Is the 3D Space Mouse Really Worth it? 3DConnexion SpaceMouse Compact, Pro and Enterprise
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- Опубликовано: 22 апр 2020
- #spacemouse #3dconnexion #3dmouse
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I currently receive no compensation from 3DConnexion for this review. All views are my own. Enjoy!
I think this guy forgot about 3D artists? The best part of the enterprise and pro is that it maps your shortcuts in individual programs and the puck controls movement the same in all. Which means I can base in in Maya or Blender use the shortcuts there, then go to zbrush, then to rhino or vectorworks, and it all works the same. To surmise that 80% just need the puck is silly. 80% perhaps in his field but for others, in other fields, the shortcut keys and the screen on the enterprise reminding you of shortcuts depending on what program you’re in is amazing
I did forget about artists. I am referring to 3D engineering modeling exclusively.
Its worth noting that your graphics card, monitor(s), keyboard and mouse/tablet/digitizer pad are things you work with all day long. And most will last years with proper care. I find it makes sense to incur the one time cost to have a system that is fluid and uncompromising. The thing I like about the higher end stuff is it may support macros when the application itself doesn't. So when I am "in the zone" and under a deadline having the ability to fire off a macro and jumping around (vs skating a mouse or moving my hand to hit a function button) is priceless. Far less fatigue. The right tool for the job.
Agree. I think this device iz pretty affordable and worth it even if you only model occasionally.
Necessary? Who cares, Im getting the USS Enterprise model
If you got the money to spend, then enjoy! Most hobbiest users can save those few hundred bucks, though.
Thanks for this quick overview. Quite insightful for someone without experience with a 3D Mouse.
Really don't get the mixed reviews here.
It's a cold world! :)
I use the SpaceMouse Wireless at my job (Product Design Engineer). It has 2 buttons on the side, which I use for Ctrl and Save. On my mouse, I have 2 side buttons which I use for 'S' and Esc. Combined with mouse gestures in SolidWorks, I'm able to bypass all keyboard usage, so I'm not sure the higher end versions are that useful. But who knows, I might upgrade at some point.
I see! Smart usage of the mouse gestures instead of using click buttons...
People that want to save money can also just buy a breakout board with buttons on it that can be programmed. Much like a mini usb-keyboard.
I'm in school for mechanical engineering. I really want to get into design. Any words of advice?
@@mastermoarman I don't claim to be an expert, but I'd say there are 4 main priorities:
1. 3.0+ GPA
2. Get good at Solidworks
3. Get an internship where you get to make things in some capacity. Doesn't matter what, as long as you have projects you can talk at length about in depth.
4. Learn the basic manufacturing processes.
@@donovannaghitorabi4427 well would 3ish years as a machinist, 6.5 years as a assembly mechanic on the 787 and 3 years as assembly electrition on the 767 tanker qualify as manufacturing experience? i also enjoy building my offroad vehicles. right now I am rebuilding a 89 wrangler. i have the back half the frame cut off and welding in new metal to give me better clearance for coil-over shocks.
I'm 3Dconnexion user since 2010. I started with the space navigator, after the explorer an finally the pilot pro. I'd say that I agree with your statement in the video about the display that now also is provided by the enterprise. Most of time I didn't see the display screen on my 3D mouse while I'm working. Sometimes I even turn it off!!! But it's fun to see some Infos that appears there depending on which platform you are working with... Thus, me personally, I DO RECOMMEND buy them because the sense o freedom in terms of mobility control in the opposite hand is absolutely awesome!!! I dare to say that nowadays I will feel "crippled" without a 3D mouse in my daily basis at work...
Lol. It took me a while to convince my boss to get me one. Once you get used to it, it is a bit like riding a bicycle vs walking.
@@AvivMakesRobots Same here. I'm a 3D artist. I bought a SpacePilot Pro in 2013 and I can't live without it anymore. I bought a space navigator for when I'm on the go. I do feel crippled when I don't have them. I just ordered a Spacemouse enterprise to replace my old SpacePilot Pro, which is not supported anymore.
