Ergonomic mouse concept oddly looks like a familiar home appliance

Computer mice have been around for decades, and despite their form making no objective sense, they remain the most basic and most common pointing device that we now use intuitively. The core design of the mouse hasn’t changed significantly since its inception, which unfortunately means they’re still one of the biggest causes of repetitive strain injury or RSI for many people. Ergonomic mice are starting to gain traction, particularly the vertically oriented designs that promise a more natural and comfortable grip for your hand. This device concept builds on that same premise, but the execution is a bit puzzling considering how it looks less like a mouse and more like a miniature clothes iron.

Designer: Pranav Kuber

The rationale behind vertical mice is that the normal orientation of human hands has the palms facing inward rather than downward. With a regular mouse, users are forced to keep their hands at an unnatural angle, whether or not they’re moving the mouse at that moment. Of course, a vertical mouse would still need to provide the basic functions of a conventional mouse, which includes left and right buttons as well as a scroll wheel.

At first glance, the Ergo ergonomic mouse concept is just like any other vertical mouse now available for purchase, but examining its form and silhouette generates a slightly different image. The top plane’s wide surface tapers sharply toward the front, while the wide middle section looks rectangular when viewed from above. If not for the actual bottom of the mouse, which merges two vertical sides like the keel of a ship, the Ergo looks almost like a clothes iron, albeit one without a handle to grip.

Aside from the peculiar shape, the mouse design also raises a few other questions. The buttons on the outer or right side are clearly marked, but they don’t look like buttons you can physically click at first glance. The position of the mouse wheel on the opposite side is even more puzzling, as it will require a lot of swinging movement from the thumb that could actually put more strain on its joint. The rather wide rear might also make it harder to grasp the mouse, potentially resulting in more discomfort in the long run.

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Ergonomic mouse concept gives left-handed users the comfort they deserve

The vast majority of computer products are designed to favor the biggest groups of users, sometimes to the exclusion of the minority. We’re not speaking about accessibility for persons with physical disabilities, but that is especially true for them as well. Even just the common keyboard and mouse are designed with the presumption that they will be used by right-handed people. And while ambidextrous mice do exist, those tend to sacrifice comfort for the sake of a symmetrical design. That doesn’t have to be the case, as this concept design tries to prove, promising both comfort as well as proficiency, regardless of which hand you hold it with.

Designer: Sameeraj Dronamraju

There has been an increasing awareness and demand for ergonomic mice, sadly due to the equally rising cases of computer-related injuries. But while there are plenty of ergonomic designs now available, most of them only cater to right-handed users. You’d be lucky if the manufacturer produced a left-handed design, but most don’t because of the costs involved in another product with only a few minor differences.

The proper solution would be to mix ergonomics and symmetry to create a mouse that is comfortable to hold for both kinds of people. Vertrous, a portmanteau of “vertical” and “ambidextrous,” takes its cue primarily from the plethora of ergonomic mice now in existence, most of which adopt a vertical design that attempts to reduce the strain placed on the wrist by offering a more natural grip. But rather than have your hand holding it sideways, you almost grip it like a claw, with your index and middle fingers still resting on top.

At the same time, the mouse’s shape is more or less equally balanced on both sides. Great care is taken to ensure that textured areas are found on both sides, so no one hand has the advantage over the other. That said, there are some features that can really be found in only one place, like the power button, but that’s really a minor detail that has no significant impact on the use of the mouse itself.

While Vertrous does present an interesting solution, there are still some considerations left unanswered by the design. For example, gripping the mouse like a claw could actually end up being more uncomfortable and strenuous than a regular mouse. The symmetrical design also leaves out features like extra buttons that would normally be found only on one side, an absence that many power users will feel acutely. These aren’t flaws per se but more like points for further improvement, paving the road for the day that we finally land on a standard ergonomic mouse design that will really leave no one out, whichever hand they prefer to use.

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A Lightweight Gaming Mouse That Elevates Your Gameplay Experience With Its Personalization Features

News for all the gamers around who are looking for a mouse upgrade! GravaStar, a renowned name in innovative gaming accessories, has recently introduced two amazing gaming mouse designs that promise to revolutionize the gaming experience. The Mercury M1 Pro and Mercury M2, the latest additions to GravaStar’s lineup, are now available for pre-order, capturing the attention of gamers worldwide with their advanced technology, ergonomic features, and customizable options.

