We introduced our 3D shape tool test along with a host of new tests as part of our first update to mouse test bench 1.0. Previously, our reviews were limited to photographs, and this meant that sometimes certain aspects of a mouse were hard to see.
You can use this 3D tool to more intuitively understand, examine, and compare any mice in our database. We've since added new alignment tools, and if you're a member of our insider program, you can compare up to seven mice simultaneously.
One of the most important parts of a mouse is its shape and how well it sits in your hand. When shopping for a mouse online, it can be challenging to choose one that will suit you best without the opportunity to see and feel the mouse in your hand. Our 3D tool can help you examine the entire mouse in detail, and even though nothing beats seeing the real thing, it's sure to give you as comprehensive an idea as possible.
Using our 3D tool, you can view each mouse in three different ways:
You can compare mice side-by-side or stacked directly onto each other, making it easier to see size and shape differences. You can also rotate the models on any axis, and there are new options to view and align them from the top, sides, front, back, and bottom.
The 3D scanner we purchased is the ARTEC Space Spider. We use sticky tack to hold the mouse in place on a rotating table with the scanner placed next to it. We take a 360-degree scan of the mouse and then flip the mouse so that the end that was in the sticky tack is now facing up. We then take a second 360-degree scan, and using the ARTEC Studio 15 software, we align and stitch together both models to create a single, complete model. We then add the finishing touches by applying textures and doing a final inspection to make sure the model is accurate. Then we export the file to our review.
Note that there are some limitations to this process:
Ultimately, your shape preferences are a very personal thing.
The 3D Shape tool's model doesn't affect any of the score results, but it does offer a more in-depth way for you to study each mouse and compare it to any of the mice we've already reviewed. Considering how critical a mouse's shape is, this test is intended to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision and buy the mouse that's right for you.