In the world of 3D design, having the right tools can make all the difference in terms of productivity, precision, and comfort. Among the various tools at a designer’s disposal, a well-chosen mouse is essential for navigating complex software, manipulating intricate designs, and maintaining efficiency throughout long hours of work. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, selecting the best computer mouse can significantly enhance your workflow. In this article, we’ll share our picks for the best computer mice for 3D designers this year, focusing on different price points, features, and compatibility for both PC and Mac users.
1. Logitech MX Master 3S: Best Overall Mouse for 3D Artists
Price: $99.99
Compatibility: PC, Mac
The Logitech MX Master 3S is widely considered the best overall mouse for 3D design due to its exceptional blend of ergonomics, precision, and versatility. Whether you’re modeling complex environments or sculpting detailed 3D objects, the MX Master 3S offers features that make your work more efficient and comfortable. It's also one of the most popular and best computer mice for 3D artists here at KitBash3D, including our Head of Kits, Mike Reese, and our Asset Supervisor Luis Tornel.
One of the standout features of the MX Master 3S is its ergonomic design. It is shaped to fit the natural curve of your hand, allowing for extended use without causing discomfort or strain. This is a key benefit for 3D designers, who often work for hours on intricate projects. The thumb rest and button placements are well thought out, making it easy to access additional functions without taking your hand off the mouse.
In terms of precision, the MX Master 3S is equipped with Logitech’s Darkfield™ sensor, which offers a sensitivity of up to 8,000 DPI. This high sensitivity is essential for 3D design tasks that require meticulous control and accuracy. Another useful feature is the MagSpeed Electromagnetic scrolling, which provides smooth, fast scrolling across large timelines and layers while still offering precise, line-by-line control when needed.
A unique feature for 3D designers is the horizontal scroll wheel located on the side of the mouse. This is particularly useful when navigating wide 3D canvases, timelines, or horizontal layers, offering faster and more intuitive control. The MX Master 3S also tracks on virtually any surface, including glass, so you can use it in different work environments without needing a mousepad.
Battery life is another strong suit of the MX Master 3S, lasting up to 70 days on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities via USB-C. This longevity makes it a reliable tool that won’t let you down mid-project. Its combination of comfort, precision, and versatility makes the MX Master 3S the go-to choice for 3D designers of all levels.
For these reasons and more, it's our consensus #1 pick in the list of the best computer mice for 3D artists this year.
2. 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro Wireless: Best Mouse for 3D Navigation
Price: $329.00
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Next on our list of the best computer mice for 3D artists is the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro Wireless, a specialized tool designed specifically for 3D designers who require advanced navigation capabilities. Unlike traditional mice, the SpaceMouse Pro Wireless offers an intuitive 6-Degrees-of-Freedom (6DoF) sensor, allowing users to manipulate 3D objects with precision by simply pushing, pulling, twisting, or tilting the controller cap. This unique feature gives you fine control over object rotation, translation, and scaling, which is essential for complex modeling tasks.
In addition to its advanced navigation abilities, the SpaceMouse Pro Wireless features customizable function keys that allow you to program shortcuts to frequently used commands. This streamlines your workflow, reducing the need to use your keyboard for common tasks, which is a huge time-saver in 3D design software like Blender, Maya, or AutoCAD.
Another highlight is its ergonomic design, which is intended for long-term comfort. The SpaceMouse Pro Wireless is slightly larger and heavier than a standard mouse, giving it a solid, professional feel, and it is designed to support your hand in a comfortable, neutral position. This can be particularly beneficial for 3D designers who work long hours and need to avoid strain.
While the price point is higher than traditional mice, the advanced features and specialized design make the SpaceMouse Pro Wireless an invaluable tool for professional 3D designers.
For those working on highly detailed and complex models, this mouse provides the precision and functionality needed to enhance workflow and creativity. It's #2 on our list of the best computer mice for 3D artists in 2024.
