ProtoArc EM11 NL vertical mouse review: a low-cost step to an ergonomic workspace
The ProtoArc EM11 NL is a low-cost way to make your Mac desktop a little more ergonomic, if you can get your head around using a vertical mouse.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: Vertical mice can be better for long-term use
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to configurations, options, colors, and connectivity, with every manufacturer working to stand out among the competition.
Across the sea of offerings, the relatively young company of ProtoArc emerged as a manufacturer in 2021. It had an eye towards improving ergonomic support across its keyboard and mouse offerings to reduce the daily fatigue of long hours of use.
Among these, the ProtoArc EM11 NL vertical mouse stands out as one of their bold attempts to innovate and change the approach to the ergonomic mouse. The company sent one over to put through its paces.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: Specifications
- Weight: 3.9 oz
- Dimensions: 2.68 inches height x 5.43 inches depth x 2.72 inches width
- Optical Engine
- DPI: 1000/1600/2400
- Click Life: 3 million+
- Rechargeable Li-Po (500 mAh) battery
- Connection Types: USB Receiver / Bluetooth low energy
- Up to 3 connected devices
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: Inside the Box
The EM11 NL is a plug-and-play ergonomic vertical mouse. One that ProtoArc advertises as comfortable, versatile, and better for overall fatigue compared to standard mice.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: A top-down view
The idea is that a vertical mouse eliminates the stress caused by rotating your wrist to use a traditional mouse on a desk's surface. It places your wrist in a more natural position, which theoretically minimizes strain and allows you to work for longer periods.
The mouse arrived in a single, stylish black box that is well-packed and padded for protection during shipping. Inside the box, there is a single mouse, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB dongle, and a quick start manual.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: Quality and Features
Out of the box, the EM11 NL is well-made and does not feel cheap, though it does feel lightweight, weighing only 2.68 ounces. I prefer a mouse to have a little bit of heft for day-to-day use.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: The back, where you grip the mouse.
Despite the lightweight feel, all the components feel durable, and the case of the mouse has a pleasing matte finish and slight grippiness to it.
Other brands have a habit of using shiny, super-slick plastics and materials for their products, leading to a baseline slipperiness and unpleasant tactile feel in use. But the EM11 NL feels good here.
The EM11 NL has five clickable buttons, consisting of four standard and a clickable mouse wheel, that are easily accessible on the mouse.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: The buttons, including DPI-switching options
ProtoArc offers the EM11 NL in a variety of colors. There are six options in total, with three being black with blue, grey, red, and green accents, an all-black version, and a white model with grey accents.
It's nice to have the variety available, even if most of them are just about accent changes.
ProtoArc EM11 NL Review: Usage
Setting up the EM11 NL for use on my Mac Studio was one of the easiest experiences I have ever had with setting up a non-Apple peripheral. Pairing the EM11 NL to my Mac Studio took less than a minute, and it worked smoothly with zero issues.
In 2025, it feels like every manufacturer offers (or demands) the use of a proprietary app or driver to handle pairing, customization, and access to all the possible features associated with their products. Thankfully, the EM11 NL is plug-and-play.
This means you will need to configure the buttons based on the applications/games you use on a case-by-case basis. However, the forward/backward buttons on the EM11 NL do not work with any browsers on Mac OS the way they work in Windows OS.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: The shape of the vertical mouse is crab claw-like in some respects.
The EM11 NL can connect to up to three devices, using a USB dongle or two Bluetooth channels that toggle via a simple switch on the bottom of the mouse. A DPI button on the top of the mouse allows 1000DPI, 1600DPI, and 2400DPI, so you can quickly change your cursor speed.
The EM11 NL feels good to use while holding it. I also love the very quiet non-clicks of the buttons, in the same way switches on a mechanical keyboard can sound.
Things changed for me when I used the EM11 NL on my workspace for a few days and attempted to play games with it.
First, it had an enormous adjustment period that I never fully found comfort with. The vertical layout works against decades of muscle memory.
After two days of consistent use, my hand and arm were angry about the change. I was incredibly frustrated by the mis-clicks and tedious nature of trying to work and game with the EM11 NL.
Understanding the nature of muscle memory and comfort, I believe I could eventually adjust and re-train myself to use the EM11 NL for the advertised benefits of reduced hand and arm fatigue. But, at the end of my testing period, I was struggling to find speed, comfort, and reduced fatigue.
An extended adjustment period is required to use the EM11 NL daily, unless you somehow already use only vertical mice.
ProtoArc EM11 NL Review: A Favorable Cost of Entry for Experimentation
Unlike so many peripherals, the EM11 NL is not prohibitively expensive, retailing for an average of $24.99.
ProtoArc offers a two-year warranty, free shipping, and 30-day returns. This makes for a fairly low cost of entry to experiment with bringing a vertical mouse into your work and gaming spaces.
ProtoArc EM11 NL review: Vertical mice have a learning curve, but could save your wrist.
The vertical layout presents challenges, certainly, but the low retail cost makes it easier to tolerate for the sake of experimentation.
The EM11 NL is not a mouse I want to use. But, it's a quality product and the versatility of three connections makes this ideal for traveling workspaces, multiple devices, and limited desk space.
It can be a good option for people wanting to lean into having a more ergonomic workspace, without the massive expense.
But maybe not for Mac users.
ProtoArc EM11 NL Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great tactile feel
- Multiple connection options
- No feature gatekeeping app
- Low cost of entry
ProtoArc EM11 NL Cons
- Steep adjustment period
- Forward/Backward buttons do not work with Mac OS browsers
Rating: 3 out of 5
Scores are terrible. Google essentially makes us use them. The lack of full integration into macOS without third-party software isn't good, but not uncommon for Mac owners wanting to use multi-button mice.
If you've already got a third-party solution to do this, that works with the ProtoArc EM11 NL, then add a full star. Otherwise the expense that about doubles the cost of the mouse cuts back on what's a decent product and the 3 out of 5 stands.
Where to buy the ProtoArc EM11 NL
The EM11 NL and all ProtoArc products are available on ProtoArc.com, starting from $19.99. It's also available from Amazon, starting from $21.99.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Never used a regular mouse for any length of time.