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A 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse can be a transformative tool to allow artists to connect to their 3D content
Digital content creation is a rewarding outlet for many artists and designers, whether professionals or hobbyists. Creating imagery and animation from imagination can be fulfilling and inspiring.
The perennial problem is that creating digital content requires many specialist apps, many of which need manipulation in a 3D space. The user needs to memorise complicated hotkeys using a keyboard or mouse, which can be unintuitive, or many use a drawing tablet that is made, well, for drawing, not moving 3D objects.
These issues are compounded by the fact that every 3D app seems to have its own way of doing things, making developing muscle memory challenging and therefore creating barriers to creativity.
However, there is an answer: a hardware device that makes navigating and switching between applications an intuitive joy. That answer is the SpaceMouse‰ range of products from 3Dconnexion.
A SpaceMouse in its purest form (either the SpaceMouse Compact or the SpaceMouse Wireless) looks not unlike a tall, glowing hockey puck. Still, this simple exterior hides an incredibly sophisticated six-axis controller that, when manipulated by the artist, can take control of a 3D viewport and allow the manipulation of the scene, object or viewport with subtle movements of the wrist.
There’s nothing like moving inside a scene or around an object with a SpaceMouse. The combination of refinement of the materials used on the device and the stability of the 3Dconnexion 3DxWare‰ software means that when using a SpaceMouse, interacting with objects is graceful and intuitive, exactly matching users’ intentions. The SpaceMouse is such a good-looking and futuristic piece of engineering it was used as a flight stick for the Rocinante spaceship in The Expanse.
It isn’t just 3D applications that benefit from the SpaceMouse; it can work with 2D applications such as Adobe Photoshop, where it can be used to scroll, pan and zoom on an image. A SpaceMouse also works with OS windows and is a relaxing way to scroll down lengthy web pages.
The relaxation aspect of using a SpaceMouse also aids in a better posture, whether at a sitting or standing desk, meaning better ergonomics while working and less stress and fatigue, which can lead to recurring problems such as RSI. 3Dconnexion also offers a range of dedicated 2D mice as part of their CadMouse series that are an excellent accompaniment to a SpaceMouse.
