Many of us spend a lot of time in front of our computers, so getting the proper tools is essential - not only for efficiency but also to help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome. Fortunately, there are a wide range of ergonomic options out there, making it possible for us to make health-conscious choices, as well as to enjoy stylish, personalized workspaces. After all, if you’re spending long periods at your desk, you might as well have an environment that you enjoy and in which you feel comfortable. Take a look at the following 15 computer mouse designs - and take your pick from ergonomic, classy, or simply fun.
15. The Bat Mouse
Designed by Czech company Kibardin Design, The Bat wireless mouse is the height of desktop cool. Thanks to magnetic rings, this sleek and futuristic looking mouse can hover 1.6 inches above its base when it’s not in use, and 0.4 inches above its base when it is being used. As of March 2013, The Bat mouse was still in the early stages of preproduction, and Gizmag.com reckons that it could take some six months before it hits the market. According to The Bat’s designer, Vadim Kibardin, the aim was to lessen the amount of pressure on the wrist, which in theory could reduce one’s risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet whether or not that’s the case, there’s no question this hovering mouse would be a stylish addition to any office. [Video]
14. Level 10M Gaming Mouse
Thermaltake and BMW’s DesignworksUSA group teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind, high-performance gaming mouse named the Level 10M Gaming Mouse. Whatever it lacks in terms of its somewhat uninspiring name, this high-tech mouse more than makes up for with form and function. The upper section of the mouse is height and angle adjustable, while its 3D steering offers users movement in various directions. It also features five programmable keys, and ventilation holes for those tense, sweaty palm moments. The mouse’s streamlined aesthetics and futuristic design present a bold, commanding front, which is bound to appeal to gamers - or business types enjoying a sneaky game of Starcraft in their lunch break. [Video]
13. Mercedes Benz SL 550 Mouse
If you love everything on four wheels and watch Top Gear while you’re eating breakfast, the Mercedes Benz SL 550 mouse could very well be the perfect mouse - allowing you to “cruise the web in style,” as the marketing spiel tells us. Made by Road Mice, the designs are wireless and feature functioning headlights and a realistic feel. They also come in a wide selection of car makes and models, so while you may not be able to afford to keep a Lamborghini or Jaguar in your garage, at least you’ll have one revving up on your desk. According to Amazon reviewers, the mouse is effective, responsive and just plain fun to use. [Video]
12. R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse
The Mad Catz R.A.T. 7 gaming mouse is the epitome of geek chic. If it’s true, as we’re informed, that “smart is the new sexy,” this is definitely the mouse to go for. It seems like every aspect of this technological rodent can be changed according to each individual user’s needs. In fact, website Gdgt.com reports that it even comes with an Allen wrench, which should appeal to those who like to take things apart and put them back together again. Pretty much every feature can be fine-tuned to fit your hand and suit your personal preferences, and it also has adjustable palm rests and a customizable laser sensor. Sweet. [Video]
11. LEGO Brick Wired Mouse
Growing up is hard - and with our busy working lives, it can sometimes be difficult to remember fun childhood memories. Still, some shrewd businesses tap into this yearning and introduce goods that appeal to the big kids among us. These products often combine adult functionality with a fun nostalgic element - like this wired LEGO brick USB mouse, which is bound to make slaving away on those nagging spreadsheets and overdue presentations more enjoyable. Functionality-wise, the mouse is compatible with both Macs and PCs and features the standard buttons and scroll wheel. It’s a bit disappointing to learn that it’s not an officially licensed LEGO product, but still - we want one.
10. Wireless Arc Mouse
Microsoft’s Wireless Arc mouse is visually appealing and comfortable to use. Thanks to a wireless USB port transceiver, users can wander as far away as 30 feet from their computers without losing scrolling, pointing or clicking functionality (although of course you’d also need superhuman vision or a huge monitor!). Two AA batteries keep the Arc charged, and it even folds up - which anyone on the go will surely appreciate. The Arc comes in a range of colours - black, brown, blue, white, purple and green - making it a trendy addition to any workspace. According to one reviewer, its only drawback is that it isn’t ergonomically designed. [Video]
9. Jelly Click Mouse
The Jelly Click inflatable mouse may conjure images of luminescent deep-sea creatures and pulsing jellyfish. Although it’s not available on the market at this stage, this fascinating concept certainly captures the imagination. Bongkun Shin, Heungkyo Seo, Jiwoong Hwang and Wooteik Lim are the designers behind this fun, cool and highly portable mouse. The Jelly Click’s circuitry is held on a pliable panel inside the soft plastic exterior, which can be inflated at will. It’s a simple matter of blowing it up, plugging it into the USB port and getting to work, while enjoying the pillow-soft feel of the mouse beneath your fingers.
