What are input devices are you using to design?

[keqingsong]

6 years ago when Fusion 360 was still in its infancy I posted an article to our Fusion 360 blog talking about what our team members like to use to design in the software. I'd like to see if this has changed or stayed about the same, so I'll start with mine!

For keyboard, I use a Vortex Race 3 mechanical board with Cherry MX Blue switches, and the keycaps that came with the board. These caps are very nice quality, double-shot PBT DSA caps feel great when typing. 
For mouse, I use a Logitech G603. I love that it's wireless, can connect via bluetooth or USB, and unlike other gaming mice, this one is simple, no RGB distractions, and doesn't have a million buttons. Perfect for CAD. And yeah that's a wrist towel 🙂 why, do you not? 

Let's see your favorite input devices! 

[CGBenner]

I would be lost without my Space Explorer.... it's an older one but it still gets the job done. Over the years it has become an extension of my left arm!

[graemev]

3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise for the left hand, Kensington Orbit trackball with scroll ring for the right hand. Between the two lie a generic Dell keyboard (fairly meh) and my HP 48SX calculator. The calculator isn't technically a computer input device but it most certainly is one for designing.

[swalton]

@graemev I'm almost the same.

Spacemouse Explorer,

Generic Lenovo keyboard

Evoluent Vertical Mouse

HP 48G

[spencer]

Logitech MX Vertical mouse since it doesn't aggravate my carpal tunnel much

Simple wireless keyboard

The fancy 3D space mouse

And my assistant

[ritste20]

Honest question... How much do you use the extra buttons on the fancy spacemouse? At work, I have the Spacemouse Pro Wireless and at home, I bought the spacemouse wireless kit with the cad mouse included.

I don't know if it's because I've never forced myself into a routine of using the buttons on the pro version but I have 1 programmed for measure in Inventor and I use the ESC button once in a while but that's it.

The simple 2 button spacemouse is enough for what I do and takes up less desk space. So happy I got the cad mouse for at home though. Every day I come back to work and realize that I miss the feel of it and the dedicated middle button. Works well for those of us that have bear paws attached to their limbs (big palm and short fingers).

Regards,

[CGBenner]

I almost never (actually never) use any of the buttons on my old Space Explorer.  I only use it for the 3D movement.  I've been using AutoCAD since DOS days and I've gotten so used to keyboard commands and shortcuts, that even in Inventor that's about all I use.  I had a three button cad mouse that was given to me... never could get used to the middle button, I kept clicking tht when I wanted a right click.  Drove me nuts!  But then it was destroyed along with just about everything else, in the Sanford/Wixom dam failures three months ago today.... so I'm back to my trust two button Asus.

[spencer]

I rarely use the extra buttons, thought I would but it just really wasn't so.

My boss has the space mouse that's just the knob with 2 buttons on the side, and I much prefer mine if nothing else for the palm rest because it's a lot easier to keep your orientation straight

[ritste20]

I'm sorry to hear that.

From AutoCAD 98 till current levels, I don't think anybody that uses it daily will be able to forget keyboard commands, even if they wanted to. For anybody that used mechanical desktop, it took me a long time to stop double tapping keys for profile, dimension, and extrude lol.

I'm just happy to not have to reorganize 87 toolbars every time they send a new release.

[ritste20]

Yes, I would buy a space mouse with 2 buttons any day if it had the wrist extension. Until that day, wherever I go I will ask my boss to buy me the fancy one and slum it up at home on my own dime...

[hosford]

3D device: Space Pilot Pro, don't use the buttons, just like the feel.

Keyboard: Logitech solar powered, like the no wires, like the feel or keys (duplicates the feel of laptop typing)

Mouse: Logitech wireless, have multiple mice, like the five button the best, but also use a small 3 button travel mouse.

I know the following are not thought of input devices. but

in one office I have dual 24" screens, the other 2 24" and one 27" for PDF drawing referencing.

Scan Snap double sided scanner, helps for importing hand sketches or notes.

Windows 10 your phone app, allows attaching phone thru wireless for viewing and importing images on phone.

Any table with large enough surface for all the junk that accumulates while working on projects.

Finally, Herman Miller Aeron chair for the butt

[ritste20]

Was the chair worth the money? I'm a little jealous...

[hosford]

The Herman Miller Aeron chairs are great in the desert, allows cooling air and doesnt heat.

 I made a trade for my original, then was gifted one, yes, I do feel lucky.