It took me too long to figure out how to scroll on the Steam Deck

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Mailer Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:35pm

It took me too long to figure out how to scroll on the Steam Deck

So, primarily in desktop mode I find myself using the left touchpad to scroll using the thumb in vertical gestures, however up until this point I didn't actually realize that the proper way you are supposed to scroll is to take the thumb and rotate it clockwise/counter-clockwise on the surface of the pad. Like cranking a shaft.

Imagine my confusion then when I'm trying to scroll down, slide my thumb downward against the left edge of the left touchpad, only to realize that the page is scrolling up instead of down.

I can't believe I didn't realize this until now, but I just felt the need to share this in case some other person out there can sympathize with my absolute fluke, and maybe learn something from this as well.

Last edited by Mailer; Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:38pm

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Originally posted by ugafan:

Settings --> Controller --> Desktop Layout

Navigate to the trackpad and click on the cogwheel to the right of Scroll. That will allow you to change the settings.

You can set swipe direction to vertical, horizontal, or circular.

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Showing 1-7 of 7 comments

JSTR Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:44pm

what? i just came here to ask how it worked because it kept reversing on me. going left to right was working until today. you mean i have to scroll in circles like an ipod?

Mailer Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:45pm

Originally posted by J5TR:
what? i just came here to ask how it worked because it kept reversing on me. going left to right was working until today. you mean i have to scroll in circles like an ipod?

Exactly, apparently you draw a circle with your finger clockwise/counter-clockwise on the pad depending on which direction you want to scroll.
This was a complete eye-opener to me as I thought the haptics were pseudo-broken up until this point.

Last edited by Mailer; Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:45pm

JSTR Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:46pm

Originally posted by Mailer:
Originally posted by J5TR:
what? i just came here to ask how it worked because it kept reversing on me. going left to right was working until today. you mean i have to scroll in circles like an ipod?
Exactly, apparently you draw a circle with your finger clockwise/counter-clockwise on the pad depending on which direction you want to scroll.
This was a complete eye-opener to me as I thought the haptics were pseudo-broken up until this point.

holy smokes. thanks man thats a gamechanger

WarnerCK Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:48pm

It's configurable in case you want vertical swipes for whatever reason, but the default is circular. The default was initially nothing at all.

Mailer Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:52pm

Originally posted by WarnerCK:
It's configurable in case you want vertical swipes for whatever reason, but the default is circular. The default was initially nothing at all.

That's even more remarkable that I haven't even heard of this option until now. Thank you for sharing!
Honestly I am getting more and more satisfied with the circular scrolling rather than having to take swipes, the more I use it, but it's good to know that both exist.

Last edited by Mailer; Aug 7, 2023 @ 2:54pm