There’s no need to spend big bucks on a fancy new mouse when you can upgrade your old one with these DIY projects.

So, your computer mouse has been acting up, and you need to do something about it ASAP, but can’t get a new one right away yet? Well, you don’t need to toss the current one out. Instead, upgrade your browsing experience with one of these 10 DIY mouse projects.

Computer mice have come quite a long way. The first ever mouse had a wooden shell and metal wheels! And if you thought that’s crazy, well, there’s more: the mouse would spin when moved! But it was about the best piece of technology you could find in the 1960s. Then, years later, came the thumb-operated trackball mouse. Logitech was the pioneer for this one, and it was a hit.

Now we have the optical sensor mouse. The best type so far, it converts light rays into signals a processor can read, consequently guiding the cursor on the screen. And if you have an old optical mouse, you can restore it to working condition as long as this key technology is functional.

Even better, you don’t have to stick to the standard design. As long as you have the optical sensor, you can redesign your old mouse with a bunch of creative stuff including a Tic Tac container, as shown in this Instructables guide. You can also quick fix and continue using other common devices in your household.

If you are an avid gamer, a writer, or you use a computer mouse a lot, your hand comfort is critical. Unfortunately, the standard mouse design gets the job done, but twists your arm while you use it. This could result in a string of problems you don’t want, like repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome.

For ultimate comfort, and productivity, your arm should be in a natural, handshake position while you use a mouse. There are now many ergonomic mouse models designed to position your arm naturally, but they spot quite the price tag. Luckily, this Instructables project has all the info you need to build your own ergonomic mouse: the wearable mouse. You can rock it like a glove, and guide your cursor as needed.

Steampunk is a retro-futuristic, sci-fi inspired style. It blends historical elements from the 19th century, steam-powered era, with technological features, creating one of the most stunningly unique design aesthetics you’ll come across. Picture a steampunk-style mouse! It’ll undoubtedly be an icebreaker. Now, stop picturing it, and build one by following this Instructables guide.

Like the idea of building an ergonomic mouse, but didn’t fancy the one listed earlier because you want to feel an actual mouse in your hand while working? This DIY carbon mouse might be what you’re looking for.

If you have a creative mind, configure the carbon fiberglass mold into any ergonomic shape you want, but if you’d like a nudge, consider taking inspiration from existing models on the market. You will need some soldering skills for this project, but beyond that, everything else is easy thanks to the detailed Instructables guide.

Got a mouse whose design is now a sore sight, or need an easy-to-build DIY mouse as a temporary fix? If you answered yes, check out this cardboard mouse. With just a small cardboard piece and in only eight steps, you can reuse your old laser mouse components to build a cardboard mouse inspired by your favorite mouse on the market. Check out the Instructables tutorial to complete this project.

Imagine a mouse that does all typical mouse functions corresponding to hand gestures and movements. It would look like you are writing on air, or doing some sign language; either way, it would look cool. It would also be more convenient, especially for tasks you’d typically need a remote for, like changing TV channels. And although it sounds pretty sophisticated, you can build it using this DIY gesture-controlled mouse Instructables guide.

Ever feel like you click your mouse so much while working that your index and middle fingers need a break? Building a foot switch mouse will certainly make your life better. And surprisingly, you don’t need a master’s degree in technical engineering to build one. You just need this Instructables guide, an old mouse, switch, and a platform support—which could be anything solid, including a random wooden piece that you’ll carve into an ergonomic shape.

To perfect your woodworking skills, check out the best DIY channels to master woodworking, 3D printing, and maker projects.

Fancy the idea of using a mouse to draw digital art, but can’t keep your arm steady to save your life? A mouse pen might just be the game-changer you need to seamlessly create your artwork on your computer screen. And, as is with the other projects on our list, it’s incredibly easy to build. You will only need to remove and replace the scroll wheel and solder some parts, as explained in the Instructables tutorial.

This project can be an awesome addition to DIY gadget projects to beat the weekend boredom.

Another steampunk mouse! And it’s just as easy to build as the other one on our mice DIY project list, but more refined. It sort of looks like a 1950s Turner sports car, but with a Victorian twist thanks to the wheel and steampunk touches. Check out the steps for building one in the Instructables guide.

While there’s no denying commercial ergonomic mice are spectacularly designed, the high price tag isn’t so attractive. Fortunately, as noted earlier, you can build a mouse from almost anything solid as long as you’ve got the right components. And we mean anything solid, and sculptable, including foam, as shown in this Instructables project. The best part? You can sculpt it into a shape that feels most comfortable in your hand.

Computer mice are among those gadgets most of us can no longer do without. They are used everywhere, for work and leisure. And while Douglas Engelbart, the man behind the first mouse, didn’t live enough to see it, his wooden shell and metallic wheel mouse did bring forth a life-changing technology.

You can be part of the story by upgrading your old mice with a DIY project. Replicate the ideas above as they are, or add a little twist to get your DIY mouse to work just as you need. You never know, you might be just sitting on a mouse design tweak the world needs.

Alan Blake is a passionate and proficient writer who loves exploring, learning, and sharing his findings in an engaging approach. He not only likes to keep up with SEO trends but also technology advancements. He currently works as a writer at MakeUseOf where he covers tech DIY among other niches.

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