US Patent 9778760 Magnetic detent for input controls

Magnetic detents for input controls are described herein. In one or more implementations, a rotary input control (e.g., a scroll wheel or dial) includes a rotor assembly configured to employ a magnetic detent mechanism. The rotary input control may be integrated with an input device such as a computer mouse, keyboard, or, stylus. The rotor assembly includes a rotor that rotates around an axis of rotation and includes multiple magnetic elements disposed around the rotor, such as teeth of a gear, spokes, metallic regions, and so forth. At least one permanent magnet is arranged radially outward from the axis of rotation and configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic elements. This creates a magnetic detent effect when the rotor is rotated due to changes in rotational resistance produced as the magnetic elements rotate through the magnetic field.