Designer: GravaStar

The Mercury M1 Pro stands out with its robust yet lightweight magnesium alloy body, available in two stylish versions: the Silver Mist, equipped with both 1K and 4K dongles and the Gunmetal Gray, featuring a 1K dongle. The gaming mouse boasts a high-precision 26,000 DPI sensor powered by the PAW3395 chip, ensuring unparalleled accuracy in every movement.

The TUROSPEED Wireless Technology embedded in the M1 Pro guarantees a stable and reliable connection, essential for intense gaming sessions. The mouse’s customization options include GLOWSYNC RGB lighting and five programmable buttons, allowing gamers to tailor their experience to their unique preferences.

The Mercury M2 takes a different approach with its distinctive hollowed-out design, reducing the weight to a mere 79 grams. This innovative design not only makes the mouse lighter but also enhances airflow, keeping your hand cool during extended gaming sessions. Like its counterpart, the M2 features a high-accuracy 26,000 DPI sensor, a 1K Hz polling rate, and offers versatile connectivity options, including 2.4G, Bluetooth, and wired connections.

The M2’s adaptability extends to its customizable features, including five LIGHTSYNC RGB modes and programmable buttons. Gamers can seamlessly switch between different modes to match their gaming environment and style.

The Mercury M1 Pro and M2 gaming mice by GravaStar boast an impressive set of specifications tailored to meet the demanding needs of gamers. Crafted with a magnesium alloy construction, these mice combine strength with a lightweight design. The high-precision 26,000 DPI sensor, powered by the PAW3395 chip, ensures unparalleled accuracy in every movement. The incorporation of TUROSPEED Wireless Technology guarantees a stable and reliable connection during intense gaming sessions.

The innovative hollowed-out design of the mice not only reduces weight for enhanced maneuverability but also improves airflow, keeping hands cool during extended gameplay. Operating at a 1K Hz polling rate, these gaming mice provide a responsive and lag-free experience. Beyond their technical prowess, these gaming mice embody the vision of Yong Huang, the creative mind behind GravaStar, who meticulously designed them with a focus on merging performance and aesthetics. Far from being mere peripherals, the Mercury M1 Pro and M2 exemplify GravaStar’s commitment to producing durable, lightweight, and highly customizable gaming devices that resonate with the discerning preferences of gamers.

As gamers eagerly await the release of the Mercury M1 Pro and M2 gaming mice, it’s evident that these devices go beyond being simple tools. They reflect GravaStar’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience through innovative design and personalization. Whether opting for the sleek Silver Mist or the robust Gunmetal Gray, users are choosing devices poised to elevate their gaming to new heights with precision, comfort, and style.

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Lenovo Mechanical Energy Harvesting keyboard-mouse combo channels your fidgety into limitless power

Solar-powered keyboard and mouse are nothing new to the industry, but Lenovo wants to take the gauntlet further. At CES 2024, the Hong Kong-based consumer electronics giant revealed a unique keyboard and mouse combo that uses mechanical movement and solar irradiation to power things up. That means, no need to worry about changing batteries or exposing your peripherals to natural light.

The concept props up from the limitation of solar panels on cloudy days or in darker rooms without much ambient light. The mouse comes with a crank at the bottom while the keyboard has a kinetic dial on the top left corner. So, as you read an article on the internet you could channel your anxious vibes into charging the battery of the combo peripherals.

Designer: Lenovo

Still in the concept stage, the creation dubbed “Mechanical Energy Harvesting Combo” also gets solar panels on the keyboard to take advantage of natural or room light. I find the spinning dial on the keyboard to be more practical than the crank on the mouse which required more conscious effort. According to Lenovo, for five minutes of spinning, the keyboard gets another 30 minutes of added battery charge.

Lenovo has got all bases covered as there is a USB-C port on the back for times when you prefer the surety of manual wired charging. Other than that there is a customary three-position switch for toggling the RF dongle, wired USB, or Bluetooth connection.

For the mouse, Lenovo chose an embedded ring on a pivot that can be raised and then rotated for the crank motion. A minute of winding gives around 30 minutes of charge time. Quite an effort though, but still something different that Lenovo has tried to create. As for the regular specifications, the software-programable mouse to 12,800 dpi has a good in-hand feel. There are the scroll buttons, side snipping button, resolution switcher, shortcut buttons and toggle switch.

