Retractable Stiff Cord

Firstly, this is really only appropriate on devices that are retractable, as non-retractable devices can (and usually do) have stiff cords already. The only device where this feature matters that I can think of is on a mouse.

One feature of various devices that is both a blessing and a curse is that the first inch or so of cord on a device does not generally curve enough to perfectly wrap around the device. On a mouse, this feature is usually a blessing, as it makes the cord less apt to hit the hand of the user of the mouse.

On a mouse with a retractable cord, this feature is not present, because the cords are thinner and more flexible so as to make them store better when they retract. There's often about a centimeter of thick somewhat curve-resistant cord at the tip of even retractable mice, but this is not enough. The most common type of retractable mouse cord is a spinner cord, rather than having the cord retract into the mouse.

I propose that about an inch of the cord, which will be thick, retracts into the mouse itself as a separate feature from the retracting spin box found outside of the mouse. Users who disliked this stiffness need never make use of it, since it retracts. But those who find the cord on their retractable mice is wrapping around their fingers may appreciate having the first inch of the cord be inflexible so that the cord will stick out from the mouse. This device probably wouldn't be so easy to incorporate on the smallest lines of the portable mice.