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A 3D mouse is a great tool for anyone who works in a 3D modeling program, whether it’s SketchUp, or any other program. It enables you to move the camera naturally and intuitively along 6 distinct axes by pushing, pulling, twisting, and tilting the puck that is attached to the top of the 3D mouse. The 3D mouse doesn’t move across a mouse pad like a traditional mouse, it sits stationary on your desk.
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Since a 3D mouse only controls the camera, you still need to have a traditional mouse in order to activate tools and click on things in your model. The 3D mouse does not control the mouse cursor. Most people position the 3D mouse on the left side of the keyboard, and their traditional mouse on the right side of the keyboard.
While I love using a 3D mouse (I own 3 of them), I do not use one while I am actively modeling. The only reason for this is that I NEED to have my left hand in position on the keyboard at all times, ready to tap a keyboard shortcut or type in a dimension. Instead, I use the 3D mouse when shifting from “modeling mode” to “review mode” where I fly around the model thinking about the design and taking a short rest from modeling.
I recently purchased a SpaceMouse Enterprise, which is 3D Connexion’s top model, and has 12 fully customizable buttons with an LCD screen that visualizes the function key assignments. There are 19 additional buttons that are mapped to preset keys, but they can be customized as well. My idea was that if I can train myself to use the SpaceMouse Enterprise for 90% of the keyboard shortcuts I use, I could get used to a workflow that uses the 3D Mouse more actively.
Build Quality
The SpaceMouse Compact is the most affordable 3D mouse available from 3D Connexion, at around $130. This is the USB powered wired version, there is also a wireless version , for about $10 more.
NOTE: The Spacemouse Compact is the sleeker, updated version of the wired mouse I reviewed in the video. The specs are slightly different, but functionality is the same.
The first thing you notice is how heavy the thing is. It weighs in at a little under 1lb, (460g), in order to keep the base firmly planted on your desk. The rubber ring on the bottom of the base does a great job of making sure the mouse doesn’t slip around.
There are two buttons, one on each side of the mouse, that can be programmed to activate custom radial menus, program specific commands, or even trigger custom macros that you create.
The blue LED light ring looks very cool, but can be turned off in the device properties if you don’t want it on.
The puck/cap actually feels very lightweight in your hand, and its rubber coating and contoured shape provides plenty of grip for your fingers. You have about 1/4″ of play in any given direction, and you can feel a springy tension wanting to pull the puck back into its neutral position. It feels great, and is very sensitive, so it doesn’t take much pressure to manipulate.
Overall, this device, along with all of the 3D Connexion products I have, are built very well and seem very durable.
Camera Mode
The first time I used a 3D mouse, it felt so strange! Everything moved the exact opposite of what I expected. It was very hard to train myself how to use the mouse until I realized that there are several different camera modes that you can choose from.
Object Mode acts as if you are reaching into your model and moving it directly. So for instance, if I pull the puck up, the model will move to the top of the screen. If I push the puck down, the model will go to the bottom of the screen. This felt so weird to me.
Camera, Helicopter, and Target Mode all control the position of the camera directly. So if I pull the puck up, the camera will fly upwards. Pushing down will make the camera move down. There are slight differences between Camera, Helicopter, and Target mode, but these are all worth exploring if you’ve found Object mode to feel strange.
Should you buy one?
While I don’t use my 3D mouse all of the time, I still love it. It’s a lot of fun to use, and it’s very useful in tight places in your model because of the high level of control you have. I would recommend purchasing one if you’re interested in gaining more control over navigation in your model.
If you’re interested in purchasing one, I’d recommend the SpaceMouse Compact wired mouse.
If you want to try and replace your keyboard for activating tools, I’d recommend getting the SpaceMouse Enterprise.
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SpaceMouse Wireless – https://amzn.to/2GMXZEn
SpaceMouse Compact (wired) – https://amzn.to/2EbTukU
SpaceMouse Pro (wired) – https://amzn.to/2Ih4l14
SpaceMouse Enterprise – https://amzn.to/2TRT88v
SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit – https://amzn.to/2TRT88v
