To right-drag in the X-Plane view [ Press and hold the right mouse button ][ Move the mouse ] is much more convenient than using the keyboard or the HAT switch on a controller.
However, be aware of two quirks. If you have a sensitive right mouse button you may find yourself locked into a continuous panning effect even when the button is released and you merely move the mouse.
This is caused by a double-right-click. This is great if you want the constant panning effect, but disturbing if it is unexpected. To cancel this constant panning, make a single right-click. (Left clicking has no effect).
The other effect occurs when you start a right-drag with the cursor touching the left or right edge of the monitor. You will find that you can pan away from that side but if you pan back you can pan only as far as that edge, whereupon the panning refuses to pan further in that direction. The solution, of course, is to start a right-drag with the cursor anywhere except flush up to a side edge. Then your panning is unrestricted.