Programmable mouse\multi-functional mouse?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the utility and functionality of multi-functional and programmable mice, particularly in the context of software applications like AutoCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and others. Participants explore whether these devices are beneficial for advanced users or if they also serve ordinary PC tasks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the differences between multi-functional and programmable mice, seeking clarification on their features and uses.
  • One participant suggests that additional buttons on a mouse can enhance its functionality when linked to CAD software, allowing for more efficient operations like color selection or 3D manipulation.
  • Another participant mentions that programmable mice can save time on repetitive tasks, such as navigating menus, by allowing users to assign complex actions to single buttons.
  • Examples of programmable tasks include using scripts to automate actions, which can be particularly useful in professional settings like lecturing or design work.
  • Participants note that various user groups, including gamers and artists, may also benefit from these types of mice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the overall utility of multi-functional and programmable mice, with multiple viewpoints on their effectiveness and application remaining present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific advantages of these mice in different contexts and the extent to which they can save time, indicating a need for further exploration of their features and user experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to professionals in fields that utilize CAD software, gamers, artists, and anyone looking to enhance their productivity with advanced input devices.

mech-eng
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TL;DR
I wonder about advanced mouses
Hello, I would like to ask some just basic questions about multi-functional and programmable mouses. I don't know even if they are the same. I have never seen them, but I heard about them: An autocad professional praised them to me.

1. Why do people prefer such mouses? Are they useful for advanced users of Matlab, Autocad, Solidworks, Catia, Octave, Office etc, or they are useful for ordinary PC tasks?

2. Can such mouses save us hours yearly\monthly?

Thank you.
 
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mech-eng said:
An autocad professional praised them to me.
mech-eng said:
Why do people prefer such mouses?

What did he say when you asked him?
 
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Basically a mouse is a pointing device which can be used to point, select objects, mark an area, cut/copy and move an area to another area, or cut/copy and move objects from one area to another depending on the CAD software you are using.

More buttons on a mouse expands its features if the software can link functions to each button. As an example, one may want to pull up a color wheel and select a color for object without the need to break away and select from a menu. Or you may want to rotate the view or rotate selected objects, or move them in a 3rd dimension.

To be clear the mouse device provides the basic hardware but its the CAD software and the enduser configuring the mouse to the CAD software that gives the mouse its functionality.

Here's one such example:

https://3dconnexion.com/us/cadmouse/

and here's a review of 8 of the best mice for CAD

https://www.architecturelab.net/best-mouse-for-cad/
 
mech-eng said:
Summary: I wonder about advanced mouses

1. Why do people prefer such mouses?
"1. Why do people prefer such mice?" :wink:
 
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In addition to those you named, you can include Gamers, Artists, YouTubers, etc...

Imagine you had a task that you had to keep doing (say navigate a set of menus) over and over again.
It might be nice to have a single button that could be pressed to do that task.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089NJQR5T/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/products/gaming-mice.html
https://www.elgato.com/en/stream-deck

In addition to performing simple tasks,
one can develop more complex programmatic tasks
using (say) https://www.autohotkey.com/ .

If condition-A is true,
then navigate the menus to do task-1
else check condition-B and ...

I use my tablet with a stylus (without an attached keyboard).
I have buttons I press that can run a script to do a complex task
which, if done manually with a stylus, would be tedious and error-prone.
Even with a mouse and keyboard, the script is a time-saver.

I use this while lecturing.
I don't have time to do some tasks manually
and a script could do this more quickly and more reliably
so my audience doesn't have to see me fumble through a bunch of steps.

I have a script that saves the current state of my file and
renames the saved file with the current date and time in the filename.
I don't have to look up that info myself and type it in.

I have a script that momentarily disables my stylus,
then draw a neat square as if it were drawn by my stylus,
then re-enables my stylus.examples for AutoCAD:
https://www.autohotkey.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=26704
https://www.autohotkey.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=46564

One could also use gestures,
e.g. https://www.strokesplus.net/
 
Last edited:
Vanadium 50 said:
What did he say when you asked him?

It was long ago. I and he were chatting about hardware.
 

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