the best mouse for Cinema and Leopard OS X

[Per-Anders]

The resolution of a mouse is nothing to do with the driver, purely down to the mouse itself, i.e. it's a hardware thing.

On a Mac just don't install drivers, unless you specifically need the key mapping features. For me the mouse on the PC is identical to the mouse on the Mac, i wont install drivers for Logitech or Microsoft mice on the OSX side (there are drivers for them if you're desperate), because generally doing so stops the middle mouse button from working (as the drivers try to assign some useless combo to it when OSX by default sees the key as it should).

The speed/acceleration is handled by the OS rather than drivers generally in OSX, though you can get additional utilities to fine tune those curves as you wish, otherwise you're stuck with how OSX mousing is, which is by default slower than on a PC and has a much harsher shaped acceleration curve that to me is uncomfortable which is why I've adjusted it to be smoother using a utility. I currently use a Logitech MX Revolution and a Microsoft lasermouse 6000 - the gamers wired version as I can't stand Microsofts horrible MMB clickless 4 way scrollwheel.

[SilverCity]

Have you tried any third party drivers such as SteerMouse?

http://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/index.html

[Byla]

hmm

I am pretty sure that Logitech 518 doest work on a highest resolution on Mac... Its way too jerky.

[Other3DMaster]

Have a Logitech mx510 which works great, no tweaking necessary. But if you want to access all the resolutions provided by any given mouse, use this:

http://www.usboverdrive.com/USBOverdrive/Information.html

[Activator]

I use the Microsoft "Natural" Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 and have found that the more right-tilted angle of this mouse REALLY helps with the wrist aches and pains I often have after busy weeks at the Mac!

That said, I don't use the MM button for C4D very much, but I have been slowly learning Maya, and I find that using the scroll wheel as a MM button STINKS! 1/2 the time I roll the wheel by accident...

I did a pretty exhaustive search for a well-designed, Mac-friendly, ergonomic 3-button mouse and came up pretty dry. The only real 3-button mouse that is also "ergonomic" is the one Contour makes (http://www.contourdesign.com) but I found that I didn't like the fingers-straight-out design, so it's sitting on a shelf gathering dust.

I've been eying the Wacom Cintiq for about 6 months now, and am close to getting the 20WSX. The touch strips can be configured for L-M-R mouse triggering, which might be nice. Anyone using a Cintiq with C4D?

---

[mikeh64]

maybe check out the kensington mice

kensington's MouseWorks software offers more options than most

[artdude12]

The Razer Pro-Click V1.6 (gamer mouse) plays very well with Leopard:
http://www.razerzone.com/p-99-proclick-v16.aspx

One caveat tho: the driver did not play well with my wacom tablet driver.
I haven't had a chance to talk to Razer tech support about this issue, but
will soon, since I really like the sensitivity and tracking of the Razer.

[Byla]

I am pretty sure USBoverdrive and 518 dont work at all. changing stuff in USBoverdrive has no effect whatsoever.

Still jerky as hell.

[shoqman]

Have you tried any third party drivers such as SteerMouse?

http://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/index.html

SteerMouse works great for me- I was using USB overdrive for a long time, but it wouldn't map some of my buttons properly, so I switched to SteerMouse and everything works perfectly. SteerMouse rocks.

I have a Logitech G5 laser gaming mouse on my workstation- it is hands down the most solid mousing experience I have ever had, and I went through probably 6 or 7 mice before I settled on it. I also have a Logitech VX Revolution, which is a laser mouse and quite good as well. I use this on my iMac at home.

HTH

-shoqman

[kmdguy]

I use a Logitech LX3 optical mouse on my main mac/cinema workstation. The one thing I like best about it is that it is lightweight, it feels like an extension of my fingers rather than pushing something heavy across the desk. It also is ergonomically comfortable to me. I never got used to the new Mac mice, this one feels just right and super light in my hand. No driver problems either, just plugged and played.

[Newstream]

I've recently dealt with OS X mouse hell and felt compeled to answer this post.

Beleive it or not but the absolute best mouse for C4D on the Mac platform (in my experience) is *drumroll*...............the cheap, trusted yet unassuming OEM Microsoft Intelipoint Optical mouse. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=004

What !??

I'm not joking....The Microsoft drivers for the mouse override the Mac OS X operating systems built in (brain-dead) acceleration curves for the mouse which is one of the reasons why software like SteerMouse exists to overcome this annoyance. The precise mouse control delivered by the Microsoft drivers are far more precise than the control offered by SteerMouse. Another thing that the Microsoft drivers allow (unlike SteerMouse) is the ability to map the constantly used "move camera" (1 key) or "rotate camera" (3 key) to the left and right side buttons of the mouse which makes working with C4D an ergonomic breeze, without having to have your left hand glued to the 1,2,3 keys all the time. I tried getting SteerMouse to do this but it didn't work. Another benefit with the Microsoft Intelipoint Optical is that the scroll-wheel snaps in small precise increments which makes zooming in and out of scenes within C4D or CAD drawings in general a precise and controlled affair.

