Scrolling has become an essential part of our digital lives, whether it's navigating through lengthy datasheets, coding, or simply reading articles. Yet, the act of scrolling—endlessly flicking a mouse wheel or swiping a trackpad—can become a frustrating ordeal, even physically taxing. Recognising the absence of a perfect off-the-shelf solution, Yoiutuber Engineer Bo took matters into his own hands to design a Wireless High-Resolution Scrolling Device that promises a seamless and ergonomic scrolling experience.
This project centres around precision and comfort, leveraging advanced components like the AS5600 magnetic encoder, capable of detecting minute angular changes with 12-bit resolution, for accurate position sensing and the nRF52832 microcontroller for Bluetooth connectivity. The scrolling mechanism employs a resolution multiplier in its HID report descriptor, enabling precision scrolling down to a fraction of a line. The housing, designed with ergonomics in mind, resembles a low-profile puck and includes a dial for effortless control. The device was assembled with custom PCBs and CNC-machined aluminium parts, with a mix of 3D-printed and resin-cast components for the rest. Firmware development posed its own challenges, such as overcoming limitations in legacy HID descriptor tools and fine-tuning the scrolling response, but the end result is a remarkably smooth and intuitive experience, even on high-refresh-rate monitors.
The device is fully wireless, with features like a rechargeable battery, USB-C connectivity, and a sleek aesthetic. The creator also faced design hurdles, such as balancing the ergonomics of the dial and reducing unwanted movement from overly smooth bearings. While the current iteration is functional and highly effective, future refinements—such as upgrading connectors, improving bearing stability, and enhancing the overall finish—promise to elevate it further. For those who want to know more about the project and how it is designed and built check out Engineer Bo’s project video, where he explains every design stage with details.