8. SM300 Laptop Mouse
New Zealand tech company Swiftpoint designed the Swiftpoint SM300 laptop mouse under the direction of CEO Grant Odgers. This stylish miniature mobile mouse was created with ergonomic concerns in mind and mimics a natural and convenient three-finger pen grip. Laptop users who don’t like using their touchpads will find this a great alternative option (after a brief adjustment phase). It’s designed to be used on the palm rests of the laptop and lasts for up to a month on just one charge. If you like holding your laptop on your knees while you work at home, on the plane or anywhere else, this little mouse can make your life a lot easier - and less uncomfortable. [Video]
7. Transformers Laser Mouse
Let’s face it: when it comes to geeky gadgets, there’s a fine line between ridiculous plaything and fun-yet-functional work tool. Designed by Japanese toy company Takara (now TOMY), this transforming laser mouse is based on Transformers character Trypticon - and it definitely blurs the line between playtime and professionalism. Either way, this functional mouse that transforms into a dinosaur is sure to add lots of fun to your life and will cheer up your workspace. The mouse features three buttons, a sensitivity of 800 dots per inch (dpi) and is Mac and Windows compatible. This shape-shifting gizmo will set you back US$64.99 from Amazon.com. What is it they say about all work and no play?
6. Gold Bullion Mouse
It may not be ergonomic, but this wireless Gold Bullion mouse, made by Just Mustard, gives new meaning to the word swag. Besides its flashy good looks, the mouse offers standard functions like left- and right-click buttons and a scroll wheel. According to some reviewers, the mouse is “really easy to set up, works great and looks fantastic” and is “highly amusing.” Another claimed that the Gold Bullion mouse was “definitely worth the price,” because their friends were tricked into thinking it was the real thing. So, if your life lacks bling, this could be just the thing to pimp up your workspace. According to website The Awesomer, it “lets you live pseudo-large while surfing for yachts.”
5. Belkin Washable Mouse
Sweaty palms, dirty fingers and daily grime can sully any mouse, but thanks to Belkin’s handy washable version, those troubles can be relegated to the past. In fact, this is the perfect mouse for accident-prone people who tend to tip their coffee and cookie crumbs over everything. The Belkin washable mouse is water resistant and spill proof, and it can even be held under the faucet for a quick, robust clean with soap and water - perfect for those who worry about germs in the workplace. It also features an impressive 1,200 dpi sensitivity, which means it can function on surfaces such as upholstery, wood and even glass. Now all that’s needed is a waterproof laptop - for those who like to work while they’re taking a bath. [Video]
4. Golf Course Mouse
Golf-loving executives are bound to enjoy this USB optical golf ball mouse. Boasting an impressive sensitivity level of 3,000 dpi, this eight-button mouse comes with its own golf course mouse pad, three golf balls, a flag and one golf putter - presumably for those times when you get bored in the office. Amusement aside, it’s pleasant to have a personalized work environment. In fact, research has found that accessorizing desks can help employees to express their individuality and even cope with stress by “relaxing or inspiring them,” imparting reassurance and a reminder of home.
3. NES Gamepad Mouse
What better way to express your individuality than by making your own nostalgia-filled mouse? The nifty retro mouse pictured above was crafted from an old NES gamepad by inventive Instructables.com user champx. To make the mouse, champx cut the directional pad and the button housing from an old gamepad, made a base from the bottom of the gamepad case, inserted components from a “donor” mouse, attached the gamepad buttons with hot glue, and made the sides and top using polycarbonate. The mouse was then finished off with a nice paint job, which quite appropriately mimics the original NES gamepad colours.
2. Ladybug Mouse
While most of the mice featured on this list are rather male-oriented (perhaps stereotypically so), when it comes to these handy little desktop accessories, there’s also room for a wide range of more feminine designs. The glitzy ladybug mouse pictured here is priced at a bargainous US$12.50 on Exotic-ideas.com and can be snapped up in a choice of red, yellow or pink. It’s an optical mouse and comes with a set of crystal rhinestones that are sure to add extra pizzazz to any work environment. Logitech and Stealth also offer slightly less sparkly spins on the idea.
1. AirMouse
Designed by Mad Design Labs, the AirMouse is so innovative that it has dispatched with the traditional mouse setup altogether. In fact, it’s basically a glove that the user wears while performing all the regular mouse functions - except that they’re executed in mid-air. The AirMouse is speedy, accurate and, naturally, fits like a glove - and it’s also suggested that it minimizes the chances of hard workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Of course, one drawback of the concept is that the glove would have to be removed any time it’s not in use - like during those trips to the water fountain or the restroom. Nevertheless, it’s a pretty cool gadget, and one of the many fascinating ways companies are trying to reinvent how we interact with our electronic devices. We might all be working on Minority Report-style computers soon. [Video]
Related Post: Bat: The Futuristic Levitating Wireless Computer Mouse
You might think of getting the most generic, economical, cheapest keyboard out there, because they are all the same. Before jumping to that conclusion, why don't you spend the next five minutes of your life reading what exactly is an ergonomic keyboard. Read about all its additional bells and whistles before deciding to go for the generic keyboard.
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