Have you tried this Wolftooth version?
Wolf Tooth Components Remote BarCentric Dropper Lever
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BPL8JB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jTJOFbFXQ9WFB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I think you have the lever type by your description. The one I linked is very smooth and I like it.
The best lever type dropper remote I have tried is the PNW Loam lever. I I didn’t like it on a matchmaker so I switched to the clamp version…
https://www.pnwcomponents.com/collections/levers-1/products/loam-lever-dropper-remote