The Rotary Mouse

A mouse that replaces the scroll wheel with a precision rotary dial

TL;DR

  • Replaces the traditional scroll wheel with a rotary dial with tactile clicks
  • Scroll the usual way with quick flicks, or switch to high gear by rotating the wheel continuously for faster, longer navigation
  • Originally built to reduce finger strain during long computer use
  • Alternative to a jog wheel for creative use or a mini steering wheel for gaming
  • Launching on Kickstarter: June 17, 2026
  • Expected Kickstarter reward tiers: $49 (super early bird), $79 (early bird), standard ($89), vertical version ($109)

Demo

Overview

The Rotary Dial Mouse rethinks one of the most common interactions in computing — scrolling.

Instead of a traditional scroll wheel, it uses a rotary dial that allows for continuous, more controlled input. What started as an experiment to reduce finger strain during long coding sessions evolved into a faster, versatile input device that adapts to different workflows.

The result is a mouse that can handle fast or slow scrolling, everyday scrolling, and more specialized use cases like timeline scrubbing and analog-style control.

Key Features

  • Rotary Dial Input With Tactile Clicks
    Continuous, precise control with step feedback
  • Multi-Use Interaction
    Works for faster scrolling, scrubbing timelines, and analog-style inputs
  • Still Supports Regular Scrolling
    Maintains the familiarity of a standard mouse
  • Alternative to Jog Wheel or Steering Wheel
    Works as a jog wheel for creative use or a mini steering wheel for gaming
  • Reduced Finger Strain
    Designed to incorporate range-of-motion (ROM) exercise for finger

Speed Comparison With Standard Mouse – 2.5X Faster

Use Cases

Productivity

  • Long-form scrolling (documents, spreadsheets, code, web)
  • Faster and smoother navigation

Creative Workflows

  • Timeline scrubbing and zooming (video editing)
  • Parameter adjustments (photo/video tools)

Gaming & Simulation

  • Steering-style input
  • Analog-like control for supported setups

Incorporate Range-of-Motion (ROM) Exercise

The Rotary Mouse incorporates smooth, circular motion that expands ROM and spreads movement more naturally.

Less strain. Better feel over time.

Product Images

Specifications

  • Materials: ABS plastic (production version)
  • Prototype: 3D printed (PLA / resin)
  • Connectivity: Wireless 2.4GHz USB receiver
  • Weight: 59 g (without battery)
  • Buttons: Silent L/R, middle click, DPI button
  • Sensor: Optical
  • DPI: 800 / 1200 / 1600
  • Color: Matte black
  • OS: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
  • Power: 1x AAA (included) with auto sleep

Development Story

The project began as a response to finger strain from long hours of scrolling during coding work.

Early prototypes experimented with alternative input methods, eventually leading to the rotary dial concept, which was borrowed from a rehabilitative exercise for knee joint pain. Over time, it became clear that the dial wasn’t just more comfortable and therapeutic; it enabled entirely new interaction patterns across different applications with faster speed and smoother control.

Press Release (Full)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ApP-fVvjR4zyvg4mJwYWYhU2EaTepe-H1ayvzIU4DLc

Press Kit Zip Download (images and videos)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HrAKmiuZ1guCgRRC1YSH-GHSR-3pHZM1

FAQ

https://rotarymouse.com/faq

Links

Social

Contact

Melvin Wong
Founder
[email protected]