X-keys® XK-4 Stick
Four dedicated keys with addressable backlighting in a compact, low profile footprint. Also available in 8 key and 16 key versions.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- 30 day full refund return policy
- Free Warranty Extension Offer
- Free live technical support
- Questions?
Features
- Four relegendable keys
- Addressable blue backlighting for each key
- USB connection to computer or tablet
Perfect for adding a few control keys to a tight space. The XK-4 offers four programmable keys to trigger macros, shortcuts, and applications, select tools or open files or directories. The low profile, slim footprint fits nicely on a podium or under a monitor. The XK-4 provides a versatile control strip for any computer driven application.
Operating System |
Use: Any OS via USB HID | Programming: Windows XP through 10, Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.10 |
Free Programming Software |
Windows: MacroWorks 3.1 Mac: ControllerMate for X-keys |
Free Software Development Kits |
Windows (C++, C#, VB.NET)
Linux (C++) Android (Java) Raw HID (any language/OS) |
Emulation Modes |
HID keyboard, HID mouse, HID game controller |
Switch Types |
Low profile tactile, guaranteed for over 1 million operations |
Number of Keys |
16, 8, or 4 single keys, 1 programming slide switch |
Actuation Force |
Approx. 6 oz (170g) break-over, approx. 2 oz (57g) hold, audible click |
Keycaps |
0.625” (16mm) sq.; relegendable with window for backlight and square stem |
Key Spacing |
0.75" O.C. |
Backlighting |
1 blue addressable LED under each key |
Connector |
Wired USB 2.0 standard “A” plug |
Cord Length |
54” (1.3 m) |
Dimensions and Weight |
XK-16: 14.25” x 0.9”” x 0.65", (362 mm x 23 mm x 17 mm), 7 oz. (200 g)
XK-8: 8.2” x 0.9”” x 0.65", (208 mm x 23 mm x 17 mm), 4 oz (115 g) XK-4: 5.35” x 0.9”” x 0.65", (136 mm x 23 mm x 17 mm) 3 oz (85 g) |
USB type |
USB 1.1 compatible through 3.0 |
Power Source |
USB port, nominal voltage = 5 VDC |
Power Consumption |
XK-16: no backlighting: 21mA, backlighting at full intensity: 32mA
XK-8: no backlighting: 19mA, backlighting at full intensity: 28mA XK-4: no backlighting: 19mA, backlighting at full intensity: 26mA |
Temperature Range |
-20 to 60 C |
Memory Capacity |
Approximately 1,000 keystrokes or commands in onboard memory |
Memory Type |
EEPROM, non volatile memory (X-keys retains memory for over 200 years) |
Environmental Rating |
IP 40, typical indoor office environment |
Certifications |
FCC class B, CE, RoHS, WEEE compliant |
Download PDF: XK-4 DD.pdf
Sketchup 3D Model
We offer this Sketchup model as a 3D rendering of the XK-4 for viewing or planning purposes. Dimensions and details of the model, while reasonably accurate, should not be used for critical specifications.
Download a free copy of Sketchup or Sketchup Viewer here: www.sketchup.com
- Launch programs, insert Unicode, open files and directories, select tools and more
- Can write macros to X-keys memory for Hardware Mode macro programming
- Control backlighting globally or for individual keys
- Create custom scripting with Visual Basic (Software Mode only)
- Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista (32 or 64 bit) and Windows XP (32 bit only)
- Free technical support via email or phone
- More info...
MacroWorks 3.1 for Windows (free download)
- Launch programs, insert Unicode, open files and directories, select tools and more
- Control backlighting globally or for individual keys
- Create macros or execute Applescript with drag and drop building blocks
- Compatible with Mac OS X 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7 and 10.6 (64 bit)
- Free support via OrderedBytes Forum
- More info...
ControllerMate for Mac OS X (free download)
- Microsoft Visual Studio code examples in C# 2008 Express, C++ 2005, and VB.NET 2008 Express
- Read all key and control states
- Control all backlighting and indicator LEDs
- Free technical support via email or phone
- Linux SDK provides a cross platform solution for Linux, Windows, and Mac also available
P.I. Engineering SDK (free download)
- For X-keys Android devices
- Read all key and control states
- Java based
- Sets backlighting levels and states
- Free technical support via email or phone
- More info...
Android Software
Keycaps
Special keycaps for our X-keys Sticks
Key Legends
Blank legend sheets and custom printed legends
USB Extender
Extend your X-keys up to 150 feet via CAT 5 or equivalent network cable
Resources for Software Developers
P. I. Engineering offers a wide range of options for application developers. Click on any heading to learn more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, please contact us ([email protected]). We have friendly techs and engineers waiting to help you integrate X-keys into your solution.
X-keys Integration
See how to integrate your X-keys with the Hardware Mode, Software Mode with MacroWorks Software, or the Software Mode with a Custom Application.
Windows SDK
Includes comprehensive examples in C#, C++, and VB.NET for Windows desktop development in Visual Studio, as well as Java for Android development in Eclipse. Supported via phone and email during standard business hours by our technical support staff.
Linux SDK
Open source Linux support written in C++. Features code for accessing all X-keys controls and key states and includes a simple, straight forward example GUI. Written by Linux HID expert Alan Ott.
Android Samples
Assorted Eclipse projects we have created to demonstrate how to handle various input options (such as joystick and game controller button data) on Android.
HID Data Reports
Learn how to read the X-keys’ raw output and use it to integrate X-keys into your application in any language, on any HID-enabled platform.
Case Studies
See how other developers have implemented X-keys for fun and profit.
Programs
- MS Outlook
- MS Word
- Hauptwerk
- Windows
Examples of X-keys layouts to run specific applications
Real World Applications
- Guitar Effects
- Virtual Organ
- Audio Effects
- KVM Control
X-keys working in studios, labs, and elsewhere.