




X-keys® XK-12 Touchpad
This product is obsolete, we no longer make this product. This page is for if you own a old unit.
Features
- USB touchpad with X Y mouse control and tap to click
- Supports keyboard macros, mouse, and game controller buttons
- Free SDK offer full access to raw positioning data
- Individual addressable backlighting under each key
- Suitable for desktop, mounted, or hand held use
Accurate, reliable mouse control for situations where a mouse in not practical. Great for mobile or hand held applications.
The full travel keys have the same feel as a standard keyboard and angled feet give the unit a slight tilt for better viewing of the key legends. Blue and red addressable backlighting enhances key identification in low light environments.
Operating System |
Use: Any OS via USB HID | Programming: Windows XP through 8, Mac OS X 10.4 through 10.8 |
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 |
Touchpad |
2.27” (58mm) x 1.56” (40mm), tap for click option |
Switch Types |
Full-travel rubber dome, carbon on gold contacts, guaranteed for over 1 million operations |
Number of Keys |
12 single keys + 1 programming button |
Actuation Force |
Approx. 2.5 oz (72g) break-over, approx. 1.5 oz (42g) hold |
Keycaps |
0.625” (16mm) sq.; relegendable with Cherry MX compatible stem |
Key Spacing |
0.75" O.C. |
Optional Keys |
2X1, 1X2, 2X2, abd 1X1 blocker |
Backlighting |
1 blue and 1 red addressable LED under each key |
Connector |
Wired USB 2.0 standard “A” plug |
Cord Length |
56” (1.42 m) |
Dimensions |
5.8” x 3.8” x 0.94” (147mm x 97mm x 24mm) |
Weight |
10 oz. (285 g) |
USB type |
USB 1.1 compatible through 3.0 |
Power Source |
USB port, nominal voltage = 5 VDC |
Current Draw |
NO backlight: 18 mA , Blue backlight full: 38 mA, Red backlight full: 57 mA, All backlights: 75 mA |
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-12 Touchpad DD.pdf
Sketchup 3D Model
We offer this Sketchup model as a 3D rendering of the XK-12 Touchpad for viewing or planning purposes. Dimensions and details of the model, while reasonably accurate, should not be used for critical specifications.
View or download this model in Sketchup 3D Warehouse.
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
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4x6 Mounting KitIncludes two brackets and Modular Hose™ connectors.
4x6 Mounting Bracket OnlyOne mounting plate with screws to attach an X-keys.
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Keycaps and Key Blockers
Tall, wide, quad and colored keys for your X-keys. Transparent keys enhance backlighting.
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 (tech@xkeys.com). 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
- Windows
- Google Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Dreamweaver
The X-keys Touchpad can control any software. Here are a few examples.
Industries
- Assistive Technology
- First Responder Dispatch
- Remote Sensing
- Security Monitoring
Examples of X-keys working in studios, labs, and offices in the real world