The SpacePilot PRO is a clean looking device right out of the box, with its swoopy shape and classy mix of matte black, patent black and dark grey colors. It even feels comfortable when I rest my palm on it and place my fingers around its control knob.
Size and placement
SpacePilot PRO is larger that one might expect for a control device. Its size is almost sprawling as it takes up a considerable portion of any desktop. I had difficulty in trying to find a location for my SpacePilot PRO. 3DConnexion recommends that their 3D mice be placed on the left of one’s keyboard and operated with the left hand. In the literature, it shows a mouse, keyboard and the SpacePilot PRO placed comfortably on a desktop. Unfortunately for us ergonomically educated individuals, this is not practical. I use an adjustable keyboard shelf. On most keyboard shelves, there’s room for the keyboard and the mouse (usually). So, where am I supposed to place my 3D mice? Well, I like the device enough to consider a modification to my keyboard shelf.
Look and feel
When taken right out of the box, the pristine device is handsome. It looks like it is meant to be used. It doesn’t take long to realize that usage (particularly of the upper patent black region around the LCD screen) quickly envelopes the device with smudges. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give the SpacePilot PRO a Smudge Factor of 10. Touching the shiny surface (heck, maybe just breathing on it) will leave a smudge that quickly gives the SpacePilot PRO a worn-in look.
There are a lot of buttons on this device. They are kinda spread out. The device could take up slightly less desktop space if the buttons are brought in closer to the knob. This would allow them to be more readily accessed by one’s fingers. As for the number of programmable buttons, the device seems appropriately equipped.
One may find that sometimes the left hand will shift a bit while using the control knob. The are guidelines on the side of the knob, but these are not easily felt. Strangely, the most obvious location for guiding features would’ve been on the top of the knob, or around the knob’s top ledge, but none are there.
Do not take my criticisms as a reason dislike the device. These are minor details that should to be a addressed by 3DConnexion in future versions of this device. They are not show stoppers. It is great to have a control device with programmable buttons. I actually like the SpacePilot PRO for the programmable buttons as much as the 3D flexibility granted by the control knob.
