Top 9 Best Keyboards for Video Editing [List & Guide]

When it comes to video editing, having the right tools is crucial to achieving professional-level results. While most people focus on the software and hardware used, one often overlooked but essential component of a video editing setup is the keyboard. A good keyboard can improve workflow efficiency, reduce strain on the fingers and wrists, and make editing a more comfortable experience.

In this article, we will explore the best keyboards for video editing. Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand what makes a keyboard suitable for video editing. Video editing involves a lot of keyboard shortcuts, so having a keyboard with programmable keys can make a significant difference in the editing process. Additionally, video editing can be a time-consuming task, so ergonomics and durability should also be considered when selecting a keyboard.

Throughout this article, we’ll examine different types of keyboards, features to consider, and the top best keyboards for video editing. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for when selecting a keyboard and which keyboards are the best for video editing.

Types of Keyboards

When it comes to selecting a keyboard for video editing, there are three main types to consider: mechanical, membrane, and hybrid keyboards. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers and professionals alike because of their tactile feedback and durability. They use individual mechanical switches for each key, making them more responsive than membrane keyboards. Mechanical keyboards come in a variety of switches, including Cherry MX and Gateron, which have different actuation forces and feedback levels. The downside of mechanical keyboards is that they tend to be louder than other types of keyboards, which can be a distraction in quiet environments.

Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards are the most common type of keyboard and are often found in offices and schools. They use a single membrane layer under the keys, which sends signals to the computer when pressed. They are quiet and inexpensive but don’t offer the same tactile feedback as mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards are often less durable than mechanical keyboards, and keys can become unresponsive over time.

Hybrid Keyboards

Hybrid keyboards, as the name suggests, are a combination of mechanical and membrane keyboards. They use a membrane layer with mechanical switches, providing the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard while remaining quiet. Hybrid keyboards tend to be more durable than membrane keyboards but may not offer the same level of feedback as a pure mechanical keyboard.

When selecting a keyboard for video editing, it’s essential to consider the type of switches used, as they can greatly affect the typing experience. Additionally, the noise level of the keyboard may be a consideration, particularly if editing in a shared workspace. Ultimately, the best keyboard for video editing will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Without further ado, let’s have a closer look at the best keyboards for video editing.

Best keyboards for video editing

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Logitech Craft

The Logitech Craft keyboard is an innovative and versatile tool that is designed to optimize the video editing workflow. One of its standout features is the Crown, a tactile aluminum dial that can be customized to suit the needs of the video editor. The Crown adapts to the app you’re using, giving you instant control of the tool you need. You can touch the Crown to access context-specific functions, tap to change function, and turn to change the selected function’s value. This feature requires Logitech Options on Mac OS X and Windows.

The Crown is particularly useful for video editors, as it can be optimized for use with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign, as well as Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. With the Crown, you can adjust brightness in Photoshop, instantly create a chart in Excel, and enlarge text in InDesign with a turn of the dial. This kind of precision control can greatly enhance the video editing process, allowing you to focus on your creative vision without getting bogged down in complicated shortcuts and unnatural movements.

The Logitech Craft keyboard also offers a premium typing experience. The keys are crafted for efficiency, stability, and precision, with a large strike area and spherical dishing that allows for touch typing with ease. The keys have increased stability, reducing noise while optimizing responsiveness, making it a pleasure to type on this keyboard.

Another standout feature of the Logitech Craft keyboard is its smart illumination. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. This ensures that you always have the perfect amount of light to work comfortably and efficiently, whether you’re editing video in a dimly lit room or in bright daylight.

Finally, the Logitech Craft keyboard is designed with an intuitive user experience in mind. With the Crown, you can adjust your work, the mouse to navigate, and the keyboard to type with precision. This balanced and natural creative experience allows you to be more efficient by using intuitive controls that fit seamlessly into the way you work. This makes the Logitech Craft keyboard a great investment for any video editor looking to optimize their workflow and improve their creative output.

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Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum keyboard is an excellent choice for video editing. With per-key RGB backlighting and a 19-zone LightEdge across the top of the keyboard, the K95 delivers dynamic and vibrant lighting effects with near-limitless customization. The lighting effects can be customized to suit your workflow and preferences, making it an excellent choice for video editors who value visual aesthetics.

