X-keys XK-24 USB Keypad

8 reviews for X-keys XK-24 USB Keypad

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Kiley Schaefer (verified owner) – February 2, 2023

   Circa 2010 I enjoyed using P.I.’s X-keys Desktop (20 keys) Programmable Keyboard which was based on Cherry mechanical switches. I scrapped that model years ago only because it was not supported on modern Windows operating systems. So I decided to try P.I.’s current USB product based on their membrane switch technology. The membranes are less “clicky” than the conventional Cherry switches (which is fine with me) and a couple of keys have small but visible misalignments. The new Keypad died after 1 week, but was promptly exchanged by P.I. (B&H also offered to replace it but I went with the manufacturer). The replacement has worked perfectly for the last two weeks. The XK-24 is a delightful, ergonomic, efficiency-enhancing accessory which instills wonder by eliminating repetitive mouse motions and reducing typing of keyboard shortcuts on my Win11 computer. The attached monochrome picture shows my custom legends (drawn in Inkscape) after importing into P.I.’s MacroWorks 3.1 software. I then use MacroWorks to print them with a B&W Laserjet onto high-contrast colored paper: Astrobrights NATURALS 99316: Stone, Honeycomb. Astrobrights SPECTRUM 91397: Re-Entry Red, Vulcan Green, Cosmic Orange, Plasma Pink. Manilla Tan cut from a Manilla folder. Note that if you are content with just text, you can enter up to three lines per key in a wide range of fonts directly in MacroWorks without custom artwork. I use two Shift keys to change layers – they are separated rather than ganged, mainly to keep the key-press force low. Also visible in the pictures are plastic colored keycaps (gray, beige, red, green, and orange) purchased separately from P.I. as a cosmetic enhancement. The gray and beige bases are opaque, while red, green, and orange bases are translucent. I run with the blue/red backlights turned off. I found the Macroworks programming scheme relatively easy to learn, very flexible, and well-described in video tutorials. Overall I am quite satisfied with the product and recommend it, despite the high price.

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Janet Wilderman (verified owner) – December 2, 2022

   Does everything I need it to do, works awesome!

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   Norris Kuvalis (verified owner) – November 28, 2022

   Upgraded my PBP systems. Easiest to program from a PC vs a Mac.

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Icie Welch (verified owner) – October 25, 2022

   I found out about these while I was stuck at home after an operation. I though they would be amazing for a civil engineering company using CAD software. They quickly allowed our engineers to switch between tools in AutoCAD & in Microstation. I started using these at home for photo editing allowing me to run several command or switch tools with one button press. I have now started using it in my new job as a system administrator for a hospital. It allows me to quickly launch programs and execute repetitive commands quickly. The amazing software they are bundled with allows it to be application aware so while in Outlook a button might do one function in another Chrome it can do something completely different. Add to that layers. These devices have a blue layer and a red layer. So the first button can do one thing on one layer and something else on another layer. There is one down side. The MacroWorks software doesn’t work in Linux. So at home is a bit more restrictive as to what it can do. You can still use it, but you have to program it in windows and it’s no longer application aware. There are still layers so you essentially get 48 keys to program. I know own 3 of these and I have a feeling my wife and son will be purchasing their own.

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Einar Russel (verified owner) – August 24, 2022

   I work in word processing, data entry, and graphic design. With this baby I can set up everything from simple cut/copy/paste to multiple click/keystroke insert or resize to fill page processes to be done at the push of a button.

6. Rated 5 out of 5

   Clifton Jerde (verified owner) – July 28, 2022

   Bought this b/c my new job requires a lot of keyboard interaction and most of the interactions are repeatable. I customized mine to have certain phrases programmed to certain buttons, and also I wanted ESC and F12 keys right next to each other because I use them at every step and before I was bouncing back and forth on a keyboard b/c they are at opposites sides of the keyboard. Love this keypad. Takes a little bit to get use to programming (it is not hard, just have to get use to how its done in MacroWork 3.1 software that they provide free for download), but once you understand the process, its easy to make changes and adjustments. Took me a little bit to figure out how to add a delay, but discovered it is very easy to do and allows you to add delays into steps that are programmed (since sometime a request will take a computer program a half second to process, and you need a pause in the step so the lag doesn’t miss the step). I also love how they allow in MacroWorks to make printouts of labels for the keys…lets you make labels for the keys that fit perfectly into the key button. Makes for a professional look when done, and easy to change. Price shocked me a little at first, but after using it, I would happily pay for it again.

7. Rated 4 out of 5

   Markus Osinski (verified owner) – June 27, 2022

   Still learning to use it. I use it on SolidWorks for shotcut. Really enjoyed it.

8. Rated 5 out of 5

   Oma Zulauf (verified owner) – April 20, 2022

   The X-Key is customizeable, My ppalication commands that I frequenlty use (at workplace) was a substatial productivity boost since repetiive actions a thing of the past. Love it!