This Review Is For X-Keys XK-24 Programmable Key Pad
By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-02-19
This review is for the X-Keys XK-24 Programmable Keypad manufactured by P.I. Engineering. It has 24 programmable keys, which can be individually assigned to emulate HID keyboard, HID mouse, HID game controller, and HID multimedia inputs as well as scripts to automate user defined tasks. It has two modes. A Hardware Mode which allows emulating keyboard, mouse, controller, and multimedia inputs, and a Software Mode that can also perform more complex scripts.
When in Hardware Mode, the key assignments are stored directly in the unit, therefore, it can be programmed and operated as a stand-alone unit that doesn’t need any software running in the background. It allows emulating HID keyboard, HID mouse, HID game controller, and HID multimedia inputs. When in Software Mode, the key assignments and script programming is stored in a file on the host computer and necessitates background software to be running.
Each key has two backlighting colors, red and blue, that can be turned on or off individually. With both colors turned on, the result is a shade of magenta. I like the option of having three color options per key. Four, if you count off as a color.
I installed the Microworks 3.1 application downloaded from the manufacture's web site. It is a little buggy. Not sure if it was just me, but it crashed several times while using the program. This program allows the user to select either the Hardware Mode or Software Mode, starts at Windows Logon, and continually runs in the background (both in Hardware and Software Mode).
I then installed the X-Keys Basic Setup 1.0.4.5 Application, also downloaded from the manufacture's web site. This program only allows the unit to be programmed in Hardware Mode and has a much simpler user interface. It also only allows emulation of the keyboard, mouse, game controller, and multimedia inputs. It does not allow the creation of complex scripts. As mentioned above, it stores the key assignments directly in the unit’s memory (no software running in the background). I prefer this program because I don’t need scripting, just the basic emulation functions and the user interface is, in my opinion, much better. I also downloaded the stand-alone Backlight Utility.
I highly recommend this product as it looks well built, and functions without flaw. The manufacture has key templates on their web site that I used to print custom labels. I even created my own Backlight Mask to help the red and blue light from bleeding into the adjacent keys.
Great Customizable keypad, make it do anything you want
By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-31
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.
