Doomscroller.xyz

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Product concept & reactions

  • Physical “doomscrolling” gadget: a large knob that continuously scrolls content, framed as intentionally useless / negative-utility.
  • Many commenters find it hilarious and strangely tempting, praising the design and materials.
  • Others are skeptical, not understanding the point beyond a gag, or seeing it as redundant with existing input devices.

Technical implementation & platform support

  • Built around an ESP32-style platform with USB-C and Bluetooth; ESP32 can theoretically run Doom.
  • Works smoothly on Android and PC; iOS support is limited and “not buttery smooth.”
  • Standard USB-HID mouse scrolling is constrained by legacy assumptions: one wheel detent → ~40px scroll, causing chunky movement.
  • High-resolution scrolling on specialty mice relies on custom drivers that aren’t present on Android.
  • The device instead emulates a one-finger touchpad with absolute coordinates, repeatedly simulating finger drag gestures.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy latency (~8–20 ms) complicates very smooth, high-frequency updates.

Use cases & ergonomics

  • Some see it as surprisingly useful for reading long-form content or ebooks, especially when lying down or trying to reduce hand strain.
  • Others argue a Bluetooth mouse, presenter clicker, or page-turner is more practical.
  • Suggestions include adding page-up/down buttons, clicky detents for paging, metrics (miles scrolled, calories burned), or making it only scroll downward as an anti-feature.

Hardware comparisons & alternatives

  • Extensive nostalgia for older devices with scroll wheels or jog dials: Sony Ericsson / Clié, BlackBerry, trackballs, iPod wheel, Apple Watch crown.
  • Mentions of PC-oriented knobs and pedals: Surface Dial, Razer control pods, 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse, Griffin PowerMate, USB foot pedals.
  • Some say there are already cheap VR controllers and other standalone scroll knobs that serve a similar purpose.

Manufacturing, legal, and business aspects

  • CNC-machined aluminum enclosure; small one-person project that cost a few hundred dollars to develop.
  • Uses pre-certified radio modules; commenters debate FCC requirements, noting hobbyist communities often ship small runs without formal testing.
  • No outside capital; jokes about “enshittifying” it with subscriptions or bricking on expiry.

Website & demo issues

  • Demo can be blocked by ad blockers and is not mobile-responsive; some Android users think the site “doesn’t work” until they tweak interactions.