3 Things SketchUp Users Need to Know When Using a 3D Mouse

Krisidious · 27 Nov 2014, 08:43

SketchUp users have consistently found 3D mice to be the single most impactful tool to supercharge their workflows. By being able to smoothly and intuitively position models or views, 3D mice make working in SketchUp faster, more comfortable and most of all fun!

Are you a SketchUp user getting started with a 3D mouse or considering adopting one? This guide will show you how to set one up and choose the right model for your needs—and provide videos that dive deeper into each concept.

http://blog.3dconnexion.com/blog/bid/358527/3-things-sketchup-users-need-to-know-when-using-a-3d-mouse

juju · 27 Nov 2014, 10:51

I'd like to know how many users there are on this forum and what their (objective) experience / opinions are.

Krisidious · 29 Nov 2014, 14:12

I have one and I wrote a review of it... But, I suppose you're asking for other impressions.

Bob James · 29 Nov 2014, 20:00

I have a SuperMouse Pro for my home desktop and another for my work desktop. I have a wired Navigator for my laptop at home and a wireless for my laptop at work.
Unless under extreme need, I can no longer work in SU without them: it's too slow and inefficient. Once you orbit and zoom at the same time, while simultaneously using a drawing tool, you can never go back to the old way: I was forced to work without one for one day on my last project and it was painful.

Rich O Brien · 29 Nov 2014, 20:28

I've the Wireless Pro.

Indispensable. SU, Blender, Photoshop, Chrome. It just makes things so much faster.

Charlie__V · 30 Nov 2014, 02:42

juju,
I have 2 wired Navigators....one on desktop & one for laptop.

After SU 2015 release I was without both (3DXWare had to catch up w/2015 release)

I mention that......only because it was like I had lost my left hand......having used the Navigator for several years now.

I always keep a previous version of SU installed.....so I simply used SU 2014 Until 3DConnexion updated the 3DXWare.....which.....they did promptly.(2+ weeks or so)

So, if not already obvious..........it is a really great piece of hardware...takes a short learning curve to get accustomed......but once you do.......I highly doubt you will ever go back to scrolling/orbiting w/mouse wheel.

Best,
Charlie

pbacot · 30 Nov 2014, 02:54

How does it feel not having a hand at the ready on the keyboard? My left hand hovers over the modifier keys for CAD and SU work, constantly hitting the shift and option or both and numerous 2-3(4) key combinations and sequences--while I work the mouse with the other. I guess you get more freedom with the mouse?

Like choosing to edit text, it seems natural you navigate with the (right hand) mouse then click down, select etc. almost in one move. Now it seems you have to coordinate navigating this hand, select with that hand. back to the keyboard, get ready to navigate. Sounds like it could be harder, but everyone says not. (I still want to try one!)

JQL · 30 Nov 2014, 13:17

@pbacot said:

How does it feel not having a hand at the ready on the keyboard?

My worries are exactly the same. Do any of you guys have more than 2 hands?

d12dozr · 30 Nov 2014, 14:16

Alex from Sketchup School just posted a video review last week of the Space mouse wireless. Might help understand how you use it with keyboard shortcuts.

Review starts at 8:10

Charlie__V · 1 Dec 2014, 01:24

@pbacot said:

How does it feel not having a hand at the ready on the keyboard? My left hand hovers over the modifier keys for CAD and SU work, constantly hitting the shift and option or both and numerous 2-3(4) key combinations and sequences--while I work the mouse with the other. I guess you get more freedom with the mouse?

I think it is entirely fair to be concerned about being "off" the keyboard.
I would have to actively "think" about it while I manipulate a model.....to offer any real accurate pro/con.......though I suspect it would be pro navigator as I am so used to it now.
I know I have adapted and often use the mouse hand (rt hand) to select keyboard shortcuts...while orbiting model.....that previously would have been left handed actions. (crossover?)

@pbacot said:

Like choosing to edit text, it seems natural you navigate with the (right hand) mouse then click down, select etc. almost in one move. Now it seems you have to coordinate navigating this hand, select with that hand. back to the keyboard, get ready to navigate. Sounds like it could be harder, but everyone says not. (I still want to try one!)

With the new 3DXWare.......they now have something called "Radial Menu"......Krisidious covers some of this in his review.

In short.......the "Radial Menu(s)".....are fully customizable.........and....can be "active" while/during orbit/pan/zoom.....via the buttons on the 3D Connexion device.
(some relief about concerns of left hand off keyboard?)
I find it difficult to really explain.......briefly.........my best advise would be to find and view any and all videos of the 3D Connexion devise you are considering.
And maybe not worry so much about the loss of keboard shortcut (hand off keyboard)....as it seems 3DXWare more or less has you covered.

Best,
Charlie

!["Custom"Radial_Menu"On-Call"](/uploads/imported_attachments/tOog_RadialMenucopy.png ""Custom"Radial_Menu"On-Call"")

Charlie__V · 1 Dec 2014, 01:47

FYI.......Make sure you have the latest driver(s) from 3D Connexion should you want to try out a 3DX Device.......in SU 2015
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15%26amp;t=59864%26amp;p=545493%26amp;hilit=3DConnexion#p545493