There is no word yet if this concept combo will make it to the commercial market, still, it’s highly plausible if Lenovo manages to fit in more functionality and hardware innovation. I’m pretty sure the keyboard seems like a good bet but the mouse crank motion needs to graduate into something more practical.

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3D modeling device concept imagines what it’s like to create 3D with 2D tools

We live in a three-dimensional world, but we see the digital world through flat computer screens. That’s why 2D input devices like mice, trackballs, and pens are fine for most creative work that is made to be seen in 2D anyway. With the increase in 3D objects in mixed reality spaces, however, these tools are no longer sufficient and can even become painful to use. Our hands are used to manipulating real-world three-dimensional objects, but our computer tools are confined to the 2D space, making them inefficient and counterintuitive. For the new age of 3D, we need newer and better tools designed specifically for those needs, and this concept imagines a new device designed from the ground up to offer a better way to create those 3D models that will populate the virtual worlds of the future.

Designer: Jayesh Gaikwad

You might brush the Deco MX off as a glorified trackball, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. After all, a trackball is still just like a mouse that moves a cursor on a 2D screen. You can use that cursor to move and rotate a 3D object, but it’s a clumsy and awkward gesture that doesn’t map what we have in our mind when we want to turn those 3D objects living inside our flat displays. That’s what that ball in the corner of the Deco MX is for, letting you rotate an object more naturally in all three axes, making it easier to see the 3D model from all angles.

The rest of the device is made to give easier access to the tools that a designer needs when building those 3D models. There are programmable buttons to set your own shortcuts within the app, as well as dials to switch tools quickly. The central dial is, in fact, the biggest control on the Deco MX, and it gives access to the most common building and editing tools in a program. You can change which tools those are to suit your workflow, of course.

What makes the Deco MX extra interesting is the amount of screen on it. There’s one that arcs to the side, showing a history of actions you’ve taken so far. The central dial also has a screen underneath that changes depending on the tools you’ve set to be your favorite ones. There’s also a small circular screen to the side that shows you the currently selected tool without having to squint your eyes too hard.

While this 3D modeling device offers an innovative interface, the software we use today still presumes a 2D input device like a mouse or a stylus. Deco MX still can’t replace that and is instead designed to supplement it, perhaps taking the place of a large and cumbersome keyboard. Admittedly, the existence of screens on the device might actually make it harder to actually produce, but the concept has enough strong points that manufacturers should consider, especially as we journey deeper into mixed reality worlds.

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With an articulated spine this robot mouse can beat ‘Spot’ at pace and maneuvers in small turning radius

Over the years, quadruped – four-legged – robots led by the likes of Spot, by Boston Dynamics, have captured our imagination far and wide. These robots have been through various upgrades, including the robotic dog that can now walk, jump, and maneuver like the real thing. Even though the construction of these robots is already very sophisticated, it remains to be perfected for widespread applications.

A step forward in this direction can be a mouse robot with an articulated spine developed by collaborative research teams from the Technical University of Munich, University of Technology, Nuremberg, and Sun Yat-Sen University, China. The articulation of the spine allows the mouse named NeRmo full body control and stabilization, which provides it with a more balanced frame along with agility and gait much like a real rodent with a biological spine.

Designer: Zhenshan Bing

This mouse created with a flexible spine and tendons is the first interpretation of spine-centric quadruped, unlike the four-legged robots whose anatomical mimicking just finishes at the leg-based motor skills. Yes, they can walk, jump or even pull off a few dance moves, but the NeRmo can do that and more. While the others are robotic in their movement and approach, the researchers led by Zhenshan Bing, believe their mouse – with a spine and tendons running through it – can move almost alike and turn equally efficiently as its biological counterpart.

NeRmo is an agile-legged robot that leaves behind challenges of movement and regulating spine flexion that other quadrupeds using similar spine enhancement – like in the case of Boston Dynamics’ Cheetah robot – have proved. The robot with 3D printed parts and Raspberry Pi for its brain has a sensory system that can make decisions and navigate autonomously.