Well, Pixologic just announced in their summit stream today that the next version of zbrush will FINALLY support these mice, the userbase has been begging for years for connexion support (which they will be demoing tomorrow). Though i'll probably just stick with the cintiq i have and it's remote.
Great to hear!
Would love to know how well this 3D mouse would fare with Blender ...
Can’t agree on the enterprise recommendation is made without knowledge of all variables. The top shortcuts are very useful for less common functions that you cannot, don’t to or can’t as a gesture in the mouse.
Other possibilities, like environments on fusion that’s is great.
At the end, is a question of preference, I work with cad programs since 1998, so for sometime now, and the enterprise is for me the best option overall. All the lower versions do not convinces me, and I’ve use every one of them.
Okay, loading shortcuts is helpful. I still believe in the power of a perifery device to do the shortcuts, though. I feel the screen is a bit excessive and only for a very routine user that wants it as a specific preference.
Thanks for this. Good insight from someone with experience
You got it! I wish more people knew before they went out and spend inordinate amounts on a 3D mouse!
Was using a Razer Tartarus Pro, generic keyboard w built in 10 key & a trackball w Fusion 360, Rhino 3D and ZBrush.
Got a SpaceMouse Enterprise last year to replace the Tartarus and haven’t looked back. Started a re-think of how I wanted to really “use” my input devices in a natural way, for me.
Summary:
Only super major complaint is ZBrush doesn’t support SpaceMouse (are you or your analytics proxy by chance listening Pixologic?).
Currently:
So on one desk under a Dell 3818DW and between Klipsch speakers and a Fulla-Schitt (yes, it’s a real thing, google it, everyone w speakers and likes music needs one...get one!) lives the SpaceMouse Enterprise, a Logitech Pro keyboard (backlit....addresses night owl syndrome, sans 10-key), a separate USB 10 keypad (backlit, remember that night owl thing?) and a Logitech trackball. The SpaceMouse and keyboard are left hand use, the 10 key keypad and trackball are right hand.
On the other desk (L-shape layout) under a Cintiq 27QHD on the left lives the Razer Tartarus another Logitech Keyboard,on the right another 10 key keypad, another Logitech trackball and a pen for the Cintiq. The desks are at different heights to accommodate the Cintiq stand’s unique pivoting nature.
I can swing from Fusion/Rhino on the Dell to ZBrush (photo editing etc) on the Cintiq and miss nary a beat.
If Pixologic/ZBrush would support SpaceMouse, I’d have another (Enterprise) to replace the Tartarus in a heartbeat...assuming you could run two of em on one system, that is.
The ONLY things I’d really change on SpaceMouse, a switch to turn off the darned display and the light under the knob...gets my OCD boiling that everything else on my system can be turned off...Grrrrrrrrr (think Invader Zim) ....and align the dad-burned display more closely to be lined up above the respective function keys!!!!!! Grrrrrrr (OCD attack again, ok and a little retentive...maybe...nawww, for a moment confused that with desire for world domination).
Seen a lot of love/hate/meh reviews on SpaceMouse Puck/SpaceMouse Enterprise. Some folks don’t seem to care for em at all, some just like the puck, me I’m in the “Love It” column for SMouse Enterprise (and 1701/1701A,/1701B/1701C...D not so much, never grew on me and don’t even get me started on the Ugly-Prise).
As with all things, YMMV, everyone uses peripherals differently. Took a while to figure out what works for me, but I like where I’m currently landed at. Cheers.
PS for all the duplicate hardware I have...there is sadly only room for one piece of Schitt on my desk ;-).seriously, if you read this far, google it. It’s an amazing piece of audio hardware (standard disclaimer not associated in any way, shape or form with Fulla, other than a happy customer).
Glad you found a setup that works for you! You may have one of the more classic space mice. The ones I show are all brand spanking new! Right from the 3D Connexion site.
Engineering Juice yep, bought mine direct from them also, first of September 2019, so 8 mos of usage. Don’t know if they’ve come out with a new hardware rev of the Enterprise since my purchase. May pop em a email and see if they’ve made any recent hardware design changes. Be a good excuse to see if two Enterprises can be connected to the same system :-)
@@wjfurqueron Does yours look like the one in the video? I am curious...
