X-keys Programmable Keypads and Keyboards 128 Keys blue XK-1225-UFK128-R

There's nothing else quite like it to compare it with, and it's so immensely useful, that it gets a 5-star rating by default. Supporting this rating is PI Engineering's superb support staff, cross-platform programming software, "industrial quality" build and sturdy, firm feel of the buttons. It's also quite easy to customize the button layout using the supplied removal tool. The unit comes with a sampler pack of alternative button styles, and PI sells separately a useful variety of alternative keycap shapes and colors. They even sell button "blanks" which I use to provide tactile landing points for one-handed, eyes-off operation.The free version of ControllerMate software is immensely powerful. Button function and illumination can easily be made application-specific. Buttons can output single keystrokes (with or without modifier keys), long text strings (such as URLs), simulate mouse movements and clicks, and even trigger system sounds. The full version of ControllerMate (a bargain at $25 from orderedbytes.com) adds MIDI functionality (send and receive). One or more buttons can be programmed to act as a "shift" or "swap" function to provide multiple layers of functionality from every button. And backlighting of each button is individually addressable.I do have a few critiques, listed here under the banner of "FYI" and not in any way meant to "bash" this product.As mentioned in another review here on Amazon, backlight bleed can be a bit of a problem. If you've programmed illumination on a single button, the light bleeds in such a way that any button below it may appear illuminated too. Next... the USB cord is not detachable. While this shouldn't be a problem for more permanent installations, it might be a bit of a nuisance if the unit needs to be frequently moved (as is the case with my setup). Finally, the labeling utility is only available for PC. Being Mac-centric, I find this to be quite inconvenient. Though I have a PC, the labeling utility will only work if the unit is connected to it. This means I have to dedicate time to programming the labels rather than being able to do it on a more casual schedule while I continue to work on my Mac.Critiques aside, between the great feel of this unit, extensive programmability and great customer support, I don't hesitate to recommend this unit if you need to pack a whole lot of functionality into a compact surface area.

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, thealignment 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.

I am extremely satisfied with this product, the build quality is excellent and the programming software is flexible and easy to use. I love the design of the key with the removable key caps to allow for easy application of legends and the interchangeable keys make it easy to create custom layout. I am equally happy with the vendor, the customer service is excellent, there was a MINOR mix up with my shipment and they not only responded quickly but they exceeded my expectations in resolving my concern and making sure I was satisfied, I highly recommend Xkeys keyboards and PI Engineering, I will buy from this vendor again.

May be a little on the expensive side but is a great piece of kit. Was bought to work with lighting control software to give me quick access to programming. Very easy to set up and also after a quick look at the webpage about led backlights got it working just how I wanted. Very useful in hardware mode as it then stores the keys/macros/shortcuts in the unit so you do not have to have the software on a computer. With the software running however you do get more options like text strings etc. to set to your keys.

Expensive, but very useful. Works on Apple Mac.