Hands-on Review: Diver-X Reinvents the Mouse With Its Melt 3-in-1 Design — a Beautiful Tool Designed for Creators

After pioneering haptic gloves for virtual reality, Tokyo-based startup Diver-X is taking aim at one of the most familiar computer tools: the mouse. Its new Melt Mouse, launching on Kickstarter under the company’s Melt Interface brand, combines a precision mouse, a trackpad, and a customizable shortcut keypad into one minimalist aluminum device.

I had a hands-on session with the Melt Mouse prototype during a briefing with co-founder and CTO Kei Asano, where I could test its haptic feedback and mode-switching in person. I was impressed by both the refined, minimalist design and the versatility of its 3-in-1 functionality. It is one of those rare prototypes that already feels polished enough that I would genuinely love to buy one.
Editor’s note: The photos shown here feature a working prototype, not the final production model.

Kei Asano describes it as an attempt to “break the strict rules of what a mouse should be”.
“Every mouse looks the same — two buttons, a wheel, maybe some side keys,” he said during our meeting in Tokyo. “We thought we could break that rule by using some of the haptic technology we developed for VR.”

From VR Gloves to Everyday Creativity

Diver-X’s roots lie in XR hardware. The company first gained attention in 2022 with ContactGlove, a flex-sensor glove that tracked hand motion and delivered haptic feedback without requiring users to hold a controller. That project taught Asano’s team how subtle touch sensations could replace traditional mechanical inputs. Co-founder and CTO Kei Asano recalls that early projects as a pivotal lesson in interface design.

“When you are lying down or in a limited position, you realize how hard it is to grab something in VR,” Asano explained during our Tokyo briefing. “We learned that the interface—not the headset—is the key to expanding hardware possibilities.”

With Melt Mouse, Diver-X is transferring that research from immersive VR environments to the creative workflow. The goal: a tactile interface that feels intuitive yet powerful, without adding visual clutter.

A Minimalist, Premium Form Factor

The Melt Mouse is crafted from a unibody aluminum shell, carved from a single CNC-milled block. The top surface is made from reinforced curved glass with a micro-textured finish to reduce fingerprints and add a subtle tactile friction.

Asano pointed out that the team tested various materials, including Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, before opting for a slightly more flexible glass with fine surface bumps. The curved glass surface was refined through more than ten prototype iterations to achieve a balance between smoothness and tactile comfort during extended sessions.

“If the surface is too smooth, it feels artificial,” he noted. “The micro-texture adds just enough friction to feel natural.”

Beneath the glass sits a custom haptic actuator that replaces all physical buttons. Each tap or scroll triggers a vibration that feels like a click — but without any moving parts. The click weight, sensitivity, and scroll feedback can all be adjusted in the companion Melt Studio software.

During the demo, Asano showed how users can configure the tactile strength: “Some people like a strong click; others prefer something very light. You can set it exactly how you want.”

“THE SUBTLE HAPTIC FEEDBACK GIVES JUST ENOUGH CONFIRMATION WITHOUT FEELING ARTIFICIAL — IT FEELS INTUITIVE RIGHT AWAY.”

I had hands-on experience with the Melt Mouse prototype during the meeting, and I found the touch responsiveness and haptic feedback well-tuned. The subtle vibration gives just enough confirmation without feeling artificial, and the smooth, slightly textured glass surface feels premium and natural under the fingers — a combination that makes the device both pleasant to use and intuitive.

The device includes an internal rechargeable battery, which can be charged via a USB-C connector discreetly hidden underneath the mouse to preserve its clean, minimalist exterior.

The 3-in-1 Interface: Mouse, Trackpad, and Shortcut Pad

What makes the Melt Mouse unique is its multi-mode functionality. It can operate as a traditional mouse, transform into a trackpad, or reveal an illuminated digital numpad / shortcut keypad directly on its surface.

In Trackpad Mode, gestures like swiping, tapping, or scrolling are recognized across the glass surface — ideal for browsing or navigation when paired with an external monitor.

