Trackball vs spacemouse

Trying to decide between a Kensington Slim Pro trackball and a 3D connection spacemouse. Searching on the forum I see a few comments about problems with the spacemouse in R8. Have these been addressed? Anybody have experience moving from trackball to spacemouse or other way round?

They aren’t really related. A trackball is just a stationary mouse, a “spacemouse” is a totally different 3D navigation device you use in addition to your mouse, that has never really caught on because, you know, we all grew up learning how to navigate 3D games without one.

Well, I think they are related because I’m looking for a better way than the simple mouse I have now. Watching a fellow maneuver around a 3D drawing in sketch up makes me wonder how well it would work in Rhino. I know folks have used the 3D Connection Spacemouse but it seems sometimes there are issues with it. I used a trackball years ago and liked but I wasn’t drawing as much then as I am now. I can see how I would use a trackball for drawing in Rhino. I’m not sure I can see the same with the 3D mouse. Do you still need a regular mouse in addition to the 3D one? I’ve got a Huion Inspiroy dial 2 pad for drawing with. It kinda sorta works for me but doesn’t seem to be ideal.

I have a SpaceMouse and, after a few years of bad drivers, it works really well now.
I use it in Rhino and SolidWorks and all the buttons, to which you assign software-specific shortcuts, are very handy. For 3d navigation I wouldn’t work without one.
And, to be clear, it does not replace your mouse. It’s supposed to be used by your left hand while you have your mouse in your right hand (or vice-versa).

Thanks, Marc. That’s the info I was looking for. It sounds like it would be helpful, but if you still need a mouse in the other hand then I’ll be better off with the trackball. Many thanks for helping me see my way.
Joe