3. Razer Naga Pro: Best Customizable Mouse for 3D Artists
Price: $149.99
Compatibility: PC, Mac
The Razer Naga Pro is a highly customizable mouse that excels in providing versatility and control, making it a strong contender for 3D designers who use various software and tools.
While primarily marketed as a gaming mouse, its features translate well into the world of 3D design, especially for users who require quick access to multiple functions.
One of the Razer Naga Pro’s most notable features is its modular side panels, which allow users to choose between 2, 6, or 12-button configurations. This flexibility is especially valuable for 3D designers who rely heavily on shortcuts and tool switching within their software. You can map different commands to the side buttons, streamlining your workflow and reducing the need for keyboard inputs. "Can confirm as a hotkey slinger, I rely on my Naga Pro a little too much lol," says Brandon Acree, a 3D Modeler here at KitBash3D.
The mouse is equipped with Razer’s Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor, which provides highly precise movements, ensuring that even the most intricate details in your designs are captured accurately. The high DPI range allows you to adjust the sensitivity to suit your preferences, whether you're working on minute details or large-scale projects.
The Razer Naga Pro’s wireless performance is also worth mentioning. It features Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless technology, which ensures a stable, low-latency connection, crucial for maintaining smooth and uninterrupted work sessions. The ergonomic design and modular button layout make it a comfortable choice for long periods of use, while the customizability ensures that it can adapt to your unique workflow.
For designers who appreciate flexibility and customization, the Razer Naga Pro offers a blend of performance and versatility that few other mice can match.
4. Logitech G604 Lightspeed: Best Value Mouse for 3D Artists
Price: $99.99
Compatibility: PC, Mac
For 3D designers seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performance mouse, the Logitech G604 Lightspeed offers the best value in 2024. Although it is marketed as a gaming mouse, its features are perfectly suited for 3D design, providing a great balance between affordability and functionality.
The G604 Lightspeed features 15 programmable controls, including six thumb buttons, making it easy to customize the mouse to fit your workflow. These buttons can be mapped to specific tools or commands within your 3D software, allowing for quick and efficient navigation between functions. This level of customization is particularly beneficial for designers who want to reduce reliance on their keyboard and increase their productivity.
Equipped with Logitech’s HERO 25K sensor, the G604 Lightspeed delivers up to 25,600 DPI, ensuring high accuracy and precision. This level of sensitivity is ideal for intricate 3D modeling tasks where even the smallest movements need to be captured accurately. Additionally, the mouse features a dual-mode scroll wheel that allows users to switch between hyper-fast scrolling and click-to-click precision, depending on the task at hand.
The ergonomic design of the G604 Lightspeed ensures comfort during long design sessions. It’s shaped to fit the natural curve of your hand, reducing strain and fatigue. Another strong point of this mouse is its battery life, which lasts up to 240 hours in wireless mode on a single AA battery.
For designers who want a versatile and customizable mouse without breaking the bank, the Logitech G604 Lightspeed is an excellent option. For its price point and features, it takes the final spot on our list of the best computer mice for 3D artists this year.
The Best Computer Mice for 3D Artists in 2024
Choosing the best computer mice for 3D design depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Logitech MX Master 3S is the best overall mouse for 3D design, offering a perfect blend of ergonomics, precision, and versatility. For those who require advanced 3D navigation, the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro Wireless provides unmatched control and is designed specifically for professional 3D work.
If customization is a top priority, the Razer Naga Pro offers modular button configurations and precise control, while the Logitech G604 Lightspeed delivers great value with its programmable buttons and high DPI sensor at an affordable price.
By selecting the right mouse, you can significantly improve your 3D design workflow, enhancing both your productivity and comfort.
We hope this guide helped you make your decision on what mouse you'll choose. Keep exploring other KitBash3D guides, like our roundup of the Best Plugins for Blender or our Best Plugins for Unreal Engine, and make sure to join our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of our guides and best stories. Happy KitBashing!
