SketchUp is an extremely accessible and generally considered an easy-to-use 3D modeling program. It’s become a very popular tool for woodworkers, designers, and construction professionals, especially when 2D drawings don’t paint a detailed enough picture.
Shortcuts are key to efficient usage of any design software, so what better way to harness those shortcuts with a physical keyboard designed specifically for them?
SketchPad for SketchUp is a sleekly designed Bluetooth keypad containing 34 of the most commonly used functions of the tool. It currently underway on a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, with a goal to raise $8,500.
The campaign has raised over $1,300 so far with 22 days left to go. Supporters will received early-adopter pricing on the controllers, starting at $65 apiece. All pledges must be made by Friday, November 29.
“Using this controller, you can pretty much model anything, without having to click on the menu to switch tools. It lets you model very quickly and efficiently, as the mouse cursor never needs to leave the model,” SketchPad creator Steve Moore told me about the product.
courtesy of Steve Moore
The wireless controller features full color keys that have been re-arranged many times in testing to yield the most intuitive layout. It charges using a micro-USB cable and connects to your laptop through a Bluetooth connection.
Moore is a construction professional who also co-founded Buildfore, a construction technology company. Buildfore created several products like CtrlWiz, an Xbox controller to navigate Navisworks and Slatplanner, a construction schedule digitization tool – both of which have been covered on Construction Junkie in the past. Needless to say, he’s very familiar with building solutions for construction professionals.
For more information about SketchPad for SketchUp, be sure to check out the Kickstarter page and watch the video below!
