Stop using spray-on rubberised finish

[HLAJD]

Hi,
I am also having this problem, does anyone know the best way to disassemble this 3d connexion pro mouse?

[BEST-Fittings]

Hi guys, another sticky pad user!!

As above, what is the best way to dismantle the SpaceMouse Pro?

I don't want to break any hidden clips or anything trying to prise the top cover off.

I can feel some screw head recesses under four of the rubber feet, but I want to avoid trashing the rubber feet to get to screws that I don't need to undo..

Any help gratefully received..

[[email protected]]

found this:

https://fccid.io/2AAHQ-SMPW/Internal-Ph ... os-2330467

I would only do this if the device is past its warranty period.

[BEST-Fittings]

Thanks Frank,

My unit is well past warranty, so this helps.

[jorge]

Hello, I had the same problem with my space mouse enterprise, it had been really sticky for a long time, and I decided to try cleanning it with plain bathroom alcohol, but instead of applying the alcohol directly I applied a limited amount of alcohol to a piece of toilet paper and made one pass over the sticky area, and every next pass I made, I used a clean area of the piece of wet toilet paper, so as to try to "remove" the sticky material instead of smearing it all over the part I wanted to clean. The sheet of toilet paper that was in touch with the mouse turned very dark with the gummy material, but after the alcohol evaporated I realized that the sticky surface was much less stickier. I repeated the process several times, and was able to leave the space mouse really clean and free of any stickiness. It really worked very well for me and did not affect the finishing of the product in any way. I recommend to do the same, but make sure that every pass of the alcohol wetted toilet paper, is only used once. I guess that is the key point. Good Luck!! This are some pictures of is how it ended up, I did not take any pictures of how it looked before, sorry!

IMG_0189 (1).jpeg (178.3 KiB) Viewed 44269 times

IMG_0190.jpeg (137.86 KiB) Viewed 44269 times

[zoomer]

Looks like Alkohol erodes all sticky rubber finish.
For me it feels very unpleasant if I have to touch an eroded rubber surface.


My original Space Navigator knob got really sticky and started to erode by
itself. Felt disgusting.
I tried a Silicone Spray. That is what car sellers use to make oldtimer's
tires look new from the side, or what you should spray on your car door
seals from time to time to keep it non sticky and elastic.

I sprayed it on a cloth and rubbed it on the Space Navigators knob rubber.
Beside that it felt like a another layer of gliding non stickiness above sticky
rubber it did not much initially. But it also did not erode more than the
most top degraded rubber layer. It did not create holes or scars.

But some months later, there is no more gliding layer. The Rubber itself
feels healthier and less sticky.
I assume it would be good to repeat the Silicone process from time to
time.

(Just do not find the spray can. As I now realize that my original SM Enterprise
now also starts to get sticky ....)


If they would have used leather instead, like a Brooks Saddle, we likely
would not need this thread ....
3DConnexion devices are my first sticky rubber effect coating computer
input devices I ever experienced.
(Or new original CADMice with Aluminium applications that corrode after
2 months, not even talking about the failing click mechanism)
Even when I took at my Logitech Nulooq (from 2006 ?) out of the cupboard
lately, all rubber parts and hardware were still perfect - I just had to trash
it because of any functioning drivers on any current OS.

[ANdruck]

I recently bought a used Spacemouse pro in „very good“ condition. Low and behold the rubber was already sticky when it arrived.

A quick check with support said: no more warranty, try water or nail polish remover.

So I did a tear down which was surprisingly easy. Leaving me with the top shell of the case.

I had some 99,8% Acetone at work and went to town. It was a hot mess. I ended up smearing the liquified rubber around. Some of it went into the button cutouts and dried. So some buttons especially the small ones didn’t fit anymore.

This is when I said f that and got a small electric grinder. I started with 180 paper, then 320 and finally 600.

The sandpaper removed the rubber in an instant. So easy!

I was left with a matte black uniform shell. I could have spray painted it now but I actually like how it looks now. Since disassembly was so easy I might try it in the future.

Regarding the rubber in the button cutouts: I spent a ridiculous amount of time scraping it out and chipping it away with a cutter knife. It wasn’t pretty so I am left with some minor cosmetic defects around some of the buttons.

Nevermind. The rubber is gone and I have matte black version of the Spacemouse Pro.

Here is the end result:


Looks worse in the photo then in real life.

[zoomer]

Great fake Carbon Finish

Beside not looking bad, much better than a sticky surface.
I personally (so far) still believe in my Silicon Spray tactic.

I had not any degrading for years in my former arid environment.
Even for my original first Space Navigator.
But since I moved and may sometimes reach humidity of up to 80%
(Just for a few weks or months !)
Even my newer, pretty first "original" Enterprise degraded and got
sticky after just a year. The original Space Navigator only needed a
few monts to start degrading first.

OK, we learned,
3DConnexion's click sensors are not on the high quality side, rubber effect
paintings also do not help for longevity in not-100%-optimal dry environments
and driver development is also not the fastest or most satisfying.

[notSure]

So I did a tear down which was surprisingly easy. Leaving me with the top shell of the case.

Can you share a few pics of the teardown? Mostly interested in how to remove the cover so I can clean it. Also, how do you remove the knob?

[Krispaque]

Hi everyone.
I have a Spacemouse Wireless with a sticky rubber stick. I was advised by 3DConnexion to clean with isopropyl alcohol (99%). I have some of that, so without any other firm suggestions I'm going to try that and see.
Given how expensive 3DConnexion products are I really don't want to buy another at the moment.

[siepe]

Bought a second hand Spacemouse Enterprise on Saturday, Monday tear down and full clean with IPA and microfibre cloth....very happy

[jmcollins03]

For anyone interested, I can confirm that the new BT edition spacemouse pro does not use the old soft touch finish but rather a matte harder finish. I am currently working with 3DC support as my first sticky spacemouse is still under warranty and they confirmed that the new revision has a different finish and should not have the same breakdown issues with the coating. I upgraded mostly so I wouldn't have to travel with the dongle and an adapter for my macbook and USB-C, but this is definitely a welcome extra benefit. I also like that the BT can wake my laptop from sleep when docked at my workstation.

[dave_electric]

I've designed a 3D printed sleeve that fits over my Spacemouse (one for work, one at home).
I've listed it on eBay in case anyone else wants one, though not sure if I am allowed to post a link here?

[dave_electric]

I've designed a 3D printed sleeve that fits over my Spacemouse (one for work, one at home).
I've listed it on eBay in case anyone else wants one, though not sure if I am allowed to post a link here?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166890300754

[jakasspeech3]

Hi everyone.
I have a Spacemouse Wireless with a sticky rubber stick. I was advised by 3DConnexion to clean with isopropyl alcohol (99%). I have some of that, so without any other firm suggestions I'm going to try that and see.
Given how expensive 3DConnexion products are I really don't want to buy another at the moment.

That sounds like a sensible plan!