Bronze Computers and Peripheral Devices Design · 2026
Project Clipmouse Foldable Mouse
by Kevin Yang
- A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Computers and Peripheral Devices Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 4,414
- Verification code 16C21A4160 · Verify this award
About Project Clipmouse Foldable Mouse
Project Clipmouse is an ultra slim foldable wireless mouse designed for fingertip grip users. The collapsible trigger arms reduce the folded height to 10 mm, while the unfolded shape restores a familiar mouse form. A tilt shift mechanism with a teardrop cam and a spring loaded sliding sleeve reproduces the key travel and crisp feedback of conventional microswitches. Two stacked circuit boards linked by a flexible printed circuit keep the interior compact. A transparent housing leaves the internal structure visible, and small key parts can be replaced.
The Foldable Mouse by Kevin Yang demonstrates a remarkable synthesis of portability innovation and technical transparency within the tradition of user-centered peripheral design, emerging from contemporary discourse surrounding workspace efficiency and the increasing mobility demands of digital professional practice. This design appears to engage with the longstanding challenge of reconciling full-featured ergonomic functionality with radical spatial economy, a tension that has animated peripheral device development since the emergence of mobile computing paradigms in the late twentieth century and the subsequent acceleration of remote and nomadic work practices that characterize early twenty-first century professional culture. The compositional presentation employs the visual vocabulary of technical revelation, where the transparent housing functions simultaneously as protective enclosure and pedagogical instrument, inviting sustained examination of the precisely orchestrated mechanical and electronic components that enable the device's transformative capability from compact folded configuration measuring perhaps one-third the volume of conventional mouse peripherals to a fully deployed ergonomic tool with traditional hand-supporting geometry. The decision to render the device in partial exploded axonometric view with crystalline material transparency reflects a design philosophy that celebrates rather than conceals technological complexity, positioning the observer as witness to the ingenious spatial economy and component integration that characterizes sophisticated industrial design achievement. The chromatic strategy proves equally deliberate, deploying vibrant cadmium orange as both functional identifier and visual signature that distinguishes the device within the typically neutral and conservative aesthetic territory of computer peripherals while the transparent housing maintains material honesty and technical legibility. The cylindrical handle elements suggest careful ergonomic consideration, their curved geometry and substantial diameter implying comfortable palm contact and secure grip during manipulation, while their prominent positioning in the composition emphasizes the human interface dimension of the design rather than privileging pure technological spectacle. The visible circuit boards, optical sensors, and mechanical linkages demonstrate miniaturization achievement and precision engineering, where complex functionality has been condensed into minimal volume without apparent compromise of capability, a technical accomplishment that rewards close observation and invites appreciation of the designer's success in navigating the competing demands of compactness, functionality, comfort, and manufacturability. This work seems to participate in broader contemporary design movements toward transparency, modularity, and repair-friendly construction, where visible internal architecture communicates product longevity, quality construction, and respect for user understanding rather than employing opacity to mystify or obscure, a philosophical position with roots in sustainable design thinking and opposition to planned obsolescence. The presentation against pure white ground with even studio illumination reflects the conventions of design documentation, patent illustration, and award submission visualization, situating the device within professional design discourse and innovation celebration contexts. One might observe how the design invites contemplation of the evolving relationship between human bodies and digital tools, the persistent challenge of creating objects that serve nomadic lifestyles without sacrificing functional integrity, and the aesthetic possibilities that emerge when technological necessity becomes the generator of formal invention rather than a constraint to be overcome or concealed.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Project Clipmouse is an ultra-slim, lightweight tri-mode wireless mouse engineered around a proprietary tilt‑shift mechanism, for which patent applications are currently pending.
Designed specifically for fingertip grip users, it represents a new exploration in foldable mouse design: its collapsible left and right trigger panels compress the overall profile to a mere 1 cm in its folded state.
Its click actuation system is built upon the same proprietary tilt‑shift architecture, utilizing a teardrop‑shaped cam and spring‑loaded sliding sleeve to faithfully reproduce the key travel and crisp tactile feedback characteristic of conventional microswitches. - Dimensions & Packaging
- When Folded: 60mm (W) x 75mm (L) x 10mm (H)
When Expand: 60mm (W) x 75mm (L) x 28mm (H)
Apx Min. Trigger force: (65 Plus and Minus 15 gf)
Maximum trigger arm angle: 0 - 130 Degrees - Tags
- Mouse, Portable, CLIPMOUSE, Everyday Carry
- Production Technology
- The design integrates core components: nRF52810 (QFAA package, miniaturized for space efficiency) and PMW3360DM (compact 16-PDIP package) to deliver superior hardware performance within extreme constraints.
