Lunaris M-LMA Variable
An Elecom mouse by frog design, with hidden sensitivity-selector possibilities.
Lunaris is Elecom's iconic 1994 mechanical-mouse range, designed by frog design for the Japanese market. The models had futuristic split cases, an unusual underside resolution dial offering 50–1,600 cpi, and interfaces ranging from PC-98 and PS/2 to Mac ADB. The range lasted into the early 2000s, so USB versions existed too.
Alongside the mouse, the range included a monitor and numeric keypad. The mouse and monitor won 1994 Good Design Awards. A black version matched Apple's PowerBook laptops.
The selector is interesting. The specifications and case list six sensitivities: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,600 cpi, or counts per inch. A count is one reported increment of movement, officially called one mickey. Sometimes it is easier to express sensitivity as the distance the mouse must travel across the desk to generate one movement pulse. At 50 cpi, for example, one mickey is about 0.5 mm: the computer gets a pulse for every half-millimetre of travel.
The ring itself has six positions. But look at the switch and it has nine, technically allowing the low end to extend to 6.25, 12.5 and 25. An inquisitive user could shift the disc's starting position and get any six-value range within 6.25–1,600.
Only the first mouse in the range had the adjustment. After that, they decided 400 cpi was enough for everyone. They didn't change the case, just inserted a pin to prevent the dial turning.
