Comment by dofm

Trackpad?

I have used Macbooks with good trackpads since 2003. The models from the 2008 unibody Macbook and onwards are so very obviously superior to mice, that I simply have never wanted to use a mouse since.

My preference for mice was two-button Microsoft Mouse models (I had the magnificent early "dove bar" Microsoft mouse, which I regretfully had to replace with a 2.0 at some point). On the Mac, you only had one-button mice anyway.

For Linux I did try a nicely made Logitech three-button mouse, but ended up giving it away because some quirk of my neurology or physiology simply will not let me consistently independently address the middle button while holding or moving the mouse. I will almost always end up pressing one or other finger either side as well (sometimes enough to click it).

Scroll wheel mice are slightly better because the middle button is physically different (and often slightly raised). I do have one stored away in case I need it.

On a trackpad I do have individual fingertip tap control, for some reason.

I also use a wacom pen for photo editing, but those are not really much use for CAD. (Honestly, I don't get how people think Shapr3D is usable on the iPad with the Pencil; it is not)

For CAD: FreeCAD's "Gesture" control mode is superb! The "touchpad" control mode not bad. I've toyed with the idea of getting a Spacemouse for my left hand (or making one of the DIY ones) but I have never really felt enough need, because the Gesture mode is so fluid and instinctive.