Find the Best Keyboard for Editing: Top Picks

1. Blackmagic Design Davinci Resolve Speed Editor

As an editor, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my workflow, and the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor promised just that. Its jog wheel is incredibly responsive, allowing for precise scrubbing through footage that feels incredibly intuitive. The physical buttons, while compact, are well-placed and offer a satisfying click when pressed, reducing my reliance on the mouse for common editing tasks.

During a recent complex color grading session, I found myself reaching for the Speed Editor constantly. Navigating through clips and making minor adjustments became significantly faster, especially with the dedicated trim and cut buttons. The Bluetooth connectivity was a welcome addition, offering a cleaner desk setup, although I did notice a slight, infrequent lag when switching between applications.

This device is ideal for DaVinci Resolve users who want to accelerate their editing process significantly. However, if you primarily use other editing software or require a full-sized keyboard for extensive typing, this won’t replace your primary input device. It’s a specialized tool, and its effectiveness is tied directly to your software of choice.

2. Tourbox Lite

The TourBox Lite presents an interesting proposition for creatives seeking to customize their workflow. Its array of buttons and dials offers a tactile experience, and I appreciated the ability to assign specific functions to each control. The compact size is a definite plus for smaller workstations or for those who travel with their editing gear.

I tested the Lite with photo editing software, assigning brush size control to a dial and zoom to another. The tactile feedback from the buttons is decent, though perhaps a bit softer than I prefer, lacking a truly definitive ‘click.’ The software for customization is straightforward, but I did encounter a minor issue where a profile didn’t always load automatically upon application launch.

This controller is best suited for users who want a dedicated, programmable input for specific software functions and have limited desk space. However, if you’re looking for a device with a robust, clicky feel or need extensive programmable keys, you might find the Lite a bit basic. It’s a good entry point, but not for everyone.

3. Tourbox Elite Plus

The TOUR BOX Elite Plus All is a serious contender for anyone looking for the best keyboard for editing, especially within creative applications. Its design prioritizes function and customization, with a generous number of programmable buttons and dials that feel exceptionally well-built. The tactile feedback from each press is satisfyingly firm, providing confidence with every command.

During a demanding video editing project, I found the Elite Plus All invaluable. I mapped frequently used tools like the pen tool and zoom functions to specific buttons, and the scroll wheel became my go-to for timeline scrubbing. The responsiveness of the dials is superb, allowing for minute adjustments in parameters like brush opacity or exposure. I did notice that the matte finish, while pleasant to the touch, can attract fingerprints rather easily.

This device is an excellent choice for professionals and serious hobbyists who spend significant time in creative software and want to optimize their workflow. However, if you’re a casual user or primarily need a keyboard for general typing, the extensive customization might feel overwhelming, and the price point is certainly an investment.

4. Logitech Mx Keys S Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MX Keys S aims to be a versatile keyboard for both productivity and creative tasks. Its low-profile design and scissor-switch keys offer a quiet and comfortable typing experience, which I found excellent for long editing sessions. The keycaps have a subtle curvature that cradles the fingertips, and the backlighting is intelligently adaptive, adjusting brightness based on ambient light.

I used the MX Keys S for a mix of writing and editing tasks, and the fluid, precise keystrokes made it a pleasure to use. Navigating through menus and using keyboard shortcuts felt effortless. My only minor quibble is that the plastic housing, while sturdy, doesn’t feel quite as premium as some of its more expensive competitors. It’s a solid performer, but lacks that high-end material feel.

This keyboard is a fantastic option for users who need a reliable, comfortable, and quiet input device for a variety of tasks, including editing. However, if you require highly specialized macro keys or a dedicated jog wheel for precise timeline control, you’ll need to look elsewhere. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none in terms of dedicated editing functions.

5. Vsdinside Macro Keypad Stream Controller Deck

The VSDINSIDE Macro Keypad offers a dedicated solution for shortcut enthusiasts, particularly those involved in streaming or gaming, but it has potential for editing workflows. The array of programmable keys allows for extensive customization, and I appreciated the ability to assign complex macros to single presses. The keys themselves have a decent tactile response, though they feel a bit lighter than I’d prefer for rapid, sustained editing.

I experimented with mapping common editing functions like undo, redo, and save to specific keys. The software for programming is relatively intuitive, and I had my setup configured within a reasonable time. However, the overall build quality feels a little less robust than professional editing peripherals; the plastic casing has a slight flex to it. It performs its function, but doesn’t inspire immense confidence in long-term durability.

This keypad is a strong choice for streamers or gamers who want to centralize their shortcuts, and it can be adapted for editing by assigning specific functions. However, if you’re a professional editor looking for an all-in-one solution with advanced features like jog wheels or precise analog controls, this keypad alone won’t suffice. It’s a supplementary tool, not a primary editing input.

6. Xppen Mini Keydial Ack05 Wireless Shortcut Keyboard

We’ve been putting the XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 through its paces, and it certainly offers a unique approach to streamlining your editing workflow. The compact design is a major plus, especially if desk space is at a premium. Its wireless connectivity via Bluetooth is generally stable, allowing for a clutter-free setup.

