Best Mouse for Architects

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Updated: 07/20/2022

 

Do you want the perfect mouse for CAD design?

If you are an architect and design models in digital form. It’s important to get equipped with the right resources to bring out the best of your skills.

An “A” class system, a robust architect design software, is necessary for an architect to bring ideas to the real world.

But a mouse plays a vital role among all the resources you have because it is the device with which you do all the magic of creativity.

This blog covers the best mouse for architects that you can get.

Which mouse is best for an architect?

If you try to explore the online market to find an architect mouse, it will be like putting your hand in a box of swarms. There are numerous mice available in the market. But how do you find the best mouse for architects?

 

Below are the key features that a mouse for an architect should have.

 

1. A mouse that has great accuracy
2. Mouse should be ergonomic in design
3. A mouse with durable buttons.
4. A mouse with smooth feet

 

Type of mice not suitable  for architect design purpose

 

1. Don’t use low-price mice because they provide below-average performance and this factor can ruin your experience especially if you are a beginner architect.
2. Don’t use an oversized mouse that does not fit well in your hand because you would not be able to control the movements properly.

The above information is based on research. We have collected information from several sources, analyzed what actually experienced architects are saying about a good mouse for CAD and what they recommend. Also, we have taken into account the experiences of users who are using listed mice here relating to architect design.

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1. Logitech MX Master 3 – Best Mouse with dual scroll wheel

The Logitech MX Master 3 is a brilliant product that can be used in all aspects of your daily life, particularly for precise creative work. 

Logitech Master 3 allows smooth and precise movements, especially for computer-based models.

 Logitech MX Master 3 has an ergonomic shape with thumb support, which will help you do the work without any trouble. 

It also has two side buttons and seven customizable buttons in total, which helps make the work easier for you. 

MX Master 3 is durable. It has intelligent sensor technology and a highly accurate optical tracking technology that helps it to track movements accurately, more you can connect it with multiple computers on wireless.

The Logitech MX Master 3 also has a gesture button, which is located on the left side of the mouse where your thumb rests. To use it, hold the gesture button down while moving the mouse left, right, up, or down.

Gestures can be used for desktop navigation, app management, pan and zoom, and more. The mouse gesture button can be assigned up to five different actions.

Features in a Glance

Connectivity: Wired, Advance 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Design: Ergonomic
Sensor: Optical Darkfield high precision, Max DPI 4000
Scroll Wheel: Dual scroll with auto-shift feature
Weight: 141 gram
Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
Power: Rechargeable Li-Po
RGB: NO
Buttons: 7, Programable
OS Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, OS 13.4 or later, iPadOS 14 or later, Chrome OS, Android™ 5.0 or later

 

Analysis:

Logitech MX Master 3 is a perfect choice for an architect with a moderate number of buttons. 

The mouse has two scroll wheels which can be helpful in a situation where you use the thumb scroll wheel for the specific move, and your fingers remain free for clicking.

Digital architect drafting works require precision, and MX Master 3 gives you complete control over your every move. 

MX Master 3 is the best fit for medium, large, and extra-large hands users. 

Master 3 is supported by almost every OS, if you switch or upgrade the computer, you do not have to worry about OS compatibility. It also has bluetooth smart wireless technology.

Logitech MX Master 3 is a bit heavy, which is not an issue for design works because it helps control the movement of the mouse when you have to move the mouse slowly. I have experienced that MX Master 3 works well with cloth mouse pad.

Some alternate computer mice with the same weight category are Logitech MX1000, and Logitech G700, so if you have used any of these mice, you’ll have no problem dealing with Logitech MX Master 3.

 

2. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse – Best beginner mouse for architect

The Microsoft Sculpt mouse features a flat-looking design. Its unique design will also complement your workplace and personal style. 

Sculpt mouse is designed for comfort and performance. This mouse is made for professionals. 

You’ll love how you can control the pointer movements with Sculpt mouse its special sensor with BlueTrack Technology can work on virtually any surface except glass.

Advanced ergonomic design enables comfortable use of the mouse for extended working hours. The side thumb scoop ensures natural hand and wrist postures, making it easier to control the cursor.

