Abstract: The manipulator delivers signals characteristic of the orientation of an operating lever (2) in space. The lever is deflectable by a transverse thrust, from a reference or neutral position, and is elastically returned to that neutral position. The lever (2) is articulated on a casing to control the position of at least one movable member (3) interacting with at least one pick-up (4) to deliver an electrical signal dependent upon the position of the lever. Two cams (7, 8) resiliently biased toward each other oppose to the angular deflection of the operating lever (2) an elastic reaction which differs according to the orientation of the lever (2) with respect to its neutral position. In an embodiment, these cams are carried respectively by a ball joint of the lever and by a piston slidable in the casing and urged by a spring.