ok ohio
here goes.
you must have the saitek programming software installed and being used to use the modes. if you dont know what that is or dont know how to use it, there are many here that will teach you to do that,.
when you are programming for every button you can program 3 completely different functions. you basically end up with 3 completely different stick's if you want. of course many times you leave the "fire" button the same, but you can imagine the possibilities.
under each button in the programming software, there is a checkbox i believe saying "use modes" or something. if that is selected you get the 3 options. then when you use the switch you r buttone are reconfigured.
us x45 guys usually have all the keyboard commands memorized, and program thus. one thing if you didnt notice AH likes to map the buttons in DirectX mode, as "buttons". you have to remove those mappings manually in AH joystick mapping.
have fun and draw a diagram. use it to plan you layout, and keep it handy until you memorize the buttons instinctivly