XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 Wireless Shortcut Keyboard - Compact Dial

In this review of the XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 the bottom line is simple: creatives who want a compact, programmable control pad with a tactile dial will find it a useful time saver. The ACK05 earns that recommendation with a versatile set of connection options and a surprisingly long battery life, so it is suited to people who move between a studio desk and a laptop on the go. The review highlights how customization, anti-ghosting, and an ergonomic layout make everyday editing and drawing tasks noticeably faster.

Key Features

• Wireless Connection: Bluetooth 5.0, an included Bluetooth dongle, and USB cable provide three ways to connect for stable transmission in different work scenarios.
• Compact Size: The thin profile and 75 g weight make the remote comfortable to hold in one hand and easy to tuck into a bag for portable use.
• Large Battery: A built-in 1000 mAh battery delivers long run time of roughly 300 hours, reducing the need for frequent charging between sessions.
• Customizable Shortcuts: Ten physical keys with four programmable sets allow up to forty shortcuts, letting users switch profiles quickly for different apps.
• Dial Control: The mechanical dial with audible clicks supports precise adjustments like zoom, rotate, and brush size changes for creative work.
• Anti-Ghosting: All ten keys use anti-ghosting technology so multiple simultaneous presses register reliably during fast workflows.

Who It's For

The XPPen ACK05 is best for digital artists, photo and video editors, and designers who want a compact, programmable controller to reduce repetitive keyboard shortcuts. It suits people who switch between Windows, Mac, or Linux and who appreciate a tactile dial and physical keys for fine control.

Users who need a full-size keyboard replacement or extensive macro layers beyond four sets may want a different device. Also, those who prefer wired-only, plug-and-play simplicity without installing drivers should consider alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, dongle, and USB cable makes it adaptable to many setups.
• Lightweight, portable design and long battery life keep it ready for extended sessions.
• Strong customization options let users create up to forty shortcuts across four sets for different applications.
• Dial and anti-ghosting keys provide precise control and reliable multi-key input.

Cons

• Bluetooth pairing behavior receives mixed feedback, so connection experience may vary by system and environment.
• Ten-key layout and four sets limit total physical controls compared with larger controllers preferred by heavy macro users.

Specifications

Product type	Wireless shortcut keyboard with dial
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth dongle, USB cable
Battery	1000 mAh; approx 300 hours continuous use
Weight	75 g
Programmable keys	10 keys, 4 sets (up to 40 shortcuts)
Compatibility	Windows, Mac OS, Linux; works with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, CAD and others

Our Verdict

The XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 is a compact, well thought out shortcut remote that offers real productivity gains for illustrators and editors who need quick access to common commands. Its multiple connection modes, long battery life, and customizable keys deliver strong value for users who want a portable control surface, while those needing many more physical controls should consider larger devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shortcuts can I program?
You can program ten keys across four sets for up to forty shortcuts via the driver.

What connection options are available?
The device supports Bluetooth 5.0, an included Bluetooth dongle, and a USB cable for wired use.

Will it work with my editing software?
Yes, it is compatible with common creative apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, CAD, and other software that accepts keyboard shortcuts.