My 3Dconnexion Setup Review

This is a review of the 3Dconnexion devices I bought recently, The CadMouse Pad, CadMouse Pro Wireless, Keyboard Pro with Numpad, and SpaceMouse Enterprise. Let's start small with the CadMouse Pad.

3Dconnexion CadMouse Pad Review

The 3Dconnexion CadMouse Pad is a purpose-built mouse surface aimed at CAD, engineering, architecture, and design professionals who want smoother, more predictable cursor control than a generic desk surface or low-cost mouse pad can provide. It is designed as a companion to 3Dconnexion’s CadMouse line, but its core benefits—consistent tracking, low-friction movement, and a stable base—can apply to other high-quality professional mice as well.

Design and Build Quality

The pad uses a three-layer construction: a micro-textured top surface for precise movement, a rigid middle layer for flatness and stability, and a non-slip silicone base to keep the pad from shifting during use. This gives it a more engineered feel than a soft fabric mouse pad. The result is a firm, uniform surface that should appeal to users who work long hours in CAD or 3D modeling environments where small cursor movements matter. I will note that, while engineered not to slip on the surface with its third layer, mine still slips on my desk.

Surface Feel and Tracking

The defining feature is the low-friction, micro-textured coating. 3Dconnexion describes the surface as optimized for its mouse sensors and for use with CadMouse PTFE feet. In practical terms, that means the pad is intended to provide a balanced glide: smooth enough for broad multi-monitor movement, but controlled enough for accurate cursor placement in detailed CAD work. I can attest that this is the case.

My 3Dconnexion Setup

I received a package from 3Dconnexion yesterday. I pretty much ordered one of everything, a Keyboard Pro with Numpad, a CadMouse, and a SpaceMouse Enterprise (and I already had a CadMouse Pad). 

I had a SpaceMouse Pro previously, and wrote a review of it, but I sold it when I wasn't working for an extended period. I also previously had a CadMouse, which I also reviewed, but it went belly up awhile back.

I only recently became aware of the Keyboard PRO, and wanted one, so I bit the bullet and bought it. I had a mouse I liked, but right now, when you buy a Keyboard Pro Kit, which includes the Numpad, you effectively get a CadMouse at a deep discount. The kit costs $139. The SpaceMouse Enterprise cost an additional $399, but it's a beaut.

My 3Dconnexion setup

I'll write a review on what it's like to have all these devices once I'm used to using all of them together. Right now, my experience isn't entirely positive, but that may change with use. I still have a lot of things to figure out, and I've got to train my offhand. So, more to come in perhaps a month or so. 

In the meantime, you can check out 3Dconnexion's offerings at https://3dconnexion.com/.

Update 9/16/2026: My review of these devices and my setup is up!

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3Dconnexion Keyboard Pro

From the 3Dconnexion website:

The 3Dconnexion Keyboard Pro with detached numpad is engineered to help you create digital 3D models and professional designs. Its compact width enables a better position of your mouse or pen resulting in a more natural and comfortable posture. Twelve programmable 3Dconnexion keys automatically provide access to app-specific commands you need most – saving time and keeping you focused.

3Dconnexion keys adapt to the app you are using

The 3Dconnexion Keyboard Pro features 12 additional function keys located above the standard keys. The keyboard instantly recognizes the applications you are using, as well as their environments. Commands you use most are automatically assigned to the individual keys, so you can access them directly. You can also easily personalize the 3Dconnexion keys according to your preferences.

An on-screen display lets you know which commands are assigned at all times.

Introducing CadMouse Pro Wireless & CadMouse Pro Wireless Left

Our good friends at 3Dconnexion, the world leader in advanced 3D navigation devices and makers of the SpaceMouse and CadMouse product lines, have released two new versions of their mice designed for CAD professionals, the CadMouse Pro Wireless and CadMouse Pro Wireless Left.

These two new devices join the original CadMouse Wireless and the (wired) CadMouse, which, shortly after its release, we reviewed here.

The new CadMouse Pro Wireless is a full-sized mouse for the modern workstation, as is the CadMouse Pro Wireless Left, which holds the distinction of being the first CadMouse designed specifically for left-handed users.