A stacked dual-PCB assembly is used in design - main HDI PCB hosts nRF52810/PMW3360DM, auxiliary PCB accommodates IC touch sensor to mimic the scroll wheel - interconnected via FPC for compact, reliable signal transmission.
The PCBA design is targeted to miniaturize PCB with minimal component packaging, optimizes space utilization. Components are mainly injection molded and a transparent housing showcase the exposed PCBA (refined trace routing, compact packaging) as a CMF visual element.
Omron orange series microswitches (60gf +- 10gf actuation force) ensure crisp feedback; standard replaceable bearings and springs enhance maintainability.
Project Clipmouse merges miniaturized components, FPC-connected stacked PCBs, and visible PCBA, balancing performance, space efficiency, and industrial aesthetics via injection molding and transparent enclosure design. - Design Challenge
- The hardest part of Project CLIPMOUSE was addressing three core challenges, with high-speed circuit stability being the most intractable.
First, optimizing microswitch placement for the slim, angled trigger design was solved by a newly developed tilt-shift trigger system: a cam gear on the rotating axis pushes a spring-loaded slide bar, converting rotational force into direct force to actuate the switch, reducing friction and ensuring consistent reset.
Second, fitting all components into an extremely compact space was overcome through multiple analog circuit tests and selecting/testing minimal component packages.
The partially resolved challenge is high-speed circuit stability: as a non-professional in high-speed circuit design, strict adherence to routing specifications and partial auto-routing still led to interference in the ultra-compact space.
Prototypes are usable aesthetically refined, but commercial-level anti-interference requires professional packet transmission and layout - needing expertise in high-speed circuit design and software engineering. (Most branded tri-mode mouse have its own packet and de-pack system to avoid channel interference)
External factors (such as limited professional knowledge, compact space constraints) and internal factors (personal design capability limits) posed key obstacles, while production possibilities are confirmed via prototypes, Project Clipmouse still needs professional refinements to truly be ready for market. - Project Duration
- The project started in October 2025 in Bangkok, passed Proof of Concept (PoC) in January 2026, and final validating prototype in March 2026. Currently undergoing patent process in china.
- Operation Flow
- This mouse is unique but natural to operate - simply unfold and expand the trigger arms to use it, and the operation is straightforward. It can be folded into a compact size, making it easy to carry around; when unfolded, it restores to a normal mouse shape that fits daily use.
The key part is that it can be folded to save space, while keeping the ergonomics almost the same as a normal mouse. Its transparent shell lets you see the internal structure clearly.
Its click mechanism responds smoothly to light fingertip pressure, giving a firm, satisfying feel with every press, and key small components can be easily replaced if needed.
It is a great alternative for a thinner, lighter, and more portable mouse experience - fitting in pockets or small bags just like a mini pack of cigarettes. - Research
- Research Objectives: To design an ultra-thin foldable mouse (CLIPMOUSE) balancing portability, ergonomics and hardware performance; confirm optimal length, width, height and trigger arm angle via ergonomic verification; optimize PCBA layout under space constraints; and ensure ideal actuation force.
Methodology: Iterative design research, combining ergonomic testing, hardware design reference, 3D-printed prototype validation, and microswitch selection testing to continuously adjust and optimize the product.
Data Collection and Tools: Ergonomic data via angle measuring tools and user experience; PCBA design referenced Nordic Semiconductor’s design manual, assisted by PCB layout software (JLCEDA & Easy Routing); 3D printing used for prototype validation; microswitch testing for actuation force.
Participants/Experiments: Tested 3D-printed prototypes with different sizes/trigger angles; 23 microswitch types from various manufacturers were tested to confirm optimal actuation force; PCBA performance verified against Nordic’s specifications(Design based on their recommended minimal MCU system).
Results: Optimal dimensions and trigger angle confirmed; 3D printing ensured prototype feasibility; 1 optimal microswitch (Omron orange, 60gf) selected; stacked dual-PCB (FPC-connected) optimized via Nordic’s manual.
Insights/Impacts: 3D printing accelerates prototype validation; diverse microswitch testing ensures user comfort; professional manuals boost design stability; portability and ergonomics can be balanced.
Each and every validation process meets mobile office needs, and servicing for foldable peripheral innovation, and provides a balance between portability, comfort and performance. - Inspiration
- Inspiration for Clipmouse derives directly from its name: an abstract reinterpretation of the mousetrap mechanism. Driven by the mechanical clarity and instantaneous actuation of such structures, the design translates this operational logic into an ultra-thin, portable mouse.
Consistent with the core design philosophy, CMF and functional components contribute to the visual narrative. The PCB architecture and proprietary tilt-shift mechanism are intentionally exposed, rather than concealed as internal infrastructure. - Patents
- Currently undergoing patent process in china.