After pioneering haptic gloves for virtual reality, a Tokyo-based startup diver-x is taking aim at one of the most familiar computing tools: the mouse. it’s new melt mousethrowing in Kick-starter under the company Fusion interface brand, combine a precision mouse, trackpad, and customizable shortcut keyboard in a minimalist aluminum device.
I had a Practical session with the Melt Mouse prototype. during a briefing with the co-founder and CTO Kei Asanowhere I was able to test its haptic feedback and mode switching in person. Was impressed by both the refined and minimalist design and the versatility of its 3-in-1 functionality. It’s one of those rare prototypes that already feels polished enough that I’d actually love to buy one.
Editor’s Note: The photos shown here show a working prototype, not the final production model.
Kei Asano describes it as an attempt to ““Breaking the strict rules of what a mouse should be”.
“All mice look the same: two buttons, a wheel, and maybe some side keys.” he said during our meeting in Tokyo. “We thought we could break that rule by using some of the haptic technology we developed for virtual reality.”
From virtual reality gloves to everyday creativity
Diver-X’s roots lie in XR Hardware. The company first attracted attention in 2022 with ContactGlovea flexible sensor glove that tracked hand movement and provided haptic feedback without requiring users to hold a controller. That project taught the Asano team how subtle tactile sensations could replace traditional mechanical inputs. Co-founder and CTO Kei Asano Remember that the first projects were a fundamental lesson in interface design.
“When you are lying down or in a limited position, you realize how difficult it is to grab something in VR.“Asano explained during our briefing in Tokyo.”We learned that the interface, not the headset, is the key to expanding the hardware’s possibilities..”
With melt mouseDiver-X is transferring that research from immersive virtual reality environments to the creative workflow. The goal: a touch interface that feels intuitive but powerful, without adding visual clutter.
A minimalist and premium form factor
The Melt Mouse is made from a unibody aluminum housingcarved from a single CNC milled block. The top surface is made of reinforced curved glass with a microtextured finish to reduce fingerprints and add subtle tactile friction.
Asano noted that the team tested various materials, including Corning Gorilla Glass Victusbefore opting for a slightly more flexible glass with fine surface protrusions. The curved glass surface was perfected through more than ten prototyping iterations to strike a balance between smoothness and tactile comfort during extended sessions.
“If the surface is too smooth, it looks artificial.“he noted.”The microtexture adds just enough friction to feel natural..”
Under the glass there is a custom haptic actuator which replaces all physical buttons. Each touch or swipe triggers a vibration that feels like a click, but without moving parts. He click weight, sensitivity and scroll feedback everything can be adjusted on the passenger Fusion study software.
During the demo, Asano showed how users can configure touch force: “Some people like a loud click; others prefer something very light. You can set it up exactly how you want.”
“THE SUBTLE HAPTIC FEEDBACK GIVES ENOUGH CONFIRMATION WITHOUT FEELING ARTIFICIAL – IT FEELS IMMEDIATELY INTUITIVE.”
I had Hands-on experience with the Melt Mouse prototype during the meeting, and found the Fine-tuned tactile responsiveness and haptic feedback. The subtle vibration provides just enough confirmation without feeling artificial, and the smooth, lightly textured glass surface feels premium and natural under your fingers, a combination that makes the device both pleasant to use and intuitive.
The device includes a internal rechargeable batterywhat can it be charged via a USB-C connector discreetly hidden underneath the mouse to preserve its clean, minimalist exterior.
The 3-in-1 interface: mouse, trackpad and shortcut pad
What makes the Melt Mouse unique is its multimode functionality. It can function as a traditional mouse, transform into a touch panelor reveal an illuminated digital numeric keypad/shortcut keypad directly on its surface.
