Custom Keyboard for Hotkeys

[JasonH 47]

I've been using this customizable keyboard from X-keys for a couple weeks now and love it. I only have 9 hotkeys so far (4 for long positions, 4 for shorts, and 1 panic button) but even that was kind of a pain. I always had trouble remembering which ones used CTRL, which used ALT, etc. With these customizable keyboards you can program the buttons to execute anything you want, including DAS Trader or other platform hotkeys. It's very easy to setup.

It has pre-printed labels for the buttons and also a whole sheet of blank labels for you to print or write on. They aren't sticky so you don't have to worry about changing your mind later. I admit these keyboards are a bit pricey (the 24-key i purchased is $150), but well worth it to me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MB780E

(Although this post may sound like an advertisement, that is not an affiliate link or anything lol)

 

 

 

Update after using Stream Deck for a couple days-

It's a great device but I'll be going back to the X-Keys device. The X-keys mechanical switches are a lot more reliable than the buttons on Stream Deck for trading. Hitting the buttons on the Stream Deck is not as 'true' as the mechanical keyboard. Hitting a button on Stream Deck would accidentally trigger the hotkey twice or not at all. This happened quite frequently for me in two days, and I don't recall it ever happening with the X-Keys.

I might hold on to the Stream Deck just because it's a cool device, but I definitely prefer the reliability of the X-keys for trading.

 

 

Edited March 27, 2020 by Jason

[Justin 264]

That's great Jason! It's a more button alternative to the Stream Deck (link) for the same price.

Although I guess the benefit of the Stream Deck are the buttons are mini screens that you can customize to anything. You might consider it if you only use 9 buttons - I know a few members here have posted some pretty cool button images for it.

(Also not an advertisement or affiliate as I don't even use one :P)

[JasonH 47]

27 minutes ago, Justin said:

That's great Jason! It's a more button alternative to the Stream Deck (link) for the same price.

Although I guess the benefit of the Stream Deck are the buttons are mini screens that you can customize to anything. You might consider it if you only use 9 buttons - I know a few members here have posted some pretty cool button images for it.

(Also not an advertisement or affiliate as I don't even use one :P)

Oh man, I'm an avid Twitch viewer so I knew about Stream Deck but never thought to use it for trading hotkeys! I really wish I had because I totally would've used one of those instead of the X-keys 😞 lol I think I'm still within my return window so I think I'll switch!

[Justin 264]

2 hours ago, Jason said:

Oh man, I'm an avid Twitch viewer so I knew about Stream Deck but never thought to use it for trading hotkeys! I really wish I had because I totally would've used one of those instead of the X-keys 😞 lol I think I'm still within my return window so I think I'll switch!

I didn't want to say return it... In case you were really attached to your purchase... but... return it! 🤣

Best part is that even if you utilize more keys than available you can assign one key to act as a sub-folder, technically enabling unlimited amount of keys!

Here is the main thread on it - Kyle even posted his amazing custom hotkey images that you can use.

 

[JasonH 47]

Update after using Stream Deck for a couple days-

It's a great device but I'll be going back to the X-Keys device on Monday. The X-keys mechanical switches are a lot more reliable than the buttons on Stream Deck for trading. Hitting the buttons on the Stream Deck is not as 'true' as the mechanical keyboard. Hitting a button on Stream Deck would accidentally trigger the hotkey twice or not at all. This happened quite frequently for me in two days, and I don't recall it ever happening with the X-Keys.

I might hold on to the Stream Deck just because it's a cool device, but I definitely prefer the reliability of the X-keys for trading.

[Justin 264]

1 hour ago, Jason said:

Update after using Stream Deck for a couple days-

It's a great device but I'll be going back to the X-Keys device on Monday. The X-keys mechanical switches are a lot more reliable than the buttons on Stream Deck for trading. Hitting the buttons on the Stream Deck is not as 'true' as the mechanical keyboard. Hitting a button on Stream Deck would accidentally trigger the hotkey twice or not at all. This happened quite frequently for me in two days, and I don't recall it ever happening with the X-Keys.

I might hold on to the Stream Deck just because it's a cool device, but I definitely prefer the reliability of the X-keys for trading.

It's not mechanical?!

I'm definitely like you Jason, mechanical for life 😛

New year end goal: Custom build a mechanical keyboard with oled key caps 😁

[Warren J 0]

Hello, I just bought the X-Key but I can't figure out how to program it.  It think I'M doing it right, but it doesn't activate in DAS.  If I put the curser in Word and  hit the button, it spits out the script exactly like I programmed, but it types it 3 times in a row.

Can anyone help?

[JasonH 47]

2 minutes ago, buford7 said:

Hello, I just bought the X-Key but I can't figure out how to program it.  It think I'M doing it right, but it doesn't activate in DAS.  If I put the curser in Word and  hit the button, it spits out the script exactly like I programmed, but it types it 3 times in a row.

Can anyone help?

Download Macroworks from xkeys website. Assign hotkey like “alt ctrl 1” in DAS. Use macroworks to assign “alt ctrl 1” keystrokes macro to an xkeys button. 

[Warren J 0]

Thank You, Got it working!