In this article, we’ll be comparing the top 5 video editing keyboards on the market. We’ll analyze the price, design/build quality, and specific advantages for video editing that each presents.
As a video editor, nearly all of my time is spent at my editing station.
My hands are an extension of my thoughts. As I choose to make each edit, my fingers effortlessly remember exactly how to make these changes happen. With each keystroke, I am working to bring my videos to life.
I know my keyboard like the back of my hand. Literally.
I also know how much time and effort is saved by having efficiency in my workflow. A huge part of this workflow comes down to equipment, specifically my keyboard.
For that reason, it is of utmost importance that my workstation is not only inviting, but also efficient and comfortable. And having the best keyboard is a huge part of this.
What factors to consider when choosing the best keyboard for video editing?
What distinguishes any well made keyboard from one designed specifically for video editors?
The factors that matter most in a keyboard for video editing are ease of use, ergonomics, and efficiency.
Ease of Use
Video editing keyboards are often designed specifically to fit the editing program that the editor will be using.
On this list you’ll see examples of keyboards designed specifically for use in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid.
As such, these keyboards often include images on the keyboard itself of shortcuts to be performed in each program. This makes it worlds easier to quickly find those shortcuts instead of trying to memorize all of them.
Ergonomics
Secondly, the build quality and overall design of the keyboard will dramatically affect the comfort and efficiency of its use to a video editor.
You spend hours and days editing, using all those muscles in your fingers, hands, and wrists. It can truly put a strain on those tiny muscles if you’re not careful.
It’s worth the extra investment to find a keyboard that will prevent any extra aches and pains on your joints and make life overall a bit easier as you edit.
The build quality and materials used in a keyboard can be the determining factor in the way it feels against your fingers.
Some keyboards are what’s called mechanical keyboards. This means that there is an individual, mechanical switch under each of the keys. This adds some noise to key click, but also dramatically improves the response to each key stroke.
Efficiency
How quickly and easily your tools (specifically your keyboard) can help you put your thoughts and ideas into action can truly impact the quality of your work.
Much of efficiency in a keyboard comes down to ease of use and comfort level, but there are a few extras that some of these keyboards provide, like creative backlighting and more.
We’ll touch on all these specifics for each product breakdown.
Here are my top 5 best keyboard choices for video editors.
Video editors: be sure to check out more tips and tutorials on how to edit with Premiere Pro.
This post does contain Amazon product recommendations. As an Amazon associate, I receive compensation for qualifying purchases, however any commission that I earn comes at no cost to you.
1 | Loupedeck+
Overview:
This is not your ordinary keyboard. In fact, it’s arguably not a keyboard at all. It’s a professional panel very specifically designed for video and photo editing.
Instead of trying to adapt a traditional keyboard to fit your video editing needs, Loupedeck took their design to the next level and completely redesigned an editing specific keyboard.
Main Benefits:
The reason this keyboard is exceptional is because it was designed to more adequately meet the needs of an editor.
For example, there are knobs for things like exposure, clarity, and saturation. Having a knob allows you to quickly dial in those settings easier and more accurately than a traditional keyboard.
There are numerous completely customizable buttons that you can easily set on your computer the first time you connect the panel. This will allow you to designate which functions you use the most and where you want to place them on the panel.
Specs:
Compatible with: Adobe Lightroom Classic, Lightroom 6, Photoshop CC with Camera Raw, Premiere Pro CC, After Effects CC, Audition CC, Final Cut Pro X and Skylum Aurora HDR. Beta integration with Capture One.
Connection Type: USB
2 | LogicKeyboard for Adobe Premiere Pro
Overview:
Next on our list is the LogicKeyboard for Adobe Premiere Pro. This keyboard is similar to a traditional keyboard, meaning that all the normal keys you’re used to are still there.
It will feel as if you are using your traditional keyboard still. The main difference is that the keys themselves are color coded and marked with the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts for editing in Premiere Pro.
Main Benefits:
You don’t have to completely change your keyboard set up. It’s simple and intuitive to use. Saves tons of time trying to memorize keyboard shortcuts. Still fully customizable to your video editing preferences.
Specs:
Compatible with: Adobe Premiere Pro, Mac computers only for this version. See PC compatible version here. If you edit with Final Cut Pro or Avid, you can find those versions as well.
Connection Type: USB
3 | Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Rapidfire
Overview:
This keyboard is not specifically a video editing keyboard, however, I wanted to include it on this list because it has so many features that would make it an exceptional keyboard for video editors.
Main Benefits:
The Corsair K70 is actually a gaming keyboard. What makes it great for video editing are a few different features.
The colorful backlighting built into the keyboard not only looks cool, but also allows you to edit in a low light studio set up. Many of you editors already know that it helps to see your screen much better in low light, but that can make it difficult to see your keyboard. For this reason some sort of additional lighting build in to the keyboard itself is really helpful.
Secondly, the build of this keyboard is exceptional. The keys use Cherry MX mechanical switches which means that each keystroke will feel especially tactile and precise. Over time this extra comfort will go along way when you’re using your keyboard so much.
Also included in this keyboard are 6 dedicated keys with built in memory so you can still customize your favorite shortcuts within your video editing program.
Specs:
Compatible with: Mac and PC, all video editing platforms
Connection Type: USB
4 | Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet
Overview:
Arguably, this isn’t a keyboard at all. That’s true. But for the purposes of video editing, this may be just want you’re looking for.
Many video editors use both Adobe Premiere Pro as well as After Effects. In that case, this tablet is a game changer.
Not only can you point and click around the tablet effortlessly, you’ll also be able to sketch and draw animations on your editing window.
Main Benefits:
It’s a different way of editing, but I personally know a handful of editors who won’t edit without a digital tablet like this one.
Just like many of the keyboards we’ve mentioned, this one can be customized to meet your specific needs.
You may find it easier to quickly move around your editing program with this extra responsive digital pen than with the traditional use of mouse and keyboard.
An excellent choice for graphic artists, designers, and photographers as well.
Specs:
Compatible with: Mac and PC, Premiere Pro, Lightroom, really any editing program
Connection Type: USB
5 | Tourbox Photo and Video Editing Console
Overview:
Another non-traditional take on video editing keyboards, this handy panel is an add-on to your editing set up that will allow you to fully customize all your most used functions at literally the touch of a button. It also includes a knob for dialing in those settings perfectly.
Main Benefits:
The design is compact and easily portable. It’s fully customizable and intuitive to use. It works alongside a number of devices, including tablets, traditional keyboards, and a traditional mouse.
Specs:
Compatible with: Mac and PC, any number of editing programs including Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro
Connection Type: USB-C
Additional Ideas
You may consider adding a few helpful accessories or other options along with your keyboard. Here are just a few ideas.
1 | YYubao Premiere Pro CC MacBook Silicone Shortcut Hot Key Keyboard Protective Dust Cover Skin
This is a great option if you’re not looking to spend money for an entirely new keyboard, but would still like to have quick reference points for keyboard shortcuts in Premiere Pro.
Be sure to choose the correct model for the type of laptop or desktop computer that you own.
2 | USB Reading Lamp with 14 LEDs
It’s always nice to edit in low light so that you can see your monitor better. But this means it can at times be difficult to then see your keyboard.
If you don’t have a keyboard that is backlit, you may consider investing in a small LED light like this one that can simply light your keyboard in those low light scenarios.
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