Features in a Glance

Connectivity: Proprietary 2.4 GHz (Microsoft 2.4 GHz Transceiver v9.0)
Design: Ergonomic
Sensor: BlueTrack Technology ( Does not work on glass)
Scroll Wheel: 4-Way Scroll
Weight: 155 gram
Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
Power: 2 AA alkaline batteries (included)
RGB: NO
Buttons: 7, Can’t program the buttons
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 and above, Macintosh OS X v10.7-10.9, Android 3.2 and 4.2

 

Analysis:

Microsoft Sculpt mouse is one of the odd-looking mouse. By its looks, it does not feel like an ergonomic mouse, but when you put your hand on the mouse, it feels nice due to its natural handshake position. 

Unlike other sideways mice, the right side of the mouse is in a rounded shape which gives a natural way of putting your hand on it. 

The mouse sensor is good and works very well. The tracking mechanism is based on Microsoft’s proprietary sensor blue track technology. 

The downside of the sensor is that it does not work on glass. The USB dongle is a bit extra long, not a big issue, but the shorter, the better it is.

This compact mouse can house two batteries, and the bottom cover is held with a magnet. 

Mouse feet provide awesome glides as if you are skating on ice.

The mouse’s height is fairly higher than regular mice, which supports your whole hand aptly. 

The left side thumb rest curve is beautifully designed and is comfortable. The two buttons that can be used with the thumb are easy to access. 

One button is for windows, and the other is for back, used for browser navigation. Unfortunately, there is no forward button. Usually, these buttons come in pairs, forward and backwards.

Microsoft Sculpt mouse is a good fit for all hand sizes, ergonomically sound, and helpful for users with hand pain due to RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

3. Elecom Deft Trackball – Best Trackball Mouse for Architects 

The Elecom Deft Trackball is a great device that can be used for a wide range of applications, whether you’re a professional structural designer or someone who wants a decent mouse for day-to-day work. 

Elecom Deft is made with high-quality components, so you can be sure it will last long. This trackball is also aptly placed and can efficiently operate with fingers. 

The Deft Trackball mouse has a high-quality sensor that can provide fine-tuned cursor movements. The trackball on the mouse is gripped with ball bearings. 

Features in a Glance

Connectivity: 2.4 GHz
Design: Ergonomic
Sensor: Optical sensor
Scroll Wheel: Yes, 4-Way Scroll thumb-operated
Weight: 112 gram
Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
Power: 1 AAA battery
RGB: NO
Buttons: 8, Programmable
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.10 or later

Analysis: 

Elecom Deft trackball mouse is a fine trackball mouse. The overall design of the mouse is great. 

The trackball moves the cursor with the same speed as a standard mouse. This means you can work with it the same way as a traditional mouse or ergonomic mouse with no performance compromise. 

Rotating the trackball gives users a comfortable feel while providing an exceptionally smooth cursor movement.

Getting used to trackball takes time. Commonly, users are used to left-clicking with their index finger, but on Deft Trackball, the left click can be triggered with the thumb button, which would initially feel awkward.

 The right-click button is placed way deep. Users with small fingers could struggle to press it. But overall, the buttons are great.

Elecom Deft mouse can be a great choice for designing an architect’s design. It also provides the option to program the buttons as per requirements. 

You can easily map shortcut keys on any configurable button with the ELECOM Assistant Software.

The Elecom Deft trackball mouse gives you more space on the desk because you don’t have to move the trackball mouse itself to move the cursor. 

Also, trackball reduces wrist and forearm movement, which is good for physical health, especially if you spend a lot of time designing structures on your favourite software.

4. Razer Naga X Wired Mouse – Best Architect mouse with side buttons

Razer Naga X is a high-precision mouse. Designed to be extremely comfortable to use, this mouse is made to fit comfortably in your hand.

The ergonomic design allows you to work for long periods without a sore or tiring hand.

 With 16 programmable buttons, you can easily and quickly modify the settings of this mouse to meet your needs. 

With Razer Synapse, you can set up complex macro functions with the easy-to-use program and customize buttons to perform more complex tasks with a press of a button.

The mouse has 18,000 DPI with a 5G Optical Sensor, DPI can be changed while you are using it with a touch of a button.