The programmable keys are where this device truly shines, allowing us to map frequently used shortcuts for our editing software. The tactile feedback from the keys is decent, providing a satisfying click without being overly loud. The dial, while not as precise as some dedicated hardware, is a welcome addition for tasks like scrubbing through timelines or adjusting brush sizes.

However, the software for programming the keys could be more intuitive. We found ourselves occasionally wrestling with the interface to get our desired assignments working correctly. Additionally, the build quality, while solid enough, feels a bit plasticky, which might not appeal to everyone looking for premium hardware.

This keyboard is ideal for digital artists and video editors who primarily use a tablet and want a dedicated shortcut device that doesn’t take up much room. If you’re someone who needs extensive macro capabilities or a highly precise jog wheel, you might want to look elsewhere.

7. Blackmagic Design USB Davinci Resolve Editor Keyboard

For anyone deeply invested in DaVinci Resolve, the Blackmagic Design USB Davinci Resolve Editor Keyboard is a specialized tool that can genuinely improve editing speed. The physical layout is designed around the software’s functions, making common actions readily accessible. We found the dedicated keys for playback, trimming, and navigation to be incredibly efficient during our testing.

The quality of the keys themselves is superb, offering a satisfyingly firm press with a subtle, quiet click that’s unobtrusive. The build feels robust and professional, suggesting it’s built to withstand long editing sessions. The integrated jog wheel has a smooth, precise feel that makes scrubbing through footage a pleasure, a feature that many general-purpose keyboards lack.

However, this keyboard is exclusively for DaVinci Resolve users; its utility outside of that ecosystem is virtually nonexistent. If you work with multiple editing applications, this becomes a very niche, single-purpose device. Furthermore, the price point is considerable, making it a significant investment for casual editors.

This is the best keyboard for editing if your primary focus is DaVinci Resolve and you demand optimized hardware. If you frequently switch between Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or other NLEs, this specialized board will likely gather dust.

8. Ulanzi D100h Video Editing Keyboard

The ULANZI D100H presents an interesting proposition for editors seeking a compact, multi-functional keyboard. Its wireless Bluetooth capability is a definite advantage for maintaining a clean workspace. We appreciated the inclusion of a dial knob, which proved useful for incremental adjustments in our editing software.

The keys offer a soft, relatively quiet typing experience, which can be a blessing during long editing sessions. Mapping shortcuts through its software was a straightforward process, allowing us to customize it to our preferred editing style. The overall aesthetic is modern and unobtrusive, fitting well into most setups.

One area where we felt it fell short was the responsiveness of the dial knob; it sometimes felt a bit laggy, particularly when making rapid adjustments. While the build feels decent, it doesn’t quite exude the premium feel of some higher-end devices. The battery life, while acceptable, could also be improved for heavy users.

This keyboard is a good option for hobbyist video editors or content creators who need a versatile shortcut device without a steep learning curve. If you’re a professional editor who requires absolute precision and rapid-fire dial control, you might find this wanting.

9. Huion Keydial Mini Bluetooth Programmable Keypad

The HUION Keydial Mini aims to provide a compact and customizable solution for creative professionals. Its small footprint makes it an easy addition to any desk, and the wireless Bluetooth functionality is a welcome touch for reducing cable clutter. We found the programmable keys to be a significant boon, allowing us to assign specific software functions for quicker access.

The tactile feedback on the keys is pleasant, offering a satisfying click without being overly loud, which is ideal for a shared workspace. The dial, while small, provides a decent level of control for tasks like zooming or adjusting parameters, and it rotates with a smooth, consistent resistance. The setup process via HUION’s software was relatively painless, allowing for quick customization.

However, the limited number of keys might be a constraint for users who rely on a vast array of shortcuts. We also noticed that the dial’s sensitivity can sometimes be a bit finicky, requiring a gentle touch for precise adjustments. The plastic construction, while sturdy, doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors in this space.

This keypad is a great fit for illustrators, designers, and editors who work with graphics-heavy software and need quick access to a select few frequently used functions. If you require a full-sized keyboard or extensive macro capabilities, this mini solution will likely feel too restrictive.

10. K1 Pro Macro Keyboard

The K1 Pro Macro Keyboard is a dedicated tool for those who want maximum control over their editing shortcuts. Its wired-only connection ensures a stable and lag-free experience, which is crucial for demanding editing tasks. We were impressed by the sheer number of programmable keys, offering an extensive canvas for mapping complex workflows.

The keycaps have a pleasant texture, and the mechanical switches provide a satisfying, audible click with each press, adding a certain tactile satisfaction to our workflow. The software for programming macros is robust, allowing for intricate command sequences to be assigned to individual keys. It feels like a professional tool built for efficiency.

However, this keyboard is not for the faint of heart or those who prefer a minimalist setup; its size is substantial, and the wired connection means it will occupy a dedicated spot on your desk. The loud auditory feedback from the mechanical switches, while satisfying to some, can be quite disruptive in quiet environments or shared offices. Furthermore, the lack of wireless connectivity is a definite drawback for those prioritizing desk aesthetics.

This macro keyboard is ideal for power users, video editors, and graphic designers who spend hours at their computer and need instant access to a vast library of custom commands. If you value quiet operation or a wireless setup, you should steer clear of this option.