Mini Mechanical Mouse by diagnosis

Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago

This is kind of a ridiculous project I've been working on creating a small, basic mouse, using the PCB from a $2.99 thrift store special, Dell optical mouse, and adding a case to utilize mechanical keyboard switches. Honestly, it's just for fun, and is probably more worthy of the r/mousegore thread, that anything else.
I used the guts from a Dell, ‘M-UAN DEL 1’ optical mouse, which actually uses a Logitech board. I've added photos to the file with the part numbers included. I also desoldered the switches, scroll wheel optical sensors, and scroll wheel switch to gain more room for the mechanical keyboard switches. The mounting opening of the 3D printed top, is approximately 14mm X 14mm, so any MX style switch should snap in without too much trouble.
Assembly of the parts is pretty straight forward. The PCB should screw into place on the bottom plate, using the original screws, and the 'lens' is sandwiched inbetween the PCB and the printed base, like with the original mouse. Wires will have to be soldered to the PCB to attach to the new switches in place of the original micro switch pin through holes, that were removed.
The top cover snaps into place on the base. You must pass the wires soldered to the PCB for the switches, through the 14x14 openings, and then solder them to the pins on the new MX switch, which have had the switch pins bent back flush with it's bottom for some extra clearance when snapped into the top. Any excess wire, can be carefully tucked back inside the case, and then the switch can be snapped into place.
Honestly, I'd love to see any makes posted if anyone gets around to building one of these mice. It was a lot of fun, and is relatively straightforward.... I think. If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment, or message me on Reddit, u/Filibustercrankcase
Thanks!!
Edit, Sept 30, 2020: I purchased another similar mouse recently, visually identical to the first mouse I used, and the PCB worked as well. I'll add the part no. for the Dell style mice that work as I find more.
M-UAN DEL 1
M-UVDEL 1