The keyboard is designed for low noise operation even at full load, ensuring a quiet workspace for video editors who work in shared or noise-sensitive environments. It has a long MTBF (mean time between failures) hours, which means that it is a reliable keyboard that will last for a long time.

The K95 has six dedicated macro keys that are fully programmable for complex macros and key remaps. These keys can also be swapped for the included S-key keycaps, which can be programmed with special streaming commands through the Elgato Stream Deck software. This feature is useful for video editors who want to streamline their workflow and improve their productivity.

The K95 features Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver mechanical key switches, which provide ultra-fast 1.2 millimeter actuation and proven reliability with 100 million keystrokes. The switches are responsive and accurate, making it an excellent choice for video editors who require precision typing for long editing sessions.

The keyboard comes with a detachable soft textured cushioned leatherette palm rest that offers plush comfort, making it an excellent choice for video editors who need to work for long hours without experiencing discomfort. The palm rest is easy to attach and detach, and it adds to the overall comfort and ergonomics of the keyboard.

The K95 also features dedicated multimedia keys, an aluminum volume roller, and a USB pass-through port, putting convenient control within reach. The iCUE software gives you control over your lighting macros, key remaps, and more, making it an excellent choice for video editors who value customization.

Overall, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum keyboard is an excellent choice for video editing, with its dynamic RGB lighting, quiet operation, reliable mechanical key switches, and ergonomic design. Its dedicated macro keys and customization options make it a versatile tool that can improve the efficiency and productivity of video editors.

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Adobe Premiere Keyboard

The Adobe Premiere Keyboard is a keyboard designed specifically for video editors who use Adobe Premiere software. With all of the shortcuts at your fingertips, you’ll find your editing speeds will be greatly accelerated, allowing you to work faster and more efficiently. Each key is color-coded to help you find similar tools quicker, and also features the shortcut icon as well as the standard typing key. This keyboard has been used by thousands of editors worldwide, making it a popular choice in professional post-production studios and universities.

Using the Adobe Premiere Keyboard can help improve your day-to-day experience as a video editor, as it allows you to work faster and more efficiently. The keyboard is designed to give your workspace a professional studio look, which can impress clients and make you feel more productive. The keyboard is compatible with both PC and Mac, making it a versatile option for editors who work on different platforms.

One of the biggest advantages of the Adobe Premiere Keyboard is that it can help you save time and money by reducing the amount of time you spend clicking through menus and toolbars in Premiere. According to Editors Keys, around 30% of your time is spent doing this, especially if you’ve recently switched over from another DAW. With the Adobe Premiere Keyboard, you’ll have lightning-fast access to all of the main program tools, saving you the hassle of having to search through menus and toolbars.

In conclusion, the Adobe Premiere Keyboard is a great investment for video editors who want to improve their workflow and work more efficiently. With its color-coded keys, professional studio look, and compatibility with both PC and Mac, it’s no wonder why thousands of editors worldwide choose this keyboard as their go-to tool for video editing.

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Editors Keys Avid Pro Tools Keyboard

If you’re a professional or aspiring music producer, you know that time is of the essence when it comes to producing quality tracks. The Editors Keys Pro Tools Keyboard for Windows is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to maximize their productivity while using Avid Pro Tools. This keyboard features over 100 shortcuts for Pro Tools, meaning you’ll be able to edit up to 50% faster than before.

One of the standout features of this keyboard is its full backlighting, which ensures that you’ll be able to work in any lighting condition. Whether it’s late at night or you’re working in a dimly lit studio, you won’t have to strain your eyes to see the keys. Plus, the backlighting adds a stylish touch to your workspace.

This keyboard has been built from the ground up to work with Windows, so all of the keys are in the correct position and no software is required. The typing experience is exceptional, making long hours in the studio much more comfortable. You can trust this keyboard to be reliable and sturdy, just like the professionals do. Editors Keys are used by professionals around the world, so you know you’re in good company.

Overall, the Editors Keys Pro Tools Keyboard for Windows is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and maximize their productivity while using Avid Pro Tools. With its full backlighting and over 100 shortcuts, this keyboard is sure to help you take your music production skills to the next level. Say goodbye to the days of clicking through menus and toolbars, and say hello to a more efficient editing experience.

