Genovation ControlPad CP24 USB HID

I was a little hesitant to buy this for the price, but after using it for about a week now, it was well worth it. I came across this product while in search for a num pad that had a tab key. I input a lot of numerical data and have to tab between fields, so figured having a tab key nearby would be handy. I seen this and seen a lot more potential for my data entry than just having a tab key. Installation was a breeze. Windows 7 detected the keyboard and installed the driver automatically. It comes with a disc, but I download the latest version of the software from the website. The software is intuitive and simple to use. I didn't create any complex macros, so I can speak as to how difficult that is and I don't think you can record mouse clicks either, but for my purpose of creating the shortcut keys to switch between different tools, it was simple and required no learning curve. The quality is nice. It just feels like a great mechanical keyboard. The keys come off easily with the included key puller so that you can more easily remove the clear caps to put your own labels on the keys. I did put rubber O ring dampers on the keys as well to dampen the clicking sound, but this was more for the sake of my coworkers. It also comes with 6 extra keys, three that are normal size and three that are double size if you prefer to use those for some keys. The software includes a bitmap and pdf template for designing your own keys. I didn't use it and instead created my own in Photoshop. The area for the label measures 11mm by 13mm. I used a black background with a white font and printed them on glossy photo paper. They came out looking super professional. I may end up purchasing a 48 key pad in the future as the possibilities are endless for programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. I purchased this for mapping using ArcGIS. The data I input is coordinate geometry from deeds and surveys. I set the first layer up as a regular num pad for the most part, but with a tab key and some other useful shortcuts. The second layer is setup with shortcuts for tools I use for editing vector data on the maps. So far, I do not regret this purchase. It turned out to be worth the price in increased productivity.

I'm actually reviewing two products at once: - Genovation ControlPad CP24 USB HID - X-keys Programmable Keypads and Keyboards (24 Key, XK-24) I'm doing this because they are an apples-to-apples comparison and I ordered both so I could determine which one I liked better. I'm not going to tell you which one I picked because I believe they are so close to each other, it would be unfair. Here are the PROS that apply to both: - Good build quality. They're both hefty enough to feel like they're built well - Good compatibility. Immediately detected by Windows (10) and set up with zero issues - Good software. They both come with easy-to-use macro software Regarding the Genovation product: PROS: - Mechanical keys that feel wonderful - Very 'tight' build. The keys are symmetric and look very nice - At the time of this review, cost about $50 less than X-Keys CONS: - The description is a little disingenuous regarding the "programmable LED". It is literally a single LED. I read it as "programmable LEDs" meaning the keys light up. They don't. - No backlit keys, which to me is important. - Not nearly as feature-rich as the X-Keys when it comes to labeling Regarding the X-Key product: PROS: - Tremendous flexibility with labeling, including custom keys and labels (additional charge) - Backlit keys - Extremely friendly and responsive support. I sent an email asking about the custom options and received a response within minutes. - Small business. They're a small company (maybe Genovation is, too) and I like supporting small businesses. CONS: - Backlit keys are only programmable to two colors - Keys are membrane and not mechanical, so the don't feel as reponsive - Build quality isn't quite as "tight" as Genovation - a couple of keys were a little crooked - At the time of this review, cost $50 more than the Genovation product I believe either purchase is worth it and both are good products. I rated them both at 4 stars so as not to give away which one I went with. I knocked off a star on the Genovation for not being as feature-rich as the X-Keys, and I knocked off a star on the X-Keys for not having mechanical keys and for very slightly inferior build quality.

I can't begin to tell you what kind of amazing time saver this programmable keypad is for a web developer that types the same element tags over and over (like p and <div>, etc>.) Now I have a single key programmed to give me a full tag or part of a tag or any combination with one keystroke. This product makes me giddy and I can't remember the last time a tech product made me giddy. Installation could not be any easier. Literally it's plug and play. Simply install the included software to program the keys which is simple in operation and does a great job. The software allows you to save the keys to a file which you can update or change anytime. Changing a key's programming is as easy as updating the key in the software and downloading it to the keypad, which takes about 10-15 seconds depending on how many keys you've programmed. You can easily program a large number of keystrokes in succession including special keys on your keyboard easily and then save them to a key on the keypad and it simply works without hassle. Super time saver for web developers as I"m sure for gamers and other typing intensive jobs. The keys are top notch mechanical and the box is sturdy. This is a great product. FYI, I plugged this into a Windows 10 Pro machine and it instantly worked. Comes with a few extra keys, a key-label template so you can print or make your own key labels and a key puller to make pulling the key caps off very easy. One last thing I will mention. The shipping speed from Amazon is in the 'unbelievable' range these days. I ordered on Wednesday afternoon and had it Thursday afternoon. How? I have no idea. Thanks Amazon. Amazing job.