US Patent 7161584 Quiet mouse

A computer pointing device includes an interface for communicating to a computer in response to a user input. The pointing device includes an inaudible moveable input that is activated by the user. The pointing device includes a resilient member with at least one electrical contact. The moveable input cooperates with the resilient member to engage and disengage the electrical contact from an interface electrical contact. Engagement between the electrical contacts is silent or inaudible in response to user input to the moveable input. The pointing device also includes a switching mechanism that converts the inaudible engagement of the electrical contacts into an audible engagement.