I was distraught. The mouse has two wheels and 11 buttons, all programmable and configured in Steer Mouse. I can navigate, scroll, zoom, close windows, control click, page forward and back, etc., etc., etc., with unique combinations for several apps.
In the past the mouse had been opened for a battery replacement (it didn't need it and just disconnecting and reconnecting cleared the charge memory) and the little feet were loosing their adhesion as they had to be removed to open the device. I was able to buy new feet (foots?) a few weeks ago, but now the switch went and I was doomed. Refurbished/used versions sell for around $150-250 and new "in the box" versions for close on $300 on the inter webs.
Fry's carried the new version (MX Performance Mouse) which is similar, but in many way quite different. It's $100 but I was stuck so off to Fry's I went. I HATED IT! No thumb wheel, the buttons are awkwardly placed and one of them doesn't even do anything but control the wheel to free wheel or a ratchet like click. The Revolution has a clutch... A FREAKIN' CLUTCH! to control that.
I managed to find a couple of vendors online who actually sold replacement switches, but that involved dismantling the mouse down to removing EVERYTHING, including the main board, which is soldered in place. Not for the faint of heart and I'm not expert with a fat old Archer iron. After trying to rebuild the defective switch and not being able to figure out where a few parts went in reassembly I bit the bullet and ordered the micro switch set (2). They arrived today.
After about 90 minutes of desoldering, soldering, testing, desoldering, reassembling, etc., and a few trial and error placement of tiny springs, micro connectors and I'd say, four completed assembly and disassemblies, a miracle! It sprung back to life like brand new. Actually, better than before as I could also clean the laser lens more completely.
The mouse from Fry's is back on the shelves at a 5% discount with one of those bright orange DISCOUNT PRICE stickers on it. And dang, I even have an extra micro switch if one goes out in another 7 years.
I love my little mousey, oh yes I do...
