Back when I had a Samsung Series 7 Slate tablet I demonstrated some of the possibilities of what can be achieved with a number pad as a form of left hand control. In a way it worked but frankly Bluetooth is too slow for this task. For real work we need something that is dependable, such as the two products offered by Contour Design: the ShuttleXpress and ShuttlePRO v2. More info and images below.
Back of the box.
The packaging. The ShuttleXpress (left) and the ShuttlePRO v2 (right) enable you to add additional ease and control with your programs.
Box contents.
The ShuttleXpress looks a lot like a flying saucer! The ShuttlePRO v2 is shaped... well like it is.
Bottom side.
The ShuttleXpress is the more portable device. However, it only has five programmable buttons. The ShuttlePRO v2 has 15 programmable buttons.
On close inspection the ShuttlePRO v2 is the thinner of the two.
Some items for comparison.
The ShuttleXpress and the Logitech G700 mouse.
The ShuttlePRO v2 and the Logitech G700 mouse.
The cable in both devices has the same length.
Contour Shuttle Device Configuration Software
The software supports both devices at the same time.
There are plenty of neat "Options" allowed.
There are many built-in presets for popular software.
The jog is the inner circle and can be programmed to do whatever you want. The jog rotates indefinitely,
The dial is the outer ring and can also be programmed. The dial has a finite movement--less than 80 degrees in both devices.
You can refine the dial at many different positions.
There are several allowable "responses." The ShuttleXpress' responses though are limited when compared to the ShuttlePRO v2.
The ShuttlePRO v2 has many more buttons, so you will have more functionality--this of course reduces portability. In my opinion the ShuttlePRO v2 is a superb desktop controller, and the ShuttleXpress is a more portable device.
As you can observe, the ShuttlePRO v2 allows Macros.
The software is intuitive and easy to configure. Macro's give the ShuttlePRO v2 considerably more options.
NOTES
ShuttleXpress (small)
- Is thicker than the ShuttlePRO v2.
- Has 5 programmable buttons, which are perfect for each finger of your hand. The buttons are good for specific program use.
- This is a very good portable tool when used along a tablet.
- The buttons are very clicky, and can be "noticeable" to people around you in environments like classrooms.
- No macros on the ShuttleXpress.
- People may ask what the "flying saucer" is for.
ShuttlePRO v2 (big)
- The ShuttlePRO v2 has 15 programmable buttons.
- The jog wheel is smoother when compared to the ShuttleXpress.
- This is a very good desktop controller. The number of buttons are enough for many programs and at the same time you can even have some global functions (like audio controls).
- The design of the device feels just right for my left hand.
- Macros are for the ShuttlePRO v2, which gives you additional functionality per action.
Both
- Both devices are light and have a plastic surface.
- They have the same cable length.
- The shuttle and jog wheels behave very similarly on both devices. The shuttle is the outer ring, and the jog is the inner part. The jogs move indefinitely, the shuttles moves to a definite angle (less than 80 degrees on both devices).
- Software is same for both. It is very easy, although somewhat tedious, to reprogram keys, the shuttle, and the jog. The main difference is that Macro's are exclusive to the ShuttlePRO v2.
- There are many built-in setting presets. Before using the devices you may want to check the Device Configurations so you know what each button does.
- Buttons feel comfortable to the touch, but I would say that their quality is at most "ok."
- Both will provide more precise control in video editing programs like Sony Vegas.
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