Which 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Should I Buy? (Australian Buyer's Guide)
Quick answer: choose the SpaceMouse Compact if you're new to 3D mice or use CAD occasionally, the SpaceMouse Wireless if you work on a laptop, the SpaceMouse Pro or SpaceMouse Pro Wireless for daily professional CAD work, and the SpaceMouse Enterprise if you want the most shortcuts at your fingertips.
This guide is written by Digital3d.com.au, an Australian store specialising in 3Dconnexion products. Current AUD prices (including GST) are shown on each product page.
3Dconnexion SpaceMouse comparison
| Model | Connection | Keys | Hand rest | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpaceMouse Compact | Wired USB | 2 (Fit, Menu) | No | Beginners, students, hobbyists, occasional CAD |
| SpaceMouse Wireless | Bluetooth / receiver | 2 | No | Laptop and mobile users; carry case included |
| SpaceMouse Pro | Wired USB | 15 programmable | Yes | Daily professional CAD at a fixed desk |
| SpaceMouse Pro Wireless | Bluetooth / receiver | 15 programmable | Yes | Daily professional CAD without cables |
| SpaceMouse Enterprise | Wired USB | 31 programmable + colour LCD | Yes | Power users in SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, NX, CATIA, Creo |
How to choose
How many hours a day are you in 3D?
Under an hour or two, the two-button SpaceMouse Compact or SpaceMouse Wireless covers navigation well. If you model all day, the Pro models add a full-size hand rest and programmable keys for views, keyboard modifiers and your most-used commands, which saves real time and hand strain.
Desk or laptop?
At a fixed desk, wired models are simplest. If you move between office, home and site, go wireless: the SpaceMouse Wireless is small enough for a laptop bag, and the SpaceMouse Pro Wireless gives you the full Pro layout without a cable.
Do you want commands on screen?
The SpaceMouse Enterprise is the only model with a colour LCD that shows the actual command icons assigned to its keys, plus a full set of keyboard modifiers and custom view keys. It suits users who want to keep one hand off the keyboard as much as possible.
Pair it with a CAD mouse
A SpaceMouse moves the model; a CAD mouse selects and edits. The 3Dconnexion CadMouse range adds a dedicated middle mouse button, QuickZoom thumb buttons and a Smart Mouse Wheel tuned for CAD.
| Model | Size | Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CadMouse Compact | Compact | Wired | Entry-level CAD mouse |
| CadMouse Compact Wireless | Compact | Bluetooth / receiver / USB | Up to 3 months per charge; good for laptops |
| CadMouse Pro | Full size | Wired | 1,000Hz sensor, 3-year warranty |
| CadMouse Pro Wireless | Full size | Bluetooth / receiver / USB | Up to 3 months per charge, 3-year warranty |
| CadMouse Pro Wireless Left | Full size, left-handed | Bluetooth / receiver / USB | For left-handers or right-handers reducing RSI |
Kits
The SpaceMouse Wireless Kit 2 bundles the SpaceMouse Wireless, CadMouse Compact Wireless, CadMouse Pad Compact and Universal Receiver for mobile CAD users. The SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit 2 bundles the SpaceMouse Enterprise, CadMouse Pro Wireless and CadMouse Pad for a complete professional setup.
Software compatibility
All models use the 3DxWare 10 driver and support hundreds of 3D applications, including SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion, AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, PTC Creo, CATIA, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, Rhino, SketchUp and Blender, on Windows and macOS.
Still unsure?
Read our 3Dconnexion FAQ or email admin@digital3d.com.au with the software you use and how you work, and we'll recommend the right device.