In Touch panel modeGestures such as swiping, tapping or scrolling are recognized on the glass surface, ideal for browsing or browsing when combined with an external monitor.
changing to Shortcut keyboard mode activates a shiny layout of virtual buttons under the glass. These can function as a numeric keypad for data entry or as macro keys for creative workflows. Users can assign tools, macros or keyboard commands for Photoshop, Blender or video editing. The illuminated 12-point grid makes the keypad particularly useful for creative software like Photoshop or Blender, where users can quickly enter pixel or vertex coordinates directly from the mouse.
Features of the rear two customizable side buttons which also support swipe gestures, enabling functions like window switching or app control.
MagSole: adjustable feel and ergonomics
The base of the device, called MagSoleIt is detachable and attached magnetically. It adjusts the glide friction depending on the type of surface: smooth for general tasks or more controlled for precision design work. Diver-X also plans to offer optional soles in different heights, colors and texturesallowing users to customize ergonomics and aesthetics. The MagSole system has been precisely tuned to balance smooth gliding with controlled stopping, offering a more consistent feel on different desk surfaces.
The replaceable MagSole and recyclable aluminum frame also align with Diver-X’s goal of making products that last longer and generate less waste. “When you use a mouse for months, the bottom surface wears out” Asano said. “With MagSole, you can just change it and keep the same performance.”
Designed between beauty and function
As a former designer who once relied heavily on Apple products, I always found the magic mouse be beautiful but not comfortablewhile Logitech micealthough excellent for productivity, They lack aesthetic appeal. During our conversation, Asano shared the exact same sentiment, adding that the Diver-X team “I wanted something that was both.”
“AS A DESIGNER, I APPRECIATE HOW THE MELT MOUSE COMBINES BEAUTY AND FUNCTION WITHOUT COMPROMISES: IT’S A THOUGHTFUL VERSION OF A FAMILY TOOL.”
Melt Mouse maintains clean, unbroken lines (no visible seams, no wheels or mechanical clicks) and still delivers precision input. The shape gently curves to fit the palm, striking a balance between elegance and usability.
In hand, the prototype feels lighter than it looks, with a refined tactile balance. Even the scrolling movement, driven entirely by haptic feedback, is quiet but expressive. Users who prefer no touch can disable haptics completely.
Deep customization through Melt Studio
the companion Fusion study The app (available for Windows and macOS) allows full control over mouse behavior. Users can:
- Adjust haptic intensity and click resistance
- Assign application-specific macros and shortcuts
- Remap gestures or swipe zones
- Switch between profiles for different programs
“I don’t like strong scrolling haptics” Asano admitted. “But my engineers love them, so we made everything configurable. You can turn it off or harden it, it’s up to you.”
The mouse connects bluetooth and supports multi-device pairing for up to three computers or tablets, with a small rear button for quick switching.
Premium price, passionate market
Price in $230 for early backers ($280 retail), Melt Mouse occupies a premium niche between luxury peripherals and professional creative tools. Asano knows it won’t appeal to everyone, but it believes the audience for design-driven hardware is growing.
“There are people who spend more than $1,000 on keyboards” said. “If a mouse improves your efficiency even by 3 percent, I think it’s worth it.”
He acknowledged that Diver-X has not yet done formal productivity testing, but sees potential, especially in creative and editing workflowswhere gestures and macros can save time.
“If you use Photoshop or video tools every day, having your shortcuts at your fingertips can make a real difference.” he added.
Looking to the future: beyond clicks
Melt Mouse is the first product of the new Diver-X novelty Fusion interface line, which will focus on translating the company’s XR expertise into everyday productivity tools. Future devices are expected to explore haptic feedback in broader ways, bridging physical and digital interaction. For Diver-X, the mouse is more than an accessory: it’s a statement that innovation in everyday tools is still possible.
“For decades, the mouse has barely changed, but it remains the most essential tool on any desktop.” said CEO and co-founder Yamato Sakod. “With Melt Mouse, we wanted to make it more versatile, more intuitive and future-proof.”
Kickstarter campaign link here
More information: interface-melt.com
Filed in . Read more about design, designer, innovation, Japan, Magic Mouse, mouse, trackpad, user interface and virtual reality (VR).
