The SpaceNavigator 3D Mouse: Review and How-To

has any1 used this using non-dominint hand (right-hand dominent) and if so, how is using this/how long did it take you to master using it?

Does it take long to become used to/reliant upon these 3D mice? I'm just thinking of how I use blender, using keyboard modifiers with mouse movement is almost instinctual now... it's sometimes hard to break computer habits like that.

is nx 11 free to use and do you have to pay for a sub (like on fusion 360)?

I like my new 3dSM. Warning to perspective buyers. Out of all the input devices I've bought over my 40 years doing 3d/graphics. The space mouse is not an out-of-the-box life changer. A STEEP learning curve, more like a musical instrument than a tool.

After further training, where a SpaceMouse-Pro was available, I have now also bought the Compact. Without it you don't want to anymore, because it makes it so much easier and faster. The freely configurable buttons with the radial menus are also worth gold. Even with database maintenance, for example, where you need the same commands over and over again, you can quickly reassign this and you no longer have to switch back and forth in the menus.

And that works as well as in any program or on the desktop, so not only for CAD.

I just gotten it from a friend and installed it with this tutorial ...
This thing is pornographic ... It blew me away how awesome such a 3D input device and how easy the navigation with it is.
The difference is night and day, as if i was stuck in a wheelchair all the time and all of a sudden i'd not just be able to walk again with my legs, no it is as if i'd have grown wings and be able to fly free like a bird aswell.
Thank you for making this tutorial, you just gave me some wings to fly with

I concur with prior mentions that this is a great review that actually shows the 3D Mouse in use. My one concern about getting one is that I use a lot of shortcut keys rather than clicking on commands (something I see in most videos).

So here is my question:
For someone who is very proficient in keyboard/mouse for speed, does the 3D mouse help or hinder when working with CAD?

I see value when selecting things for joints, etc., but also see added time having to move a hand to type input values, or navigating through menus to click on something because no hand is on the keyboard for shortcuts. Because of this I remain on the fence if this would work for me.

This type of interface doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Your typical large trackball already has full support of Windows OS, is by far easier to use than this gadget, and can be used as a regular mouse as well. Toggling this level of user control would be easy by clicking one or more right, left, auxiliary buttons.

Why did he demonstrate it with the least popular CAD packages on the market.

I'm very disappointed it doesn't make that sound! LOL. Great review!

Very terrific explanation. But I am most grateful for exclusion of background music. Background music only infuriates.

Best video about 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse! Downloaded already the actual driver for my OS, started the installation, selected "Custom" and searched for a "Unity 3D" driver. Unfortunately there isn´t one! Anyone out there who uses this device in conjunction with Unity 3D (version 2018 and newer)?
Unity Asset store -> found only "SpaceNavigator Driver". Last release from 6. Jan. 2017 = fr...ing old -> Reviews getting worse -> as said no plug-in update since Jan. 2017.
Any idea, clue, hint?

My space mouse is not moving the model at all what might be the mistake by installing or the settings? How can I "select" the model for movement? Clicking with the normal mouse on the object didn't help. I'm able to zoom in and out in Rhino bei rotating the space mouse knob that's it...The Training of the space mouse doesn't work as well. Could you give advice? Thank you.

This is the only video I could find that actually demonstrates the use of this device instead of just blabbing on about it for 10 minutes without even showing it in action.

Worth noting that these appear to have finally been noticed by hollywood, being featured as a neat compact pilot interface in The Expanse. They appear in the show completely unmodified which I suppose is a testament to how "space age" and "sci fi" they look.


Yes, that sound effect was most appropriate ;)


These can also be used, with limited success, mind, as complete 6 axis control inputs in various space flight simulations. That is, assuming the various kludges employed actually do what they're supposed to. Kerbal Space Programme has native support... because cool!

ah....you made me focused on creating spline. And yes... I believe you can make people focus in learning stuff...

HI!
can i programe this 3d mouse as a volume dial somehow?

Hahaha I wish they make it sound like that when I turn it on. Thank you for your review.

Finally the best video about it on the internet thank you so much clear and straight forward I purchased the SpaceMouse Wireless version of this.