Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review

Would you spend $394 on a mouse? This Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review might raise eyebrows, considering the device’s unusual design and premium price tag. The centralized pointing device with roll bar, scroll bar and three unfamiliar buttons in a wrist rest sits in front of your keyboard rather than beside it, challenging typical notions of computer navigation. But for those who need help with pain from repetitive strain injury (RSI), it could make a world of difference.

Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review

After a long career in web publishing with stretches of worrisome hand and wrist pain and numbness, I’ve had my trials with weird trackball devices and other mouse alternatives. So my instinct is not to dismiss the oddball RollerMouse Red Wireless device, compatible with macOS and Windows, but to embrace it.

At first glance, the RollerMouse Red or Plus wrist rest and bar-based tracking system — the Plus version, at $409, simply adds a larger wrist rest in your choice of sizes to swap in — seem unusual compared to traditional input methods (mouse and perhaps trackpad). Maybe it looks pretty odd at a second glance and after a long, hard look, too. However, for professionals battling repetitive strain or seeking ergonomic mouse alternatives, this investment might make perfect sense.

But the question remains — does this unique peripheral actually deliver enough value to justify its substantial cost? My answer is yes, but it really comes down to need. This review dives into RollerMouse’s design, performance and practical benefits after daily use. I’ll explore whether this unconventional approach to cursor control genuinely transforms workflow efficiency and comfort, or if it’s simply an expensive experiment in ergonomics.

Table of contents: Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review

Specs and setup

The Contour RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless stands out among desktop peripherals with its substantial footprint and feature-rich design. Unlike conventional mice that clutter your workspace a bit, this centralized tracking system offers a different approach to cursor control while delivering comprehensive connectivity options. It essentially replaces your mouse and your keyboard wrist rest.

RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless measures 16.75 inches wide, 6.2 inches deep, and 0.95 inches tall. That makes it significantly wider than standard pointing devices. This extended width accommodates most keyboard layouts and provides ample wrist support.

Despite its size, the unit maintains a sleek profile under one inch in height, allowing for comfortable positioning at desk level. The entire device weighs approximately 2.34 pounds, giving it a premium, stable feel. It feels rock solid on my desk.

It takes just minutes to unbox and start using. Mine had plenty of battery life in it out of the box. It’s intuitive to use, yet still takes getting used to. I kept reaching for my mouse for days, until I simply moved it, reminding myself that now it’s all about thumbs and fingertips just below my mechanical keyboard.

Included accessories

RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless arrives with everything needed for immediate integration into your workspace:

• RollerMouse Red memory foam and vegan leather wrist rest with integrated roller bar, scroll bar and buttons
• Two short keyboard risers and two long keyboard risers
• USB 2.4GHz wireless dongle
• USB-C charging cable with USB-A adapter
• Wrist rest removal key and user guide

Setup involves a straightforward process: Simply power on and connect via Bluetooth, or plug the wireless dongle into an available USB port. No additional software installation is required for basic functionality, as the device operates on a plug-and-play basis for both Mac and PC systems. But drivers are available.

The internal rechargeable battery arrives pre-charged and delivers up to three months of regular use before requiring a recharge. When power runs low, the center LED indicator blinks red, signaling it’s time to connect the included USB-C cable. Charging takes approximately six hours, during which you can continue using the device without interruption.

Connectivity options beyond Bluetooth: USB-C and wireless dongle

Versatility defines the connectivity approach of RollerMouse Red Plus. The device offers three distinct connection methods for maximum flexibility. I found Bluetooth connectivity worked great, but wireless functionality also comes through the included 2.4GHz USB dongle that plugs directly into any standard USB port.

Additionally, the device includes a USB-C charging cable that doubles as a wired connection option when battery levels run low or when you prefer zero latency performance.

The wireless dongle can be used with the included USB extender cable to improve signal strength and reduce potential connection delays. This proves particularly valuable in environments with significant wireless interference or when your computer’s USB ports are positioned far from your workspace.

Design and ergonomics put to the test

After daily use, RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless showed me its ergonomic benefits through thoughtful design elements that promote healthier computing postures.

The premium wrist rest features memory foam covered in vegan leather with an antibacterial surface. This combination delivers exceptional comfort for extended work sessions.

Essentially, the Plus model provides additional support, extending deeper than the standard version. This expanded surface creates a smoother transition between your desk and keyboard while distributing pressure more evenly across your wrists and forearms. For users with larger hands or longer fingers, this extra depth proves particularly beneficial in maintaining proper ergonomic alignment throughout the workday. I found Plus too deep, pushing my keyboard too close to my main display, so I just used the basic RollerMouse Red.

The centerpiece of RollerMouse experience is its textured roller bar, which offers precise cursor control through a combination of rolling and sliding motions. Notably, the bar’s rubber coating and raised bumps provide good  tactile feedback during operation. The bar’s 0.8-inch diameter and 7.1-inch width create a substantial surface area for comfortable manipulation.

Furthermore, RollerMouse employs 7SENSES tracking technology with one laser sensor and six peripheral sensors inside the roller bar, adapting to your movement pace while maintaining central positioning.