Shortly, we'll be reviewing the CadMouse Pro Wireless, along with the CadMouse Wireless, SpaceMouse Enterprise, and SpaceMouse Wireless. Look for our review to drop early next week soon. In the meantime, check out all the great 3Dconnexion products on 3Dconnexion.com.

The CadMouse Pro Wireless and CadMouse Pro Wireless Left are priced at $119.00 US each.

For continued reading: 3Dconnexion's CadMouse Pro Wireless press release

Introducing CadMouse Wireless

From the 3Dconnexion website:

Introducing CadMouse Wireless
THE WIRELESS MOUSE FOR CAD PROFESSIONALS

The must-have for mobile CAD workplaces

The first mouse developed for professional engineering is now available as a wireless version. Specially designed for high-performance mobile workplaces, with software tools built around CAD specific needs, your work will be more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

Buy Greenlee Bendworks and Get a Free 3D Mouse

Greenlee is offering one of the more interesting promotions we've seen this holiday season: buy a yearly license of their Bendworks product and receive a free 3D Mouse and an ergonomic mouse pad.

The 3D Mouse appears to be a 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator, which is a 109.00 USD value.

Note that the promotional offer image above is a little misleading, as you're required to do more than download the software, e.g. from the terms and conditions:

1. Offer for mouse only valid with purchase of Bendworks Software yearly license
2. One promotional order per customer if quantity 5 are ordered

Regarding the second stipulation above, it's unclear to us if this means you can only receive one 3D mouse for every five product orders, or if you have to purchase five Bendworks Software yearly licenses to receive one free 3D mouse. If you're interested in this offer, we suggest that you contact Greenlee for clarification.

Additional terms and conditions apply. See the promotion page for full details.

This offer is valid through December 31, 2016.

Save On SpaceMouse Enterprise and SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit – Ends 9/30/16

Here on Revit Add-ons, we're fans of 3Dconnexion's input devices. In fact, in product reviews, we gave their SpaceMouse Pro and CadMouse each an A+.

Recently we posted about 3Dconnexion's new flagship product, the SpaceMouse Enterprise, and we can't wait to get our hands on one!

Also, we featured the CadMouse, SpaceMouse Pro and SpaceMouse Enterprise in our list of Essential Revit Add-ons because, when your off-hand goes from just mashing the <Escape> key to being a fully productive member of the team, it's transformational.

Now, for a limited time, 3Dconnexion is offering savings on the SpaceMouse Enterprise and on the SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit, which includes a SpaceMouse Enterprise, CadMouse, CadMouse Pad, and a twin-port USB hub.

From 3Dconnexion's promotional announcement...

Introductory offer expires September 30, 2016

Ultimate Two Handed Power
SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit

The SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit provides 3Dconnexion's most powerful products in an incredibly attractively priced package: SpaceMouse Enterprise, CadMouse, CadMouse Pad and a Twin-port USB Hub

Buy Now (free shipping)
After 09.30.16 $429
Now $399* (Excludes taxes)

Built for Performance
SpaceMouse® Enterprise

With SpaceMouse Enterprise, 3Dconnexion’s most advanced 3D mouse ever, you can instantly focus on the active task and experience an unprecedented real-time understanding of 3D engineering design.

Buy Now (free shipping)
After 09.30.16 $399
Now $359* (Excludes taxes)

Order via our online store or request a hands-on demo

Valid until September 30, 2016.

3Dconnexion's New Flagship Product: SpaceMouse Enterprise

I'm a big advocate for 3Dconnexion's human interface devices. I've had the pleasure of reviewing 2 of them here on Revit Add-ons, the SpaceMouse Pro and the CadMouse, and graded both A+.

3Dconnexion recently released their new flagship SpaceMouse product, the SpaceMouse Enterprise.

When and if I receive a review model of this new device, I'll put a review up for it. Trust me though, if you're a good Revit user, the SpaceMouse line of products will make you better.

From the 3Dconnexion website...

SpaceMouse® Enterprise

Built For Top Engineering Performance

At the top, there is no room for second best. The world’s premier firms demand the highest level of performance from their engineering teams. There are no excuses for missed opportunities or subpar output; there are only results.

