Adding mouse debounce

[padyakbud]

Current system using:
Linux Mint v17.3
Codename: Rosa
Package Base: Ubuntu Trusty

I have several mice that are producing false double clicks due to failing mechanical button. Upon my research on the internet, the mice still work flawlessly in Windows but no longer useable on Linux Mint. This is because Windows has built in mouse debouncer in the OS while Linux Mint does not have.

I followed the instructions here to patch but failed
http://blog.guntram.de/?p=16

Studying further, the instructions require the version xserver-xorg-input-evdev-dev to be installed. Unfortunately the version installed in LM17.3 is xserver-xorg-input-evdev-dev-lts-vivid. All attempts to remove the evdev-dev-lts-vivid version and install evdev-dev version has failed.

I could be wrong but my guess is this is a core code that cannot be removed simply with Package Manager App or the apt-get remove command in terminal. Im guessing it needs to be removed without xserver running.

Could someone point me to the right direction or how to change the mouse driver to xserver-xorg-input-evdev-dev.

Tia.

[padyakbud]

Some help???

[I2k4]

You don't specify a brand, but there's a well-known Logitech left-click problem with aging mice double-clicking, and my LT wireless mouse/keyboard combo recently developed it. After some wasted time with settings in both Windows and Mint, I learned that it's mouse hardware with a DIY fix for those with time, tools and patience:

http://www.redferret.net/?p=31008

I also see there is a Windows patch that might / or not deal with it, and more googling for Ubuntu comes up with the same link you found and some frustrated users.

In my own case I've spent enough time and curiosity and though it wastes a USB slot for a separate mouse radio from the keyboards, I'm just using a newer mouse that was sitting waiting for laptop use. That works perfectly and proves the defect is in the LT hardware. Good luck.

[all41]

fwiw: gee--mouses are not expensive. Over the years I have had three mouses that intermittently double clicked and true to the ham radio badge of honor of being a skin-flint I set out to repair this problem. In two cases the solution was simple--resolder the switch pins under the pc board.
In the other case this did not help and finally, in angered frustration, I cured the problem by stomping that mouse to bits.

[jimallyn]

You don't mention which desktop environment you are using. In Cinnamon, you could try Menu, Preferences, Mouse and Touchpad, Mouse, Double-Click timeout. That do it?

[padyakbud]

@jimallyn

My desktop environment is XFCE

We do have a double click timeout in XFCE but that would not help the problem. There is an almost instantaneous loss of contact that registers a double click. I need the opposite of a double click timeout ... like "not a double click if less than 10 ms"

[BG405]

Adding a small capacitor across the switch contacts will probably help if you're handy with a soldering iron. Cheaper and better for the environment than replacing the mouse.

[padyakbud]

@BG405

Altho I would prefer a software debounce patch and still waiting for a solution, I am curious on your hardware solution. Can you post instructions or links on how to add the capacitor?

[jimallyn]

I'm rather surprised that we are having this conversation. Software debounce has been used ever since the first software program read a switch or button. It is probably incorrect to say that Windows has debounce and Linux doesn't. It may be that the debounce settings in Linux aren't right for some mice, but if there were no debounce at all, we would all be fully aware of it.

[padyakbud]

@jimallyn

And may I inquire what debounce settings we have in Linux Mint? As I've mentioned the double click timeout is not it.