Reddit reviews X-keys Programmable Keypads and Keyboards (24 Key, XK-24)
We found 7 Reddit comments about X-keys Programmable Keypads and Keyboards (24 Key, XK-24). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Includes programming software for Windows. MAC and Linux users will need to program the device in HW mode on a Windows 7/8/10. Once programmed the macros are stored on the device’s MCU, the unit can then be brought over to a computer running MAC/Linux for use.Blue and red addressable backlighting for each keyWired USB connection (1.0 and up)Suitable for handheld, desktop, or mounted useRelegendable keycaps for instant customization
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O1ASXKO
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MB780E/
DIY is not difficult, and in this case, may be cheaper than buying. The hardest part is finding / building a proper enclosure.
I did find this thing but it's expensive, and probably not what you're looking for.
I also found a bunch of nostromo clones by Googling "gaming keypad" but nothing generic like you're describing
https://www.amazon.com/X-keys-Programmable-Keypads-Keyboards-XK-60/dp/B003MB780E?th=1
something like this
http://www.dnamusiclabs.com/hotkey-matrix
If that's too pricey, you can find programmable USB keypads for relatively cheap. (examples: https://www.amazon.com/XK-24-USB-Programmable-Keypad-Windows/dp/B003MB780E , http://www.ebay.com/itm/SANWA-SUPPLY-programmable-numeric-keypad-NT-19UH2BK-from-Japan-/151565799700)
So far the controller scheme looks like the RIO uses a joystick to control the radar cursor, so for that any stick like device would do you, like an xbox controller, joypad, whatever.
However, I cannot overstate the sheer amount of mechanical buttons a RIO will have to interface with. Most people have trained on the hog or hornet, which has DDI's, all the functions on the DDI's in the hornet are entirely separate control panels in the tomcat. I would suggest strongly that if someone wants to be a dedicated RIO, it would be a good future investment either making a button box (there's plenty of tutorials) or buy one of the many from amazon, (or this thing from razor), just to have some common controls physically in front of you, (such as the countermeasure thumb stick on the grab bar, and the radar mode selection buttons).
If all you want is pictures, but don't need them to change, you could also get something like the Xkeys or just build a numpad with the relegendable keycaps. Just print out the pictures you want, and stick them in!
http://www.maxkeyboard.com/max-falcon-8-custom-programmable-mini-macropad-mechanical-keyboard-assembled.html
https://www.amazon.com/XK-24-USB-Programmable-Keypad-Windows/dp/B003MB780E
https://www.amazon.com/Genovation-Controlpad-CP24-Keypad-CP24-USBHID/dp/B00O1ASXKO
http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-a-powerful-programmable-keypad-for-less-tha/