Features in a Glance

Connectivity: Wired
Design: Ergonomic
Sensor: Razer 5G Advanced Optical Sensor
Scroll Wheel: Yes, 2-Way Scroll
Weight: 85 gram
Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
Power: Wire
RGB: Yes, RAZER CHROMA™ RGB light
Buttons: 16, Programmable
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 and above

 

 

Analysis:

Basically, the Razer Naga X is a gaming mouse by design, but it can be used for professional design work like building design. 

With Naga X you can map keyboard shortcuts on mouse buttons to make your life easy because you can trigger these shortcuts with a touch of a button on the mouse. There are 12 side buttons on Naga x.

You don’t have to program every button on the mouse. You can leave them unassigned too. 

There is a reasonable gap between the side buttons so that you do not press the wrong button accidentally. 

However, if you have fat fingers, the chances are that you press two buttons simultaneously.

Razer Naga X has stylish matte black body is perfect for palm grip and medium to large hands. 

 

5. Logitech G Pro Wireless – Simple but effective Ambidextrous mouse for Architect

Logitech G Pro is designed for serious professionals who crave the best performance. 

G Pro delivers pro-grade performance to deliver a rock-solid, super-fast 1-millisecond report rate connection. This increases the precision of the mouse.

Logitech G Pro has a Hero 25K sensor that captures up to 25,600 DPI and reduces power consumption 10 times if we compare it with previous-generation Logitech sensors.

Logitech G Pro mouse has a unique endoskeleton body that is durable and lightweight.

Features in a Glance

Connectivity: Wireless
Design: Ergonomic
Sensor: HERO 25k sensor
Scroll Wheel: Yes, 2-Way Scroll clickable
Weight: 80 gram
Hand Orientation: Right-Hand
Power: Rechargeable LiPo built in battery
RGB: Yes, one zone
Buttons: 7, Programmable
OS Compatibility: Windows 7 and above, macOS® 10.11 or later, Chrome OS™

 

Analysis:

Logitech G Pro is a handy, easy-to-use mouse that can be used with both hands. G Pro is a medium-size mouse designed to fit small and medium hand sizes.

Working for long hours in front of a computer is normal in the field of architecture. It’s good to have a mouse that can be switched between your hands to give some rest to the hand that is stressed out.

Logitech G Pro mouse is lightweight, but if you want to reduce the weight further, there is a plate under the mouse you can remove this weight, and it will reduce 10-gram of the weight of the mouse.

The mouse body is made up of plastic material. If you press it from the sides, the structure shows no flexibility, which is good. It Means plastic is strong.

The mouse’s battery life is awesome; it could last for a month easily. The scroll wheel has a plastic grip. The middle button is mechanical.

The curves on both sides of the mouse are not deep. I like it that way, some may like deeper curves for better grip, but it will kill the design goal of the mouse to cater to all hand sizes, especially bigger hands.

Logitech G Pro’s best competitor is BenQ Zowie FK1. FK1 mouse has slightly deeper side curves. You can go for it if you like concave mouse sides, and it is also available in large and extra-large sizes.

Buying Guide

Mouse buying guide for the architect

For architects, several things matter for creating a masterpiece. In designing a digital architect draft on a computer, a computer mouse is a device that enables us to transfer our imaginative inventiveness into reality.  Above I have listed best mouse for aechitects you can choose the one based on your personal preference.

Important points to consider in a mouse for an architect.

Creating or learning architectural designs is a serious job. So always go for high-quality or pro-level mice, even if you are a beginner or student.

Some people might advise that you can start with a low-end mouse and don’t invest in an expensive mouse if you are a student. I don’t buy this idea.

Get the Best

If you are in the architectural design field, in that case, you have to get the best mouse for architects because, with a substandard mouse, you can ruin your digital designing experience, and a mouse is the most important resource for creating structures in the software.

A bad experience with a mouse could lead you to think that CAD design is not your thing.

The mouse should be comfortable to use. 

Another reason for getting a quality mouse is that you have to spend a lot of time working on the projects or assignments in front of the system. So the mouse should be comfortable to work with.

If the mouse is not comfortable, your hand likely starts to be affected with problems like carpal tunnel, mouse pain, or RSI injuries in the long run.

