3Dconnexion 3DX-700028 SpaceNavigator 3D Mouse

There are some older reviews from MAC users who experienced problems with this device, but you may not experience those yourself with the newest software/updates available online. Then again, I have only tested it on Sketchup. Also, I contacted 3Dconnexion directly with a question and received a detailed, thoughtful response less than 2 days later (even though I bought this item used and had no purchase order number). This is a fine piece of interface technology and is designed/built very well. The feel is solid, sturdy, and responsive. It also appears to be very sensitive, adjusting magnitude on screen depending on the levels of pressure applied. A very precise and smooth instrument. I cannot imagine a better way to navigate around 3D space. I use this for architecture and industrial design. I feel like this provides me with my own personal helicopter to "fly" in and around my models at will. You can customize the settings to your liking. It took me a few hours to find an intuitive combination of controls (that worked for me) and overcome the learning curve, but now I can't imagine modeling without it. My adjustments are listed below. If you don't like the default settings, try reversing the axes and adjust from there (NOTE: I always invert the y-axis in video games, so I'm naturally inclined to control the Space Navigator the same way... your mileage may vary). 3D Mouse Right change to: 3D Mouse Left 3D Mouse Left change to: 3D Mouse Right 3D Mouse In change to: 3D Mouse Out 3D Mouse Out change to: 3D Mouse In 3D Mouse Down change to: 3D Mouse Up 3D Mouse Up change to: 3D Mouse Down 3D Mouse Tilt Backward: change to: 3D Mouse Tilt Forward 3D Mouse Tilt Forward: change to: 3D Mouse Tilt Backward 3D Mouse Roll Left: change to: 3D Mouse Roll Right 3D Mouse Roll Right: change to: 3D Mouse Roll Left 3D Mouse Spin Clockwise: change to: 3D Mouse Spin Counter-Clockwise 3D Mouse Spin Counter-Clockwise: change to: 3D Spin Clockwise If you are on the fence, give this thing a try. I wish I had it in college. It cuts down on my drawing/modeling time and allows me to rotate, spin, and navigate a model without changing tools or exiting out of a command. A must have for all heavy illustrators, 3D modelers, etc. Read more

Nicely packed in the box inside and egg type create holder. I installed the driver from the web, even though there is an included disk. I always go to the web just to make sure I have the latest release. With the drivers the trainer, training objects to manipulate, setup program, and documentation all installed. It is nice and heavy so it sets firmly in place (it is not a mouse or a joystick). First I tried it with DAZ Studio 4.7, everything worked to control the camera but all directions are reversed (it’s from the object point of view); it is easy to change in the setup just invert the direction by checking each axis invert box. Then I tried Photoshop (CC 64 bit, CC 2014 64 bit, and CS6) in 3D mode worked great by default. Then I tried Maya 2013 and it worked great by default. Next I tried LightWave Modeler 2015 it worked great by default (it was for LightWave Modeler that I bought this unit for after seeing a demo video using it with LightWave). Then I tried Poser 2014 gaming version and it worked fine. None of the iClone 5.5 or 6 or the 3DXchange worked; same with Carrara 8.5, Hexagon 2, Bryce 7, Silo 2, or Blender worked. When I say they didn’t work it is by default they didn’t work. The setup software will let the user set the direction, and speed along with using macros for each direction. The ones that work out of the box are pre-programed in the driver software, the others the user has to set up. Read more

It's heavily implied that this mouse has something of a learning curve. Not if you are a gamer! If you're used to navigating with your left hand (d-pad or WASD) while your right hits the buttons or uses a mouse, this mouse will be incredibly intuitive for you and you will be able to use it almost effortlessly. The included software lets you invert any axis you like to suit your needs, and you can also choose between Y-axis (pull up/down) and Z-axis (push back/forth) for the zoom control. You can quickly and easily set up a separate custom profile for each application. Productivity increases substantially because you no longer have to switch between navigating and modeling. Your main mousing hand and arm will thank you for dividing the labor a little more evenly! The mouse itself is nice and heavy with a rubberized base, so it stays put. The puck on top is responsive and the sensitivity and acceleration can be adjusted via software. The two programmable buttons are all I really need for my work and they are in a good location, I never hit them by accident as I so often do with extra mouse buttons. The whole thing is solidly built and of good quality, nothing seems flimsy. The only negative for me is that this mouse doesn't work with ZBrush - but that fault is on Pixologic, not 3Dconnexion, so I'm not docking stars for it. SpaceMouse users have been begging Pixologic to add support for years now, but there is no sign of it ever happening. Definitely a dealbreaker if you are exclusively a ZBrush user. Read more