Switching to Shortcut Pad Mode activates a glowing layout of virtual buttons under the glass. These can function as a numpad for data entry or as macro keys for creative workflows. Users can assign tools, macros, or key commands for Photoshop, Blender, or video editing. The illuminated 12-point grid makes the numeric pad particularly useful for creative software like Photoshop or Blender, where users can quickly enter pixel or vertex coordinates directly from the mouse.

The rear side features two customizable side buttons that also support swipe gestures, enabling functions such as window switching or app control.

MagSole: Adjustable Feel and Ergonomics

The device’s base, called MagSole, is detachable and magnetically attached. It adjusts the glide friction based on surface type — smooth for general tasks or more controlled for precision design work. Diver-X also plans to offer optional soles in different heights, colors, and textures, allowing users to tailor ergonomics and aesthetics. The MagSole system has been precisely tuned to balance smooth gliding with controlled stopping, offering a more consistent feel across different desk surfaces.

The replaceable MagSole and recyclable aluminum frame also align with Diver-X’s goal of building products that last longer and generate less waste. “When you use a mouse for months, the bottom surface gets worn out,” said Asano. “With MagSole, you can just swap it and keep the same performance.”

Designed Between Beauty and Function

As a former designer who once relied heavily on Apple products, I have always found the Magic Mouse to be beautiful but not comfortable, while Logitech’s mice, though excellent for productivity, lack aesthetic appeal. During our conversation, Asano shared the exact same sentiment and added that the Diver-X team “wanted something that’s both.”

“AS A DESIGNER, I APPRECIATE HOW THE MELT MOUSE MERGES BEAUTY AND FUNCTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE — IT’S A THOUGHTFUL TAKE ON A FAMILIAR TOOL.”

The Melt Mouse maintains clean, uninterrupted lines — no visible seams, no wheel, and no mechanical clicks — yet still offers precision input. The form gently curves to fit the palm, striking a balance between elegance and usability.

In hand, the prototype feels lighter than it looks, with a refined tactile balance. Even the scrolling motion, driven entirely by haptic feedback, is silent yet expressive. Users who prefer the tactile absence can disable the haptics entirely.

Deep Customization via Melt Studio

The companion Melt Studio app (available for Windows and macOS) allows full control over how the mouse behaves. Users can:

Adjust haptic intensity and click resistance
Assign app-specific macros and shortcuts
Remap gestures or swipe zones
Switch between profiles for different programs

“I don’t like strong scroll haptics,” Asano admitted. “But my engineers love them, so we made everything configurable. You can turn it off or make it stronger — it’s up to you.”

The mouse connects over Bluetooth and supports multi-device pairing for up to three computers or tablets, with a small rear button for fast switching.

Premium Price, Passionate Market

Priced at $230 for early backers ($280 retail), the Melt Mouse occupies a premium niche between luxury peripherals and professional creative tools. Asano knows it will not appeal to everyone, but he believes the audience for design-driven hardware is growing.

“There are people who spend over $1,000 on keyboards,” he said. “If a mouse improves your efficiency even 3 percent, I think it’s worth it.”

He acknowledged that Diver-X has not yet conducted formal productivity tests, but sees potential, especially in creative and editing workflows, where gestures and macros can save time.

“If you use Photoshop or video tools every day, having your shortcuts at your fingertips can make a real difference,” he added.

Looking Ahead: Beyond Clicks

Melt Mouse is the first product in Diver-X’s new Melt Interface line, which will focus on translating the company’s XR expertise into daily productivity tools. Future devices are expected to explore haptic feedback in broader ways, bridging physical and digital interaction. For Diver-X, the mouse is more than an accessory — it is a statement that innovation in everyday tools is still possible.

“For decades the mouse has barely changed, yet it remains the most essential tool on every desk,” said CEO and co-founder Yamato Sakod. “With Melt Mouse, we wanted to make it more versatile, more intuitive, and ready for the future.”

Kickstarter campaign link here
More info: melt-interface.com