3DConnexion 3DX-700059 Spacemouse Compact 3D Mouse

I've spent the last 35 years using CAD systems for work and I've always considered space mouse/space balls as a must have. It allows you to utilize both your hands for model manipulation instead of just one hand using a standard mouse.It reduces having to memorize mouse button pushes for model panning, spinning and zooming for different CAD software. I was constantly switching between Catia and NX which did not utilize the same button operations on the mouse. Some of the NX mouse operations are awkward and would give me wrist tendon pain but I can avoid that by using a space mouse. I've been using this compact version since it's release. It's solidly built with less plastic than previous versions and doesn't take up much desk space.I'm now retired but wanted my own space mouse at home to use with Solidworks Maker when designing parts to print on a 3d printer. It works great with SW and I've also used it with FreeCad. An added bonus is that it also works with Cura which can be finicky when rotating the parts.I will note that every space mouse I've ever seen eventually develops a stick layer on the rubber portions of the mouse. I'm guessing it's a side effect of oils from people's hand. They usually get sticking when they haven't been used for months.

I purchased this at the recommendation of a book author while learning CAD, and now I cannot imagine CAD design without it. Whenever I don't have my SpaceMouse with me, I feel like I'm designing without the use of one of my hands.The design is near perfect, and the functionality learning curve is steep but quick: the movement feels natural in quick order.There is a heft to it, with the weight keeping it firmly planted on the desk - this also adds to the already high quality feel of the construction of the device.The default sensitivity will be quickly outgrown by many, but it's fully adjustable. This is truly one of my favorite tools for CAD and 3D printing.I have also been pleasantly surprised by the software; it's super configurable and allows a lot of flexibility, allowing different settings on an app by app basis. One can even configure this tool for non-traditional apps like browsers and such!

This provides a single interface for moving an object in 3d design space. Works across CAD, modeling and slicing tools. Any 3d related graphic software. It has a steep learning curve, and it takes a very gentle touch. But simplifies the workflow across tools where the mouse and keyboard commands change between each one.

It was easy to install, easy to learn, and very intuitive to use. Works with tons of different programs like zbrush, fusion, shapr, blender, rhino, and many more. The moment I held it I understood it was a high quality device made with usability and precision in mind. My work quality and speed has increased drastically so it has already paid for itself. I don't forsee it ever breaking on me, but even if it does I'll go straight here to buy another.

-"What should I expect to get out of this product?":Your mileage on this product will vary massively depending on the software you use, and its usefulness decreases exponentially as you attempt to use it for more esoteric and obscure programs. I use 3ds Max, Fusion 360, Unity, and Cura on a daily basis. The experience with Max is smooth and precise, Fusion 360 is a bit more jittery but still preferable to using a mouse, and the other two lack out-of-the-box configurations. Basically, the further you stray from the "industry standard 3D modeling software" for which the device is intended, the less likely it is to function satisfactorily. This is not a Razer Tartarus; it has a very specific function which its designers assume you already understand, and its configuration software is resistant to anything but surface-level tinkering.-"This seems expensive, is it worth the buy? Should I try out this cheaper model before upgrading to a more expensive version with more features?":This is quite expensive for what it is, and you should only consider buying it if you expect to be using it almost every day (or if you can get it from your employer as a work expense). If at this point you are confident it will improve your workflow, get the more expensive model with more buttons on it. The buttons on this one are functional, however anyone with a decent 3D modeling workflow will quickly realize that the keyboard hotkeys they're comfortable with already are still much more convenient than radial menus. I bought this version to test if the concept holds water, and now I find myself wishing I invested in the "pro" version.-"I am a maker. This seems like the sort of thing I could build for a fraction of the cost.":Banish this thought from your mind. What is on offer here is a fairly complex system built into a compact, comfortable, sturdy package, along with reasonably functional software. Your time is valuable, spend it making things that don't already have millions of dollars of R&D going into them.

I bought the Spacemouse for use with CAD like Fusion360 and Blender, and it works well. I was pleased. Then I tried this other program I use for work, LightTools. LightTools has this ancient UI that is horrible to work with. Controlling the camera is a pain. Thankfully, it works with the SpaceMouse, and my jaw dropped when I realized I now have 100% smooth, precise control over the camera. I was disappointed to find that it works poorly with Zemax and CodeV, but I don't blame the Spacemouse. These optical design programs are all ancient with frustrating UIs.