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Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo

The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo Keyboard is a great choice for video editors who demand both precision and style. Its TITAN SWITCH MECHANICAL (TACTILE) design provides the perfect balance between responsive and tactile keys, offering an enjoyable typing experience. The keys have a satisfying bump and provide an instant response, which is great for fast typing or quick key combinations required for video editing.

The keyboard also features ADVANCED ANTI-GHOSTING technology that ensures every keystroke is registered, no matter how frantic the editing gets. This is an important feature as it prevents missed keystrokes which can be a problem with other keyboards, leading to errors and mistakes in the editing process.

Another great feature of the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo Keyboard is the AIMO ILLUMINATION. It has full RGB backlighting in 16.8 million colors, which provides an excellent lighting system for dimly lit editing rooms. You can customize the lighting to your liking, and the illumination is compatible with other devices, creating vivid lighting scenarios right out of the box.

The MIXER-STYLE MEDIA CONTROLS are a fantastic addition, allowing you to adjust the volume and mute/unmute on the fly, or toggle over to lighting control to adjust brightness. This feature saves you from having to switch between different apps or programs and provides a smooth and easy control interface.

The ROCCAT’s Easy-Shift[plus] technology is another great feature that adds a secondary function to compatible keys. By holding down the designated modifier key, you can double the command power in an instant, making it easier to execute complex key combinations or macros.

The keyboard comes with a DETACHABLE PALM REST that attaches with a premium magnetic solution. It lets you adjust your setup to whatever’s comfortable for you, whether it’s a relaxed typing or aggressive gaming style. This feature is a great addition to the keyboard, as it allows you to customize the keyboard to your needs and preferences.

Finally, the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo Keyboard is built to last, reinforced by an aircraft-grade aluminum layer to make it extra strong and durable. The Titan switches are designed to keep dust and dirt out, making it easier to maintain and keep in top condition.

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Apple Magic Keyboard

The Apple Magic Keyboard is a wireless, rechargeable keyboard that offers convenience and portability to video editors. With its Bluetooth connectivity, the Magic Keyboard can easily connect to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, making it a versatile option for those who work across different devices. Additionally, its rechargeable internal battery eliminates the need for loose batteries, which is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient for users who frequently use their keyboard on-the-go.

One of the Magic Keyboard’s standout features is its enhanced typing experience, which delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. This is especially important for video editors who spend a lot of time typing up scripts, notes, or making edits to their work. The keyboard’s responsive keys allow for quick and accurate typing, making the editing process more efficient.

Another benefit of the Magic Keyboard is its long-lasting battery life, which can power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. This is incredibly useful for video editors who spend long hours working on their projects and may not have the time to frequently charge their devices. The keyboard also comes with a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable, which allows users to easily pair and charge their keyboard by connecting it to a USB-C port on their Mac or iPad.

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Corsair K70

The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 keyboard is a high-end mechanical gaming keyboard that also doubles as a great option for video editing. It’s built to withstand a lifetime of gaming and is equipped with top-of-the-line features that make it a versatile and powerful tool for video editors.

One of the standout features of the K70 RGB MK.2 is its aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame. It’s a lightweight yet durable material that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The keyboard is also wired, which provides a reliable and consistent connection to your computer.

The K70 RGB MK.2 has 8MB of profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback, which means you can access up to three stored profiles on the go, independent of external software. This feature is particularly useful for video editors who may work on multiple projects at once and need to switch between profiles quickly.

The keyboard also features per key dynamic multi-color RGB backlighting that offers near unlimited color customization and control. This is a great feature for video editors who work in dimly lit environments and need to adjust the lighting to suit their needs. Additionally, the 100% anti-ghosting with 104 key rollover on USB ensures that all your keys register, no matter how fast you type.

The K70 RGB MK.2 is equipped with 100% CHERRY MX mechanical key switches, which provide the reliability and accuracy demanded by video editors. The keys have a great tactile feel and are easy to type on for extended periods of time.

The keyboard also features a USB pass-through port, which provides convenient access to an additional USB port for your mouse or headset. This feature is particularly useful for video editors who need to quickly plug in and unplug peripherals.

Finally, the CORSAIR iCUE software enables vivid dynamic lighting control, sophisticated macro programming, and full system lighting synchronization across compatible CORSAIR peripherals, coolers, fans, and more. This software is particularly useful for video editors who want to customize their keyboard and peripherals to suit their needs.