The NeRmo is an experimental robot that helps understand the spine-based quadruped locomotion skills. The findings are pretty optimistic, which means, that its development can be a promising inspiration for more such small agile-legged robots. The construction of the NeRmo modular robot, according to the research team is low cost, owing to its building process. With the articulated spine, the research shows, the robotic mouse can adjust its posture, extend its stride to walk faster, and make agile maneuvers in a small turning radius and while walking.

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Retro-inspired LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable keycaps for matching workspace theme

The good old mouse has evolved into an accessory that can improve your productivity exponentially, that’s if you get the hang of using all the buttons and set the customization options in line with hand ergonomics and muscle memory. Take for example Logitech MX Master 3S, Corsair SCIMITAR RGB ELITE or Logitech G305. In an editor’s hand, any one of these mouse can be a potent tool.

The shape of these high-end mouse has also evolved into a much more modern aesthetic, considering the position of the hand and the multiple buttons. But there’s always a time when you want to experience the retro charm of the good old PC accessory without giving up on the modern functions.

Designer: LOFREE

The old-school LOFREE TOUCH PBT wireless mouse comes with swappable buttons to change the look if you get bored with the existing one. Non-glossy, non-sticky and skin-friendly texture of the mouse keys – MB1, MB2 and the upper case – is soft to the touch of hand and fingers. This ensures you can match it to the setup of your desk or room. The mouse is loaded with the 3805 sensor and PAW3805 outputting 4000 DPI for use on glass or any other surface where an ordinary mouse simply doesn’t work. This also holds merit for high-end gaming for times you are not working.

The rechargeable mouse works for 75 hours before requiring another recharge. Everything set aside, the 80s-inspired look of this mouse is what grabs the attention more than anything else. Add to that the ability to replace the PBT keycaps on top of the Cherry MX-style stems, and you’ve got an accessory that’ll draw you to the desk without fail. The beige-colored mouse weighing 106 grams is a tag on the heavier side, and can be a deal breaker for finicky users. Priced at $69, the retro-inspired mouse is a unique one to add to the collection.

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This keyboard and mouse put a bold and chunky spin on computer accessories

There’s no shortage of keyboards and mice available in the market today, each of them trying to cover an equally wide range of needs and tastes. There are keyboards designed for gamers, mice made for artists, and all sorts of designs claiming to deliver the perfect ergonomic experience. Mechanical keyboards, in particular, are quite popular among heavy computer users, but the majority of the options available lean more toward gamer aesthetics with their hard edges and psychedelic RGB lighting. Fortunately, there are exceptions, like this collection of computer peripherals that make use of big, chunky keys, soft colors, and plenty of gold accents that earmark them for a different and more appraising clientele.

Designer: AIZO

It’s actually not that easy to design a correct and usable keyboard. One has to consider performance first, with comfort usually following it. Aesthetics often takes a back seat, as if it was mutually exclusive from a good technological product. The visual and tactile experience of a product, however, can make or break its success, and devices are no different. The IZO keyboard, mouse, and numeric keypad try to prove that by delivering a design that is not only functional but also luxurious.

Unlike your typical keyboards, the IZO wireless keyboard and numpad use rather chunky and big keycaps that look more like smooth pebbles than the usual trapezoidal shape. Even the choice of white color for the keys gives it a softer aura, which complements the colors of the frame which is treated with a glistening pearl finish. The most eye-catching parts, however, are perhaps the gold accents on some of the keys and on the mouse, elevating the objects from being tools to fashionable accessories.

The devices do have a few tricks up their sleeves beyond just looking sophisticated. The keyboard, for example, has a knob that actually houses two different dials to control different things. The numpad has its own display and functions as a calculator on its own. These aren’t mind-blowing additions, but they help assure buyers that the devices are more than just pretty faces.

The AZIO IZO wireless keyboard, numpad, and wireless mouse present not only a unique design but also a challenge to manufacturers. At this point in time, we have already perfected the essentials of performance, ergonomics, and features for these peripherals, so it’s about time that we start focusing on materials, aesthetics, and the human experience that these products provide. Why should you settle for plain dark accessories when you can have the same performance wrapped in elegant and luxurious designs that better match your style.

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This ultra-customizable LEGO mouse transforms into any preferred shape and button placement configuration

Whether you are a content creator, digital artist, software programmer or professional gamer – mouse is one accessory you interact with the most. No matter which top-rated mouse you choose from reliable names like Logitech, Corsair, Razer or SteelSeries; the buck stops at how much freedom there’s when it comes to customizability and of course the ergonomic comfort.

