Mouse Scrolling Wheels That Aren't "Notched" ??

[billt460]

Are there any even being made anymore? If so, which do you guys recommend? The older mouses were all smooth rotating. I've never understood the reason for these "notched" mouse scrolling wheels in the first place? The same with all of these "notched" volume dials on car radios.

Along with some stupid numbering for each "notch". What purpose does it serve, instead of having unlimited variability, with a smooth rotating volume knob?

Fans and variable speed electric motors, yes. But for example, my current desktop mouse makes it difficult to view Youtube "shorts", because it makes it almost impossible to center the video in the monitor.

It's either too high, or too low. Once you get it centered, (which is all but impossible), then you can simply click on up or down to view the next one. This doesn't seem to be an improvement, but rather an inconvenience.

And I don't see where they would be any cheaper to manufacture. If anything I would guess the whole "notched" system would require more parts. Anyway, if any of you guys recently purchased one with a smooth rotating scrolling wheel, please let me know the make and model. Because they don't provide any type of that information on the packaging either way.

 

[skyactiv]

I don't know if this Amazon Basics mouse is what you're looking for? It has a smooth scroll wheel.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics...ter-1-Pack/dp/B005EJH6RW?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

 

[skyactiv]

To add, I assume the scroll wheel on a decent gaming mouse will be more precise--better micro adjustments.

 

[fsdork]

Possibly more complicated/expensive than you're looking for, but the Logitech MX Master 3 or 3S can switch between notched and smooth-rolling scroll, using a button just aft of the scroll wheel. Additionally the scroll wheel has some mass to it, so if you want to give it a push and let it free-wheel, it will do that. Both modes are extremely useful in my day to day PC work. Between work and home PCs, I have a total of three of these mice between the two variants. They have tons of features, but a few I find valuable:

• The option of bluetooth or USB dongle connectivity; if your PC has bluetooth, you can keep a USB port open for other things. Also, if your other device (smart phone, tablet, etc.) doesn't readily accept USB-A, you can connect via bluetooth.
• The USB-A dongle, should you choose to use it, can connect multiple Logitech devices to the PC - another way to avoid tying up ports unnecessarily.
• USB-C charging, with a fast initial charge feature - if you find the mouse dead/dying, you can quickly get enough charge into it to use it for quite a while. Obviously letting it die isn't ideal for the battery, but life happens sometimes.

Note the 3S variant has silent clicking buttons - this can be good or bad depending on your preference, as the silent buttons have a bit of a dead feel to them. I personally prefer the non-S variant, as the positive click keeps me from wondering if I actuated the switch or not.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I’ll second what @fsdork said about the Logitech. I love mine.

 

[b_b]

i have the mx anywhere, works great. not one complaint and it does the notch or notch less.

 

[Pew]

Yes un-notched mice do exist. Notched mice serve as a one-scroll and helps when trying to scroll or zooming in/out of maps. The OS sees them exact same way when scrolling.

 

[billt460]

Possibly more complicated/expensive than you're looking for, but the Logitech MX Master 3 or 3S can switch between notched and smooth-rolling scroll, using a button just aft of the scroll wheel. Additionally the scroll wheel has some mass to it, so if you want to give it a push and let it free-wheel, it will do that. Both modes are extremely useful in my day to day PC work. Between work and home PCs, I have a total of three of these mice between the two variants. They have tons of features, but a few I find valuable:

• The option of bluetooth or USB dongle connectivity; if your PC has bluetooth, you can keep a USB port open for other things. Also, if your other device (smart phone, tablet, etc.) doesn't readily accept USB-A, you can connect via bluetooth.
• The USB-A dongle, should you choose to use it, can connect multiple Logitech devices to the PC - another way to avoid tying up ports unnecessarily.
• USB-C charging, with a fast initial charge feature - if you find the mouse dead/dying, you can quickly get enough charge into it to use it for quite a while. Obviously letting it die isn't ideal for the battery, but life happens sometimes.

Note the 3S variant has silent clicking buttons - this can be good or bad depending on your preference, as the silent buttons have a bit of a dead feel to them. I personally prefer the non-S variant, as the positive click keeps me from wondering if I actuated the switch or not.

Thanks for the post. This sounds like what I'm looking for. Could you post a link to where it's available. I don't want to buy the wrong model. I have a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, and I love it.

 

[KrisZ]

I like how the scroll wheel works on my Logitech MX master 2s. When scrolling slowly, it is notched, but when spun faster, it will switch to smooth scrolling. Perfect for scrolling through large spreadsheets etc.

 

[fsdork]

I'm in Canada, so I bought mine from amazon.ca. It looks like this link is the equivalent for amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MX-...1&sprefix=logitech+mx+master+3,aps,126&sr=8-1

This is the 3S, so the non-clicky button version. It doesn't change how the scroll wheel functions, just the left/right click buttons. At a glance, it appears the 3S has taken the place of the clicky/non-S version, besides a few refurbished options out there.

If you'd rather go into a store to buy (or buy from a website that's not Amazon), Staples carries it too:

https://www.staples.com/logitech-mx...l-usb-mouse-black-910-006556/product_24531798

 

[fsdork]

Thanks for the post. This sounds like what I'm looking for. Could you post a link to where it's available. I don't want to buy the wrong model. I have a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, and I love it.

