Controlpad Cp48 Usb Hid - Cable Connectivity - Usb Interface - 48 Key - Compatible With Computer - Programmable Hot Key[s] - Mechanical - Black

This is the alternative to the x-keys. $100 cheaper. No led on keys Pros: Mechanical keys (like mx black) no click $100+ cheaper. User friendly software Plug and play ready Comes with extra keys easy to work with Doesn't take up space Cons: not may cons for what your getting. No backlight (LED) on keys. software can use an update. Over all a great product. Almost bought the x-keys just for the LED on keys but for extra $100, I can deal without it =] The build isn't the strongest but also not the weakest. If you are not transporting it on a daily, most likely this keypad will last a long time. An if you do transport just put in a soft case or something. It should be fine. Now the only thing I dislike about the software is that you can't macro mouse clicks. I would be really convenient to add mouse options to a key or 2. When on photoshop I keep one hand on the pad and the other hand on the pen. when I used to use my nostromo n52, I would assign left click and right click to keys. It really made my workflow a lot faster. Alternatively you can use CTRL+ALT+Shift+ Num lock button to pull up num pad to be used for mouse functions. But its only a left click and can not hold 5 down and drag. So hopefully they can do an upgrade on their software and add mouse options to a key.

A little cheaper, but just as effective. Instead of having screens for buttons, each keycap allows for a bit of paper to be inserted to identify. I printed black on different colored paper for an easy and quick labeling, but you could print full color, too. Note that different units may have slightly different keycaps. I bought two units with different style caps, but that actually was great because I could mix and match them to give both a visual and tactile cue to different buttons. I use them for a vMix installation, and can tie in the keys to whatever keyboard key I want. NOTE: while I have two of these, you are limited to the number of actual keys available to the system. The software works reliably, however, there are some key differences that aren't recognized, for instance, numpad numbers vs. top row numbers. This may be because the keyboard I have connected to the system doesn't have a keypad. You will want to test this if you need to use that many keys.

The Genovation ControlPad CP48 is an AWESOME and invaluable tool to increase productivity in any sort of apps in which you can use Macros or keyboard shortcuts. Photoshop & graphic design, Premiere Pro, After Effects & video editing, even spreadsheets! This pad has helped out my productivity in Google Docs workflow as well as my video production. The software is a little tricky to figure out, but once you learn it, you have 48 (plus a second layer) keys at your disposal to expand your capabilities. I've set up macros to automatically apply presets in Premiere and Photoshop, as well as automatically format and paste information in Google Docs. The translucent keycaps mean you can print off custom key labels. It's hard to fit good information within the small key, but it works well enough! Do note: Think about what you need - the average user may only need their 24-key version!

Love it. Except the replacement cable is $26.00. And a typical USB to RJ45 cable doesn't work.

I am really surprised that Cherry MX keys would stick. Returned for refund Replaced with Genovation KB170L Keyboard.

keys much smaller than you may think, but it's ok

works great

Keys don't feel very solid. After 1.5 months of use the two keys used most often (as much as 50 times/day) have become intermittent. Since I use all 96 slots this makes the whole keyboard useless to me. I requested a return but it's out of Amazon's return window. They forwarded the return request to seller but after 4 days I have heard nothing. Will update this review if/when things change. Edit: Genovation "repaired unit" although I had to pay return shipping. Then, about 3.5 months later, same problem, with one of the same keys. This is junk if you are going to use it for more than a couple of keypresses a day.