My two "stinky" ferrets are twice as awesome as any cat or dog, though they're not technically rodents. If you keep their bedding and litter clean, train them correctly so they don't sleep on your clothes and only poop in the litterbox, and don't overbathe them, the smell isn't noticeable unless you're holding them or they're being very active, jigging or wrestling nearby. I quite like the furry smell for the warm fuzzy associations it has for me, but that's very subjective so I don't let my house get stinky. I AND my house smell MUCH better than many dog and/or cat owners'. Visitors are shocked when they meet my buddies— I always hear "But your house smells so nice! Aren't they supposed to stink? How do you keep your house smelling so fresh?!" They're amazing little pets, and totally worth the little effort it takes to keep things clean. Some people are just too lazy to learn how; those of us that aren't go unnoticed because there's nothing to note.   

and who wants to hang out with someone that reeks like rat shit or snake shit ??