7 Best Drawing Tablet Remote Controls For Shortcuts

Digital illustration has become as essential to modern knitwear designers as a reliable set of interchangeable needles or a trusty digital scale for weighing yarn leftovers. Just as the wrong needle material can turn a lace project into a frustrating chore, using a keyboard for every pattern adjustment creates physical strain that interrupts the creative flow. The right remote control acts as an extension of the designer’s hand, streamlining complex tasks like color grading or chart rendering. Investing in one of these tools allows for a seamless transition between complex digital drafting and the tactile joy of knitting.

Xencelabs Quick Keys: The Professional’s Choice

The Xencelabs Quick Keys excels by offering an integrated OLED display that keeps track of function assignments in real time. For designers mapping intricate Fair Isle charts or managing multi-layered patterns, this visual clarity is invaluable.

The build quality mirrors the precision required when working with fine-gauge lace or delicate silk-mohair blends. Having the ability to customize keys ensures that commands like “zoom to fit” or “undo” are always at the fingertips without breaking concentration.

This device is ideal for those who spend hours in professional software suites. If the workspace is cluttered with reference sketches and technical notes, the compact, sturdy nature of the remote keeps the desktop manageable.

TourBox NEO: Ultimate Creative Software Controller

The TourBox NEO is designed for tactile feedback, much like the rhythmic clicking of wooden needles during a long project. Its distinct buttons and dials allow for blind navigation, meaning the eyes can remain glued to the design rather than the controller.

It shines when performing repetitive tasks like adjusting brush sizes for motif detailing or nudging elements in a complex pattern layout. The weight and ergonomics provide a sense of stability, preventing the device from sliding during intense design sessions.

While it lacks a screen, the haptic variety allows for rapid muscle memory development. It represents the best choice for designers who prioritize physical feedback over visual prompts.

Wacom ExpressKey Remote: A Reliable Industry Standard

The Wacom ExpressKey remote is a seasoned veteran in the design world, offering a long-standing reputation for durability. It functions with the predictability of a classic stainless steel needle, remaining dependable even after years of daily use.

Its layout is intuitive for those already familiar with graphic tablet workflows. The inclusion of a touch ring is particularly helpful for scrolling through long pattern documents or scrubbing through digital timelines.

However, the battery life and connectivity can be sensitive to the surrounding hardware ecosystem. It remains a top-tier choice for designers who value consistency and a proven, no-nonsense interface.

Huion Keydial Mini K20: Best for Portability

For the designer who switches between home studios and remote knitting cafes, the Huion Keydial Mini K20 offers a streamlined solution. It is light enough to toss into a project bag alongside a pair of interchangeable needles and a ball winder.

Despite its small footprint, it packs enough programmable keys to handle most common design commands. The dial is smooth and responsive, perfect for making fine adjustments to stitch markers or geometric repeats in a pattern.

It is a fantastic entry point for those intimidated by larger, more complex controllers. The lower barrier to entry does not sacrifice essential functionality for the average project.

Loupedeck Live S: Best for App-Specific Control

Loupedeck Live S acts as a central hub for all creative applications, utilizing a touch-screen interface that updates based on the active window. This is the equivalent of having a different toolset instantly appear when switching from a complex cable design to a simple stockinette worksheet.

The level of customization is unparalleled, allowing for the creation of complex macros that handle multi-step processes with a single tap. It is particularly powerful for those who use a mix of vector software, photo editing tools, and digital drafting programs.

While the learning curve is steeper, the payoff in efficiency is significant. It is a powerful investment for the designer who treats digital pattern creation with the same rigor as a technical knitting pattern.

Clip Studio Paint Tabmate: Ideal for Illustrators

The Tabmate is essentially a one-handed companion designed to keep the dominant hand focused on the stylus. It is compact and contoured to fit naturally in the palm, much like how a well-balanced crochet hook feels after hours of work.

It is specifically tuned for digital illustrators who need to toggle between brushes, erasers, and layers instantly. For knitwear designers focusing on the illustrative aspect of pattern covers or schematic diagrams, it provides a very natural, unobtrusive experience.

The tradeoff is its limited compatibility with non-illustration software. If the primary workflow involves intense layout design rather than drawing, other options might serve the purpose more effectively.

8BitDo Micro Controller: The Best Budget Hack

The 8BitDo Micro is a surprising, budget-friendly solution that repurposes a tiny game controller for productivity tasks. It is small enough to hold discreetly, proving that high-end equipment is not always necessary to achieve high-end results.

While it lacks the dedicated dials of more expensive units, its button layout is surprisingly comfortable. It functions perfectly for simple “undo/redo” or “switch tool” assignments that make up the bulk of pattern drafting work.

It is an excellent choice for those testing the waters of digital workflow optimization. It proves that simplicity, when executed well, is often more effective than an over-engineered interface.

How to Choose the Right Remote for Your Workflow

Selecting the right controller depends on how much time is spent in specific software versus how much time is spent on general computing. Just as you match the fiber content of your yarn to the intended use of the garment, match the complexity of the remote to the intensity of the design work.

Consider the following factors before purchasing:

• Tactile vs. Visual: Do you prefer feeling a physical click or seeing a display?
• Ergonomics: Will the size cause hand fatigue during long, marathon design sessions?
• Customization: How many distinct shortcuts are required for a typical project?
• Software Integration: Does the device sync natively with the programs being used?

Always prioritize long-term comfort over flashy features. A remote that feels cumbersome is a remote that will end up gathering dust, much like an impulse-buy yarn that just does not suit the pattern.

Setting Up Shortcuts for Pattern Design Software

Effective shortcut mapping is all about grouping related actions. When setting up a device, map the most frequently used commands—like “save,” “undo,” and “brush settings”—to the most accessible buttons.

Much like organizing a knitting station with scissors, tape measure, and stitch counters within reach, place shortcuts where they minimize hand movement. Start with the basics and expand the mapping as the workflow becomes more automatic.

Avoid over-complicating the setup early on. Let the shortcuts grow organically based on the tasks that feel the most repetitive during the design process.

Dials vs. Buttons: Which Remote Style is Best?

Dials are superior for fluid, incremental adjustments, such as modifying brush opacity or zooming in on a complex lace chart. Buttons are essential for definitive actions, like toggling visibility on a layer or switching between design modes.

If the design style leans toward intricate sketching and hand-drawn elements, a device with a dial is often the better choice. If the work is more structured, technical, and centered on geometric charts, a button-heavy layout may be more efficient.

Most designers eventually find a hybrid approach is best. Seek out devices that offer at least one programmable dial alongside a selection of tactile buttons for the best of both worlds.

The right remote control is an investment in the longevity of the design practice, protecting the hands and accelerating the path from a rough sketch to a polished pattern. Choosing between a tactile dial or a screen-integrated key set depends entirely on how the creative mind visualizes the drafting process. Ultimately, the best tool is the one that disappears into the background, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the intricate details of the design itself.