Now with the selection tool for midi edit in 8.5, how do I..

delete a note without having to switch tool?

it’s nice that steinberg decided to implement the much requested smart tool. it operates similarly in ableton live, studio one or logic. but in those daws, you can just double click the note to delete it. or left click that note.

how does cubase approach this with the new selection tool approach?

select it and press delete works for me.

the fact you can select a note with your mouse, and press a key on the keyboard doesn’t make it efficient.
but that’s not by using the mouse alone with the new single or double click approach.
and not the way it’s done in other daws, via just double clicking or right clicking. i think this should be attended to!