One thing to note, just to avoid installation frustration - Logitech has gone through a few different USB dongle protocols, with the mouse we're discussing using "Bolt". If your keyboard is wireless and uses an earlier protocol, you may not be able to share one dongle between both devices. Worst case, you need one dongle (included in the package) for each device plugged into the computer.

If the keyboard is wired, disregard.

 

[Quattro Pete]

It's either too high, or too low.

I'm sure you're aware, but it's a configurable option, at least in Windows. It's called "Lines to scroll at a time" - you can drop it to just "1" so that each wheel "notch" scrolls the page up or down very little.

But as far as mouse with a smooth scrolling wheel, Logitech MX Anywhere has that option.

 

[tmorris1]

Possibly more complicated/expensive than you're looking for, but the Logitech MX Master 3 or 3S can switch between notched and smooth-rolling scroll, using a button just aft of the scroll wheel. Additionally the scroll wheel has some mass to it, so if you want to give it a push and let it free-wheel, it will do that. Both modes are extremely useful in my day to day PC work. Between work and home PCs, I have a total of three of these mice between the two variants. They have tons of features, but a few I find valuable:

• The option of bluetooth or USB dongle connectivity; if your PC has bluetooth, you can keep a USB port open for other things. Also, if your other device (smart phone, tablet, etc.) doesn't readily accept USB-A, you can connect via bluetooth.
• The USB-A dongle, should you choose to use it, can connect multiple Logitech devices to the PC - another way to avoid tying up ports unnecessarily.
• USB-C charging, with a fast initial charge feature - if you find the mouse dead/dying, you can quickly get enough charge into it to use it for quite a while. Obviously letting it die isn't ideal for the battery, but life happens sometimes.

Note the 3S variant has silent clicking buttons - this can be good or bad depending on your preference, as the silent buttons have a bit of a dead feel to them. I personally prefer the non-S variant, as the positive click keeps me from wondering if I actuated the switch or not.

I agree with all this. This one is the same idea, but a little cheaper if you don't need the gaming mouse stuff. Logitech M720. It is Bluetooth or RF USB Dongle, can be paired to 3 different devices, and uses a AA battery that lasts well over a year. I has the button that can switch between "notched" or smooth scrolling. I have a couple of these and I think I got them at Sam's Club for $20-30.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/prod...sG2EzNhugqWhObFtrJoO98CeKlACL5IBOXJHagIZ0yuvC

 

[Hall]

If you want to skip the wheel entirely, get an Apple Magic Mouse.

 

[KrisZ]

If you want to skip the wheel entirely, get an Apple Magic Mouse.

Yeah, and get these magic fingers.

And good luck using it while it charges.

 

[Hall]

And good luck using it while it charges.

That is a major screw-up on Apple's part. In non-gaming use though, you can plug it in for 5-30 minutes (go to the rest room or lunch break) and it will charge a lot and get you through the rest of the day. Then you have to remember to plug it in when you go home though.... The design/shape of the mouse really doesn't allow for a charging port anywhere else though.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Are there any even being made anymore? If so, which do you guys recommend? The older mouses were all smooth rotating. I've never understood the reason for these "notched" mouse scrolling wheels in the first place? The same with all of these "notched" volume dials on car radios.

Along with some stupid numbering for each "notch". What purpose does it serve, instead of having unlimited variability, with a smooth rotating volume knob?

Fans and variable speed electric motors, yes. But for example, my current desktop mouse makes it difficult to view Youtube "shorts", because it makes it almost impossible to center the video in the monitor.

It's either too high, or too low. Once you get it centered, (which is all but impossible), then you can simply click on up or down to view the next one. This doesn't seem to be an improvement, but rather an inconvenience.

And I don't see where they would be any cheaper to manufacture. If anything I would guess the whole "notched" system would require more parts. Anyway, if any of you guys recently purchased one with a smooth rotating scrolling wheel, please let me know the make and model. Because they don't provide any type of that information on the packaging either way.

Some mice have a function which allows you to switch between smooth and notched.

 

[Nukeman7]

Thanks for the post. This sounds like what I'm looking for. Could you post a link to where it's available. I don't want to buy the wrong model. I have a Logitech Illuminated Keyboard, and I love it.

@billt460, I have this Logitech M705 wireless mouse and love it! See the rectangular button directly behind the scroll wheel? Pressing it down once allows you to toggle between smooth scrolling or ratcheting clicks, so you get both options.

Here is the link to Amazon: LOGITECH M705 Wireless Mouse

Also available at Best Buy if you prefer a B&M store: LOGITECH M705

 

[KrisZ]

That is a major screw-up on Apple's part. In non-gaming use though, you can plug it in for 5-30 minutes (go to the rest room or lunch break) and it will charge a lot and get you through the rest of the day. Then you have to remember to plug it in when you go home though.... The design/shape of the mouse really doesn't allow for a charging port anywhere else though.

Ignoring the charging port screw up, the mouse is for super light use only, unless you have petit sized hands.
The touch function is nice and worked great with Mac OS, it’s just an ergonomic disaster if you want to use it for prolonged period of time.

 

[ripcord]

I've gone back to wired mice... not by active choice but because they're the last mice standing, so to speak. My Microsoft and Logitech wireless mice (3 total) died in the past year or so. The dead wireless mice were well used, so no real complaints about them. I do like the fact that the wired mice are lighter weight as they have no batteries.