The 8 Best Mouses for CAD 2020

As a digital designer, your computer setup is a personal choice that will depend on many factors: from your workspace to your project types.

Many designers prefer to use a tablet and stylus for navigating their design software, but computer mice optimized specifically for design and CAD work are an often overlooked alternative that might just suit you better.

There are a vast array of styles that are all designed with comfort in mind, and the incredible level of functionality on offer has the power to save you time and improve your output. Here are the best eight computer mice for CAD on the market right now.

8. Razer Naga Chroma 

Programming the buttons as shortcuts when you’re editing in Photoshop is just one of the many to make use of them.

Despite the vast amount of buttons it’s still a very comfortable mouse to use, and the size is pretty average when compared to standard computer mice. It’s connected via a USB cable, which might be irritating if you prefer a wireless approach, and because of the button placement it’s not suitable for lefties.

7. 3DConnexion SpaceNavigator

The patented 6 degrees of freedom design has been specially designed for the manipulation of digital content and camera positions. With it, you can push, pull, twist and tilt the mouse to navigate around your work space performing complex actions with minimal effort.

The SpaceNavigator can be used alongside a standard mouse if you only wish to use it for basic tasks like zooming and rotating, and if you do decide to use it as your primary mouse just bear in mind that it’ll take time to master it. But, it’s more than worth it once you get the hang of it.

6. Logitech MX Master

It’s designed for right-handed use and the comfort contour will minimize fatigue when used for long periods of time. This mouse is a little on the big size, though, so it could be uncomfortable for some designers.

5. Kensington Trackball

Optical tracking technology provides precise cursor movement, and the sapphire blue 40mm ball is designed for the accurate control and smooth manipulation needed to navigate 3D landscapes.

You can control scrolling speeds with TrackballWorks customization software. This free software also allows you to assign a variety of functions to the two onboard buttons, and although it might be irritating to some to have to download it rather than having it pre-installed, it’s worth it for the extra control.

The ambidextrous design of this wired-in mouse is great if you’re a leftie and there’s also a detachable wrist rest which cradles the hand and wrist for increased productivity during long work sessions.

The Kensington Orbit mouse won’t break the bank so if you’re uncertain it’s a great first foray into the world of trackball mice.

4. TeckNet Classic Wireless Mouse

The dedicated zoom buttons near the thumb make it easy to get a close up view of your designs, and the scroll wheel is very responsive.

For a mouse which costs so little, it’s surprisingly durable. The battery is designed to last an impressive 30 months and the battery life indicator will let you know when charge is running low. TeckNet also promise a 5 million click lifespan, and the wireless connection is reliable up to 15 meters. The price is similar to that of a traditional mouse, so you really are getting great value.

3. Anker Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

The variable DPI runs to 1,600 which will give you the control needed to deliver accurate designs, and there are three buttons which make it easy to drag, drop and select.

The additional two thumb buttons are configured for next/previous usage, which will probably come in more useful for web browsing than designing. But, if you work on a Mac, beware that they don’t work on that platform.

2. Apple Magic Mouse 2

This super-feature can cause discomfort over prolonged periods though, as it’s super-sensitive and hard to avoid touching by accident.

The 1,300 DPI is solid enough to cater to intricate animations and detail-driven architectural plans, and the optimized foot design makes the mouse glide more smoothly across surfaces for a more satisfying user experience in large-scale design projects or big 3D projects.

As expected with all Apple products, this mouse is a little on the pricey side which might put off all but die-hard fans of the company.

1. Logitech Wireless M185

The year-long battery life keeps costs down on this already-cheap mouse, and the 3-year limited hardware warranty gives you confidence that Logitech know what they’re doing when it comes to computer mice.

Wrapping it up

As with any new computer accessories, it’s all down to personal preference and the sheer variety of designs and features on the market can easily divide opinions between digital artists. But, by following this guide of the best mice available, you should be able to find the perfect option for you and your projects.

Do you have a favorite mouse on our list? Let us know in the comments.