Programming Software for X-keys
Programming X-keys
Windows Options
Macroworks
Full-featured software for creating application-specific macros, shortcuts, and advanced functions.
Program with Software Mode or Hardware Mode.
X-keys Basic Setup
Lightweight tool ideal for hardware mode programming and batch duplication—great for integrators.
Program with Hardware Mode & save directly to the device.
Programming X-keys
Mac Options
X-Keys Mac App
Program your X-keys in hardware mode on macOS with a simple, native app from the App Store.
Program with Hardware Mode & save directly to the device.
Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macOS automation tool where X-keys support is built-in.
Note: This is third-party software available via paid license, not developed by X-keys. It’s a great option for Mac users who want full control over automations beyond simple key programming.
Programming X-keys
Browser-Based Options
X-keys Web App
No download required. Use this online app to program X-keys in hardware mode directly from Chrome.
Program with Hardware Mode & save directly to the device.
Note: this is for Chrome Browsers.
Programming options:
Whats the difference?
Hardware mode
Hardware Mode saves your programming directly to the X-keys device. After setup, no software is needed—just plug it in and it works like a USB keyboard or mouse. It’s great for using X-keys on any system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, or even Raspberry Pi.
Can be programmed using any Software Options.
Software Mode
Software Mode can lets you create advanced functions like opening programs, running scripts, or setting up keys that work differently in different applications. Your programming is stored on the computer and needs MacroWorks installed and running.
Can only be used with MacroWorks Software.
Developer Tools
Software Development Kits (SDKs)
Windows
All X-keys USB devices follow the standard HID protocol and can communicate directly with your application. Our Windows SDK supports all currently shipping X-keys models and includes example code in:
- C#
- C++
- Visual Basic
Use this SDK to read key states, control backlighting, and fully customize device interaction.
MacOS
A complete Xcode workspace is included, featuring two projects: one for a viewer application and another for the X-keys framework. Developers can access real-time key states, control lighting, and build native Mac applications that support X-keys devices.
Android
Explore our sample Android applications (with full source code) created using Eclipse IDE. These examples demonstrate how to communicate with X-keys on Android platforms.
Linux
Our open-source Linux SDK provides full support for reading key states and controls on X-keys devices. It includes a clean GUI example and is maintained by Linux HID expert Alan Ott.
This is a great starting point for developing custom applications or services on Linux platforms.
All X-keys USB devices follow the standard HID protocol and can communicate directly with your application. Our Windows SDK supports all currently shipping X-keys models and includes example code in:
- C#
- C++
- Visual Basic
Use this SDK to read key states, control backlighting, and fully customize device interaction.
A complete Xcode workspace is included, featuring two projects: one for a viewer application and another for the X-keys framework. Developers can access real-time key states, control lighting, and build native Mac applications that support X-keys devices.
Explore our sample Android applications (with full source code) created using Eclipse IDE. These examples demonstrate how to communicate with X-keys on Android platforms.
Our open-source Linux SDK provides full support for reading key states and controls on X-keys devices. It includes a clean GUI example and is maintained by Linux HID expert Alan Ott.
This is a great starting point for developing custom applications or services on Linux platforms.
HID Data reports
For advanced developers, we provide documentation on HID Data Reports—the raw USB messages used to communicate between X-keys and the host OS. These reports cover both input (device to OS) and output (OS to device) communications, and follow the HID Consumer Page standard.
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