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Loupedeck+

The Loupedeck+ is a specialized keyboard designed specifically for photo and video editing. It offers a highly intuitive and ergonomic design, and integrates with a range of popular software applications to provide quick and easy control over editing functions. Here’s a closer look at some of the key features and benefits of the Loupedeck+:

Compatibility: The Loupedeck+ is compatible with a range of popular software applications, including Adobe Lightroom Classic, Lightroom, Capture One Pro 21 for MacOS, Photoshop CC with Camera Raw, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Final Cut Pro, and Skylum Aurora HDR. This makes it a versatile tool for photo and video editors working across different platforms.

Intuitive Controls: The Loupedeck+ features a range of buttons, dials, and sliders that are highly intuitive and easy to use. This enables editors to achieve the perfect edit quickly, with simple adjustments to brightness, contrast, saturation, and other key editing functions. The controls are designed to work seamlessly with your hands and eyes, ensuring maximum efficiency and accuracy.

Ergonomics: The Loupedeck+ is designed to be ergonomic, with a comfortable and natural feel that allows editors to work for extended periods without discomfort. The keyboard enables you to edit thousands of photos and video clips with ease, and command multiple editing functions at the same time. The full-screen editing function also allows you to focus entirely on your image or video, without distraction.

Quick and Easy Setup: The Loupedeck+ is quick and easy to set up, with factory default functions pre-selected for each supported software application. This means you can begin editing immediately, without the need for any additional configuration.

Customization Options: The Loupedeck+ provides a wide range of customization options, allowing you to take charge of your editing and get your photos and videos just the way you want them. This includes the ability to assign custom functions to buttons and dials, and to save your own custom presets for future use.

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BLACKMAGIC DESIGN Davinci Resolve Speed Editor

The BLACKMAGIC DESIGN DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a great addition for any editor on the go. With its small and portable design, you can easily take it with you anywhere you go. Its built-in battery makes it even more convenient, allowing you to use it wirelessly via Bluetooth without needing to connect it to a power source. The Speed Editor can also be charged and connected to your computer using a USB Type-C cable.

The keyboard shortcuts provided by the Speed Editor match the edit functions of DaVinci Resolve, making it easy and intuitive to use. This keyboard provides you with a dedicated set of push buttons to control the edit modes, timeline navigation, and effects of DaVinci Resolve. These push buttons provide shortcuts to useful features available only on the Speed Editor. The built-in Search Dial is similar to the jog wheel often found on professional edit decks, but in conjunction with the push-button keys and DaVinci Resolve software, the search dial is much more powerful.

The Speed Editor is a great investment for anyone who frequently edits using DaVinci Resolve. Its keyboard shortcuts and dedicated push buttons make editing faster and more efficient compared to using a mouse to navigate the edit system. Its portability also makes it perfect for on-the-go editing.

One downside of the Speed Editor is that it is only compatible with DaVinci Resolve. If you use other editing software, you will not be able to use the Speed Editor to its full potential. Additionally, the Speed Editor’s small size may make it difficult for users with larger hands to use comfortably for extended periods.

Overall, the BLACKMAGIC DESIGN DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a great addition to any video editor’s toolkit. Its small size, built-in battery, and intuitive keyboard shortcuts make it a great option for on-the-go editing.

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Features to Consider When Choosing a Keyboard for Video Editing

When selecting a keyboard for video editing, several features should be considered to ensure a comfortable and efficient editing experience. These features include key switches, key layout, programmable keys, backlighting, ergonomics, connectivity, and durability.

Key Switches

The type of key switches used in a keyboard can significantly affect the typing experience. Mechanical switches are popular among professionals because of their tactile feedback and responsiveness. Cherry MX and Gateron are two popular mechanical switch brands, with each switch type offering different feedback levels and actuation forces. Membrane keyboards use a single layer of rubber or silicone under the keys, making them quieter but less responsive than mechanical keyboards. Hybrid keyboards use mechanical switches with a membrane layer, providing a balance of tactile feedback and quiet typing.

Key Layout

Key layout is another important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard for video editing. Some keyboards come with a full-sized layout, while others have a compact layout or no number pad. Compact keyboards are popular among professionals because they take up less desk space, allowing for a more comfortable editing setup. Additionally, some keyboards have special function keys for video editing software, making it easier to access commonly used functions.

