Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标 by Kevin Yang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 铜奖 in 计算机与外设设计 Competition Category.

铜计算机· 2026

Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标

by Kevin Yang

A' Design Award 铜奖 Winner in 计算机 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #182448

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标

Clipmouse项目是一款专为指尖握持用户设计的超薄可折叠无线鼠标。可折叠的按键触发臂将折叠后的厚度降至10毫米，展开后则恢复为人们熟悉的鼠标形态。倾斜位移机构采用水滴形凸轮与弹簧加载的滑动套筒，还原了传统微动开关的按键行程与清脆回馈感。两块堆叠式电路板通过柔性印刷电路连接，使内部结构保持紧凑。透明外壳令内部构造一览无余，细小的关键零件亦可更换。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 铜奖

Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标是 A' Design Award 铜奖得主，这是授予以创造力、独创性和敏锐见长的杰出设计的极具声望的认可。铜奖得主是技艺娴熟、创意惊人的作品，印证了其设计师丰富的经验、想象力与机智。预计Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标将成为一件备受推崇、令人钦佩且被珍爱的物品，兼具显著的专业性与创新性。这件赢得 A' Design Award 铜奖的设计融入艺术、科学、设计和技术领域的最佳实践，并因注重细节而出类拔萃。Project Clipmouse 可折叠电脑鼠标出色地满足需求，触动渴望，迷住情感，并吸引好奇心。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
Patents: Currently undergoing patent process in china.