The spelling of the word "mices" may seem odd, as it does not follow the typical pluralization rule for mice. However, this alternate spelling is actually the correct form when referring to multiple computer input devices. The "s" in "mices" is pronounced as a "z" sound, making the IPA phonetic transcription /maɪsɪz/. This deviation from the norm can be attributed to the influence of the tech industry on language, as computer mice became more prevalent in the 1990s.