Keyboard with macros support from Blizzard

I thought macros are prohibited from use in Starcraft 2 multiplayer, but recently I've found a keyboard being sold by Blizzard:

http://us.blizzard.com/store/details.xml?id=1100001142

Designed specifically for Blizzard Entertainment's highly anticipated Starcraft® II Wings of Liberty™, SteelSeries introduces the StarCraft® II Limited Edition Zboard™ Keyset. The custom designed keyset features labeled game commands on each key, in-game shortcuts, and artwork from the game. The gaming experience will enhance drastically due to one-touch macros and the ability to fully customize each key. This Limited Edition Keyset is a valuable tool for StarCraft II players looking to immerse themselves in the game and improve their performance and actions per minute (APM).

What does the bolded statement mean and what macros are supported/provided by this keyboard?

Thanks a lot.

Solution 1:

I thought macros are prohibited from use in Starcraft 2 multiplayer[...] - Budda

DATELINE TARSONIS SECTOR

Reports have been coming in of Blizzard banning players.

Pros can't be reached for comment, and Noobs are holding on for their dear lives.

We have confirmed reports that users have been banned. The following is a quote from one user:

So i was banned last friday for using "Third party" hardware that creates an unfair advantage

i was using the g19 logitech keyboard.

aparently bliz has a way to find if you macro onto keyboards.

I was using it for build orders, very simple macros to pop out some units with one button instead of 2.

wtf. Merikh (Platinum Protoss)

WTF indeed.

We now go live to Connie Chung with a response to Merikh by Blizzard... Connie?

Earlier today we met up with World of Warcraft GM Taudarak and he had this to say:

Dark news for keyboarding macro users every where.

Next up: Sports! Can the Nagrand Stranglers take on the Kapulu Roughriders? More after these messages

Solution 2:

One key should be for one single action.
If not, you fool yourself and you are considered cheating…

The one-touch macros are on the right:

It can be fully customized through the use of the included SteelSeries Z Engine software, which enables macros to be dragged and dropped onto specific keys by use of the program.

For more information, refer to the SteelSeries Zboard website and a screenshot for the Zboard.

An example of the Z Engine which supports a lot of different games and Z keyboards:

Solution 3:

Depends. When user presses a key it goes to -> keyboard controller -> driver -> win (API message) -> game.

I don't know what realization did steelseries used but if macros reside on driver or even controller side then even OS cannot tell if it's user press or not

Actually many keyboard configurators / macros software work with win messages and that's how game know what happens.

edit

as you can see from description SteelSeries puts simple key remapping as 'macro'. It was really helpful before user able to edit keyboard layout in-game.
Anyway it doesn't mean that other devices cannot do real macro.