Google Chrome swipe to switch tabs feature troubling Apple Magic Mouse users

Last month, we highlighted multiple Google Chrome-related issues that were triggered by v73/74 updates. Browser crashing on downloading files, randomly changing bookmarks favicon, browser crashing on printing, bookmarks disappearing or deleting automatically etc to name a few.

Well, the list appears to be getting longer. After receiving Google Chrome stable channel update v74.0.3729.131 – that was pushed by the company in the end of April – Mac and Windows users complain of mouse swipe triggering super speedy tab switching, which in fact Looks like flickering.

Users say, as soon as they hover over a tab, mild horizontal scroll or swipe initiates an active tab cycle which displays other open tabs at a fast rate. So it gets difficult to even close a tab. There reportedly is no way to reduce the intensity or stop this tab switching, other than moving the pointer off the tab.

FYI majority of those affected have confirmed they use an Apple Magic Mouse (which is wireless as you may know). Take a look at what some of the affected users have to say:

So, this is sort of driving me nuts and it seems to be something brand new. I use a Magic Mouse and if I hover my mouse over the Tabs bar, and accidentally swipe left or right, it changes the tab. Swipe fast, you see the below. I see no option to disable it, no matter how much searching I do. Curious how to disable this, either on the Chrome or Mac side.

Chrome cycles through half a dozen tabs in about a half a second (much too fast to be useful). To select a tab, I have to click on the tab I want – very carefully (which isn’t easy). I think the swipe left/right feature on MagicMouse is much more sensitive than that on a regular mouse (that has a mechanical wheel). The Chrome user experience for Magic Mouse users is truly an exercise in frustration.

Here’s another Windows user-shared clip showcasing the problem:

Apart from the company’s official help forum and online discussion platform Reddit, a bug report has also been filed at Chromium issue tracker. Going by the discussion between Chromium team, looks like this issue has to do with h-scroll (should be horizontal scroll).

But there is lack clarity, and Chromium team hasn’t said much about the fix. Anyway, Chrome pushed the latest update v75.0.3770.80 just yesterday. It could be possible this issue was addressed in the latest build. But we are yet to receive any confirmation from users.

Like always, we are keeping a track on all related developments and will update the story as and when any relevant info comes to our sight. In the meantime, if you were facing the problem discussed here, and have got hands on the latest Chrome build, share with us whether the problem persists or not.

NOTE: For more Google Chrome related bugs/issues, news and stories, you may head here.

P.S. For those who user Chrome Remote Desktop, the old app will be terminated on June 30. New Chrome Remote Desktop website will be taking its place. Complete coverage here.

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