Recently I asked many CAD software users regarding their opinion of the best mouse for CAD software and which one they themselves use or prefer to use and I got some really thoughtful responses.
Although I am not an expert when it comes to technical aspects of a mouse but on the basis of specifications, reviews, responses from CAD users and my own opinion I am listing nine best mouse for CAD software users.
Overview
I have noticed that large mouse which fits properly in your hand is comfortable to work with. Dedicated keys for Pan, Zoom, and other functions is an added advantage but too many dedicated keys generally become an overkill unless you really like a programmable mouse with lots of dedicated keys.
Resolution or sensitivity is another parameter on which quality of a mouse can be judged but so far all mice offer an acceptable value of resolution or DPI and I believe that this parameter can be ignored when considering a good mouse.
Lets now have a look at some mice which are used by many CAD professionals and which came as a good recommendation from them.
3D connexion space pilot pro
This device is best suitable for 3D cad users who need to navigate in 3D space frequently. The device offers six degrees of freedom which is great for navigating in 3D space and for positioning cameras. It also comes with wrist rest pad which can be comforting for most CAD users.
The pre-configured quick view keys offer additional advantage which can facilitate quick view changes. This device also comes with programmable keys that can be customized according to your need.
The 3D connexion Space pilot pro is not a replacement for a standard mouse, it is designed for navigating in 3D space and it is best used in conjunction with a standard mouse.
This device was suggested by Emmanuel Garcia, Adjunct Professor at LA Trade Tech College. He loves to work with a multi-button mouse and this mouse offers exactly that, dedicated and programmable keys for an easy workflow.
3D connexion space navigator
Once again this device is suitable for 3D modeling users who want intuitive 3D navigation with better and precise camera control. Just like space pilot pro this device also offers navigation in six degrees of freedom with fewer features compared to Space Pilot Pro.
This device can be best used with CAD mouse, the task of precise navigation can be controlled with this space navigator whereas other tasks can be done with CAD mouse or standard 3 button mouse.
This device was suggested by Paul Munford from CADsetterout.com. He prefers this mouse with Autodesk Inventor although, for AutoCAD he prefers a simple 3 button optical mouse but, for specialized needs related to fluidic navigation in 3D space he prefers space navigator.
This is what Paul says about the device “For Autodesk Inventor work I supplement with a Connexion 3D space navigator mouse. It’s ideal for manipulating a 3D CAD model on screen. It saves hours spent fiddling with the view controls and makes 3D modeling a far more intuitive experience.”
3D connexion CAD mouse
This mouse can be designated as an all-purpose CAD mouse which is ergonomically designed to give you the comfortable grip and better navigation control. This mouse also comes with a dedicated middle mouse button which is an alternative to pressing mouse wheel. There are also dedicated zoom keys near your thumb and you can also use the standard mouse wheel for zooming in and out of your geometry.
Logitech MX Master 2S
This Logitech mouse is new in the MX master series of mouse offering a high precision of 4000 DPI and according to Logitech, it works even on smooth surfaces like glass. The ergonomic design is quite comfortable on hands and its seven dedicated buttons including the button for fast scrolling and horizontal scrolling add to the comfort.
This mouse comes with a rechargeable inbuilt battery that lasts quite long on a single charge and it can be charged again by using the micro USB cable. The most remarkable feature of this mouse is its three computer support, so basically you can connect this mouse with up to three computers using Bluetooth or USB receiver and share information (like copy paste) between the connected devices.
Logitech wireless trackball M570
This is once again a new type of mouse with a thumb controlled trackball, the main advantage of this mouse is its trackball which allows you to keep your hand stable while using this mouse. You can simply control mouse movements without any wrist movement and the trackball precision can also be controlled to give you better accuracy over navigation. It also has programmable buttons which can be used for assigning dedicated common tasks.
TeckNet M002 Nano Wireless Mouse
This mouse can be called as a close competitor of 3D connexion CAD mouse. This manufacturer promises a smooth navigation from this mouse even on smooth and reflective surfaces like glass and polished metal or wood. The mouse has an ergonomic design for easy and comfortable grip and it comes with dedicated zoom keys near the thumb.
It can also be used wirelessly with the Nano receiver directly on your workstation without any software installation. The mouse is also very inexpensive and its price is similar to the price of a simple 3 button wireless mouse.
Razer DeathAdder Chroma
This one is another impressive special purpose mouse which is marketed as gaming mouse by the manufacturers. This mouse features a very ergonomic design and rubber side grips. This mouse also boasts a resolution of 10000 DPI which is the highest resolution among the mouse compared here. The mouse also has five programmable keys which are again good for enhancing your productivity manifolds.
