X-keys Programmable Keypads and Keyboards (128 Keys, XKE-128) Made in USA

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.

Just got these in the mail and came with everything you need to start your journey! I cant wait to program all these keys! The case is a hard metal which gives it a great feel and the keys function nicely! Great product and look forward to using it well into the future!

The metal chassis is an excellent improvement over the plastic chassis found on other X-Keys panels. The unit has a solid feel and allows me to play much more confidence in the long-term operator on the unit than the smaller plastic panels. The included feet to elevate the rear of the panel are also very useful. Unfortunately, the backlight bleed is still quite an issue. It can be rather difficult to distinguish which keys are illuminated if you are in a normally lit environment as it tends to bleed into the surrounding keys. The key caps also have a tendency to pop off occasionally which degrades the use experience quite a bit. TIP: If your application relies on backlight keys, print your labels on overhead-transparency sheets to allow the light to more easily pass through.

Using this as a smaller custom switcher panel for a TriCaster 860. Works well and more portable than the actual 860 control surface.

Beyond expectations. Fully programmable. Advanced support answers the phone directly.

This is a first class professional controller. Impressed with every aspect of the device - from materials and construction to overall design.