Engineering Juice from what is shown at 8:50ish in you vid, looks the same from what I can tell...key for key. Mine doesn’t have a HW rev physically on it, just PN# 600051. SW v10.6.5 r3156, FW v4.42. Funny, just noticed I hadn’t peeled off the clear protective wrap from the body area around the cord.
@@wjfurqueron I see. Anything else, or is that it? LOL about the wrap.
I started using the Spacemouse back in the early 2000's. It was basically the Mini highlighted here but a bit larger with a wrist rest. Then graduated to the SpaceExplorer in 2010 which is a bit less than the PRO and now use the Spacemouse Enterprise. Each unit was an upgrade from the previous and I can tell you this: if you use ANY 3d program and use it as your full time job, you're a fool NOT to get the Enterprise.
I've had mine for less than a month and wonder how I got by with the a less capable model. Every button on the Enterprise is programable...you don't need to use the defaults on them and the unit works in ANY program....not just CAD softwares. Every buttton is programable to specific software. For instance you can program the #1 button to "Mates" for Solidworks and then program the same button for "OSNAP" for AutoCAD. That's the purpose of the screen...to let you know what the buttons are programmed for in the active application.
There will never not be a need for a keyboard in any CAD application especially if you're doing drawings. You always need to type text/numbers/punctuation in drawings no matter how many templates you set up. What the Enterprise does is reduce the number of times you have to take your hand off it. Every single keyboard shortcut in SW that I use is now on the Enterprise.
Its also a blast to use in Google Earth...which BTW the buttons can be programmed for.
That's great! I was considering the enterprise because I use CADD a ton.
Mostly the Pro/Enterprise isnt a question of need...i want it :D It looks cool on my desk.
And most reviewers are looking only at the CAD/3D side (sure because of the puk and its the most usecase)
But at my point i'm doing a little of everything...constructions for my 3D-Printer, Video-Edit, Audio-Edit, graphics. And if i can program all of my software and their shortcuts in this piece i can do almost everything without my keyboard (even control Outlook..yeah whos needing this? :) ).
Only the entering of sizes i'm doing with num-pad (right hand) because its more intuitiuve instead of using the built in num-pad-function.
Sounds great! More and more programs are allowing for 3D mouse functionality.
Great information video! Thanks for sharing your opinion
You're Welcome!
Like you I was using the Puck for the last year. GREAT tool but I knew I could get more out of the hardware. I was on the fence until I ran across a returned Enterprise Kit on Amazon for less than $300. Even though some weasel returned a Logitech mouse instead of the CAD mouse in the package? After literally 3 minutes I was in love with the thing and bought a brand new one and sent the returned one back. Just that little bit of time and I knew it was well worth the upgrade from my Spacemouse Puck. All I can say is I should have doen this from the start. The Enterprise is worth every penny in my book and from now on I will be investing in the latest from the folks at 3D Connexion. Great product. Appreciate the video.
Great to hear! It is a great tool for CAD professionals. I hope there will be more competition in the marketplace soon so they don't cost so much.
so as a student i can get the compact wifi for 100 the pro wireless for 229 and the enterprise for 275. I was thinking of getting the enterprise. whats your opinion?
If I may ask first, which major? I want to get a feel for how many hours a day you would be using it.
@@AvivMakesRobots mechanical engineering.
@@mastermoarman I believe most ME curriculums only have a few classes that involve CADD and simulation. For that reason, I would suggest the compact. If you know that you will be using it way more than this for other projects as well, then the Pro might be best. I think the enterprise is more functionality than most anyone will need. You should only get the enterprise if CADD is what you do all the time.
@@AvivMakesRobots thank you for the input. I did go for the uss. enterprise variant. I have a 3d printer and like useing cad for designing things to print.
Which printer do you have?
I am using the old Spacepilot, buyed used for 70 Euro (but looks like new!) the drivers maybe not actual but it works fine!
Nice! Does it look like more like the compact, or the pro?
nice i have a space pilot but I cant get it to work. any recommendation?
@@AvivMakesRobots the space pilot is basically the previous iteration of the enterprise. Big chunky thing with a screen and lots of buttons.
