Author: Josh Chernoff

The Space Navigator by 3D Connexion is a great tool for any one who wants more from their mouse besides just 2 axis. The joystick style nob gives you 6 axis to push, pull, roll and twist. This gives a feel like the nob siting on a free floating spring. The bad thing about this new found freedom of movement is that it maybe to free. At times it can be easy to move on an axis with out meaning too making this very sensitive to maneuver and nearly impossible to control only one axis. Proper use will come with time and practice making it a very practical tool for any 3d designer/developer regardless of it’s learning curve.

One of the other things that should be noted is that lack of proper software support for the hardware like zbrush and even blender though 3D Connexion states on their site that blender is supported. The issues with blender are that I have been only able to get blender 32bit to work even though I have a 64bit driver installed. Reading the forums there has also been many people stating they have had problems getting the new builds of blender to work correctly with it.

After trying the mouse out in 3ds max I can see there was a greater amount of effort that went into making sure it works and feels natural in 3ds making my experience with blender that much more disappointing knowing that my experience in blender could be equal to what it feels like in 3ds max with proper software support.

For $100 I give this mouse a 6 out of 10 for it’s great free flowing moments and it’s lack of good software support.