Logitech CEO Haneke Faber recently discussed the possibility of one day selling a mouse that customers can use “forever.” The executive said such a mouse isn’t “necessarily super far off” and will rely on software updates, possibly delivered via a subscription model.
Speaking on a July 29 episode of The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Faber, whom Logitech named CEO in October, said members of a “Logitech innovation center” showed her a “timeless mouse” and compared it to a nice, but not “super dear” ” look. She said:
… I never intend to throw this watch away. So why would I throw away my mouse or keyboard if it’s a fantastic quality mouse that’s well designed and supports software? The Eternal Mouse is one of the things we’d like to get to.
The concept mouse that Faber researched was “slightly heavier” than a typical mouse. But what drives Logitech’s longevity potential is the idea of constantly updated software and services.
To be clear, Logitech has not announced any specific plans to release such a product. But Faber seemed upbeat about the idea of a mouse that people would never have to replace. The challenge, she acknowledged, is finding a business model that supports this idea without requiring an exorbitant price of hardware. “Our stuff is going to have to change, but does the hardware have to change?” she asked. “I’m not so sure. Obviously, we’re going to have to fix it and figure out what that business model is. Today we are not at the eternal mouse, but I am intrigued by the thought.’
The price of an “eternal mouse”
Speaking with Faber, Decoder host and Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel suggested that an “eternal mouse” could cost $200. While this would be expensive compared to a typical mouse, such a product wouldn’t be the first software-heavy computer mouse with a triple-digit price tag. 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, though she did not cite her source. Logitech is looking for growth by appealing to the many people who don’t own a mouse and keyboard and by selling more expensive devices. An “eternal mouse” might fall under the latter. Alternatively, the cost of the mouse hardware can be subsidized through subscription payments.
In any case, pushing out software updates will require Logitech to convince its customers to use an app to control their mouse. Such software can offer many possibilities for programming and macro support, but the need to constantly run peripheral software can be an inconvenience that eats up computer resources. Earlier this year, users complained when Logitech added a ChatGPT launcher to its peripherals.
Mouse subscription
Subscription models are gaining popularity among business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) technology companies because they offer a more reliable, recurring revenue stream than hardware sales. When Patel asked Faber if she could “imagine a subscription mouse,” she replied, “possibly.”
Faber said subscription software updates will mean people won’t have to worry about their mouse. The business model is similar to what Logitech already does with video conferencing services (Logitech’s B2B business includes Logitech Select, a subscription service offering things like apps, 24/7 support and extended RMA).
However, you have to pay a regular fee for full use of a peripheral, which can deter customers. HP is trying a similar idea with rental printers that require a monthly fee. Printers differ from the eternal mouse idea in that HP hardware belongs to HP, not the user. However, the concerns around tracking and adding ongoing costs are similar.
What about the durability of the hardware?
The Logitech executive did not discuss what durability features a long-lasting mouse might include. But allowing for easier self-repairs and upgrades would be a different approach to a longer-lasting computer mouse that might appeal more directly to consumers.
Logitech already sells DIY parts for some of its mice and other gadgets through iFixit. This store can be expanded to include more parts, offer more manuals, and support more products.
A “forever mouse” would also benefit from a self-healing design. Features such as the ability to hot-swap mouse button switches for upgrades/fixes; easily replaceable shells, wheels and legs; Detachable cables; and customization options—all accompanied by readily available parts and manuals—could go a long way toward creating a mouse that meets users’ long-term needs.
During the interview, Faber also discussed Logitech’s goals to double its business and reduce its carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2031.