Enter the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise.

Welcome to the new standard in engineering performance.

Real-Time Understanding Of 3D Engineering Design.

SpaceMouse Enterprise draws its style and power from our award-winning SpaceMouse Pro and SpacePilot Pro 3D mice. But like all once-in-a-generation legends, it builds on the past to reinvent the future.

It’s easier than ever to view your 3D models with SpaceMouse Enterprise’s 6-Degrees-of-Freedom (6DoF) sensor and instant access to Standard and Custom Views.

Product Review: The 3Dconnexion CadMouse

About a year and a half ago, I reviewed the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro. I loved the device, giving it an A+. My only nit to pick was that I was hoping to use it to replace my traditional mouse, which, while technically possible, would be impractical. Enter the 3Dconnexion CadMouse – which is being marketed as "the first mouse for CAD professionals". Because 3Dconnexion's other devices are intended as second-hand devices, it makes sense that they would release a mouse of their own design for use as a primary input device.

Software Design

To get started, I downloaded and installed the latest 3DxWare driver. I then plugged the device into a USB port and was off to the races.

Of course, the 3DxWare software allows you to configure your mouse exactly as you like. The software is easy and intuitive to use.

Software design grade: A+

Hardware Design

Like the SpaceMouse Pro, the industrial design of the CadMouse is impeccable. The quality is outstanding, from the build quality all the way down to the packaging.

The "feet" slide more smoothly than with a typical mouse, and the mouse features a stainless steel lower bezel that adds durability without adding undue weight.

3Dconnexion Updates: SpaceMouse Pro Wireless and 3DxWare 10 Driver

Shortly after I posted my review of the SpaceMouse Pro, the good folks at 3Dconnexion released a wireless version of the powerful input device, the SpaceMouse Pro Wireless.

3Dconnexion also released the 3DxWare 10 driver, which extends the mouse beyond 3D software and into programs like Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer. The official release reportedly includes many new features, including a new onscreen Radial menu.

There's more information available on the 3Dconnexion website.

Product Review: The 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro

Here on the Revit Add-ons blog, we tend to focus on software add-ins for Revit, but this doesn't mean that there aren't also some excellent hardware add-ons out there that can help to increase productivity.

Recently, 3Dconnexion graciously sent me one of their latest high-end 3D mice for review purposes, the SpaceMouse Pro. My overall conclusion? I would not want to work without it.

The SpaceMouse Pro

Design and Use

The first thing I noticed when unpacking the device was how heavy it is, weighing in at a dense 1.5 lbs (.68 kg). This is because one can use the central controller knob for functions by pulling up on it. When one's hand is positioned properly on the device, the weight of the SpaceMouse Pro helps to keep it in place. This is is a thoughtful design consideration that I very much appreciated.

The industrial design of the device is absolutely beautiful. It has a lot of eye appeal, and it is wonderfully ergonomic, as illustrated in the following image.

The ergonomic design of the SpaceMouse Pro

To get started, I downloaded and installed the latest driver. I then plugged the device into a USB port and was off to the races.

Upon first use, I was presented with a very professional interactive tutorial video that showed how to navigate a 3D model using the central controller. This was a perfect introduction: brief, to the point, and crystal clear.

Here's a video from the 3Dconnexion website showing how to use the central controller to navigate  3D models. Please note that this is not the video that is presented when first using the SpaceMouse Pro, as that one includes an interactive 3D model.

With a name like SpaceMouse Pro, I hoped that this device would do double duty by replacing my traditional mouse for use with all applications. This could be accomplished but would require some customization. It seems that, by design, the SpaceMouse pro is intended to be a "second hand" device. Once I reconciled myself with this, I was able to setup my workstation appropriately - and, for ergonomic reasons, I'm glad that I went this route (more on this later).

My input device setup, with the SpaceMouse Pro at left

In addition to the central controller, the SpaceMouse Pro has fifteen buttons.

The buttons on the SpaceMouse Pro

Starting with the button on the lower left and moving clockwise,  the first button is the MENU button. This button opens the 3Dconnexion Properties window, used to customize how the device responds to input (more on this later).

The MENU button