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Architects rely on an array of tools to make the design process as productive and efficient as possible. Communicating ideas in clear, detailed, and vivid ways is, today, most effectively done through digital illustration software. These applications often have meticulous functionalities that can easily overwhelm users depending on the hardware being used.
Aside from a well functioning computer, mice and trackpads can serve as incredibly useful tools that can make your life navigating complex design software a lot easier. Below is an assemblage of some of the top computer mice and trackpads for architects that are sure to meet your tastes and preferences:
Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
Best computer mouse for architects
The MX Vertical is an advanced ergonomic mouse with a natural handshake position designed to reduce wrist pressure and forearm strain. The mouse is positioned at a unique 57 degrees vertical angle to foster this comfortable hand posture. It features an adjustable 4000 DPI high-precision sensor, resulting in 4x less hand movement reducing fatigue. The MX Vertical stays powered for up to four months on a full charge and will give you three hours of use from just a quick, one-minute charge.
Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse
Best wireless mouse for architects
The most prominent feature on the MX Master 2S is the control it provides across devices. It will allow you to work with multiple computers simultaneously giving you the ability to seamlessly move content between devices. Its speed-adaptive scroll wheel allows for faster and simpler navigation. The MX Master’s sculpted, handcrafted shape ensures comfortable hand and wrist support. In just three minutes this mouse powers up for an entire day allowing for unobtrusive and convenient usage.
Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse
Best trackball mouse for architects
The trackball feature of the Logitech M570 allows for incredible comfort requiring little effort to operate the device. Its shape is designed to make the mouse stay in one place, which relieves the amount of physical action normally required while providing ample hand support. A tiny wireless receiver that fits into the bottom of the mouse offers wireless connectivity with up to six computers. It also comes with one AA battery that will power the M570 for up to 18 months without having to charge it once.
3Dconnexion 3DX-700066 Spacemouse Wireless
Best 3D mouse for architects
This wireless 3D mouse provides a 6-degrees-of-freedom sensor combined with advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology that delivers the reliability of a wired device minus the clutter of cords. The device is stylist and compact making its functions very easy to understand with its two conveniently positioned buttons and intuitive 3D navigation features. Its wireless button opens its own radial menu providing a clear layout of the four application commands. The Spacemouse Wireless will operate for up to one month between charges using the supplied Micro-USB cable.
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3Dconnexion CadMouse for CAD Professionals
Best computer mouse for CAD
This mouse is designed directly with CAD users in mind. Its stylish matte black and steel ergonomic design will support your hand placing it in a comfortable and natural position. The mouse’s QuickZoom feature will allow you to effortlessly zoom in and out of your projects with a single click. The Smart Scroll wheel delivers precise click-to-click zooming in CAD applications and speedy scrolling. It also contains a gesture button that opens an environment-specific radial menu giving access to preferred commands. The 3Dconnexion CadMouse essentially helps users produce the best CAD work possible in a more efficient, comfortable, and quick way.
Razer Naga Trinity Gaming Mouse
Best gaming mouse for architects
The Razer Naga Trinity is a great tool for CAD users because of its three interchangeable side plates for thumb buttons and its ergonomic design. Its scroll wheel has great tactile feedback and is very robust. There are also two middle buttons for added functionality. One of the side plates has twelve fully programmable buttons, which can be assigned to any shortcut or button process. This mouse has a high-precision 16000 DPI optical sensor making it incredibly accurate and responsive.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2
Best trackpad for architects
The Magic Trackpad 2 includes a built-in battery and brings Force Touch to the desktop for the first time. Four force sensors beneath the trackpad allow you to click anywhere and detect subtle differences in the amount of applied pressure. This brings you increased functionality and more control over the device and its functions. This trackpad also features an edge-to-edge glass surface area that, along with its lower profile, makes scrolling and swiping through content very productive and comfortable.
Jelly Comb Multi-Touch Wired Trackpad
Best wired trackpad for architects
The Jelly Comb Multi-Touch Wired Touchpad is made with an ultra-smooth and comfortable touch surface allowing for high precision control. It’s a low profile touchpad featuring an ergonomic tilt design, which makes scrolling and swiping more productive and comfortable. The USB cable plugs straight into your computer’s USB C port, and with that the touchpad is ready to work; no additional driver is needed.
Perixx PERIPAD-501 Professional Wired USB Touchpad
Best trackpad for architects under $20
The Perixx PERIPAD-501 has a multi-gesture design that supports pointing, two-finger zooming, sliding, tapping and scrolling. The two buttons used for these functions are inconspicuous fitting naturally into the design of the device. Its lightweight and compact design fits comfortably for both right and left-handed users as the primary and secondary buttons can be switched. Though the PERIPAD-501 is somewhat limited in its array of functions, it is still an incredibly reliable device offering a lot of value for a much lower price compared to other trackpads.
VOGEK Rechargeable Trackpad
Best non-Apple wireless trackpad for architects
The Vogek Wireless Touchpad has an intuitive multi-touch navigation allowing users to point, scroll and swipe with simple gesture-based controlling. It has a high quality, nano glass touch-surface with plenty of room fostering smooth and sensitive movement of the cursor. The touchpad has a wireless range of up to 30 feet providing flexibility for its users. Its built-in rechargeable battery allows for uninterrupted work time for up to 40 hours and stays powered for approximately 90 days.
Image via Shane Chen
Bonus: The Lounge Mouse (Concept)
Beautiful materials? Check. Cool technology? Check. A stylish reference to legendary architects? Check. Shane Chen’s conceptual computer mouse ticks all of Architizer’s boxes. The young Taiwanese designer, a graduate from the Pratt Institute in New York, has envisaged a gorgeous new product that might have Apple sitting up and taking notice. The Lounge Mouse utilizes all the classic materials and aesthetic qualities of Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic chair, as seen in the beautifully minimal image above.
You can read more about the Lounge Mouse here.
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