A Hands-Free Revolution: My Review of the TetraMouse TMXA2
A review by Ian Burkhart, North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium

As someone with a C5 spinal cord injury and a lifelong interest in technology, I’m always
evaluating new ways to interact with computers. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned a personal setup
that works well with my level of mobility, including a trackball mouse that has served me reliably
in upright positions. But I’ve also encountered plenty of scenarios where it falls short—like when
I’m fatigued or needing to work from bed.
I recently had the opportunity to test the TetraMouse TMXA2, a dual-joystick, mouth-operated
mouse designed specifically for users with limited or no hand function. I approached the
experience with curiosity, but also a fair amount of skepticism. I’ve tried a number of adaptive
devices, and many either fall short on performance or demand complicated setup and
maintenance. The TMXA2 was a surprise—in all the right ways.

Setup and First Impressions
The TMXA2 arrived ready to use. I connected it to my Windows and macOS systems and was
navigating within minutes. No drivers, no proprietary software, no compatibility headaches. It
was a genuine plug-and-play experience.
Build quality was the next thing that stood out. The device feels solid, durable, and thoughtfully
constructed. It’s immediately clear that it was designed by people who understand the real-world
needs of users who rely on assistive technology day in and day out.

Mounting and Positioning
The mounting system deserves special mention. I’ve encountered plenty of adaptive tools with
flimsy or overly complicated mounting solutions. That’s not the case here. The clamp system on
the TMXA2 is sturdy and highly adjustable. I was able to position the device exactly where I
needed it, and more importantly, it stayed there. No drifting or slippage over time, which is a
common issue with other mouth-operated systems. The adjustability makes it easy to tailor for
different seating positions or task setups, which adds to its long-term usability.

What Sets It Apart
The dual-joystick design is where this device really shines. One joystick controls the mouse
pointer, while the other handles clicking and other mouse functions. Unlike other systems that
require toggling between modes, this setup allows for smooth, uninterrupted interaction. It feels
much more natural and efficient.
While I didn’t use it while lying down, I can easily see how it would work well in that scenario. If I
were on extended bed rest or unable to sit upright for any reason, I would absolutely reach for
this device. Its stable mounting and hands-free interface make it especially well-suited for
supine computing, where traditional trackballs or touchscreens simply aren’t viable.
The TMXA2 also plays well with voice control systems. I often use voice recognition software as
part of my workflow, and I appreciate that this device doesn’t require toggling voice functionality
on and off or navigating software conflicts. It operates independently and reliably.
Another major advantage is how much less fatiguing it is compared to mouth sticks. I’ve used
those before, and while effective, they require constant repositioning and can be exhausting
over long sessions. The TMXA2 feels more balanced and deliberate. I also preferred it over
sip-and-puff systems, which, in my experience, require more ongoing maintenance. The TMXA2
avoids that with a more streamlined and durable design.

Price and Value
One of the ongoing challenges in the world of assistive technology is cost. Devices like this
aren’t cheap, and that can put them out of reach for many of the people who would benefit most.
That said, when a device works as reliably and intuitively as the TMXA2, it starts to pay for itself
in terms of the independence and ease it offers.
This is not a gadget you buy and forget—it becomes part of your daily routine, your productivity,
your connection to the world. From that perspective, the value is significant.
What really helps justify the investment is the company’s approach to customer satisfaction and
long-term support. The TMXA2 comes with a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee, which
I think is fantastic. It gives users the opportunity to try it in their real-world environment without
taking a financial risk. And beyond that, the lifetime, transferable repair or replacement warranty
speaks volumes about the confidence the manufacturer has in their product. That kind of
guarantee is rare in this space and adds peace of mind for users who may rely on the device
every single day.
If you’re considering a hands-free mouse and want something reliable, durable, and genuinely
effective, the TMXA2 is worth a close look.

Who Should Consider It
This device is especially well suited for individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries or other
mobility challenges that prevent effective use of a traditional mouse, trackball, or touchscreen.
It’s also ideal for anyone who needs a computing solution they can rely on during bedrest or
other situations where upright posture isn’t an option.
The fact that it works across multiple operating systems without any friction makes it even more
appealing for users with multiple devices or technical environments.

Final Thoughts
The TetraMouse TMXA2 won’t replace my trackball for every task, but it has become a valuable
part of my adaptive technology toolkit. It fills a gap I hadn’t fully addressed before: reliable,
low-effort, hands-free computing. It’s clear that this is not just a product—it’s a tool built with
users like me in mind.
It’s rare to find adaptive technology that feels this deliberate in its design and this straightforward
in its execution. For anyone frustrated by the limitations of dwell-clicking, eye tracking, or more
physically demanding tools, the TMXA2 offers a simpler, more intuitive solution. It may not be
the right fit for every user or every situation, but it delivers on its promise in all the ways that
count.

Rating: 4.5 / 5
This is an excellent device that strikes the right balance between innovation and usability. I
deducted half a point only because of some personal ergonomic preferences—it won’t replace
my trackball entirely—but that shouldn’t overshadow how capable and empowering the TMXA2
truly is.