This mouse is also one of the favorites of Melinda Heavrin, CAD manager at Norton healthcare and a regular AUGI contributor. This is what Melinda says about the mouse “I am currently looking to get a Razer. Several CAD users I know are using the Razer DeathAdder and they absolutely love it. That’s why I’m leaning towards getting it.”
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
This mouse is also similar to the Logitech M70 wireless trackball but in this case, you have less wrist comfort when compared with the Logitech thumb trackball mouse. This mouse also promises great precision tracking due to the large size of its trackball.
One of the biggest advantages that this mouse has is its ambidextrous design which can be used by both left handed and right handed person. The mouse can be connected to your workstation with a standard USB Nano receiver or with Bluetooth.
Standard 3 button mouse
Although we now have many options to choose from when it comes to CAD mouse still I see many CAD users using the old school 3 button mouse.
Most of the CAD veterans whom I asked about their preferred choice of CAD mouse said they are happy with a simple 3 button optical mouse mostly Logitech.
Brian Myers, BIM Manager at Alberici Constructors and Lynda.com Revit course author said he has a preference for the large and quiet mouse but he is not specially aligned towards any specific brand or product model.
Sam Lucido, CAD Services Manager at Haley and Aldrich and also a regular AUGI world magazine contributor prefers a standard 3 button wireless Logitech mouse, he also prefers to keep a backup mouse always with him whenever he is traveling.
Michael E. Beall owner of CAD Trainer Guy, LLC and Edwin Prakoso Senior Application Engineer and owner of CAD-notes.com both have a preference for a simple and comfortable 3 button mouse with scroll wheel, preferably Logitech.
Your opinion matters
Although I have compiled a list here based on responses I got from CAD software users but your response is of utmost importance. I would love to know which mouse is your preferred choice for CAD-related tasks and don’t forget to let us know why you love it.
Nice list of respectable peripherals. I’ve used the 3DConnexions CAD Mouse and got hooked on having 3 mouse buttons and a wheel, then I found the G600. It’s a wonderful tool for AutoCAD (and microstation which also use frequently) and the gaming software makes programming it very easy. I also use a Space Navigator and a G15 gaming keyboard (I know, it’s old school, but it still works).
Interested in other users opinion on roll wheel comfort. Deathadder Elite is very uncomfortable on roll prickling into fingers. Never comfortable with this mouse. Other issue with CAD is whether other people found weighted mice better for fine work. Not much mentioned on these issues but they are the ones at the fore of my current mouse user interface comfort.
Does anyone have experience with successfully using a programmable mouse with a VDI setup? Using a 10zig thin client, and the host computer (back at HQ) won’t recognize my G600 when I connect it to the thin client. Any experience with the 3D connexion space pilot pro, or perhaps the Logitech G502? I love my G600, and the Logitech gaming software is better than what Razer Naga offers.
I’m with Donovan on this one; I have been a CAD operator / small business owner for the last 16 years and have progressed through many mice and keyboards. Logitech Performance MX was one of my favorites then the G602 and for the last 6 years it’s been the G700s along with a G910 keyboard and Set of G933 Headphones w/ mic. Running Logitech Gaming Software. I have also tried some razer products but could never find enough of all of the same brand of equipment such as Logitech. The Razer Nostrama was very nice for a while but was just too much to deal with when having to type small notes for my drawings so that’s why I got the G910 keyboards. That’s my 2 cents.
I have been using Razer Death Adders for years now. They are comfortable, and track well. I love the on the fly sensitivity adjustment and well as the extra 2 buttons on the thumb side. I set up the back extra button for delete, and the front is for sensitivity adjustment..but you can map any key or function to them. Having the delete key on my mouse, as well as setting up right click as enter with time sensitive right click (in AutoCAD options/user preferences/right click customization) has greatly increased my productivity. The only negative is I find the Razer mouse buttons seem to wear out faster than they should (my current Death Adder 2013 is starting to exhibit right mouse click issues). I pair the Death Adder with a Razer Sphex mouse pad. Its paper thin, and self adheres to the desktop. You calibrate the pad to the mouse in the Razer software and it tracks flawlessly, and with the super slick feet on the mouse there is no drag at all. Overall I love the Razer mice, but I wish they made the buttons a little more robust.
TeckNet M002 Nano Wireless Mouse looks amazing and comfortable to me. I think I should try it very soon. I used Logitech G502 last 3 years and it’s just awesome to use. Thank you so much, Jaiprakash!
