X-keysUSB Jog & Shuttle Control for Editing or Instant Replay (68 Key, XK-68 JGS)

I had been wanting to add some macro keys to my Premiere editing workflow to iron out some things that bug me. I came to realize that adding an additional device to my desk would create too much travel for whatever tasks I was going to assign to it. That’s when I found the X-Keys 68.I reached out to tech support to see if it would even be usable since I remote control an editing pc for my daily work, and since it mimics keyboard commands the answer was yes.Not having used a jog shuttle before, I wasn’t sure it would be for me, but because it was made for editing I thought I should give it a shot.So, while it took almost a week to really figure out where I wanted everything to be, what commands I wanted grouped into macros and also to retrain my brain to know where most of my keys are now, this has replaced my keyboard for editing tasks. I DO like the jog shuttle because it allows my thumb to control playback which frees up my JKL fingers to always be on my old secondary buttons (mark in, mark out, and zoom timeline in and out). This brings all of my commonly used commands closer overall.There are definitely a few negatives though. While the device seems very well built, I wish it could be more modern. I’ve become very used to modern keyboard keys with their tiny travel, but the X-Keys keys feel more like industrial equipment buttons from the last century. And speaking of last century, it feels like their software was developed for Windows 3.1. Anyone with programming experience from that era will feel right at home customizing their X-Keys, but anyone else is likely to be quite confused.I was also surprised that I had to use the X-Keys in hardware mode for them to work properly on the remote machine. I thought that the software running on my local machine would be able to send the commands to the remote machine, but that didn’t end up being the case (probably more of an issue with the remote software my company uses) so I’m unable to do some of the more advanced things. That’s probably for the best because next time I go into an edit bay to work it’ll be much easier to simply plug-in my preprogrammed X-68 than to have to install software on a new machine.

i am a film editor and this piece of kit has been amazing for me. Initially a little head bending to programme but the tech staff were quick and efficient in putting me straight. It hs completely changed my workflow for the better, i no longer have aching wrists on occasion from awkward keyboard twists, as i re train myself to use it more and better i can only think it's going to get better and better. The only reason not to give 5 stars is that it's early days so can't vouch for how mell it'll stand up to heavy daily usage, otherwise can't recommend enough

I recommend this for designer/programmers of all sorts, it is cheap and effective. I personally use it for Photoshop. The only thing that I find lacking about this product is it's tedious and un-intuitive software, which requires some familiarity with before you start programming its keys. Overall I am happy with this product as it trains your skills in deciding where to put buttons for functions of your software and that can be challenging and engaging. I would have been just as happy with a less amount of keys, because programming and remembering which keys change in which program (the macros can be software specific) would be less of a hassle, and perhaps someday I would use it for 4 different programs (having made legends that can be split into four color coded parts).

I am a web designer and needed a fast solution for 1 touch keys for my various programs that I use, such as Photoshop. Very easy to use with the downloadable software.

Works as expected, but it is expensive.