Programmable Keys

Video editing involves a lot of keyboard shortcuts, so having programmable keys can significantly improve workflow efficiency. Some keyboards come with dedicated macro keys, which can be programmed to perform specific functions. Additionally, some keyboards allow users to customize the function of every key on the keyboard.

Backlighting

Backlighting can be a useful feature for video editors who work in dimly lit environments. Some keyboards have customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to choose the color and brightness of the keys.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics should be considered when selecting a keyboard for video editing, particularly for professionals who spend a lot of time typing. Some keyboards have a split design or an ergonomic shape, which can reduce strain on the fingers and wrists.

Connectivity

The type of connectivity used by a keyboard can also be a consideration. Wired keyboards provide a more stable connection but can be less flexible than wireless keyboards. Wireless keyboards offer greater mobility but may be more prone to lag or connectivity issues.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard for video editing. Mechanical keyboards tend to be more durable than membrane keyboards, but the quality of the materials used can also affect the keyboard’s longevity.

In conclusion, when selecting a keyboard for video editing, it’s important to consider the type of key switches used, key layout, programmable keys, backlighting, ergonomics, connectivity, and durability. Ultimately, the best keyboard for video editing will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

What are the most important features in a keyboard for video editing?

The most important features in a keyboard for video editing may vary depending on personal preference and specific needs, but some of the most essential features to consider include:

1. Key Switches: The type of key switches used can greatly affect the typing experience. Mechanical switches are often preferred by professionals for their tactile feedback and responsiveness.
2. Key Layout: Key layout is also important, as some video editing software requires specific key combinations. A full-sized layout or compact layout may be preferred depending on personal preference.
3. Programmable Keys: Video editing involves a lot of keyboard shortcuts, so having programmable keys can significantly improve workflow efficiency.
4. Backlighting: Backlighting can be useful for working in dimly lit environments, and customizable RGB backlighting allows users to choose the color and brightness of the keys.
5. Ergonomics: Ergonomic design can reduce strain on the fingers and wrists, particularly for professionals who spend a lot of time typing.
6. Connectivity: The type of connectivity used by a keyboard can also be a consideration, with wired keyboards providing a more stable connection and wireless keyboards offering greater mobility.
7. Durability: Durability is important, particularly for professionals who use their keyboard extensively. Mechanical keyboards tend to be more durable than membrane keyboards, but the quality of materials used can also affect the keyboard’s longevity.

Frequently asked questions

Is wireless keyboard and mouse is good for editing?

Wireless keyboard and mouse can be good for editing, but it depends on the specific models and their features. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Wireless keyboard and mouse can reduce clutter on your desk by eliminating the need for cables.
• They can provide greater flexibility in terms of positioning and placement, as you are not tethered to your computer.
• Wireless technology has improved in recent years, so there is less lag or interference compared to older models.
• Some wireless keyboards and mice are designed specifically for editing, with customizable buttons or presets for commonly used functions.

Cons:

• Wireless devices require batteries, and you may need to replace or recharge them more often than with wired devices.
• There can be a delay in response time or signal loss, which can be frustrating when editing requires precision and speed.
• Wireless devices can be more expensive than wired devices, especially those designed for editing.
• Some wireless devices may not be compatible with all editing software, so you should check compatibility before purchasing.

Overall, wireless keyboard and mouse can be a good choice for editing, but it is important to carefully research and choose models with reliable connectivity and features that meet your editing needs.

What is the difference between a video editing keyboard and a standard one?

A video editing keyboard is specifically designed for video editors, while a standard keyboard is a generic keyboard used for general computing tasks. Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Customizable keys: A video editing keyboard has keys that can be customized to fit the specific needs of video editors. These keys may be labeled with specific video editing functions, such as “cut,” “copy,” “paste,” or “undo,” and may be arranged in a way that makes sense for video editing workflows.
2. Shortcut keys: A video editing keyboard may also have dedicated shortcut keys for commonly used functions in video editing software, such as “add transition,” “apply effect,” or “render.”
3. Backlit keys: Many video editing keyboards have backlit keys, which can be helpful when working in low-light environments.
4. Ergonomics: Video editing keyboards are often designed with ergonomics in mind, with features such as a wrist rest or a sloped design that can reduce strain on the hands and wrists during long editing sessions.

Overall, a video editing keyboard is designed to make the video editing process more efficient and streamlined by providing quick access to commonly used functions and tools.