A 3D mouse is an input device designed to facilitate three-dimensional navigation in virtual environments, especially in 3D modeling software, computer-aided design (CAD), and other applications involving three-dimensional manipulation.
Among the most popular mice for modeling, 3DConnexion’s SpaceMouse is a standout, although it does have a significant price tag. For those who may want to find a DIY alternative that lowers the cost and also gives way to a bit of customizability and developing or enhancing skills, the projects in this article offer a variety of controls that go beyond the two-dimensional simplicity of conventional mice.
Whether controlling physical devices like a robotic arm or optimizing three-dimensional navigation while modeling something, much can be achieved with one of them.
The significant difference is that, by other means, multiple separate controls would be necessary, adjusting one parameter at a time or having to memorize keyboard shortcuts. However, with a 3D mouse, you can literally move in up to six degrees of freedom, as we’ll see below. This means that you can simultaneously control commands like pan, tilt, zoom, rotate, and scroll, and move with just one hand and without the need for traditional mouse clicks in the same motion. Once accustomed, it’s like having your hands inside the virtual environment. This optimization not only brings comfort but also significantly enhances user productivity and freedom.
It’s worth noting that sensitivity can also vary depending on each device, and some DIY projects may not have all the functions of a professional solution. However, the projects included in this list share a common goal of helping you save time and money, considering that other professional solutions typically cost between $150 and $400. Although some of these DIY 3D mice are entirely open source, one or the other may have some components sold separately with an associated cost.
But before we delve into the projects, let’s take a closer look at how 3D mice work.
How It Works
The use of a 3D mouse is similar to using a video game joystick; however, the control lever can move or identify movements in at least three distinct axes. We consider the classification of degrees of freedom based on the number of different axes that can be controlled simultaneously. The image above refers to the configuration of six degrees of freedom, but to achieve this number of axes, each DIY project uses a different electronic component or combination of sensors. Consider the image above; each of the colors represents a distinct degree of freedom.
Similar to a computer keyboard or mouse, these accessories generally use the same communication protocol and are therefore identified as Human Interface Device (HID) and recognized by other drivers present in applications such as CorelDraw, Blender, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Fusion 360, for example. In other cases, given that it is a DIY solution, an auxiliary application may be necessary to complement the functions and proper operation of the device and its sensors – everything will depend on the functions and drivers you’re using.
Since many devices are prepared for communication protocols similar to the mouse, this accessory is not only highly compatible with various systems but also very flexible for other applications and fields of use, such as controlling a robotic arm. A 3D mouse can greatly enhance the sense of immersion and sensitivity, allowing for high precision and speeds that would not necessarily be achieved otherwise, especially when it comes to something three-dimensional.
Without further ado, let’s explore the best available projects!
Magnetometer
This option, designed for Fusion 360, is a compact controller with a principle similar to other commercial solutions. However, instead of using a two-axis joystick potentiometer, it actually employs a three-axis magnetometer module. The programming settings allow the control of up to five different axes to enhance the experience by combining readings from each of the three sensor axes in relation to the magnet at the center.
Despite the magnetic sensor detecting three axes, one of them ends up being just a reference for motion, allowing the other two to perform the orbit and pan functions. There are two shortcut buttons for the “Adjust Screen” and “Home” functions, which are also very useful and important in most three-dimensional design activities, but they need to be mapped with the program shortcuts in the device code to function correctly in the desired program.
An interesting tip given by the author is to pause the print and fill the empty spaces of the base with metal spheres to add weight and stability to the controller. This helps prevent it from being too light and the base from moving along with the joystick during manipulation.
- Designer: salimbenbouz
- Degrees of freedom: Two
- Core components: Triple-axis magnetometer, Adafruit QT Py RP 2040, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: Instructables, Thingiverse, YouTube, GitHub, Hackaday
Orbion
Well-documented, this option also brings great compatibility with programs such as Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Onshape, Blender, FreeCAD, and more. This is a fully open-source project, and you can find all the necessary components in common electronics stores. If you’re curious and want a closer look, you can check out a three-dimensional model of the accessory on the creators’s Autodesk Hub, and to download the STL files, look in Releases on GitHub.
As the core of the project uses a dual joystick potentiometer (which controls only two axes simultaneously), functions need to be switched one at a time through the control buttons. However, there’s a small OLED screen that makes this process much easier. As for the third degree of freedom, in addition to the joystick potentiometer, there is also a rotary encoder that contributes to it.
If you’re not sure whether this project will suit your needs, check out the demonstration video shared by FaqTotum, where you can see this mouse in action, switching between functions.
