I agree.
Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest means to an end.
I find they’re also the fastest way to navigate, given SU’s powerful set of Camera commands.
Horses for courses … of course.
Whether or not a 3D navigator can aide productivity depends upon which 3D mouse one chooses.
It also depends upon a modeler’s native navigation skills.
• Using any model 3D navigator removes your hand from the keyboard.
• Navigation via keyboard shortcuts is faster than navigating with any type of mouse.
• Clicking a button on a programmable mouse is faster than reaching for keys.
Being a 3D Navigator + a mini keyboard, the “Enterprise” model has the best potential to aide productivity. But its advantage is in the mini keyboard, not the knob.
As for a base model 3D Space Navigator, I have two.
Generally, they sit gathering dust on a shelf.
IMHO, when a user claims a base model 3D Space Navigator speeds modeling, it’s because they haven’t learned how to navigate efficiently in the first place.
The only exception being there’s nothing better than a 3D Space Navigator for silky smooth, professional presentations.