3D modeling mice types and opinion
3D modeling mice types and opinion
(OP)
Hi all,
I've recently started to play with the idea of purchasing a 3D mouse to further improve my modeling performance.
However, when i searched for possible products i found only 2 companies, SpaceControl and 3Dconnexion, with the Blackline and Spacemouse respectively.
So my question is, are there any other similar products and what are you'r thoughts about them?
Thanks!
I've recently started to play with the idea of purchasing a 3D mouse to further improve my modeling performance.
However, when i searched for possible products i found only 2 companies, SpaceControl and 3Dconnexion, with the Blackline and Spacemouse respectively.
So my question is, are there any other similar products and what are you'r thoughts about them?
Thanks!





RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
I use the 3DConnexion Space Mouse Pro with Solid Edge ST9 and am very happy with it. When navigating around in a CAD model, it allows seamless movement and eliminates a lot of button pushing. I probably don't use all the shortcut buttons on the Space Mouse Pro to their full advantage, but even so, it provides a great improvement in efficiency.
Kyle
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
I have a couple more question, like what is the learning curve with this product.
This question might sound weird, but how often do you move you'r hands from the SpaceMouse and optic mouse to the keyboard to type in a dimension for example, or to switch between models (like in SolidWorks using Ctrl+TAB).
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
----------------------------------------
The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
For 2D CAD applications like your typical Autocad, I'm usually 99% keyboard input, shortcuts, macros, etc. Little mouse input other than clickpoints.
For most any 3D modeling, I use the spacemouse for all navigation and the standard mouse for command clicking. My left hand will bounce between the spacemouse and the keyboard as required. Numerical input would be the hand on the standard mouse going to the keyboard numpad. I would think having a Spacemouse with numpad built in would eliminate the right hand (strong hand / standard mouse, for me) going to the keybaord entirely, for me.
Yes one hand still has to hit the keyboard from time to time, typing notes, entering numbers, etc. It's honestly seamless and not intrusive to me. However, the tiring middle-mouse-click-and-drag for panning or orbitting is eliminated and the Spacemouse is worth its weight in gold for that alone. No more shift+left-click-and-drag or even worse, the dreaded MMB+RMB and drag... the endless middle scrollwheeling for zooms... what a chore.
I only wish I switched to the Spacemouse years ago, rather than waiting until about 1-2 years ago.
I can't compare it to the newer contender, the "SpaceControl" but the 3DConnexion is absolutely golden. It has a good weight to it, excellent 6dof input, and respectable button mapping that can set software-specific.
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
http://www.plmworld.org/index.php?mo=cm&op=ld&...
John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
----------------------------------------
The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
That being said, there has been talk about establishing an actual physical museum, at least at our Cypress, CA R&D facility, and there's been the suggestion that I be the Honorary Curator. When I retired, I put all of my historical material in a storage closet in anticipation that this might come to pass.
John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
They may take a week or so to get used to them but then you will be amazed at how much faster you can model stuff..
I have the 3d device (older Space Pilot for me at work and navigator at home) in my left hand and mouse in the right and I just take my hand off the mouse to get to the keyboard keypad for number entry..
Then I setup the buttons on the 3d device for common hotkeys/shortcuts..
I literally cannot do CAD without one now as I feel like a slow turtle without it..
Pick up a space navigator for $100 and never look back..
http://www.3dconnexion.com/products/spacemouse/spa...
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
I get the impresion that the majority of you (users) finding the 3d mouse very helpful, basically that is what I was expecting.
But if so many users are pleased with this kind of product, and besides making things easier it also increases productivity.
Where are all the other products/companies (as I mentioned I found only 2) it feels like it's a specialty niche tool.
RE: 3D modeling mice types and opinion
John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without