Other more expensive and attractive looking Microsoft mice should generally be avoided like the plague if used for CAD / 3D work because they tend to sport that horrible silicon dampened "snapless" scrollwheel which causes all sorts of zooming control(less) grey hair inducing mayhem.

The Microsoft Intelipoint Optical mouse are dirt cheap, just try one. If you dont like it then give it away.

Just my 2 C

Cheers

[GruvDOne]

Well, perhaps it's just me, but I don't like standard mice at all. I use a trackball instead, specifically this one:

http://www.atpm.com/11.12/images/trackman-wheel.png

It has worked for me flawlessly on every Mac I have used for the last 6 years. Personally, I prefer the very precise control a trackball offers over a mouse... I find it uncomfortable and counter-intuitive to have move my hand all over creation when I can just move my thumb ever so slightly.

I know this doesn't answer the OP's question directly, but I figured as long as we are on the subject, I'd throw another point of view into the frey ;)

[Nyvann]

Vertical Mouse.

Its quite odd at first, but once you get to used to it. Bye Bye wrist pain. I keep one at work and home. It has all the buttons, middle scroll has good click for that 'third' button.

http://www.evoluent.com/

[fluffouille]

Funny vertical mice. I get most of my accurate tracing from my fingertips, how do you do fine movements with these mice? Looks like you have to move the whole wrist/arm.

[Nyvann]

you kinda do, but it still acts like a normal mouse, if you have the tracking speed up you can just do little finger push. there is a learning curve to it. but once you get it you dont even think about it. i use a tablet for bodypaint. i can feel the stress on my wrist when i use a regular mouse now. pricey and quite a learning curve, im sure not for everyone.

[Navstar]

I had a Microsoft Sidewinder (which has on-the-fly tracking resolution switching in hardware) on my Mac and it was uncontrollable at 2000dpi. WAY too sensitive. Had to switch it down to 400dpi.

I have a Logitech Revolution MX and it's quite nice. Also the Microsoft Natural Mouse is very comfy.

[prayas]

I have to go with waht Badtastic said. I use the IntelliMouse Optical for nearly seven years. The buttons wear out after 3 years with daily (hardcore use). Five buttons is the optimal configuration. Ergonomics are really good and the best thing is the price. I bought 2 of them last month and paid 13 € each. If you search around you can even get black ones for the same money.
Maybe i should order some more now that this secret is revealed.

P..:

[sketchbook]

yup

i've tried many but my trusty MS intellimouse is by far the best.

and cheap!

[Byla]

I really cant believe that os x has such a terrible mouse driver support from vendors. Its beyond understandable.

[Activator]

Just wanted to point out that the Microsoft Natural Laser Mouse 6000 sort of "splits the difference" between a regular mouse and the vertical mouse.

I have to say that I have had NO issues with the MS "Intellipoint" Mac drivers. The Natural Laser mouse tracks perfectly and is responsive to even light fingertip adjustments. My desk surface is charcoal grey "splotched" formica, which may help the tracking precision.

[Newstream]

Follow-up

Microsoft isn't without its quirks but its mouse drivers are pretty darn good.
Once installed, mouse settings are easily accessible from the bottom of your Mac OS X preferences.

http://badtastic.com/cd4/Picture%201.png

Apart from the global settings, mouse button behavior can be tailored for individual applications for example: In Safari, you can map "forward" (Cmd-Left keyboard arrow) to the right side button or "backwards" (Cmd-Right keyboard arrow) to the left side button thereby creating a convenient, comfortable surfing experience.

http://badtastic.com/cd4/Picture%202.png
By leaving the Left & Right side buttons of the mouse set to "Handled by Mac OS" for your C4D settings, they will register as MX1 & MX2 in the command manager within C4D.

http://badtastic.com/cd4/Picture%203.png

This is great because a constantly used command or function like say.. the "Move Camera" can conveniently be mapped to the left-side button allowing intuitive panning around your scene by just holding in your thumb! Very comfy if you ask me.

http://badtastic.com/cd4/Picture%206.png

Basically, its up to you, how you like to work etc. Long story short, its ironic (if not hilarious) that a Apple Mighty Mouse eats crow when compared to stable, reliable ergonomic benefits of a Microsoft Intelimouse Optical.. just saying :-)

BTW: I dont work for Microsoft.

Cheers / Alex

[PresNevins]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418FA8XDWDL._SL500_AA280_.jpgI've got to agree with Will about using a trackball, but he doesn't have nearly enough buttons. ;) It's the Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman for me! Oddly enough I don't actually use many of the buttons in C4D, but for everyday use, especially web browsing, I use all 8 and can't live without 'em!

Unfortunately mine's getting a bit long in the tooth, but every time I head into Osaka to check out the nifty technology, there's nothing in the mouse section more attractive than what I already have. Not even like an updated bluetooth version of the same model, just the exact same thing. So I keep putting off replacing it... A left-handed version if such existed might even be neat just as a change of pace, and because the numeric keypad is over there on the right getting in my way all the time anyway...

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.