If you want to go a step further for crazy freedom of customization then nothing comes close to the Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ Adjustable Wired Gaming Mouse. However, if you are longing for something more subtle without sacrificing the ultra-customizable features, this concept is it.

Designer: Subin Kim, HyoRyung Choi, Eojin Jeon and Dohee Kim

Breaking the notions of contemporary mouse design, this design peps up your desk and workstation setup. The Clickbrick gives users the complete freedom to customize the shape, button placement, and other settings for a fun working experience. The LEGO element elevates the appeal without question as you satisfyingly assemble your mouse for a gaming weekend and then turn it back into a graphics design mouse for weekdays.

Clickbrick has a base assembly on which the cute little LEGO bricks can be stacked to create the best-suited ergonomic shape and button placement. All the switch buttons and touch scrolls have electrical signals for smooth operation. In total, there are 58 individual parts including the click buttons, scrolls and LEGO parts. Just imagine assembling your desired mouse setup and then using it, before you get bored and go for another completely different configuration.

Unlike other concept designs that focus just on aesthetics and function, the designers here have envisioned a real product with a complete set of specifications like 2.4 Ghz connectivity, 30 hours battery life, adjustable 800 -1600  DPI and intricate packaging details. Every little detail is kept in mind and I already want to order (if that would someday be possible) this custom assembly mouse in LEGO flavor, don’t you?

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ST[ILT] mouse let’s hand tremor warriors take control of their cursor with the tilting palm

For more reasons than one, here is a remarkable innovation that could transform the lives of more than 10 million individuals whose cursors shake with every move.

Come with me and delve into the fascinating world of ST[ILT], a self-stabilizing mouse designed explicitly for people with hand tremors. This exceptional gadget intends to not only reduces cursor inaccuracies but also offer ergonomic comfort and enhanced hand posture to many with Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke patients, and others with essential tremors.

Designer: Monica Bhyrappa

If you know someone with hand tremors or are dealing with it yourself, you understand how frustrating it gets with inaccurate cursor movements. To exacerbate matters, finger tremors often result in excessive or insufficient clicking, hindering productivity, and causing errors in precision and accuracy.

How we hold a mouse can intensify tremors, making it even more challenging to perform precise movements. Thankfully, the ST[ILT] mouse is here to save the day. The tremor-friendly ST[ILT] mouse has been meticulously crafted to ease cursor motion for individuals with hand tremors.

Designed to gently rest the bottom of the palm on it, the mouse promotes a neutral and relaxed hand posture, minimizing the occurrence of disruptive tremors. Emphasizing user comfort, this Bluetooth-enabled mouse comes with a wireless charging option, eliminating the need for batteries.

Drawing inspiration from the world of aesthetics, the ST[ILT] mouse boasts a visually appealing design. Crafted through advanced 3D resin printing and finished with a sleek matte black coating, this gadget exudes elegance and promotes recycling at the end of its life.

The basic color palette of the ST[ILT] mouse is classic matte black and white. Additionally, a serene olive green hue has been incorporated to offer a calming and refreshing visual experience, catering to the senior audience. And to create some ripples in the industry, its unique design ensures that the side of the hand rests comfortably in the mouse channel, while the ridges on either side provide support and navigation control.

To minimize clicking errors, the mouse eliminates reliance on finger clicks. Tilting the mouse to the right activates the right click, while tilting it to the left initiates the left click. A longer tilt duration of over one second triggers a double click, and right click drag works as usual. Furthermore, rotation using the wrist as a pivot enables smooth scrolling, with left rotation scrolling down and right rotation scrolling up.

The ST[ILT] mouse keeps you visually informed with its handy backlight indicator, illuminating when it’s turned on or tilted in a particular direction. Equipped with a gyroscope and built-in accelerometer, this smart mouse calculates tremor movements and counters them effectively, providing stability to the cursor on the screen.

Recognizing the diverse needs of its users, the ST[ILT] mouse is ambidextrous. Its easy swap functionality between right and left hands accommodates users who prefer to alternate hands based on the intensity of their tremors. Thus, the ST[ILT] is all about customization and adaptability to empower every hand tremor warrior!

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