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Archer II ergonomic mouse launched by Spire

by Mark Tyson on 14 April 2014, 08:45

Tags: Spire

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Dutch PC accessories company Spire has launched a new ergonomic mouse design called the Archer II. From some angles it looks pretty normal but, as you can see in an all around view, the buttons and wheel which are usually on the upper mouse surface have been rotated clockwise about 80 degrees.

Spire explains the design of the Archer II as an answer to ergonomic problems with conventional mouse designs. It says that with one in six workers suffering from RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, mostly related to mousing around, the Archer II should help provide some prevention and comfort for those who spend many hours on computers.

Apparently the Spire Archer II shape will help naturally position your arm, elbow and wrist to be "under less stress then with traditional mice on the market". The mouse button positioning is said to prevent the usual 'finger hovering' behaviour users of regular mice exhibit. The raising of fingers in preparation to click is said to be "one of the biggest pain triggers when using a traditional mouse," so it's great if it can be eliminated.

We've talked through the Archer II's design, but what about its standard mousing specifications? Here's the hardware spec:

  • Part number: SP-M4002-USB
  • Input Sensitivity: '5D' Optical
  • Tracking Resolution: 1,000dpi
  • Button life: over 3,000,000 cycles
  • Compatible with Windows 9x, 2000, XP ,ME ,NT and vista,Win7/ 8
  • Interface: USB
  • Material: ABS
  • Cable Length: 150cm
  • Unit Weight: 102g
  • Unit Dimension (cm): 12 x 7.1 x 6.5
  • Rated Current (A), 0.1. Rated Power (W) 0.5, Voltage (V) 5
  • Operating Temperature (°C) 0 to 45, Storage Temperature (°C) -15 to 65
  • Warranty: 2 Years

If you like the look of the Spire Archer II, it is available now in China and will be rolling out in Europe from the end of this month. We've seen these kinds of 'top surface rotated' ergonomic style mice before from other companies however Spire doesn't charge too much of a 'health tax' on its new ergonomic product, it is set to retail at USD 41.95 / EURO 29.95 including VAT.



HEXUS Forums :: 7 Comments

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I'd be very interested to try this actually - I frequently rotate my regular mouse onto its side any time that i'm just scrolling and don't need to move the cursor (e.g. reading through documents) and it's a much more comfortable wrist position. Wonder if I could persuade my employer to buy me one??
Looks like an interesting device. Although two drawbacks:
1. Is it available in a right- and left-handed version? Despite being right-handed at the moment I'm mousing with my left … because I use my right hand to take notes;
2. Any chance of a wireless version - preferably not using Bluetooth? Our H&S folks like the idea of wireless mice, (because it apparently causes less drag not having a cable, and it's easier to keep a tidy desk, good positioning, etc). But the security folks take a dim view of Bluetooth-driven peripherals - keyboards are a definite “no go” , but they also don't like BT mice.

Then again, my current Logitech Anywhere MX mouse is okay.
It's just a slightly different design to the Microsoft Ergonomic Mice (sculpt and 6000 models), so it's not exactly a new design. I'd also say that wired doesn't help with ergonomics, I was forever getting the cable in the way before going wireless.
Looks like a trackball mouse minus the trackball
Doesn't look much different from existing vertical mice (e.g. those ancient damn Evoluents).