# Brainy Computer Peripherals The Peter Balch Steampunk Brain Mouse Raises the Bar By Michael Hines | Published 2011-03-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-brain-mouse References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/03/28/steampunk-mouse/) & [peterbalch.btinternet](http://www.peterbalch.btinternet.co.uk/MousePunk.htm) Peter Balch has officially taken steampunk to a whole other level with his steampunk brain mouse. The steampunk brain mouse is an original creation made using ordinary items like an optical mouse, coin and brain. Just kidding about the brain. The steampunk brain mouse is one of the better pieces of steampunk artistry that I have come across. The mouse was made by gutting an optical mouse and replacing the contents with such things as a brass coin (scroll-wheel) and some shoelace (mouse cable). The brain was made out of an egg-shaped piece of wood covered in fimo. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Steampunk-inspired Peripherals:** There is an opportunity for developing computer peripherals that embrace unique and unconventional steampunk-inspired design elements. - **DIY Computer Accessories:** There is a growing market for individuals looking to create their own computer accessories using unconventional materials and designs. - **Computer Accessories as Art:** There is potential for computer accessories to become more than just functional tech items, but pieces of art that enhance an individual's overall workspace aesthetic. ### Who This Affects Most - **Computer Hardware:** Companies within the computer hardware industry can develop steampunk-inspired peripherals that combine functionality with unique design elements. - **Art and Design:** Companies within the art and design industry can create DIY computer accessory kits for individuals who want to customize their tech accessories to fit their personal style. - **Interior Design:** There is an opportunity for interior design companies to incorporate unusual computer accessories, such as the steampunk brain mouse, into their overall design aesthetic. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Baroque-Style PC Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ornamental-msi-mouse.md) - [Aesthetically-Pleasing Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dune-mouse.md) - [Panel-Made Mouse Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beetle-acoustic-panels.md) - [Health-Conscious Mouse Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ergo-ergonomic-mouse-concept.md) - [Configurable Mechanical Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-mouse.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Game Enhancing Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bm1.md) - [Pine Cone-Inspired Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treemouse.md) - [Sculpted PC Peripheral Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-magic-mushroom-mouse.md) - [Building Block PC Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clickbrick-lego-mouse.md)