Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn’t for me, but it might for you.

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

After testing out the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 mouse pad myself, I must say it was a mixed bag of feelings for me, my dear tech enthusiast! While I can appreciate the innovative design and the multitude of positive reviews this product has received, unfortunately, it didn’t quite click with my unique setup.


Instead of spending much time on my Xbox lately, I’ve been gaming more often on my computer. The allure of games like World of Warcraft: The War Within and Frostpunk 2 has led me down a new path, one that includes previously unnoticed wrist and forearm discomfort. As I edge closer to 40, I’m realizing that my joints aren’t as flexible as they once were, prompting me to look for potential remedies.

As if by some eerie intuition, the enigmatic social media oracle known as Instagram seemed to sense my gaming-induced wrist and forearm strain, and started suggesting remedies for me. One such solution was proffered by none other than Linus Sebastian, a well-known figure in tech circles through his channel, Linus Tech Tips.

Emblazoned on an Instagram reel ad, Linus’ endorsement was for a product called the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 ($39.99 on Amazon) (which also has its very own LTT edition). I’d never seen a product quite like this before and found myself intrigued. 

Over time, many wrist rests I’ve tested seem to exacerbate rather than resolve the problems they were intended to address. From gel mouse mats to different types of wrist rests and numerous other solutions, I’ve given them all a try. However, taking a break isn’t always feasible for me due to my job requirements. But when I can manage it, it’s often the most effective solution.

Could the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 potentially be the ideal solution for reducing mouse strain that I’ve been longing for? Is it one of the outstanding PC gaming accessories worth its price tag, or simply an expensive flop on Instagram? In reality, it lies somewhere in between these extremes.

Deltahub Carpio 2.0 review: Price and availability

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

You can find the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 in numerous places, typically priced around $39.99, although the exact price may vary. It’s extensively stocked on Amazon in the United Kingdom, the United States, and its European branches.

The Deltahub Carpio is primarily a molded soft plastic pad with Teflon wheels, designed to move smoothly along your arm when using a mouse. It comes in both left and right-handed versions, making it suitable for use on either side of your keyboard, depending on your hand preference. Additionally, there’s a version branded by Linus Tech Tips if you wish to showcase your LTT affiliation.

Additionally, there’s a variant of the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 known as “G,” which features a rubber hand strap. You can find this model on Amazon for $44.99. It’s designed particularly for gamers who engage in games that demand quick mouse movements or frequent repositioning, such as shooter games.

Deltahub Carpio 2.0 review: The good

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

Deltahub takes great precautions when discussing Carpio 2.0 in its claims. Upon examining the website, Amazon store listing, and FAQ sections, Deltahub does not promise to “heal” or “cure” any conditions. Instead, it asserts that it can minimize the likelihood of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In videos promoting the product, Linus Sebastian refers to it as a possible solution for the problems it aims to address. It’s essential to remember that individual experiences may differ, and that’s perfectly acceptable.

The issue with ergonomics is that every single human body is slightly different. It’s very rare that there’s a catch-all solution for anything revolving around this category of products. I’ve reviewed chairs that I swore helped with back pain, while others say those same chairs actually made it worse for them. So much like Deltahub, I’m by no means claiming my experience with the Carpio 2.0 will be universal. But I still wanted to share some thoughts on this product because it certainly isn’t cheap. It set me back €50 in Germany, where I’m currently staying and remains quite pricy when there are so many other, cheaper alternative options potentially. Even Razer, who is known for pricy products, sells a $10 mouse wrist rest that promises to “potentially” solve similar issues. Considering the price ask here, I would’ve hoped for at least some respite — so how did it fare?

Initially, I found the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 to be well-constructed all around. Notably, its bottom is equipped with Teflon gliders that allow it to smoothly move across any surface typically used by a computer mouse. I was quite pleased with this functionality and tested it with several mice I had on hand to get a sense of its performance.

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

The concept involves placing this extra device under your thumb’s resting spot within your palm. You can then use your mouse as usual. At first, it felt somewhat strange adjusting to the extra equipment, but soon I became fully accustomed to it. If you frequently play games that necessitate quick mouse movements, they also offer a “G” version equipped with a rubber strap for secure attachment of this device.

The quality is comforting, the matte finish on the palm rest is pleasing to the hand, and the Teflon covering functions well with my unique Razer Gears Tactics mouse pad (I might be the only one who owns this mouse pad). It should perform well on any surface that your existing mouse can handle, and it doesn’t take much time to get accustomed to. Additionally, the packaging comes with a travel pouch for the fabric, which is an added convenience as well.

Moreover, there isn’t much more to add about the product itself. It is a plastic item designed with ergonomics in mind, equipped with Teflon gliders for reduced friction and available in both large and small sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. In essence, Deltahub has successfully achieved its goals. However, our main focus lies in determining if it truly lives up to its claimed benefits.