Thanks For your inputs Selina.
3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro (or SpaceNavigator) on the left, Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse (20 programmable buttons, x2 if you use the G-shift button) on the right. Get rid of your keyboard with the integrated 10-key, it forces your typing position to be a few inches off-center.
3D Mice are actually useful in 2D operations, when properly supported. Adobe Acrobat/Reader & Photoshop, Dassault Draftsight, Altium Designer, among others, natively support it in 2D, and it relieves you of a lot of wheel scrolling and repetitive keyboard stresses.
The Logitech Gaming Software is surprisingly capable, in terms of macro management. Sure, 20 or more buttons are a lot to remember, so I keep a few lookup tables available in case I get lost.
I also use the G600 from Logitech. When I discovered this a few years back, it was a game-changer. I love it, and wish that I discovered it years ago. The Logitech gaming software allows you to create a separate profile for every software application. It now has 3 ‘modes’ per profile, which allows a total of about 58 programmable buttons, then add the ‘G-shift’ key and you essentially double that number. That can be a lot to keep track of, but you have total freedom to program it in any way you want. I use a separate profile for all of my programs, like Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Excel, and windows explorer/web browsers for general navigation, etc.
One drawback with the Logitech mouse, and perhaps other programmable mice, is that you can’t use it with a VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) because the host computer doesn’t recognize the functionality when you plug it in. This is my experience with a 10zig thin client.
Anybody have any success with using a programmable mouse on a VDI setup? The Razer Naga is another programmable mouse, marketed for MMO games, but works with other software.
Hi, Jaiprakash
I’m Design engineer working with CAD software’s 12 hours a day. (AutoCAD, Microstation, Promis*e etc. ) I mostly work with 2D software’s. end of the day I’m feeling pain in my right hand. So I want to shift some of my right hand moments to left hand means looking for a 2 piece mouse can be operated with 2 hands. or a programmable keypad for left hand.
I bought 3D Connexion CAD mouse but its for my right hand only.
please Suggest.
I would suggest Logitech wireless trackball M570 because it helps you in eliminating wrist movements completely and all the navigation can be controlled simply by the use of the thumb. If you are using 3D connexion space navigator along with it then it would really make your workflow fluidic.
Being a left hander reaching across the keyboard to reach for the esc button is a serious pain, at home I use a Razer Naga Left handed version (for number pad) I also use a logictech G13 gaming pad with macros for the commands (due to using RH I cant really make use of the lil joystick) with these 2 I cad without hardly touching the keyboard.
Thanks Scasne for sharing your views.
I’m also a Design Engineer. Right now I’m using the SpaceMouse Wireless in my left hand and a Logitech G700s in my right hand. I find it works well to distribute the load across both hands.
Thanks Donovan for your inputs
“but too many dedicated keys generally becomes an overkill unless you really like a programmable mouse with lots of dedicated keys.” Perhaps I’m one of them who love many programmable keys.
I’m using Autocad everyday and my favorite mouse is Logitech G502. This mouse moves smoothly, accurately, and most important, its 11 progarmmable buttons often help me avoid searching keys in keyboard. With its built-in scripting system I now has registered over 20 cad commands frequently used on my G502, which are accessible via one-click or two keys combo. Not to mention some re-position of keys improves the operating experience a lot, i.e. set the pan function to the thumb button (or “DPI-Shift” key by Logitech) feels much better than pressing on the wheel.
I’m not saying that the more buttons, the better. I’ve tried some models with more buttons like G600 from the same manufacturer, which has 20 buttons but they are two crowed and too easy to mis-touch. Competences from other brands hardly have a similar scripting system which can vastly broaden button functions.
In all, with this mouse (and assistance from other softwares, like AutoHotkey, etc) I now operate much faster and more comfortable in Autocad, and I’m rather satisfied.
Thanks for your inputs, Logitech G502 is certainly a great mouse but a bit pricey.
I’ve been using a Performance MX for years now too, Love it. The rotated hand position is great for preventing a sore wrist (not as good as my old Logitech that died after 9 years service but…). It’s also wired and wireless for on the go or when the work space gets crowded.
Thanks for your inputs Jeremy
I’ve been a Cad user for almost 20 years. My preferred mouse is a Logitech dual optical mouseman. It was a $50 mouse purchased around 2001-02 and is unfortunately starting to die on me. That is what has brought me to this article as I am looking for a suitable replacement. I have used two different Logitech wireless mouses since and I have not been a fan of either one.
