This ergonomic mouse splits apart to become a handheld motion controller and touchpad

In brief: While the computer mouse has undergone plenty of redesigns over the years, most models are still made to remain firmly on a desk. But the DS21 is a little different. Its central section detaches from the body and becomes a handheld motion controller, presentation clicker, and touchpad.

Created by MBox, the DS21 is described as a three-in-one control hub aimed at people who regularly move between a desk, conference room, and living room.

When fully assembled, it resembles a standard right-handed ergonomic mouse with a contoured shape, thumb rest, and full palm support.

The complete mouse weighs 85 grams. Its 35-gram core is held inside the outer shell using a magnetic docking mechanism and can be removed whenever users need to control something from a distance.

Once detached, a six-axis gyroscope translates hand movements into cursor movements on the screen, similar to the air remotes included with some smart TVs such as LG’s.

Users can navigate presentation slides, highlight content, scroll through pages, control media, or operate a projector from up to 15 meters away.

A multi-touch surface positioned beneath the thumb handles allows actions such as clicking, dragging, scrolling, and adjusting the volume. The remote can also operate a smart TV or tablet and act as a wireless camera shutter for a connected phone.

The DS21 supports low-latency connections through a 2.4GHz USB receiver, while Bluetooth 5.3 provides compatibility with mobile hardware. MBox lists support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, smart TVs, and projectors.

Reattaching the core turns the DS21 back into a regular desktop mouse, but its touch and motion controls remain available. The idea behind the design is that it could replace several devices while taking up less room in a travel bag.

The mouse brings to mind Lenovo’s AdaptX prototype, which used interchangeable modules to transform between an ergonomic mouse, compact mouse, travel hub, and other accessories. There’s also the $159 Pixelpaw Phase, a mouse that splits into a Joy-Con-style controller, though the DS21 is less gaming-focused

The DS21 has already surpassed its modest $2,000 Kickstarter goal. Early-bird pledges start at $55, 30% below the planned $79 retail price. MBox expects mass production to begin in September with shipping in November. The company has previously fulfilled four other funded Kickstarter campaigns.

As with any crowdfunded product, those dates and specifications aren’t guaranteed. MBox acknowledges that maintaining precise magnetic tolerances and ensuring consistent gyroscope performance across operating systems are among some of the manufacturing challenges it still needs to address.