And yes, at first, I thought “hey, this might actually be working,” but I think my initial reaction might have been potentially placebic. I really wanted to like this product, given how much I spent on it. 

Deltahub Carpio 2.0 review: The bad

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

Although Deltahub doesn’t guarantee that the Carpio 2.0 will resolve your existing problems, considering its cost and “scientifically backed” claim, it’s understandable to anticipate some tangible improvements. However, after using it for a couple of weeks, I regretfully have to say that instead of alleviating pain, it appears to have introduced new stress-related discomfort into my daily routine.

The Deltahub Carpio 2.0 is designed to fit in the palm of your hand with a design it says is suitable for all types of hand shapes. I followed the site’s measurement guides and picked up a right-handed large size, which is essentially for average-sized male hands, I would say. I have fairly good desk ergonomics overall, with a laptop monitor riser at eye level and my armrests level with my desk. I have a Razer keyboard wrist rest on the left which I’ve found works pretty well for me there, it’s just my mouse arm that has eluded me so far when it comes to ergonomics. And sadly, it will continue to elude me for now. 

After some use, the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 began causing discomfort in my palm, in addition to the wrist pain I was already experiencing. Considering its price, this isn’t an ideal situation. However, I must admit that not everyone may have the same experience, as there are numerous positive reviews about it on Amazon. Unfortunately, I didn’t find it beneficial for myself.

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

After realizing that my palm was starting to ache from using the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 mouse, I decided to try out some other mice I had on hand. I discovered that lifting my palm approximately 1-2 cm made an uncomfortable “downward stretch” towards my Razer Cobra mouse. The Cobra is relatively low-profile compared to other mice, so I also tested it with larger ones like the Razer Naga and several LG mice I had handy. Unfortunately, the stress sensation was about the same. To make matters worse, I even tried the Microsoft Surface Mouse, which has an even lower profile, but it seemed that raising my wrist only exacerbated the issue instead of improving it, which was a bit discouraging.

Despite my initial concerns, it crossed my mind that perhaps the height, rather than the shape, was the problem with the product. When I tested the Deltahub Carpio 2.0 on its own, without the mouse, it seemed much more comfortable for me. However, finding a way to make it slimmer without possibly weakening its structure seems challenging. This is one of the intricacies involved in designing ergonomic products that cater to diverse user preferences, as each individual has unique requirements.

I certainly think Deltahub is on to something here with the Carpio 2.0, and it may well work for you — for whatever reason, it just didn’t work for me.  

Deltahub Carpio 2.0 review: Is it worth it?

Linus Tech Tips told me to buy this $40 ergonomic PC wrist rest accessory, but does it actually work? It didn't for me, but it might for you.

In summary, as previously mentioned, numerous testimonials worldwide support the effectiveness of the Deltahub Carpio 2.0, based on its high 4.5/5 star ratings on Amazon. However, it is important to remember that each individual’s setup is unique, taking into account factors such as hand size, wrist, and mouse arm dimensions, personal preference in mice, mouse pads, desks, armrests, and more. It’s impressive that Deltahub has managed to create a product that seems to cater to many users, even receiving endorsements from well-known tech influencers like Linus Tech Tips. Regrettably, it unfortunately did not provide the desired relief for me personally — with my disappointment being particularly pronounced.

Based on your location and consumer protections, you could potentially buy one item as a trial, with the option to return it if it fails to meet your needs. If, on the other hand, it proves useful for you, then you’ve discovered a distinct product that appears to excel in delivering something that many others struggle to do effectively.

You should buy this if:

  • You live somewhere with consumer right to return if it doesn’t work for you. 
  • You’ve already exhausted cheaper wrist-rest options. 

You should avoid this if:

  • You have a low-profile mouse, since the Carpio raises up your hand quite a bit. 
  • You don’t fancy risking $40 on an experiment. 

Repetitive strain injuries are probably going to become an increasingly serious issue as more and more of us live, work, and play on computers, mouse in one hand, WASD in the other. It’s great that companies like Deltahub are exploring technological solutions to the problem. The hilarious anime waifu mouse mats might be endearing, but I’m not sure they’re actually solving Carpal Tunnel issues (perhaps they even contribute to them in more ways than one, ahem.) But whether or not Deltahub’s Carpio 2.0 solution is the big fix you’ve been waiting for may well vary heavily from person to person, setup to setup. 

Even if I didn’t find success with it, it doesn’t necessarily mean that won’t be the case for you. Spending $40 on something that might turn out to be a flop could be risky. If there’s a return policy, you can give it a try without any financial loss.

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2024-10-10 16:09