Thread search delay due to double debounce and filter switching causes layout inconsistency

[dodaa08]

Description:

Thread search has two performance issues:

1. Double Debounce Delay (700ms): Search text is debounced for 400ms, then the options object is debounced again for 300ms, resulting in a 700ms total delay before API calls.

2. Layout Inconsistency: When switching between "All", "Following", and "Unread" filters, the loading spinner appears as a sibling element, causing the list container to resize and create a visible UI shake.

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open Threads sidebar in any room
2. Type in search box - observe ~700ms delay
3. Switch filters rapidly (All → Following → Unread)
4. Notice UI shake when loading spinner appears

Expected behavior:

• Search responds in 400ms after typing stops
• Filter switching is instant
• No UI shake or layout changes during filter transitions

Actual behavior:

Screen recordings attached showing both issues

• UI shake/jump visible when switching filters

WhatsApp.Video.2025-12-29.at.10.23.43.PM.mp4

and

• ~700ms delay before search results appear

Screencast.From.2025-12-30.00-44-55.mp4

Server Setup Information:

• Version of Rocket.Chat Server: 8.0 (tested on open.rocket.chat)
• Operating System: Fedora Linux 43
• Deployment Method: Rocket chat demo instance open.rocket.chat

Client Setup Information

• Desktop App or Browser Version: Brave
• Operating System: Fedora Linux 43

Additional context:

• similar components (useDirectoryQuery, useQuery) also use useDebouncedValue(useMemo(...)) pattern
• However, ThreadList is different: it debounces text separately (400ms) THEN debounces the options object (300ms)
• Affects all thread search users

Relevant logs:

• Browser: No console errors. Network shows ~700ms delay.
• Server: No errors.

Note: I'm working on a fix for this issue and will submit a PR with the solution.

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🔗 Related PRs

#36861 - feat: Search rooms by cyrillic characters in channel names [merged]
#37145 - fix: Prevent Firefox password autofill in channel search bar [merged]
#37501 - test: Flaky admin search users [merged]
#37717 - fix: Global Search "Jump to message" failing due to incorrect URL generation [merged]
#37927 - regression: Call History page layout tweaks [closed]

👤 Suggested Assignees

• yash-rajpal
• DSingh0304
• dougfabris
• abhinavkrin
• gabriellsh

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