Thanks for your review. There's another consideration however - 3dConnexion simply don't keep their Macintosh operating software up to date and so their products are not backwards compatible. So if you're on a Mac and, like me, you change your OS for greater speed and functionality (after a safe number of updates) then you'll end up with several mice which still work perfectly (good engineering) but don't work with your macOS (bad software). And that's perpetually disappointing. I've written to their service people many times and they've been pleasant but unable to do anything. I've written twice to the President of Logitech (who owns them) with no response. I've spent hours on their Forum looking for help. And what I see is they delete old issues and continue to promise that they'll fix the software without doing anything. If someone comes up with a working alternative for Mac I'd buy it. Or if 3dConnexion can keep their software up to date and backwards compatible - I'd recommend them. So this changes the economics for any Mac user - who instead of paying $100, $200 or $400 once, will be paying that much every couple of years.
I see. Sorry to hear that. Maybe a manager somewhere in the software department ( underneath the CEO) could be the one to contact. Or maybe they have a contact email for issues like these.
@@AvivMakesRobots Yes. Just from what I know about how corporations can be on the inside - I imagine the issue is not bad programmers - it's a management which stops programmers from spending time on the project... Thanks for your reply...
Just to correct something, Logitech no longer owns 3D Connexion, it's about 10 years since they separated from Logitech.
So no point in trying to talk to Logitech about it.
Also, these are CAD tools, so not very surprising that they don't care much about Mac users, since almost no CAD software support Mac OS. It's probably an extremely small portion of their user base that runs Mac?
Sure, if they have Mac support, they should support it well, but I understand why they don't.
@@Robinlarsson83 The future... is not only CAD. And by your logic, they are also short-sighted. Strangely I once spoke with a lady engineer there - the most knowledgeable and articulate computer person I've been fortunate enough to meet.
I'm glad you took the time to coment, I'm a Mac user currently considering something like a space mouse & had no idea of these issues. I wonder if there has been any improvements in their update service 🤔
When you say it's not worth it, that's mean either you haven't actually been experiencing with it or you don't know how to make it worth. I have been using the pro for almost 10 years( 2 devices and got lost once) and it's really worth it. I pair it with the 12 side buttons mouse, razer naga pro. You should check it out. This combo can cover everything I need. That 100$ extra for the enterprise can go to the mouse. I remap all the program shortcuts so that I can use shift, alt, ctrl pairing with 1 letter. This can create more than 4 combinations with just single letter. With the enterprise, it'd be quite difficult to press ctrl, alt with its 12 buttons. However, some people might not be comfortable with the mouse's side buttons, and enterprise might be the answer for them.
Beside that, spacemouse make it a lot faster when doing assembly in CAD or doing mesh for CFD/FEM since there can be a lot of weird angle to select or fix the components. Also it makes every 3D programs to have the same navigation system.
I am doing CFD, CNC, 3d-printing for others to earn money so I can use these money to make someone else do these work for me, such as spacemouse palm rest :P
So you're saying the Naga is better than the 3DConnexion CADmouse?
@@AvivMakesRobots For me, yes. It has more buttons. The macro is better, more detail. I can setup the delay time, like open a function then wait x secs before doing next steps. I can have many profiles for a program, although I've to change it manually (assigned to certain button). Ex, sketch mode, surface mode, assembly mode in CAD. The downside is the buggy software, there are similar mouses from other gaming gear, but with no middle-button side click, but those software is better. So, just find what suit you. If u have a chance, try it before judging it.
Only question, does it have onboard memory?
I don't believe so, I think the data is saved on the 3DConnection computer app.
The Compact/Notebooks version is too small, but you skip over the full size Space Navigator to go straight to the giant Pro/Enterprise versions? For me the full size Space Navigator is just perfect. Mine is nearly 10 years old and still supported in their latest drivers. Would not recommend using their software though, it's kind of bad, and I wouldn't want to rely on it for all those extra buttons to work.
I would like to do a comparison between all 3.
