Updated favorite primary mouse 2019

[Joseph.henderson]

Read old threads but just looking for moderately priced mouse for autocad and some civil on windows 10. There are a million opinions out there and I have been close to just grabbing an amazon gaming mouse but thought I'd try here first. I use keyboard for most functions and a cheap company supplied wireless mouse setup with the right click to "enter" and "repeat" commands. Mouse pointer speed set to max (wish it could go higher). Tried a ball type mouse and did not like.

So looking for a precise accurate basic mouse, with scroll wheel that's able to double click for zoom, and maybe 4-5 additional buttons to custom set any command for example, save, plot, open, xref, etc...

Thanks

[pendean]

>>>...just looking for moderately priced mouse...<<<
Go to your favorite office supplies store or computer shop, lay your hand on it, try it, see if it is a good fit, buttons feel smooth, wheel feels smooth, you like the color, decide on wired or not, then pick anything from Logitech of Microsoft in the $30-$70. It will do just fine.

FWIW Extra buttons on a mouse in this century means the mouse driver decides what those buttons do: autocad commands are not built in to any of them, you will need to spend time and effort programming them all if that can even be done.

>>>...Mouse pointer speed set to max...<<<
No idea what that means: are you sure that's a mouse problem and not just a slow system?

[Joseph.henderson]

Yes I realize the ones with multiple buttons will need to be programmed and some even have their own software for this. Some save their custom functions on the mouse itself and others save to the machine. I know none will come with autocad features out of the box but it is definitely possible to have them work with cad commands. Similar to your everyday keyboard; no its not already setup for autocad, but the system can be easily customized to perform a command with any key stroke.

I have seen plenty at box stores and online that have accessory buttons but I came on here to see if anyone is currently using one that they like and can confirm what brand and model successfully works with autocad. I would prefer not to just buy whatever I see first at some store and have to return. I have seen several threads like this one which were a big help to many, however they are several years old.

Plus it seems there is a distinct difference in a typical mouse for the masses like you are suggesting and a gaming mouse. I have never been a gamer but the prices between the two types are basically the same and if what I have heard from some about their significantly higher precision is true, why not go with that as we are using a mouse all day long. If I can be just a hair quicker with it by a higher precision and extra buttons, I'm in as that time adds up tremendously over time. However, just what I've heard. 

"Mouse pointer speed" meaning the setting in windows control panel for adjusting mouse speed so you're not moving your hand all over the place all day long. The most basic mouse setting you do first when on new machine or get new mouse...

Thanks

[pendean]

Do you really need a mouse, and not a Trackball? For someone concerned about hand movement extent and all that may well be the better option.

Another thought.

[RobDraw]

Choosing a mouse is very subjective. What works great for one person might not be so good for another person.

[BrianBenton]

One CAD users perfect mouse is another's nightmare! Here are my thoughts:

The freedom of wireless is great but I hate having to think about charging it/new batteries. This isn't a as big a deal on modern mice, so it the concern might not be that imperative. Also there is a small lag with a wireless mouse. CAD lags enough on it's own, I don't want to add any more. However, with CAD lagging you might not notice the wireless mouse lag!!

A few extra buttons on the mouse can be a godsend. I have programmed mice buttons for Ortho On/Off, Osnap On/Off in the past. That works great. Anything the reduces the amount of time or effort in my workflow is what I want. Most extra button mice need separate software to program and run, but most are simple enough to handle.

Ergonomics is huge. My CADMouse from 3DConnexion was one of my favorite mice ever. It was hefty enough and it fit my hand perfectly. It was extremely comfortable and smooth on its movements across my desk. It died. I was (am) sad. I suggest you try before you buy if possible. We use this mouse for 8 to 12 hours every day. A non-fitting mouse can damage your hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, etc. I am considering getting a "vertical" ergonomic mouse so that my arm isn't twisted all day long. 

These are the things I look for in a CAD Mouse.