CAD software like Solidworks is an absolute must for engineers, designers, and institutions around the world. Without it, so many incredible projects would be basically impossible for a home enthusiast to achieve. On this page, we’ll help you find the best mouse for Solidworks in late 2021/2022.
Finding a good CAD mouse is actually pretty important; working for extended periods of time at a computer can cause significant strain on your hands, wrists, shoulders, and back. What’s more, the nature of Solidworks demands something a little more than your everyday, ‘normal’ mouse.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best mouse for SolidWorks on the market. We’ve looked at Amazon listings, online reviews, and comparison pages to find the crème de la crème. If it’s featured on this page, we genuinely believe it’s worth a look.
The Best Mouse for Solidworks – Things to Look Out For
So, you’re looking for an ergonomic mouse that will work perfectly with Solidworks and other CAD software. Question is, how do you make sure you’re finding the best mouse for the job? The reality is that everyone works a little differently; a particular option might be perfect for one person, and worthless for the next.
In this section, we’ll explore a few key things to keep in mind when shopping. The clearer you are about the kind of mouse for Solidworks you’re looking for, the easier it will be to make the right choice for you.
The Best Mouse is Ready to Go
A great mouse is one that doesn’t need endless tinkering before it’s ready to go. Unless you have a very specific reason for wanting a mouse that requires a complicated setup, it’s best to go for options that are ‘plug and play’ right out of the box.
Don’t get us wrong, though, some tweak-ability is definitely a good thing.
Think About Programmable Keys
Programmable keys are a big one for most people when it comes to CAD work. The nature of Solidworks in particular means that everyone will have their own unique way of navigating the program. The kind of work you’re doing will determine the shortcuts, features, and button presses you need most frequently.
A good mouse will let you configure its different buttons to work seamlessly with your workflow. One example of this is programming a dedicated middle mouse button for dragging certain elements around the screen.
Whatever your use case, a mouse for solidworks shouldn’t leave you feeling restricted.
The Right Mouse is One You Can Afford
Remember that you don’t need to remortgage your house to find a good computer mouse these days. The best mouse for Solidworks is definitely one you can still afford. Take your budget into account when shopping and choose accordingly.
Consider a Desk Mouse Pad
When building complex 3D models with your computer, chances are you’ll be moving it around a lot more than a basic mouse. Using a desk mouse pad can transform your entire desk into a useable surface. A dedicated CAD mouse can only do the heavy lifting for you if you’ve got the space to use it!
Scroll Wheel
Trackball mice are very popular among CAD users, and for good reason. The high precision they afford when scrolling is not the be sniffed at. If this kind of design isn’t your favorite, you’ll probably still want to consider a better mouse wheel than a standard mouse.
Most CAD projects involve a ton of zooming and panning around the screen.
Wired Mouse VS Wireless Mouse – What’s the Difference?
If you’re using a modern device with a recent version of Bluetooth, you shouldn’t have to worry about latency issues and drop-offs like you used to around ten years ago. That said, plenty of people still preferred wired options as they tend to be:
- More affordable
- Faster in terms of latency
It all comes down to your preferences. How much space do you have for wires? Will you really notice a difference when using a high-quality Bluetooth option? It’s up to you!
What’s the Best Mouse for Solidworks?
Right, let’s get into it! The list below is designed to help you find the best CAD mouse available in late 2021/2022. Programmable keys? High precision? Dramatically better performance than a regular mouse? We’ve got you covered.
And when you’re ready to upgrade your keyboard, too, check out some of the best mechanical keyboards reviewed over at KeebNews.
Razer Naga Ergonomic Mouse
While Razer is mostly known for its line of PC peripherals and laptops that are geared towards gaming, this also makes a fantastic mouse for Solidworks. Its ergonomic design in particular deserves a great deal of praise.
It should be nice and comfortable when working, even for extended periods of time. Power users will also find plenty to enjoy about this mouse. There are 12 extra buttons on the side of the body that are fully configurable.
All your favorite shortcuts, scripts, and features are just a single button press away! The basic model of the Naga line can usually be picked up for around $50 which is an absolute steal in our opinion.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Fully programmable mouse
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Some users report that the custom buttons can get stuck sometimes
3Dconnexion 3DX-700040 CAD Mouse
This marvellous piece of kit was built with CAD software and similar programs in mind. It comes with a whole host of features that make creating and editing your 3D models a breeze! An onboard display, rotating control dial, and a ton of customizable buttons are all ready and waiting.
The soft-coated body works great as a comfortable thumb rest too! This accessory might work best as a sort of secondary mouse for your existing setup. The granular controls and programmable buttons are great for Softworks, but you’ll still need a dedicated mouse for cursor movements.
Pros:
- Built for 3D work
- Plenty of programmable buttons
- Useful rotating dial
Cons:
- Best paired with a high performance mouse
3DConnexion 3DX-700059 Compact CAD Mouse
This handy little thing is perhaps the best mouse for Solidworks if you want to prioritise your available desk space. It’s made by the same guys as the option listed above but comes with a seriously compact footprint.
If the main thing that interested you about the peripheral above was the rotating dial, then this one is well worth a look. You’ll have up to six degrees of control when navigating through your different models or views. This level of control is great to see.
