HARDWARE REVIEW: 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse

Part of every job is to use different software and hardware tools. Unfortunately, some of these software and hardware are doing us more damage than good, and some are so useful that you cannot work without them. In this article series, I will discuss the software and hardware I use as a mechanical design engineer. In this article, I will talk about the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse that I use every time I work on a new design in CAD software.

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Introduction

When I started working as a mechanical design engineer, one of the first things I asked was to get the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. I saw people working with it and using it in day-to-day CAD modeling work. Also, I like different gadgets, so I thought having one of these would look badass and professional on my desk. After more than three years of using 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise almost daily, I would suggest anyone to get any version they can afford or any version the company wants to provide. Once you get used to it, this is one of the tools that can make your daily work much easier and faster.

What is 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse?

SpaceMouse is product developed by the company 3Dconnexion, hence 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. The product name is registered as a trademark.

The SpaceMouse enables its user to easily navigate through the 3D space. Once the user gets used to it, it gives a seamless transition through the 3D space that is not easily achievable with the standard mouse and keyboard. Furthermore, depending on your chosen product, SpaceMouse can improve your workflow, speed, and efficiency using CAD software. Each of the products are ergonomically designed with a carefully placed button to increase the product usability.

My experience with 3DConnexion SpaceMouse

As I said previously, I have used for more than three years almost daily 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise.

When I received the product, my first reaction was that it was very well-designed and quality-produced. The product is ergonomically very well-shaped, and the display is easily visible. The installation process is easy, and there are tutorials on how to use the device properly.

At first, rotating 3D models with SpaceMouse is a bit hard, but once you get used to which direction to move, rotate, and how much pressure to apply to the controller cap; the whole experience of working in 3D space is a completely different story than before. In addition, the ease of getting the correct view with SpaceMouse is not comparable with standard keyboard and mouse use.

Furthermore, once when you get the SpaceMouse, some adjusting of the programming button is required. The process itself is pretty easy, but it is time-consuming. You can adjust when you want which command to appear and be available to you as you progress through different tabs in the software.

Personally, this was the most challenging part of using SpaceMouse. I used to work for many years without it, and I always used my left hand on the keyboard. My ring finger or middle finger would always be on the ESC button, and I would use other fingers to use the keyboard shortcuts I predefined in CAD software and used for many years. However, when you spend a lot of time modeling, it is easy to adopt new habits through sheer repetition.

I also like that it automatically integrates into different 3D space software, and you can adjust how you want your SpaceMouse to interact with each software.

At the beginning of the use, I was not sure if this was a justified investment, but as time passed and I got more used to it, I realized it was worth every penny.

Which product should you choose?

If you are a casual or hobby CAD user that is using CAD software weekly for a few hours, I would suggest you look into this product: 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless.

If you are a CAD power user and you spend more than a few hours a day working in CAD software, I would suggest you look into this product: 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise.

If you are somewhere between a causal hobby user and a power user, you should check this one: 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro.

Pros and Cons of 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse

Pros:

Easy navigation through the 3D space,
Programable buttons,
Easily visible colored display,
Ergonomic design,
Quality build,
Improves your workflow, speed, and efficiency.

Cons:

It takes time to get used to it.
More expensive than a typical PC mouse.

Conclusion

3D SpaceMouse is a tool that everyone who is using CAD software should think about getting. You have a range of products to choose from based on your preferences and budget. I used 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise, and I cannot imagine working in CAD software without the controller cap for maneuvering through 3D space. At first, it takes time to get used to it, but once you get used to it, it will be a game-changer for you.

This is my experience with using the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. Do you have experience with it? Are you thinking about getting one? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

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