Hi
I have the space navigator for notebook, I draw in autodesk inventor, and this mouse is the best buy I ever made… with six axes is very useful for design 3D.
Greetings
Thanks for your feedback Rodrigo
Hello
I have the used the Logitech Performance MX mouse for a few years now and it works great. It should probably be in your list.
http://product-images.www8-hp.com/digmedialib/prodimg/lowres/c03113123.png
I find the mouse above very suitable for CAD. But I cannot find it at any reseller. I didn-t know his name either.
Just a clarification here. The 3D connection devices are not a replacement for the mouse. They are a tool for your left hand when using 3D software. Basically it runs your view (rotates / manipulates the 3d object), while you are free to work with your cad tools as usual with the mouse. I can tell you that as a Solidworks user, I can’t imagine not using a 3d mouse device for view control.
Think of it like peeling an apple, where your mouse is the peeler (using a CAD tool), and the 3D control is like your left hand manipulating the apple. It is an absolutely incredible time saver.
Now think about peeling an apple without your left hand. Grab peeler, peel, drop peeler, rotate apple, grab peeler, peel… repeat… That’s life without the 3d mouse.
Yes Trevor, you are correct the 3D connection navigation devices are not an alternative for a mouse rather they are supplementary devices which should be used in conjunction with the standard mouse.
I’ve settled on the Microsoft Sculpture set. The mouse looks oddly spherical but I find really comfortable. What I really like is the separation of the number input which I put on the left and use for number entry. It saves that stretch to enter on the usual r/h or top line numbers.
https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-nz/products/keyboards/sculpt-ergonomic-desktop/l5v-00027
It looks great! Thanks Robin for your inputs.
I’ll second the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse! I have tried many advanced controllers and gaming mice, but with over 30 years of CAD work I need the most comfortable mouse possible for my injured (R.S.I) wrist and this is the only mouse I can use over 10 hours. Only complaint is a tired index finger using the center, scroll-wheel button.
I prefer the basic mouse for CAD
Thanks Brian for your input
I love my Logitech M70’s, it’s great for large drawings and the precise movement you can get from your thumb over your whole hand is great, I use it in conjunction with a Logitech G510 keyboard set up with hotkeys for my most common commands. I run the same setup in the office and at home but I concede the trackball throws most people and they struggle at first after using mice for most of their lives.
Thanks Jonathan for your inputs
I recently got myself a Red Dragon (cant remember the exact model name) 5 button gaming mouse and I love it.
The feel of the mouse is what I love most of it, but the speed and sensitivity is something to get use to.
Only the thumb buttons are programmable but I have not yet assigned any commands to them for I use my keyboard shortcuts.
I have been working with a standard 3 buttom Microsoft optical wired mouse (always wired because getting stuck without batteries in the middle af a deadline is a pain) for almost 10years befor I got the new one and I have to say there is nothing wrong with the old fashion 3 button, infact I have seen some people draw some amazing stuff using the 3 button grandpa mouse.
A mouse is an awesome investment but like my granddad told me, “it is not the tools but the user that makes an expert”.
Thanks Gert for your input.
ive been using a razer naga for the past…2 years at least (its the gaming mouse with a 12 button # pad on the side) I actually wouldnt reccomend it for CAD use, at least not for long periods. The middle mouse button and texture of the mouse leave my fingers feeling raw. The numerical keypad has been very helpful but I dont use it enough to compensate for the uncomfortable texture. Plus it has a high price tag, I think it was 100.00 my company bought one for me ( only reason I still use it :/ )
Thanks Austen for your inputs
Chek out the e-blue or 3-blue mice for gaming. Ive purchased multiples of their products. Great form factor and you may easily adjust DPI. I have owned them for 5 years now and utilize AutoCAD every day. 3-blue is great and affordable!!
Thanks for your input
I have been using the Logitech M70 wireless trackball for quite a few years for CAD as well as a 3DConnexion Space Navigator. I have been using a trackball setup since the “original” Logitech TrackMan Marble FX, Which I dearly miss. I find the control of the ball gives me the accuracy I need for my work. Don’t forget to clean your trackball at least every week if not daily to remove the oils and dirt buildup.
Thanks David for your inputs
Good day Jaiprakash,
I am not an authority in CAD business. I have always used HP wireless mouse x4500; Model – MORFG8UL and it has lived up to expectation.
Best Regards,
Ernest.
Thanks Ernest for your inputs
Bog standard 3 button mouse; however I’m lost if I don’t have my 3Dconnexion Spcemouse Pro for navigating in any 3D CAD space – NX, Inventor, Solidworks etc.
Thanks for your input