This thing is simply amazing. It Just Works. You don't even need software-resident on your computer-- you can store the keys or keystrokes directly into the device's memory, and then? Never need to re-load the software again, if you don't want to.
The software is pretty easy to use; basically you're given a simple graphic of the keyboard, which you double-click each key, to change it. I would be very nice if the software was "smart" enough to blink the corresponding key, when you did that, but as I understand it, the individual key lighting isn't addressable by the main keystroke-programming software. You use a separate utility for that feature. Oh well.
When I bought this, I also purchased an assortment of double-keys-- some "tall" and some "wide". These are not interchangable! Depending on how you place the keyboard, these accessories will go left-to-right, or up-and-down across two keys. So you need a pack of each, if you plan on having some double-wide keys, and some double-tall. You can also purchase blanking plates, for unused keys, which can help to highlight your layout.
I found the keycaps a bit tricky at first, to remove-- it comes with a little tool (a stainless-steel "tweezer"), but I kept pulling up the whole key--not just the key-cap. With some practice, I found just where to grab with the tool, to *just* remove the thin top-part, and not the whole key.
I had ordered several sheets of key-labels, for hand-written legends. I used these at first, and they were okay. However, with 80 keys, it was tiresome hand-writing all those individual legends, to say nothing of my handwriting being too large for the standard sized keys.
So I used yet another utility that came with the software, and painstakingly typed in all 80 legends, one key at a time. The interface wasn't too bad-- double-click on a key, click to select one line, two lines or three lines (max). The default justification is centered, but you can left- or right- justify too. I found if you leave it on 3 lines, but click on the middle of three lines, and only use that, it's a wee bit faster, per key.
What I wish it had? Was multiple selection feature-- and apply the same legend to a set of keys, then you'd just need to *edit* individual keys some-- it would be much quicker, I think, to edit a minor change or sequence, than to edit each key individually.
Even better? Specify a sequence, as in a special symbol is replaced with a sequence, starting with 1, then specifying an adder (usually +1) up to as many keys as is selected in sequence. Or start with "A" and going up the alphabet in sequence. That would have saved me a couple of hours.
Once I got all the keys labeled, I simply printed it--on plain paper. The labels it came with? I found rather cumbersome to use, and do *not* recommend them at all. They have mild sticky--but only to hold them to the sheet! The label itself is plain paper, one removed! And between the small size, a mild static electric charge? It was rather a pain to get the keys labeled. With plain paper, I simply cut the individual labels apart with scissors-- an entire row, then individual keys as I was installing them. Very much a pain--and impossible to keep square. Oh well--the printed labels are ever so much better than my hand-written ones anyway.
What I would love to see? Is Post-It type glue on a sheet of labels-- that *would* let you keep them perfectly square. I may see if I can find this as a larger sheet, that I can put through my laser printer.
I should point out, that the labels are underneath a little plastic cover--so once you have them in place? They are protected, and ought to remain for the life of the keyboard.
All in all, this is an amazing product! I would buy it again, in a second. Indeed-- I have considered purchasing a second one, to use as a dedicated directional keypad--but I am worried a bit, that the software would be confused as to which unit was which. So I purchased a different product for that role (keypad) (see my review on a Razor gaming keypad).
One additional nit-to-pick: if you allow their programming software to remain resident (in memory at boot-up)? The light pattern you programmed, using the little lighting utility, is messed up the minute you re-start your computer. Then, you are obliged to re-start that utility--which immediately restores your pattern. My solution was to disable their software from remaining in memory-- you don't need it, if you use the "write to device" and "hardware mode".
I recommend using hardware mode anyway: many games bypass the built-in software engine that Windows uses, and talk directly to the keyboard at the hardware layer. Such games would simply ignore the resident software key programming, and the keyboard would not work-- or worse, some games would see such software as a "cheat", and disable your game ID! But using *hardware* mode, all the keystrokes are saved to the keyboard's copious memory-- and the game simply sees it as another USB keyboard. To be sure, I have not tried the keyboard's ability to simulate a mouse, so if that is a feature you need, you may need to experiment.