Keyboard compatibility and riser use

RollerMouse includes modular keyboard risers that accommodate virtually any keyboard style. The risers offer three distinct height adjustments:

• Low (flat) positioning
• High (flat) positioning
• Negative slope (tilting away from the roller bar)

Desk space and aesthetic fit

The aircraft-grade aluminum housing provides a sturdy, premium foundation that prevents twisting or bending. Consequently, the device maintains its functionality even on slightly uneven surfaces. Though requiring 6.2 inches of desk depth, the sleek profile and professional appearance complement high-end workspaces. I received the Plus version’s extended wrist rest, but found I didn’t need it.

RollerMouse sits seamlessly against your keyboard, creating an integrated control center that eliminates the need for additional mouse space beside your keyboard. And it replaced my old wrist rest, of course.

Performance and daily workflow impact

The roller bar innovation sits at the heart of RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless’s performance capabilities. My daily use showed how this approach transforms standard cursor operations into a more intuitive experience. It’s a weird layout to get used to, but anyone struggling with RSI would probably adapt quickly to it and find it a relief.

Cursor control and precision

The textured rubber-covered roller bar remarkable tactile feedback that makes precise cursor movements feel natural. With 10 adjustable DPI settings ranging from 600 to 2800, I could fine-tune sensitivity to match workflow needs. The dual sensor technology inside the bar adapts to movement pace while maintaining positional accuracy. Moreover, there’s no need for gripping and squeezing, which substantially reduces hand strain during extended use sessions.

Button layout and customization

The button panel features seven buttons (six programmable) positioned below the roller bar. These include dedicated copy/paste buttons, left/right clicks and a double-click button. For those who frequently transfer text or images between applications, these shortcuts should prove invaluable. However, my attempts to copy and paste text using the dedicated buttons failed, so I reverted to keyboard shortcuts. The left- and right- and double-click buttons worked fine. The center adjustment button let me adjust DPI settings like click force and cycle through different modes without software.

Scroll wheel and click feedback

Positioned centrally in the button panel, the smooth scroll wheel offers subtle tactile feedback. The center-click feels adequately responsive without requiring much force. I found I could adjust the roller bar click mechanism through five levels of tension.

Multi-monitor navigation experience

One impressive capability is how RollerMouse handles multi-screen setups. The cursor’s range can be altered to accommodate multiple monitors simultaneously. Upon reaching the edge of the roller bar’s travel, the cursor continues moving in that direction, ensuring access to all screen areas. It was easy to use between my two 5K displays.

Software integration and Mac/PC modes

Although operating on a plug-and-play basis, the optional driver software unlocks additional customization options. Users can create application-specific profiles and reprogram buttons according to workflow needs. The device also features Mac/PC/HID (human interface device) modes via toggle, allowing easy switching between different operating systems.

Pricing and value analysis. Is it worth $394?

Sticker shock might be your first reaction when considering the Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless. At $394 ($409 for Plus version with added wrist rest attachment) , the centralized pointing device commands a premium that demands justification beyond ergonomics. The price places the device substantially above traditional ergonomic alternatives. Several trackball alternatives from Kensington typically cost significantly less, for example, providing ergonomic benefits without the steep financial commitment.

Nonetheless, Contour does offer a 30-day free trial that allows potential buyers to test the device before finalizing their purchase. This trial period provides an opportunity to determine whether the unique control system justifies its considerable cost.

RollerMouse’s aircraft-grade aluminum construction contributes to its premium feel and suggests long-term durability. With its 2.3-pound weight and substantial build quality, the device is designed to withstand years of daily use without degradation. Users frequently note that despite the high initial investment, the build quality suggests excellent longevity. So if it replaces all mice and other wrist rests for years, maybe it’s worth it.

So RollerMouse represents not just a peripheral purchase but an investment in workspace ergonomics. For professionals spending 40+ hours weekly at their computers, the cost over several years of use becomes more reasonable.

Conclusion: Who should consider buying it?

After testing, the Contour RollerMouse Red Plus Wireless stands as a premium solution for those seeking ergonomic relief from traditional pointing devices. RollerMouse primarily benefits office workers experiencing discomfort from traditional mice. Those suffering from repetitive strain injuries or wrist pain — or those who expect they might eventually — will find the centralized design eliminates the reaching motion that often contributes to these conditions. Users with larger hands or longer fingers might benefit from the extended wrist rest of the Plus model.

Furthermore, professionals who value ambidextrous control and keyboard-centric workflows stand to gain the most from this investment. The device allows simultaneous typing and cursor manipulation without repositioning your hands, potentially improving productivity for those who frequently alternate between tasks.

But what truly sets this device apart remains its thoughtful ergonomic considerations. The premium wrist rest, customizable button layout and precision roller bar address pain points traditional mice simply cannot. Similarly, the multiple connectivity options ensure compatibility across various setups and preferences.

The initial sticker shock of $394 ($409 for Plus version with added wrist rest attachment) certainly raises eyebrows, though this price becomes more reasonable when viewed as a long-term health investment rather than simply another peripheral purchase.

Buy from: RollerMouse or Amazon

★★★★☆

Contour provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.