Who ever tells you a space mouse isn't worth it doesn't do 3D modeling enough, the ergonomic relief is incredible. . Every single button can be remapped including the esc or enter. They can be set for each software individually (which you can do in alot of programable mice or keyboards). But here is where it gets better. It is CONTEXT AWARE in some programs such as fusion 360, solid works, and more. This means you can have a set of functions while sketching, and have a completely different set while in the solid environment. Suddenly, 1 button and in combination with radial menus can become 20 functions in one program. And thats when having a screen becomes useful.
Things to consider: not al programs are supported, the amount of buttons you get should be proportional to how much you will actually use it. Regardless, if you do 3D, you should at least get the basic because the puck itself is game changer. I use the basic one and the older model of the enterprise, (space pilot pro).
Cool. I can't wait to see the next generation of these when they are finally released.
If people can find a reason to spend 30 000 $ on a SUV or a luxury car, or worse a simple vacation , then I don t see the fuss on spending a few hundred extra dollars on a programmable 3D mouse.
True. The compact is great for students.
This is a most have if you work in 3D model. I've been using space mice for over 20 years. Why struggle with working in a 3D environment with a tool (mouse) designed to work in a 2d screen when you can have a tool (space mouse) that is designed to provide navigation in a 3D environment. I currently use the 3D Connexion Wireless Pro. I don't like cables so my keyboard, trackball, space mouse, and number pad are all wireless.
Awesome! I want to get the compact now but prices have spiked quite a lot recently I believe.
Fantastic! Please tell me it works with blender on Mac?
I believe it does!
And how is the Enterprise compared to the SpacePilot Pro?
It is the same thing, but with a display. I think the enterprise is a little much.
I am doubting to buy the Enterprise, have a SpacePilot pro now, but I like the extra buttons ect. And I can buy a Enterprise for 250 euro. Just wondering if it's so much better.
I would like to mention, that the 3d mouse does not work properly in AutoCAD, only if in Perspective. Orbit with mouse is more effective. Highly recommended for 3D Studio Max, Inventor etc. I worked with the Pro Model now foe several Years and it became a 2nd left hand, so to speak. Since today I received the Enterprise Model. Tomorrow I will baptise it..😊
Baptise it?! That might void the warrantly lol
LOL, what does it mean ? Not worth it. It all depends on the value of your time. I've bought Enterprise just because it helps me with my hobby, the price of ~ £450 is not too high when I consider value of my business time and fact that I can do more during my hobby time with this device. So worth it / value it all depends.
Another thing, when you do that kind a video make sure to have questioned devices on your hand so you actually know what you're talking about.
Agreed! It is a question of whether or not it is worth it based on what you are doing. Most of the people that watch my videos are hobbyists, and so I am happy to recommend the compact to them. For a professional like you, you know what you need and don't even need to watch the video. The video is for people that do this for fun and want to know if spending the extra few hundred bucks will be worth it...
It seems you didn't like the video. What would you have done differently?
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
3dconnexion support service is terrible. it took 12 emails 28 calls and 3 months to replace the faulty product.
Is that right? I am sorrowfully surprised. They seem like an upstanding company.
What was wrong with your 3D mouse?
@@AvivMakesRobots it become faulty while under warranty.
@@gabisuk7396 Sorry to hear about that. Hopefully we will see a worthy competitor to them one day that makes better products.
If toggle subpart is missing on the 3D mouse is missing it’s useless
Yes, it is good for large assemblies. The way I see it, though, you can program this into one of the buttons on the 3DMouse Compact if you need it.
Tbh, this is mostly speaking from your own pov. Not really all too informative of a video if you assume the use cases are similar to yours.
Yes, but the pareto principle will even show that most people amd most use cases can benefit from the spacemouse compact over the fancier models.
@@AvivMakesRobots You can only apply the Pareto principle if you have a good grasp on (a good sample of) all the use cases. My critique is that you assume wrongly by reviewing this from the few use cases you have experience with or can imagine, coming to a conclusion and then extrapolating that conclusion across the entire range of probable use cases as a measuring tool as to wether or not the pro and enterprise editions are of any use.
And sure, the majority of people will use the spacemouse on either edition for the most part, but that's normal, considering it's the main reason to get these devices. It's like saying nobody needs a truck for specific use cases, because a consumer car also has an engine. That doesn't mean you make a review about how trucks are not useful. Even if it's only 20% of the market segment.