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Price: >$200
Included Components: USB Cable
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
Number of Keys: 71 to 81
Keyboard Backlighting Color Support: Single Color
Connectivity Technology: USB-A
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Product Description
Clear Key Lenses Hold Legends Securely and Protect them from Wear
Select from a sheet of pre-printed icons or create your own legends on the blank sheet which is also included.
Clearly labeling your dedicated keys improves efficiency and shortens training time for new users.
Instant Customization
Add or remove keys, blockers, and large keys to create an intuitive layout for your workflow.
Grouping keys with related functions
improves efficiency and allows the user to focus on creative elements instead of searching for tools or functions in the interface.
Two tall keys, one wide key, and a key puller are included. Large keys and key blockers are available as accessories.
Included Programming Software for Windows and OS X
MacroWorks 3.1 for Windows features a wide range of macros including shortcuts to frequently used programs, folders, and files.
Keyboard Mastro for Mac OS includes support for all of X-keys programmable keyboards. The joysticks, T-bar, Jog & Shuttle as well as some KVM models are excluded. Keyboard Maestro cannot control our LED’s either, however, users can change the LEDs on a Windows computer in Hardware mode.
MacroWorks 3.1 is included as a free download with all X-keys USB devices.
Keystrokes and combinations may also be written into the X-keys memory to emulate a USB keyboard or mouse function on any operating system. Use MacroWorks for Windows to take advantage of this feature.
Application Specific Layers and Special Functions
Using MacroWorks for Windows, each application on your system can have its own set of dedicated keys. This allows the same key to trigger different macros in different programs.
For example, the Move tool shortcut in Photoshop is V but in Sketchup, it is M. Using an application specific layer, the same key will send V if Photoshop has focus and M if Sketchup has focus.
An array of special functions including F13-F24 keys, multimedia commands (Play/Pause, Volume Up or Down, Previous or Next Track, etc.), Time and Date insert, and more are selected under the Functions tab in MacroWorks.
Complex macros may be constructed and edited line by line including delays, repeats, and separate macros on press and release of an X-key.
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Get X-Keys programmable for Mac or PC - recording or live
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How to Install X-keys Key Blockers
PI Engineering Inc
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X-keys Key Testing
PI Engineering Inc
Reviews with images
Great product and even better product support.
I purchased the X-Key 24 (classic) almost a year ago and recently lost functionality on one of the buttons. This gave me an opportunity to reach out to tech support where I received the best service EVER. After an RMA was determined to be necessary, my device was sent in, fixed, and sent back in a matter of days.Seriously, the devices work, and when they don't, this company has you covered. Given how grueling the tech support experience can be with so many giant companies, it was a breath of fresh air to work with PI Engineering.As for the device, if you choose to make the purchase, I highly recommend buying their backlight mask. It removes most/all of the bleed-through of LEDs between keys. The one pictured above is a homebrew 3d printed version but they offer an affordable product that does the same thing on their website.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2022
My main beef is that the device can only be programmed from Windows. That's annoying as my only windows machine does not allow me to install anything. So I use VMWare on my MacOS to program it. I also wish it was easier to make nice key legends. Mine look like crap but they work.
Style: 80 KeyVerified Purchase
Incredible device for reducing strain
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2022
I was hesitant about buying this product for a while as I was unsure if it would do exactly what I wanted it to. I wanted to reduce the number of actions I have to take with one hand, like click and drag, and I needed it to be compatible in a variety of settings. The device supports two forms of programming: hardware and software mode. Hardware mode is where you tell the device what to do and whatever it is plugged into simply receives messages. Software mode has many more features such as keys that do different things in different apps. I chose hardware mode because I need it to be a driverless (Plain USB) device. I have mine configured to simulate a mouse with left/right clicks, double clicks, ctrl-left click, and mousse nudging. I also have been mapping all of the shortcut keys that I use onto a single XK-80 key. The device supports two layers so I programmed one layer to work on Windows and the second layer to work on the Mac. Works like a charm. I even have the lights set to match: blue for layer one or Windows, red for layer two or MacOS. Seems very well built - the keys even have little slim caps which pop off the top for a legend to go under.Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2022
My main beef is that the device can only be programmed from Windows. That's annoying as my only windows machine does not allow me to install anything. So I use VMWare on my MacOS to program it. I also wish it was easier to make nice key legends. Mine look like crap but they work.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2016
Style: ClassicVerified Purchase
I purchased the XK-24 for use with PhotoShop, and am very pleased with the results. Setting the keys in software mode is extremely easy, and took perhaps all of 15 minutes, plus just a couple of minutes reading the instructions. I understand that the use of hardware mode is rather more involved, but i have no need for such, and imagine most people will come to the same conclusion.