Pros:
- Great for navigating through models and views
- Tiny footprint
- Intuitive design
Cons:
- You’ll also need an additional computer mouse
Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse
As we mentioned earlier, the best mouse for solidworks is one that you can afford. The good news here is that this Logitech mouse is remarkably affordable without compromising on performance. For less than $25, you get a good mouse with a few extra programmable buttons thrown in for good measure
If your main concern when working with CAD is finding a computer mouse that can be reconfigured, this could be an excellent option. Budget followers rejoice!
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comes with a few programmable buttons
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Scrolling is just ok with its standard mouse wheel
MIONIX NAOS 3200 Ergonomic Mouse With Programmable Buttons
You may have noticed that this isn’t the first ‘gaming’ mouse listed on this page; there’s a reason for this. The ergonomic shape and configurability of most gaming peripherals make them great candidates for working in Computer Aided Design.
This option from Mionix is no exception. Expect fantastic speed, an enhanced grip design, and a comfortable experience for your long working hours. While this isn’t the cheapest option on our list, it’s well worth a look in our opinion.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Adjustable DPI
- Great tracking speed
Cons:
- The software used to make changes needs work
Logitech G502 HERO
Some people will love the scroll wheel on this one. It comes with two standard modes – locked and unlocked. This means that for projects that need a lot of zooming and scrolling, you’ll be able to move around at lightning speed. Want the scroll of a more conventional mouse? Just flip back to locked mode.
The G502 Hero comes with 11 programmable buttons that can be tweaked to your heart’s content. All your commonly used commands can be customized and implemented effortlessly. For those looking for next-level comfort, the Hero is worth considering.
For starters, the design here is very comfortable to use for long periods. Another bonus is the adjustable weight system that comes as standard. Mouse feeling too light or too heavy? This can be tweaked in just a few seconds!
Pros:
- Very comfortable to use
- Adjustable weight system
- Tons of function keys for custom actions
Cons:
- A touch expensive
Kensington Orbit Mouse
This innovative mouse uses a scroll wheel design that you may not be used to. As a mouse for Solidworks, though, it works really well. The sphere shaped wheel provides a heightened level of control and can be much easier on your hands and wrists for long-term use.
A thumb controlled trackball might be a great way to both increase your productivity and project your body from repetitive strain injury. Many people believe that the shape and design of mice like this causes a lot less strain on your joints.
Add this to the Orbit’s other features, and you’re looking at a seriously compelling package. Configurable buttons, an ambidextrous design, and much more are all ready and waiting. Available as both a wired and wireless mouse, you don’t want to miss this one.
Pros:
- Great scroll ball design
- Buttons can be customized
- Wired and wireless versions available
Cons:
- Some people prefer a regular scrolling design
ELECOM 2.4GHz Wireless Finger-operated Large Size Trackball Mouse
For the right user, this will be the best mouse for Solidworks out there. It’s available as a wireless mouse or as a wired mouse. The specific configuration you choose will come down to your budget, home setup, and the latency performance you prefer.
Looking for an adjustable DPI setting? Three modes are available that range between 500, 1000, and 1500 DPI. This should give you plenty of flexibility when adapting to fast paced work environments and ever-changing CAD requirements.
The ball bearings used for this mouse are surprisingly easy to maintain. You might want to open it up for cleaning every now and then, but this will be far from a frequent occurrence.
With an ergonomic trackball, advanced features like custom buttons, and much more, this Elecom mouse is tough to beat.
Pros:
- Very easy to maintain
- Handy trackball design
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Might feel a bit heavy for some users
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
It doesn’t matter how many programmable keys your mouse has if it hurts your body after extended periods of use. Repetitive strain injury is no joke and should be a priority if you use your computer for work.
A vertical mouse design is one of the myriad ways that some developers have tried to address the issue of RSI. The idea is that they’re much better for your wrists because of how they’re held. With this kind of product from Logitech, you won’t be pronating your wrists while working.
When used correctly – with regular breaks mind you – you may be able to significantly improve your wrist and hand health. Add this the the MX’s mountain of other handy features, and you’re looking at a seriously compelling package if you ask us.
Pros:
- Ergonomic vertical design
- Customizable buttons
- Designed to protect your wrists
Cons:
- May be difficult to get used to for some users
Logitech M720
Looking for cross computer control? This handy little mouse can connect with up to three computers at once. If your work setup requires you to use multiple computers simultaneously, features like this will be an absolute Godsend.
Logitech’s unifying connector works very well here and doesn’t require any special skills or configuring. Once it’s plugged in, you should be good to go pretty quickly. Another bonus here for Softworks users is the fast scrolling design.
It’s effortless to zoom and pan through projects quickly with this mouse. The super efficient battery won’t go amiss either. You can get up to 24 months of life out of just a single AA battery!
Pros:
- Works with multiple devices
- Killer battery life
- Fast scrolling design
Cons:
- Some users report problems with Bluetooth performance. Make sure you’re using a capable computer with a modern Bluetooth version.
Related: 9 Best Free 3D Modeling Software For 3D Design | OnShape vs Fusion 360
Our Verdict
As a Solidworks user, you often need to do much more than just perform basic functions. You need an accessory that can adapt seamlessly to your existing setup. We hope you’ve found the recommendations on this page useful.
Remember to use your own judgement when shopping and consider what you’re actually looking for before pulling the trigger. Happy shopping!
