HyperX Pulsefire Saga - shells for thumb pressure relief

Thumb-optional HyperX Pulsefire Saga shells

Design Description

This shell remix for the HyperX mouse allows users to control side-to-side movement using the ring and pinky fingers, reducing the the need for thumb opposition, an action that can contribute to repetitive strain injuries like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, RSI, CTS or general thumb fatigue, especially during long sessions¹²³.

I have provided remixes for all version 1 and 2 varients provided by HyperX.

Suggested Print Settings

As per the original design.  I designed the additional extension with ≤ 60° rounded overhangs to easily print the part without supports for the “flat butt” versions.

Additional information

This is a personal design to me - some years ago I had to take two months off of work due to thumb injury, so I now monitor this closely and make adjustments to avoid reinjury.  I applaud HyperX for making this mouse, opening it up and making it easy for people to create custom designs and for encouraging functional as well as aestetic designs in this contest.

Here are some useful references.  If you experience discomfort using a mouse, please recognise it early and make changes.  Here are some useful links for further reading and which lead me to this design:

¹Keir, P. J., Bach, J. M., & Rempel, D. (1999). Effects of computer mouse design and task on carpal tunnel pressure. Ergonomics, 42(10), 1350–1360.  https://doi.org/10.1080/001401399184992

²Occupational injury and illness of the thumb. Causes and solutions. (1996, October 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9043212/

³Repetitive strain injury and 4 ways to Prevent it. (n.d.). https://www.hallam-ics.com/blog/repetitive-strain-injury-and-4-ways-to-prevent-it

A note on handedness

I found that left-handed gamers typically still use the mouse in the right hand due to to simultaneous use of the keyboard.  Since these particular mice are designed for gaming without mirrored button placement, I haven’t created a left-handed version, but I’d be happy to do so on request.

Disclaimer:

This design is not a medical device and does not constitute medical advice.  This work is based on personal experience and publicly available research.  If you are experiencing discomfort or injury, stop and consult a healthcare professional.

This remix adds sculpted extensions on the opposite side to support ring and pinky finger control, enabling lateral movement without needing to grip with the thumb.  The thumb side remains unchanged, allowing users to optionally rest or use the thumb, offering a variety of ergonomic positions depending on preference, comfort or injury.