confirm that it works in your main apps and fits your hand.

If horizontal movement is your main concern, prioritize the control and its software support. If grip shape is the bigger question, compare vertical and standard designs first, then check our guide to how to choose the right office chair height for another part of a comfortable desk setup.

Frequently asked questions

Do vertical mice have horizontal scroll?

Some vertical mice include a wheel that tilts side to side, a separate thumb wheel, or a button that can be assigned to horizontal scrolling. Many models offer only a standard vertical scroll wheel, so check the controls and software support for the exact model and your operating system.

Can I use a vertical mouse to scroll across a spreadsheet?

Yes, if the mouse or its software supports horizontal scrolling in your spreadsheet app. A tilt wheel or thumb control can move across columns, while a programmable button may need to be assigned to a scroll action.

Check the behavior in your own app before relying on it.

Is a thumb scroll wheel easier than a tilt wheel?

A thumb wheel can give you a separate control for sideways movement, while a tilt wheel uses the main scroll wheel. Which feels easier depends on your grip, thumb reach and how often you switch between vertical and horizontal movement.

Try the control in the store if you can.

Can I add horizontal scroll to a vertical mouse?

Sometimes you can assign a side button to horizontal scrolling through the mouse's software, but this depends on the model, operating system and app. A button assignment may move a page in steps rather than scroll smoothly, so check the software options and test the action in your main work app.

What should I check before buying a vertical mouse with side scroll?

Check whether the mouse has a dedicated side wheel, a tilt wheel or a programmable button, then confirm the control works with your operating system and main apps. Also consider hand orientation, grip fit, connection type and whether you prefer a separate sideways control or a shared wheel.