My point is that normally you do a review based on actually using these devices and normally you only get your hands on these devices if you have a possible use case for the additional buttons. So if you are going to spend time and money and effort on making reviews in the future, I'm just suggesting that you best stick to reviewing things you actually have experience with rather than title your video in such a way as if you've come to a conclusion based on a proper hands-on comparison where you had a reason to buy, try out and review the product itself.
Take it as the feedback it is without trying to justify the video you've made. I'm not trying to rude, I'm just trying to give you some insight from someone who was looking for a one hand console with a lot of buttons for AutoCAD and Revit. There's just no message to be found in hearing someone say "This is my review: I haven't used it and I personally don't see the use."
"Cry to me young mices"
Lol!
LOL, none of this is needed. It's all about enjoyment and the never ending search for the perfect tactile controller. I bought into the 'stream deck' stuff. Is it cool? Yes. Do I use it? For maybe, two tasks! The 'macro' aspect of the Stream deck is great, but could have done that with simple keyboard and macro. The best part of 3d space mouse is the onscreen overlay menu! Again, pretty sure you can just get a third party menu overlay and use a normal mouse for quick select. ANyway... I'll be out $400.00 soon enough LOL.
I think the puck is the most useful part, with shortcut buttons the second most. What overlay menu?
@@AvivMakesRobots refering to the radial menu that comes with the 3d mouse 🐁
Had one. Very disappointing. I find it useful only if you can get rid of your keyboard. But besides the device functionality (is very specific and subjective), in my experience it is not a reliable product. Mine one stopped working after weeks of use.. After that you`d spect that they will provide a solution or a replacement ASAP, only to find out that the customer support is horrible... Seems like they don't have any idea of how it works, ot they just dont care. Still waiting a solution from them. A waste of money and time...
Really? Sorry to hear it stopped working on you! Mine is luckily still going strong, but it is a fairly new version.
I hate keyboards they feel like a dam typewriter, these things rock good review
Thanks. They make a world of difference in modeling specifically.
You can't say is this worth it, it depends, are you a small hobbies probably not, you will newer get good enough to do the fast work flow you get with the Enterprise. And your video, if you want people to stay, make VIDEO not just slideshowes, I might aswel read a product description ore ask the question on a forum, you need to give somthing new.
The enterprise has the benefit of the screen, but I find this to be unnecessary because the computer screen acts as the display. I think the pro is the perfect balance because it has extra buttons but no screen. It is perfect only if you can justify another 100 dollars. I still believe the compact is the best all around for beginner-intermediates.
My take away from this review is your a hobbiest who isn't using 3d cad software 40hrs a week?. If you were you would even think about spending 400 notes on the enterprise. I had a space explorer that was retired to home use when the buttons starting giving up and bought the enterprise with my cash for office use.
I do. I believe the 100 dollar version is enough for just about anyone. I know a lot of high level CAD people that don't use space mice. If you were comfortable buying the enterprise and integrating it into your workflow, that is great, but a lot of people are old fashioned and open to trying and learning even the base model.
Mmmh, useless to me. I literally can’t get more fast then with a keyboard and i need a lot of shortcuts on 7 different softwares. I would be moving my hand between 2 devices just wasting time
Some people are better off with just the compact. It is cheaper anyway... Getting used to those new buttons can cut out some time, though.
bu-ons?
lol
So, you didnt even use them? Just looked at them? Pffff
I used the enterprise and the compact. The enterprise is the pro but without the screen, so yes I have used them. The Enterprise is pretty sweet.
The most annoying mispronunciation of the word 'button' I have ever had the misfortune of hearing - especially as the word is repeated an untold number of times. Infuriating to say the least of it.
Lool
Absolute nonsense about the compact rotating. I’ve used one for 3 years on a laminate desk and it has never rotated.
On a veneer covered desk, it rotates quite a lot.
Lame video. I could have gotten more info from Amazon.
Biggest tip is 95% of people can get away woth the compact.
This video is a waste of time - 12 minutes and still not being able to offer a definitive answer apart from - which is better for you personally.
If there is one thing you take from the video... it is that the compact is good enough for almost anyone- pro to hobbyist.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!