Unusual and Strange Computer Mouse Designs You Can Buy (2026)

Bored of the plain grey mouse? In 2008 we rounded up 15 unusual computer mouse designs, from a Superman mouse and a finger mouse to a baseball cap mouse and a Bluetooth mouse that slid into a laptop’s PC Card slot. Most of those gadgets are long gone, but strange and clever mice are still being made, and some odd-looking designs are genuinely better for your wrist. Here are the most unusual computer mouse types you can actually buy in 2026.

Quick answer: The most unusual computer mouse designs today are vertical mice that you hold like a handshake, trackballs you roll with your thumb or fingers, ring and finger mice, 3D mice for designers, foldable travel mice and pen-style mice. Several of these strange shapes are popular because they reduce wrist strain.

1. Vertical mouse

A vertical mouse stands on its side so your hand rests in a natural “handshake” position. It looks odd at first, but many people with wrist pain swear by it. Popular models come from Logitech, including the MX Vertical and the smaller Lift.

2. Trackball mouse

The mouse stays still while you roll a ball. Thumb trackballs like Logitech’s MX Ergo and finger-operated ones like Kensington‘s large-ball SlimBlade (a descendant of the SlimBlade presenter mouse in our 2008 list) save desk space and arm movement.

3. 3D mouse

A 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse is a puck you push, pull and twist to fly around 3D models, maps and CAD drawings with six degrees of freedom. Our 2008 list featured its ancestor, the SpaceNavigator, which could fly through Google Earth.

4. Finger and ring mouse

Finger mice strap onto a fingertip and ring mice sit on your finger like a ring, letting you control the cursor without a desk. They are handy for presentations and couch browsing, though less precise than a normal mouse.

5. Pen-style mouse

Mice shaped like a pen, such as the Swiftpoint range, use a pinch grip that feels more like writing than clutching a mouse.

6. Foldable and flat travel mice

Mice that fold flat or bend into shape to turn on are made for laptop bags. Microsoft’s Arc Mouse, which also appeared in our original list, made the design famous.

7. Gaming mice with extra buttons

MMO gaming mice can have 12 or more thumb buttons laid out like a number pad, a modern version of the numeric keypad mouse we featured in 2008. Some also have adjustable weights and swappable side panels.

8. Novelty and themed mice

Superhero, car and cartoon-shaped mice are still sold as gifts. They are fun for kids, but standard shapes are more comfortable for long work sessions.

9. Wired gamer favourites with honeycomb shells

Ultra-light gaming mice with holes cut in the shell look strange, but the weight saving helps fast, precise movement.

Which unusual mouse should you choose?

Give any new shape a week or two; your hand needs time to adjust. Mac users may also like our tips on using an Apple Mighty Mouse on Windows, and if you switch keyboards too, see how to use an Apple keyboard on a Windows PC. You can also browse unusual mice on Amazon.

What happened to the 2008 list?

The HP PC Card mouse vanished along with PC Card slots, the baseball cap mouse and water-filled optical mouse were short-lived novelties, and the tiny “very small mouse” was replaced by better travel designs. Only a few ideas, like trackballs, 3D mice and vertical mice, grew into lasting product lines.

FAQ

Is a vertical mouse better for your wrist?

Many users find it more comfortable because it avoids twisting the forearm. It is not a cure, so see a doctor for ongoing pain.

Are trackballs good for gaming?

They suit slower games and strategy titles. Most fast shooters are easier with a regular gaming mouse.

Do unusual mice work with Mac and Windows?

Most use standard USB or Bluetooth and work with both, though extra buttons may need the maker’s software.