3dconnexion Spacemouse (Pro vs Compact)

Since we have all sort of CAD wizards here who use spacemouse, I would like to get some opinion on the spacemouse model, particularly on the Pro and Standard/Compact version…

I understand the pro model have more programmable button but, is the Pro model worth the extra cash?
Last i check, the price difference is about $160 for the wireless model
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I have the Pro/Explorer version, never use any of the buttons though. So the only benefit, IMO, is that it has the built in palm rest which I like slightly better than the standard/compact version. Not sure that’s worth the extra $$ though.

Whichever one you get, I would advise against getting a wireless one. Think about what might happen if you had to use someone elses solidworks setup in an office somewhere, and it was a big desktop workstation without bluetooth. Once you get used to using one you’ll never want to work without it.

The wireless one dint come with a dongle?

Don’t know. I chose the wired one.

I have the SpaceMouse Pro. I don’t use all the buttons, but I use Ctrl, Esc, Fit, and Shift often, along with the Alt button, which has been re-programmed as Delete. I also have the #1 button programmed to bring up a number pad so I can enter values without needing to go to the keyboard.

I started out with the standard “hockey puck” one, and would not want to go back.

Unless you’ll be using it in multiple locations, and switching it around often, I see no advantage in going wireless with a tool that’s stationary.

Honestly, I cannot stand the compact version. One of my co-workers had one and never used it. So I tried it out. Without the wrist rest (say that 3 times fast!), I just can’t use it.

I use the space mouse pro and love it.

I tried the little one as well, and it was never oriented properly in relation to my hand.



I had the same problem; because it’s free to move, the compact version is not (by default) SET in one position relative to your wrist. So, you get it dialed-in just right, then it gets moved slightly (on the table) and immediately it just ‘feels wrong’. I solved the problem by attaching it to my table with some BluTack.

P.S. - Not trying to say that choosing the Pro version is wrong or anything. I’d just hate to see someone going without a 3D mouse because they think the small one is useless but can’t afford the more expensive one.

Back when I was able to do design work the option was a “Compact” or nothing, so I tried it for a while and it’s ok but I like buttons. I don’t like moving hands to-from-to the keyboard, either on the mice or on the keyboard, not back and forth. So I brought in my own SpaceBall5000 USB so I could have 12 buttons. Had to use an old driver though.

If I can ever get back to doing design work I’ll be pushing for the wired Pro. I’m with CADNurd, wireless stuff on a desktop work station is more hassle than they’re worth. If you’re highly portable then that’s different.

Just me.

I have the wireless PRO with there cad mouse and it work with same dongle.

I gave up on the space mouse with Solidworks because I found my left hand on the keyboard more often than not.

I recently manage to get a wireless demo unit from the reseller at my country.

To be honest, the wireless model feel pretty good.

It is heavy enough to not shift around while using (also the palm rest is a godsent) and at the same time is portable enough for our workflow (all of us is using a laptop workstation and often switch between working at office and from home)

Now i just need to convince my left hand to not keep go back to my keyboard :stuck_out_tongue:

That is why I gave up on my space mouse. My left hand needed to be on the keyboard as much as it needed to be on the mouse.

The wireless one can use wire also. It come with wire and dongle.
I guess the pro can replace my 15 button mouse.
I’m setup to use on screen menu so I mostly use keyboard for numbers.
A touch screen can replace Spacemouse.

I love the programmable buttons on my SM Enterprise. I use them all the time.