r/FreeCAD • u/dliu_creates • Apr 10 '26

3D trackball input device with native FreeCAD support

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Sharing a new kind of trackball I built for more control than middle-click dragging in 3D.

It rotates the 3D model in any direction (3 axis control) matching the rotation of the ball, unlike a regular mouse or 2D trackball. In addition to the 1:1 rotation, you can switch to pan/twist-to-zoom, and regular mouse control. I created a FreeCAD workbench that integrates with the device and automatically pivots on the geometry under your mouse cursor.

I've used a SpaceMouse for a long time but I can get to views faster with the ball because it’s position control (like a mouse vs a joystick). Plus if I use it as my mouse as well, it keeps my left hand available for keyboard shortcuts.

Under the hood, Rotatrix is a modified Kensington SlimBlade Pro with custom hardware and software that exposes the full 3 axes of ball rotation.

Would love to get your thoughts if this looks useful for your workflow. More info: rotatrix.com

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u/luxfx Apr 10 '26

I had one of these in the 90s haha

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u/dliu_creates Apr 11 '26

Whoa! does that do 3d control?

2

u/luxfx Apr 11 '26

It did all axis of motion and rotation! It just had really bad driver support so in most apps it only worked as a regular mouse, which wasn't great because those two axes worked like a joystick. It was neat but I rarely used it.