ProtoArc EM11 NL review: a vertical mouse for smaller hands

Verdict: The ProtoArc EM11 NL is worth considering if you want to try a vertical mouse, have a small or medium hand and need only basic pointing controls. ProtoArc recommends it for hands under 7.5 inches; its forward/back buttons are not programmable and do not work with macOS, and charging requires a cable. This is source-based analysis, not a hands-on test. ProtoArc’s product page ProtoArc’s FAQ

Pros

• The upright grip is a different option from a conventional flat mouse.
• Two Bluetooth channels and a 2.4GHz USB-A receiver provide three device connections.
• Three fixed sensitivity settings and quiet left/right clicks cover simple office use. ProtoArc’s product page

Cons

• The recommended fit is small to medium hands, and larger hands may find its shape cramped.
• There is no RGB lighting, button programming or Mac support for the forward/back buttons.
• Wireless describes its connection; the mouse charges by USB-A-to-USB-C cable, not wirelessly. ProtoArc’s FAQ

Will the EM11 NL fit your hand?

ProtoArc describes the EM11 NL as optimized for hands shorter than 7.5 inches. That is a useful screening point, not a guarantee: a MouseReview participant with a 21 × 11 cm hand said the mouse felt too small, while finding it comfortable with a fingertip grip. That reviewer disclosed receiving a sample for review, and the report reflects one person’s fit. ProtoArc’s product page MouseReview participant’s report

There can also be a learning period when moving from a flat mouse. AppleInsider’s reviewer found the vertical posture awkward and frustrating during several days of use. YugaTech framed the EM11 NL as an office mouse rather than a demanding gaming choice, citing limitations in customization and sensor precision for that use. These are distinct reviewers’ experiences; neither establishes that the shape will suit everyone. AppleInsider review YugaTech review

What works with Mac, and what does not?

The EM11 NL supports two Bluetooth pairings and one 2.4GHz USB-A receiver, plus 1000, 1600 and 2400 DPI settings. The controls are basic: ProtoArc says the buttons cannot be programmed, and its FAQ explicitly says forward/back navigation is not compatible with Mac. On macOS, expect ordinary pointer, click and scroll use rather than configurable navigation buttons. ProtoArc’s product page ProtoArc’s FAQ

ProtoArc’s FAQ specifies charging with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable. The mouse is wireless while in use, but it does not charge from a wireless charging pad. The FAQ also distinguishes the NL from the related EM11: the NL has no RGB lighting. ProtoArc’s FAQ

Consider the Black EM11 NL (Amazon US ASIN B0CX18LHWS) for straightforward office work if its size and grip suit you. Skip it if your hand is large, you depend on browser side buttons on a Mac, or you need programmable controls. See the product page and check that it names EM11 NL, not the RGB-equipped EM11. Amazon US destination