🔄 Add a Twist to Your Workflow
Most people use the classic keyboard-and-mouse setup when working on a computer. The primary action for both devices is the same: pressing. Whether it’s a key on the keyboard or a button on the mouse, nearly every input relies on pushing something down.
The scroll wheel on a mouse is a rare exception—it allows for a rotary input, but its use is mostly limited to scrolling through webpages or file lists.
Now imagine adding a different type of input to your workflow: one that rotates freely and offers smooth, incremental control. A knob. This single addition can dramatically enhance your productivity, especially for tasks where precision is key.
From moving along a timeline and fine-tuning color correction to adjusting canvas angles, rotary input devices are naturally well-suited. It’s no surprise that many video editors, photographers, and illustrators have already adopted them into their setup.
But this article is here to make the case for graphic designers and web designers as well—because these tools can be just as useful in your daily work. Let’s take a look at some specific, practical examples.
🖌️ Adjusting Brush Size
In Photoshop or Illustrator, if you're still dragging your cursor to the size slider every time you change your brush size, you're missing out. With a dial-style input device, you can simply turn the knob to scale your brush intuitively and precisely.
🔠 Tweaking Kerning
Normally, adjusting letter spacing involves repeatedly hitting keyboard shortcuts. Assigning kerning to a dial lets you tighten or loosen spacing with a simple twist of your fingers—no repetitive keystrokes required.
You can also map other typography-related controls like font size or baseline shift to the knob, making layout adjustments faster and more fluid.
🖼️ Changing Icon Size in macOS Finder
Here’s an unexpected use case: adjusting icon sizes in Finder’s icon view. Normally controlled by a slider, this action becomes far more pleasant with a knob. You can instantly scale your thumbnails to the perfect size as you browse.
Pair it with a press-to-click function on the knob that triggers "Sort by Date Modified," and suddenly you’ve streamlined the entire process of scanning and organizing files.
🚀 One Gesture, Big Impact
With just one added gesture—rotating—your PC interaction can evolve from repetitive and rigid to intuitive and tactile. It’s time to move beyond "click, click, click." Try adding a bit of twist to your workflow. You might never go back.
TourBox NEO
The TourBox NEO is a high-performance wired controller compatible with both macOS and Windows. It supports a wide range of creative software, including Photoshop and Premiere Pro, and features 11 customizable buttons and dials. Designed for intuitive one-handed use without needing to shift your gaze, it enables smooth switching between software presets and easy execution of macros. Its ergonomic design makes it a powerful companion for professionals seeking a more efficient and comfortable creative workflow.