Always get a comfortable mouse that is easy to hold, and your hand grip is comfortable with it. The mouse should not be so large or not so small for your hand.

Mouse with additional configurable buttons

A good quality simple three-button mouse could be a good candidate for building structural designs. But, architect modelling applications come with a variety of commands and actions that require the keyboard in conjunction with the mouse to work.

If the mouse contains some extra buttons that can be configured to trigger shortcuts, it could be of great help, and the workflow can be smoother, and you have to make less physical effort. 

For example, you can map a macro on the extra mouse button, a combination of multiple keys to a specific mouse button. This will save your time and effort.

Must have features for architecture mouse

1. A mouse with premium-quality buttons. 

2. The scroll wheel should be smooth and clickable. The clickable wheel button is important because you would need it while designing. 

3. If the mouse has additional buttons and is configurable, that would be great.

 Mouse Ergonomics

I have not seen any modern mouse that is not ergonomically designed. Simple flat mice are no longer on the market. However, there are terribly designed mice, but mostly mouse designs available in the market are good for hand.

Taking care of your hand is a must because if your hand starts to hurt, you will not be able to do any work which is not good.

 If your hand has already started hurting, I suggest getting advice from a doctor and using a vertical ergonomic mouse for your architectural design work. This will definitely help and provide relief.

DPI of Mouse

DPI plays an important role. In simple words, DPi determines how fast your mouse moves. You have to find the level with which you are comfortable. Architects use different DPI levels for design works, whatever suits them. So the mouse you are using must have the feature to adjust the DPI.

Wired or Wireless

This is a lifelong debate, and I don’t see the end to this discussion. I believe this debate is more related to gamers, not to professional works or design-related works. 

But in the context of architectural design, it’s purely a matter of your choice. You can use wired or wireless mice both work well. 

If I have to buy a cordless mouse I prefer a wireless 2.4 GHz connection mouse, a Bluetooth mouse could lose signals intermittently due to its nature of connection technology.

FAQ

What makes a mouse good for architect design or 3D modelling?

Following are some points you should consider when selecting a mouse for designing architecture on software or for any creative work that requires a mouse.

 > Easy to hold and durable body

> Mouse shape should be well designed to support the hand

> A mouse for an architect must have a good sensor

> Scroll wheel with a clickable button

> If the mouse is wireless, the battery time should belong

> Optional, A ambidextrous mouse is good because it allows you to work with both hands

> Some extra configurable buttons are always good and help in working with the CAD software.

> The mouse should be compatible with multiple OS

What kind of mouse to avoid for design and modeling works?

Any mouse with cheap parts that has a basic low-level sensor is not a good mouse even for a beginner. Try to buy a mouse that is from a well-known company. Usually, a good mouse price could start from $50 to $100 and above. 

Are Bluetooth mice good for architect designing?

Wireless mice that have Bluetooth connectivity only are not good for creative works because the Bluetooth connections could drop connectivity. The reliability factor is a bit shaky.

Are RGB mice good for CAD-based designs?

Try to avoid mice that have lots of lighting zones, because they are just distractions. If the illumination does not distract you you can use these mice.

Wireless mice with lights drain the batteries fast and you will have to change or charge the batteries.

You can use the RGB mouse by turning the lights off.

Are gaming mice good for architect design or CAD structural detailing?

Yes, a quality gaming mouse can be used for creating structural designs on CAD software. 

The reason is that gaming-grade mice have better sensors than ordinary mice, better build quality, and additional buttons with the capability to configure them.

Is an expensive mouse worth it for architects?

Yes, a reasonable, durable mouse with a good sensor and ergonomic shape will cost you around a minimum $30 and above.

What is expensive is a subjective question, meaning it depends on what you consider expensive. As you have to spend a lot of time working with the mouse on the computer, so it should be qualified enough to get the job done.

Is a trackball mouse good for architect detailing?

Yes, a trackball mouse could be used for building architect designs. You can perform all the activities that a good mouse can do. The only difference is that you have to use your fingers on the trackball to move the cursor. 

If you are using a trackball mouse for the first time, it will take some time to get used to it. 

Trackball mice are available in two modes. One is finger-operated, and the other is thumb-operated. It’s up to you with which mode of operating you feel comfortable.