David from Alabama writes:
I wanted to thank you for your terrific product, the TetraMouse. This device has literally changed my life and given me a degree of freedom and independence previously unattainable. For the first time since I was injured 33 years ago (total quadriplegia as result of a diving accident when I was 16 years old) I am no longer shut off from the rest of the world when I am in bed. It used to be that laying down meant being vulnerable and isolated, but now that is no longer the case. Using the TetraMouse along with voice-recognition software has allowed me to live alone for the last 4 1/2 years, work and support myself, and feel safe and secure at night. This is something I would not be able to do without this product, so this has been a blessing not only to me, but also to my family, which were previously fearful of leaving me alone (especially my 76-year-old mother!). By utilizing a TV tuner card in my computer and Internet access, the TetraMouse allows me to be entertained as well as work from my bed -- a place where we all spend at least 1/3 of our lives. In fact, I'm using this product now to write you at 5 AM! Again, thank you for your efforts in developing this transforming technology.You will never know all that it has meant to me. You can be certain I will tell others.

Jay in Texas writes:
I just wanted to tell you again how much I love my TetraMouse. I am able to do things I haven’t been able to do in years. I’m playing Solitaire and other card games. I’m also able to play more advanced games like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars. I can also type on my on-screen keyboard better than I could before with my track ball. I’ve really increased my speed in using my joysticks than when I first got it. My birthday is coming up this month and I’ve asked for some other games I couldn’t do before such as board/puzzle games and Hoyle Texas Hold Em. I have my eye on a game called Lineage II, also. I just can’t express my gratitude to you enough for such a great product. It has really improved my life!!!

Owen T. in Alaska writes:
Hello! I'm writing this using the TetraMouse and Click-N-Type keyboard. I lost the ability to use a trackball mouse 6 years ago. We could not find any device that would allow me independent use of my computer, until now. My mother found out about the TetraMouse in Quest magazine (I have Muscular Dystrophy, at age 35 that makes me require assistance for everything) so we decided to try it. I was skeptical because of our previous lack of success. I have a hospital table that I use for reading that is perfect for the TetraMouse, initial setup was easy. It took me less than five minutes to learn the controls (without reading the instructions). I soon started surfing my favorite web sites and checking my e-mail (daily). I was happiest when I played my first solo computer game in 6 years. RTS (Real-Time Strategy) games can be played with no problem. I installed the Click-N-Type keyboard and sent some e-mail to relatives.

The TetraMouse is an amazing piece of technology! I absolutely love it! I have my computer organized the way I want. I like the scroll feature, it helps moving through web pages. Reading my news web sites (and shopping online) is very nice. I am going to recommend the TetraMouse to my local help organizations. You may use my name for advertising, I will recommend the TetraMouse to anyone looking for a simple solution to computer independence. The word needs to get out! I can't thank you enough, It means a lot to have independent control over something. I hope more people get to experience the TetraMouse.

Sincerely,
Owen

Tracey in New York writes:
I want you to know that this is the most amazing product I have ever seen. My son Michael has had this since Xmas. He is already typing, bowling and playing all kinds of games on it. He has been on this mouse for ever and we have a hard time getting him off it for bed. I will pass this information on to everyone I know who cannot use a regular mouse. You will never know how happy you have made a young man with this mouse. The independence you gave him just sends him soaring. Thank you for all that you have done for him.

Tracey P. of NY.

Rod Guthrie writes:
My career has been fine arts, product design, and manufacturing. About five years ago I was diagnosed with a serious neurological disease that affects my hands and arms. I knew at some point I was going to have to investigate a new way of continuing my design work and my livelihood on the computer. Until recently, I had not heard of TetraMouse and by chance found their web site. During this period of search for a unit best suited for my work, I tried several programs and systems. A prerequisite was certainly that they must be able to be compatible with various graphics and drawing programs like Corel, Photoshop and AutoCAD. For me, speed and accuracy are what it’s all about when it comes to drawing. And this takes some practice. I have been using TetraMouse now for close to one year. It is absolutely the best in so many ways. First thing that comes to mind is communication with the manufacturer. If you have any problems or questions in the operation, a warm body is always there and will spend time with you. Moreover they are always open to suggestions that might make the product better. The company also has a strong philosophy of not overcharging but still making a profit on their phenomenal product.One last thought; if you have used your arms and hands your whole life the TetraMouse does take a little bit of getting used to using your lips or movement of your head. My family all uses a conventional mouse at their computers and they often remark how I can navigate just about as fast as they can. Keep up the good work!

Rod Guthrie

Note: I was sad to be informed that Rod passed away on June 19, 2006. He passed peacefully. Rod was one of my first customers and his feedback on my earlier TetraMouse models helped me greatly in developing several improvements to my product. Although we only talked by email and telephone from opposite ends of the country, I will never forget Rod and I'm sure everyone who knew him would say the same. Thank you, Rod.

Kim in California writes:
I said I would review you on my journal (see link below), and I finally did. Thank you so much for being patient with me, and for making such an excellent product. I love my TetraMouse so much, I don't know what I would do without it! It is the best! Thank you so much!

Karen in California writes:
I just want to thank you again for sending me the new tetramouse so quickly. I received it two days after I talked with you on the phone! I can't thank you enough. I think I let you know that I have MS and my hand is not working very well. It's been a lifesaver for me as I am on it for quite a few hours. I pray God blesses you for your kindness to me. You absolutely stand behind your product!