Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber recently talked about the possibility of one day releasing a mouse that customers can use “forever.” She said such a mouse is “not necessarily far away” and would rely on software updates, likely delivered through a subscription model.
On a July 29 episode of The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Faber, who Logitech named CEO in October, said members of a “Logitech innovation center” showed her “an eternal mouse” and compared it to a nice but not “super expensive” watch. She said:
…I have no intention of throwing this watch away one day. So why should I throw away my mouse or keyboard if it is a fantastic quality mouse, well designed and with software? The eternal mouse is one of the things we would like to have.
The concept mouse Faber studied was “a little heavier” than the classic mouse. But what explains its potential longevity for Logitech is the idea of constantly updated software and services.
Logitech hasn’t announced any concrete plans to bring such a product to market. But Faber seems optimistic about the idea of a mouse that people will never need to replace. The challenge, she admitted, is finding a business model that supports that idea without requiring exorbitant hardware prices. “Our products will have to change, but does the hardware have to change?” she asked. “I’m not so sure. We’ll obviously have to fix it and figure out what the business model is. We’re not at the forever mouse yet, but I’m intrigued by the idea.”
The price of an “eternal mouse”
Speaking with Faber, Nilay Patel, host of Decoder and editor-in-chief of the Verge, suggested that an “eternal mouse” could cost $200. While that’s expensive compared to a typical mouse, such a product wouldn’t be the first triple-digit, software-heavy computer mouse. Still, a price tag of around $200 would limit the audience to professionals or enthusiasts.
Faber also said the average price of a mouse or keyboard is $26, but did not cite his source. Logitech is looking to grow by appealing to the many people who don’t own both a mouse and keyboard and by selling more expensive devices. An “eternal mouse” could fall into the latter category. Alternatively, the price of the mouse hardware could be subsidized through subscription payments.
In any case, to offer software updates, Logitech has to convince its customers to use an application to control their mouse. Such software can offer great programmability and macro support, but the need to constantly run peripheral software can be a nuisance that consumes computer resources. Earlier this year, users complained when Logitech added a ChatGPT launcher to its peripherals.
Mouse Subscription
Subscription models are gaining popularity among both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) tech companies because they offer a more reliable and recurring revenue stream than hardware sales. When Patel asked Faber if she could “imagine a subscription mouse,” she replied, “It’s possible.”
According to Faber, subscription-based software updates would mean users would no longer have to worry about their mouse. The business model is similar to Logitech’s with its video conferencing services (Logitech’s B2B business includes Logitech Select, a subscription service offering features such as apps, 24/7 support and advanced RMA).
Having to pay a recurring fee for full use of a device, however, could deter customers. HP is trying a similar idea with rental printers that require a monthly subscription. The printers differ from the always-on mouse idea in that the HP hardware is owned by HP, not the user. However, the concerns about tracking and adding recurring expenses are similar.
What about the durability of the material?
Logitech’s CEO didn’t discuss what durability features a long-lasting mouse might include. But allowing for easier repairs and upgrades would be a different approach to a more durable computer mouse that could appeal more directly to users.
Logitech already sells self-repair parts for some of its mice and other gadgets through iFixit. That store could be expanded to offer more parts, provide more guides, and support more products.
An “eternal mouse” would also benefit from a design that allows for self-repair. Features like the ability to hot-swap mouse buttons for upgrades/repairs, easily replaceable shells, wheels, and feet, detachable cables, and customization options, all accompanied by readily available parts and guides, could go a long way toward creating a mouse that meets users’ long-term needs.
During the interview, Faber also discussed Logitech’s goals of doubling its business and reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2031.
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