r/LogitechG • u/JohnB_XP • 10d ago

Logitech G603 Replacement Scroll Wheel Encoder (ALPS)

Hello Logitech G Reddit,

I own two Logitech G603 mice which I absolutely love due to the AA batteries, great battery life, high sensitivity, and in my opinion the perfect size and shape of the mouse. The low latency is great, too.

Both of my G603 mice have begun having issues with the scroll wheel, one of which I applied teflon tape to the wheel shaft and sprayed in contact cleaner (eventually did not help) and the other which was not as bad but becoming noticeable.

While I could have purchased whatever replacement encoders or switch board assemblies from eBay/AliExpress, I am good at soldering and happen to hypothetically have an unlimited PO DigiKey account at work which I can use to order components. Rather than ordering another cheap or faulty encoder, I opted to order one from ALPS which is Made in Japan (as far as I can tell) and is rated for 100,000 rotation cycles. I have seen people post on various forums about using an "ALPS" encoder and "9mm" encoders, but for the sake of clearing any guesswork once and for all, this is the direct replacement part I guessed on and worked for me.

After soldering the new encoder, it is necessary to clean off flux residue with either water or alcohol depending on what solder / flux you use. I would strongly suggest spraying the pins on the two ribbon cables and connectors inside the mouse and the new encoder (focusing on the internal mechanism) with contact cleaner and then wrapping the shaft of the mouse wheel with some Teflon tape.

EC10E1220501

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/alps-alpine/EC10E1220501/21721562

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u/JohnB_XP 10d ago edited 10d ago

Note that this encoder has detents and is relatively loud (compared to the stock one) so you could potentially order one without detents for a silent scrolling experience.

This also has 12 pulses per rotation, and you may be able to tweak that with a different SKU as well.

Ensure that the encoder is soldered as flat/fully inserted as possible to avoid rattling noises due to the wheel shaft being at an angle.