We’ve all been there—facing a minor problem and coming up with a solution that’s a little over the top. It’s human nature to sometimes overthink things, especially when we have the tools and technology. This list is a celebration of those moments when inventors and engineers took simple problems and threw everything they had at them, resulting in solutions as impressive as they are unnecessary.
Take, for example, a keyboard that costs more than a month’s rent or a mousetrap that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. These are the kinds of inventions that make you chuckle and think, “Was that really necessary?” Yet there’s something endearing about them. They remind us of the joy of tinkering, of pushing boundaries just to see what’s possible, even if it means creating something utterly extravagant.
So let’s dive into a collection of over-engineered marvels. From the smell of fresh croissants waking you up in the morning to a watch that requires a PhD to understand, these inventions show that sometimes the simplest problems inspire the most creative (and over-the-top) solutions. Get ready to be entertained and perhaps a bit amazed by human ingenuity at its most extravagant.
10 The Optimus Popularis: An $1,100 Computer Keyboard
This keyboard plugs into the wall! – Optimus Popularis
The Optimus Popularis keyboard was a tech lover’s dream with a price tag to match at $1,100. Created by the Russian studio Art Lebedev, it wasn’t your typical keyboard. Each key was a tiny screen that could display any image or icon, making it incredibly customizable and quite the conversation starter.
You could program each key on the Optimus Popularis to show symbols, letters, or even animations. This was particularly useful for designers, gamers, and professionals who used specialized software. Despite its impressive customization options, the high price meant it was more of a luxury than an everyday necessity.
Although the Optimus Popularis has been discontinued, it remains a fascinating example of over-engineering. It pushed the boundaries of what a keyboard could do, sparking both admiration and debates about its practicality. Whether seen as a groundbreaking innovation or an extravagant novelty, it definitely left its mark in the tech world.[1]
9 Jake Easton’s Robotic Mousetrap
The Better Mousetrap | Telovation.com
Jake Easton’s Better Mousetrap offers a unique approach to pest control with its combination of electrical and pneumatic power. The device weighs nearly 6 pounds (2.8 kilograms) and includes features such as a key lock switch and manual safety. It utilizes sensors to detect the presence of a mouse, which then activates a pneumatic actuator to deliver a powerful strike with 102 pounds (46 kilograms) of force, using 40-60 PSI of compressed air.
The trap’s design includes several advanced components, such as solenoids and a hand-crafted aluminum case. When a mouse triggers the sensors, the trap’s mechanism swiftly and efficiently eliminates the rodent. This high-tech approach contrasts sharply with traditional mousetraps, which are typically simpler and less expensive.
While the Better Mousetrap showcases significant engineering prowess, it also raises questions about practicality and necessity. Traditional traps are known for their affordability and ease of use, whereas this robotic version is more complex and costly. This juxtaposition makes the Better Mousetrap an interesting example of modern engineering unnecessarily applied to a common household task.[2]
8 14 Million People Watch J Perm Overthink Solving a 1×1 Rubik’s Cube
Learn How to Solve a 1×1 Rubik’s Cube
Solving a Rubik’s Cube can be challenging, but what happens when there’s only one piece? J Perm, a popular YouTuber known for his Rubik’s Cube tutorials, decided to tackle this unusual puzzle. With over 14 million views, his video on solving the 1×1 Rubik’s Cube has captivated audiences worldwide. Despite the simplicity of the puzzle, J Perm humorously overthinks the solution, adding layers of unnecessary complexity to entertain and engage his viewers.
The 1×1 Rubik’s Cube is essentially a joke, as it has no moving parts and doesn’t require any actual solving. However, J Perm’s approach to this “puzzle” involves detailed analysis, mock frustration, and exaggerated strategies highlighting the absurdity of over-engineering a solution to a non-problem. His comedic take on the 1×1 cube has made the video a hit, proving that sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy when viewed through a creative and humorous lens.[3]
7 An Alarm Clock that Wakes You Up to the Smell of Fresh Croissants
This Alarm Clock Wakes You With the Smell of Fresh Croissants
Imagine waking up to the scent of fresh croissants instead of a jarring alarm. The SensorWake alarm clock, created by Guillaume Rolland, does just that. Using replaceable scent cartridges, this innovative device releases pleasant aromas like coffee or peppermint at your wake-up time, aiming to make mornings more enjoyable.
Each scent cartridge lasts up to 30 uses, offering a variety of aromas. If the scent doesn’t wake you within three minutes, a backup sound alarm activates. This dual sensory approach ensures you won’t oversleep while providing a more pleasant start to your day.
Despite its charm, the SensorWake has faced practicality concerns due to the need for regular cartridge replacements, adding ongoing costs. However, for those seeking a gentler wake-up experience, the SensorWake presents an interesting alternative to traditional alarms.[6]
6 The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari: The Watch You Need a PhD to Fully Understand
Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari Ferrari Watch Hands-On
The Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is not just a watch; it’s a complex masterpiece of horology inspired by the Ferrari LaFerrari supercar. This timepiece features an impressive 637 components and a 50-day power reserve, making it one of the most advanced watches ever created. Its design, like the car, is sleek and futuristic, housing a movement that is as intricate as it is fascinating.
What sets the MP-05 LaFerrari apart is its unique construction. The watch uses a vertical tourbillon and a series of stacked barrels to achieve its lengthy power reserve. The time is displayed using cylinders instead of traditional hands, adding to its distinct and unconventional look. This level of complexity is rarely seen in wristwatches, making it a true collector’s item for horology enthusiasts and Ferrari fans alike.
While the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari is undoubtedly a marvel of modern watchmaking, its complexity and high price tag make it a luxury only few can afford. This watch exemplifies the pinnacle of over-engineering in the world of luxury timepieces, combining technical prowess with an aesthetic that pays homage to one of the most iconic cars ever made.[5]
5 Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit: The $3,000 Gaming Chair
They left this in my driveway – Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit Review
The Cluvens Scorpion Gaming Cockpit takes the idea of a gaming chair to an entirely new level. Priced at $3,000, this elaborate setup resembles a giant scorpion, complete with an articulating tail that supports up to three monitors. Its design is not just for show; it aims to provide gamers with an immersive and comfortable gaming experience.
This gaming chair includes features such as an adjustable seat, built-in massage and heating functions, and a motorized
