Building the mouse Logitech won't make

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

DIY tools, costs, and “economically irrational” hacking

  • Many relate to buying an expensive tool (e.g., hot-air station) to avoid a smaller service fee, then justifying it as an investment for “next time.”
  • Some suggest tool libraries/makerspaces or rentals to reduce underused purchases; others say repeat projects and renovations eventually justify “premature tool purchase addiction.”
  • Several explicitly say DIY is rarely about saving money; fun, learning, and independence matter more than opportunity cost.

Soldering and electronics techniques

  • People share cheap SMT assembly approaches: frying pans, toaster ovens, PTC hot plates, basic hot‑air clones (e.g., 858D), stencils, and IR thermometers.
  • Debate over best technique: hot plate vs hot air vs fine‑tip iron under magnification. Tips include Kapton tape and aluminum foil to shield nearby parts.
  • Consensus that hot‑air rework is learnable and very useful for fixing boards and swapping mouse switches.

Logitech MX Ergo, MX line, and alternatives

  • Many love the MX Ergo’s shape and workflow, but criticize micro‑USB, loud switches, lack of free‑spin scroll, lack of wired option, and rubber coating that degrades.
  • Several note Logitech now sells the MX Ergo S with USB‑C and quieter switches, partially undercutting the article’s premise.
  • Others move to alternatives (ProtoArc, Elecom, Kensington, Ploopy, CST/L‑Trac, various vertical mice) citing comfort, reliability, or price.

Hardware quality, failure modes, and repair

  • Repeated complaints about Logitech microswitches (double‑clicks, missed clicks) and rubberized surfaces disintegrating; some see this as deliberate disposability.
  • Others repair by desoldering switches, bending contacts, or injecting contact cleaner; many swap in higher‑quality Kailh/Huano parts and new skates.
  • Opinions differ on whether issues are design/quality or a side effect of very low‑voltage circuits.

Batteries, charging, and receivers

  • Strong split: some prefer built‑in rechargeable batteries and USB‑C; others insist AA/AAA (often NiMH) are superior for longevity, instant swap, and repairability.
  • Discussion of AA‑form‑factor rechargeables and hybrid designs that accept both packs and standard cells.
  • Frustration at Logitech’s fragmented receiver ecosystem (Unifying, Bolt, gaming) and slow rollout of USB‑C dongles; some praise multi‑device receiver setups.

Desire for modular, DIY, and niche mice

  • Multiple commenters want a “mechanical keyboard” ecosystem for mice: modular shells, hot‑swap switches, configurable button layouts, open firmware.
  • References to open‑hardware options (e.g., Ploopy) and custom QMK‑based mice; suggestions to crowdfund specialty designs (e.g., improved Ergo‑like trackballs).
  • OS‑level limits on mouse button events are seen as a bottleneck for high‑button “numpad” and MMO mice.

Ergonomics and personal fit

  • Experiences vary: some eliminate RSI with trackballs (thumb and finger types), others with vertical mice; some develop pain from exactly those devices.
  • Many lament the scarcity of wired trackballs, left‑handed or giant‑hand models, and ambidextrous 5‑button layouts.

Software, drivers, and search friction

  • Logitech’s configuration software is widely disliked (bloat, platform gaps). Third‑party tools like SteerMouse and similar utilities on macOS are praised.
  • Some note wasting time reinventing mods or solutions because search (especially Google) no longer reliably reveals existing products or prior art.