A Seoul-based designer named Hizin Joo has unveiled a concept computer mouse called the Mechanical Mouse that swaps traditional click buttons for two mechanical keyboard keys. The report comes from the tech portal Hi-Tech Mail.Ru, which first highlighted the unusual design and interaction model.
According to the presentation, users can replace the two primary keys with different keys if they wish, mirroring the customization common on mechanical keyboards. The idea is to give users control over which actions those keys perform, making the device feel more like a modular input tool. In addition, the color and finish of the mouse shell can be customized, allowing a degree of personal styling that matches a user’s setup. Basic actions can also be reconfigured to launch programs or execute frequent tasks, turning what looks like a standard mouse into a programmable control surface.
One striking feature is the absence of a traditional scroll wheel. Instead, a touchpad sits beneath the two keys, serving as the navigation surface. This design choice aims to streamline interaction, reduce mechanical noise, and offer a different tactile experience for users who prefer keyboard-like precision over a wheel. The touchpad is intended to integrate smoothly with the key controls, creating a compact, all-in-one input device.
The Mechanical Mouse communicates via Bluetooth and is capable of pairing with up to three devices simultaneously. When it needs power, it charges through a USB Type-C cable, keeping the charging standard up-to-date with modern accessories. The combination of wireless versatility and multi-device support makes it suitable for users who switch between computers, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled gear throughout the day.
As of now, Hizin Joo has not announced any release plans or a price point for the Mechanical Mouse. The project appears to be in a conceptual or prototype stage, and details about manufacturing, availability, or potential partners have not been disclosed. Still, the concept has captured interest for its novel approach to input and customization, inviting discussions about how we interact with computers beyond the traditional mouse-and-wheel setup. (Hi-Tech Mail.Ru)