I bought the x-keys pro, and it's collecting dust. As an ESDF user I found my hand to be REALLY uncomfortable on the xkeys pro since it only has 4 columns in the center of the pad. I couldn't use it as a keyboard replacement, and I hate moving my hand off my movement keys. If it had 5 columns in the center i'm sure i'd use it. One thing I've considered but havent' taken the time to do, is rotate the xkeys pro 90degrees so I do have more columns. If I try it i'll post about how it worked out.
I have the same unit and I love the technology, the device is a little more than awkward. The xkeys-pro is quite big, the keys are square and blocky, it has a large footprint and doesn't snug very well with other desktop components. It's definitely not a ergonomic pad, but rather an industrial controller that would share the workload with a keyboard or replace a keyboard in a "command center" or something.

I have mine under my keyboard and tilted upward, only the block of 18 keys are exposed above my keyboard's function keys. I have a keyboard that is pretty slim where the keyboard edge begins just after the keys and its fits pretty well. So in the end its somewhat like an x-stick would be.
The x-keys footpedal that I purchased gets used all the time. I highly recommend one of those.
How durable is the foot pedal? Can you describe the device, I would think myself smashing it accidentally I fear in an epic "oh noes!" moment.