Printing the key legends is quite easy also, and I simply used plain white paper. The only work is cutting them from the sheet. A sheet of label blanks is included, but I decided to save them for later. To me, the only real advantage to them is that they are pre-scored.
Some people seem to have difficulty installing the labels, but I think that this results from poor procedure. My approach is to pull the key cap, insert the legend label, then hold the XK-24 at an angle, such that the key faces slightly downward. When the cap is then placed on the key, the
alignment is perfect every time. One can also use the tool to pull the entire key, and thus effect upside down assembly, but I see no reason to use this approach.
I used the X-keys backlight Utility to set the background key colours, mixing red and blue for a nice violet/purple background. I was puzzled when the settings kept being disabled, but found one must first “disable scripted backlighting”, from the Advanced Tools dropdown.
Since each can have settings for multiple applications, or for global specification, one can have multiple key sets. I primatily use two: one for PhotoShop, and one for Explorer so that I can directly invoke my 24 most used programs. The keypad itself retains only one legend, so I set up small Excel matrices containing the other mappings.
About PhotoShop, I have mapped the keys using a combination of PhotoShop Actions and embedded key strokes. This has greatly simplified the edit process and saves a great deal of time eliminating repetitive operations. Much of this, of course, could be accomplished by use of PhotoShop Actions alone, however hitting the key with the right legend is far more instinctive for me than remembering a lot of different function key sequences, and much less prone to error.
Having read all the other views posted here, I infer that many people simply enjoy complaining about things. This is a great device, and I wish I had purchased it long before. If I had more desktop space I would get a larger one, with more keys.
Printing the key legends is quite easy also, and I simply used plain white paper. The only work is cutting them from the sheet. A sheet of label blanks is included, but I decided to save them for later. To me, the only real advantage to them is that they are pre-scored.
Some people seem to have difficulty installing the labels, but I think that this results from poor procedure. My approach is to pull the key cap, insert the legend label, then hold the XK-24 at an angle, such that the key faces slightly downward. When the cap is then placed on the key, the
alignment is perfect every time. One can also use the tool to pull the entire key, and thus effect upside down assembly, but I see no reason to use this approach.
I used the X-keys backlight Utility to set the background key colours, mixing red and blue for a nice violet/purple background. I was puzzled when the settings kept being disabled, but found one must first “disable scripted backlighting”, from the Advanced Tools dropdown.
Since each can have settings for multiple applications, or for global specification, one can have multiple key sets. I primatily use two: one for PhotoShop, and one for Explorer so that I can directly invoke my 24 most used programs. The keypad itself retains only one legend, so I set up small Excel matrices containing the other mappings.
About PhotoShop, I have mapped the keys using a combination of PhotoShop Actions and embedded key strokes. This has greatly simplified the edit process and saves a great deal of time eliminating repetitive operations. Much of this, of course, could be accomplished by use of PhotoShop Actions alone, however hitting the key with the right legend is far more instinctive for me than remembering a lot of different function key sequences, and much less prone to error.
Having read all the other views posted here, I infer that many people simply enjoy complaining about things. This is a great device, and I wish I had purchased it long before. If I had more desktop space I would get a larger one, with more keys.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Anssi
Great tool for making daily tasks easier
Reviewed in Germany on March 7, 2024Style: ClassicVerified Purchase
juancheitor
saved my left wrist
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2019Style: ClassicVerified Purchase
Michael K Partridge
Exceeds all expectations!
Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2018Style: 80 KeyVerified Purchase
Claudio G.
Bene.... ....ma non benissimo
Reviewed in Italy on August 11, 2019Style: ClassicVerified Purchase
Blaine Hathaway
It's Worth The Price
Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2017Style: 60 KeyVerified Purchase