- Designer: FaqTotum
- Degrees of freedom: Three
- Core components: Arduino Pro Micro, OLED display module, custom PCB, dual axis joystick encoder, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: YouTube, GitHub, Printables, Thingiverse
Spacerat
This is another fully open-source and very cost-effective option, as it uses few components. The design is quite minimalist and employs the MPU6050 sensor to achieve three simultaneous degrees of freedom. While the previous alternative employs a more complex and elaborate physical mechanism, here only a simple and robust spring is used in the main lever. The Arduino code is currently programmed for Fusion 360 but can be modified for other CAD software if you’re up to the challenge.
One thing to consider here is that this is still a work-in-progress project, so the software is not yet capable of reading variations from more than one axis at a time with just the sensors, although it has the potential to control up to five axes in the future by combining the reading of two or more axes simultaneously and calculating the estimated angle for the remaining axes. There are two auxiliary buttons; the side button controls zoom through an extra magnetic hall sensor, while the top button switches between operating modes.
- Designer: kiki0000
- Degrees of freedom: Three
- Core components: Arduino Pro Micro, MPU6050 sensor, magnets, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: Thingiverse, Cults, Printables, YouTube, YouTube (V2), GitHub
Ahmsville Dial V2
Professionals, from engineers to content creators, increasingly seek to optimize their tasks. Due to the wide range of programs that can benefit from 3D mice, each situation may require a different configuration to achieve maximum control and comfort. In this regard, this 3D mouse offers model variations with different feature combinations.
The SpaceNav and Absolute variants have backlighting and real five degrees of freedom. From the minimalist design to the more complete one with customizable shortcut keys, both feature a capacitive touch button on the top and high-resolution magnetic rotary encoding. This allows for more precise and smooth control when in motion. The device uses a combination of readings from the gyroscope and the MPU6050 accelerometer sensor with magnetic encoders to achieve the five degrees of freedom. The downside is that the app it’s compatible with only works on Windows.
- Designer: Ahmed Oyenuga
- Degrees of freedom: Five
- Core components: Custom PCB modules, SAMD21G18 microcontroller chip, MPU6050 sensor, magnets, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: Ahmsville Labs, GitHub, Hackaday, Hackster
SpaceFox (FEV2023)
Better than being able to control five axes is being able to control six – after all, this brings even more freedom and comfort in use, and initially, this was one of the first, if not the first, DIY options to achieve this. Here, the Stewart platform principle is used, combining the mechanical system with readings from potentiometers and springs in its base to achieve the remarkable six degrees of freedom.
Additional shortcut keys that can be mapped in the Spacenavd software and a heavy and stable base are other elements that further improve versatility, stability, and comfort during use. Stability is, understandably, very important: When manipulating upward and downward movements, the lever can move without registering the movement if it doesn’t have enough weight. Spacenavd compatible programs see the function of each mapped key, much like a video game joystick.
- Designer: pepijndevos
- Degrees of freedom: Six
- Core components: Arduino Pro Micro, potentiometers, keycaps, 3D printed parts, custom PCB
- Where to find it: Thingiverse, GitHub, YouTube
Space Mushroom
This is another 3D mouse with two different types of base support, and despite being visually larger than the others, it is effectively a controller with six degrees of freedom. The project uses three dual-axis potentiometers, but instead of being located in the base as in the previous design, they are housed inside the main handle. This saves space in the base and at the same time simplifies the assembly process.
It’s worth noting that the dual-axis potentiometers also have a button in their center, and the code is not yet prepared to perform any action or work with others besides Blender on ARM-based Mac devices. Configuring the button might be simpler, but adjusting the drivers for other software can be more complicated for those without programming experience. Adjusting some tables in the mouse-conservador.ino (automatic download) file and switching between different applications might be a bit challenging for beginners. Still, the entire project is open-source, which is very helpful. Check out the video to see this amazing accessory in action.
- Designer: shiura
- Degrees of freedom: Six
- Core components: Joystick game controller module, Arduino Pro Micro, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: YouTube, Thingiverse, Printables, Instructables
OS3M
After experiencing a professional solution that streamlined tedious and repetitive tasks, cutting the time required in half, it’s easy to understand why someone might attempt to create their own DIY solution to save costs and enhance productivity and comfort. The designer also drew inspiration from the Stewart platform principle as a kinematic model for the device, employing six coils as sensors. For more information, you can check out the explanatory video.
The innovative approach compared to other projects lies in precisely reading the variation of electrical current through the coils to detect knob movement. Essentially, the inductive sensors pick up changes in proximity to nearby metal surfaces and combine readings from each sensor to execute the movement. Currently, this device is configured to work exclusively with SolidWorks; however, the author has written the code to be extensible to any other application with a C++ API interface.
- Designer: colton.baldridge
- Degrees of freedom: Six
- Core components: Custom PCB, some coins, 3D printed parts
- Where to find it: Hackaday, GitHub (hardware, firmware, software)
License: The text of "The Best 3D DIY SpaceMouse Alternatives in 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.