Palette Expert Kit

[VSG]

Palette is a startup that aims to elevate the current standard of human-computer interaction. Their modular controllers based off the MIDI standard use a combination of buttons, dials, and sliders to lower workflow time for content creators. The PaletteApp driver helps with built-in support for over 15 popular programs from Adobe and others, and profile support enables quick changes in functionality for individual modules.

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[Jetster]

Looks like a great Idea. I just need a reason to use it

 

[VSG]

Looks like a great Idea. I just need a reason to use it

I have been finding so many ways now, it's a lazy man's dream in addition to the content creator

 

[Frick]

Nice stuff, thanks! One question (I can't watch the videos, it might have been answered there): can you create macros for the keys?

 

[VSG]

Nice stuff, thanks! One question (I can't watch the videos, it might have been answered there): can you create macros for the keys?

Unless they are already defined as functions or a single letter/number with a modifier, then no. For example, you can use the buttons or dials to open a new tab in Chrome either using keyboard mode with CTRL modifier + T or use one of the assigned functions already. But you can't create custom macros that need more than one alphanumeric character together.

When you say you can't watch the videos, is it because you are at work/on your phone or do the videos not show up for you? Just making sure.

 

[Chaitanya]

Unless they are already defined as functions or a single letter/number with a modifier, then no. For example, you can use the buttons or dials to open a new tab in Chrome either using keyboard mode with CTRL modifier + T or use one of the assigned functions already. But you can't create custom macros that need more than one alphanumeric character together.

When you say you can't watch the videos, is it because you are at work/on your phone or do the videos not show up for you? Just making sure.

So basically unlike "gaming" keyboard with banks of macro keys it cannot be used to create custom input macro.

 

[Frick]

Unless they are already defined as functions or a single letter/number with a modifier, then no. For example, you can use the buttons or dials to open a new tab in Chrome either using keyboard mode with CTRL modifier + T or use one of the assigned functions already. But you can't create custom macros that need more than one alphanumeric character together.

When you say you can't watch the videos, is it because you are at work/on your phone or do the videos not show up for you? Just making sure.

Limited data.

As for the macros, the reason I'm asking is because my only experience with anything even remotely similar is Xkeys Sticks, which can do a whole lot of things anywhere (global or certain .exes). These things seem a bit limited to me, but different markets I guess.

 

[erixx]

This could be nice for flight sims, and maybe F1 ; )

Excellent review of a very special part, quite unique!

As a sidenote: I don't know what a motorized slider might be... One that moves up and down by itself?

 

[notb]

Palette was on Kickstarter in 2013. In 2015 in got mainstream enough that it was covered by most mayor photography websites and leading blogers.
When exactly does a company stop being a startup?

As for the Palette itself:
- the cable is not short by any means - this is designed primarily for notebook users,
- it's in fact well built and actually a bit bigger than people expect,
- IMO motorized sliders are almost essential for this to be really easy to use, but they are relatively expensive to make, so we'll see....
- I'd prefer this to be wireless and separable (to work with both hands). I'm not sure if you can use 2 sets at the same time (via 2 core modules).

Generally speaking, while Palette is very nice visually and pretty universal, there are better alternatives for particular needs.
Loupedeck is a lot more functional and easier to use in Adobe Lightroom (and cheaper).
There are also many solutions for audio editing (e.g. Livid Instruments).

As a sidenote: I don't know what a motorized slider might be... One that moves up and down by itself?

Yes, one that moves and fully replicates what happens in software. This has been a standard solution in pro gear (usually audio mixers) for decades.
So if you change brightness in photo editing software, the physical slider would adjust the position automatically. If you hit "reset" or "auto" in the software, everything would setup by itself as well.
Without motors, sliders need recalibrating all the time.