Want to EDIT FASTER? - DaVinci Resolve Editors Keyboard In-Depth Review BUYER'S GUIDE

[@brocklambeth2351]

Plane, simple, quality. I love these tutorials, just so clean, and to the point. You guys are the best out there.

[@team2films]

Thank-you Brock. That's very kind of you to say. Great to have you here.

[@jfbmusic]

Dear Natalie and Leon, I learn so much from your videos, they make me think and reevaluate my approach to DaVinci Resolve and editing in general. The quality of your productions brings me a joyful experience that keeps on giving. Thank you! Jean-Francois

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much Jean-Francois, that's really kind of you. We're so glad you're enjoying the videos and we really appreciate your support. Glad they are having a positive effect on your work in DaVinci Resolve.

[@editology]

I've been using it since they delivered it right after NAB 2019... and it just brings so much quality and professionalism to the editing process. It reflects the feeling of editing on a CMX tape to tape controller... walking through your footage on a jog/scroll knob on hardware that's strong and reliable. I personally haven't had any issues or regrets with the financial investment. All of the keys can be popped out & then air can/brush cleaning the dust & tidbits from the connections. Great job on walking through the features of the keyboard...

[@danielroujansky6420]

A fellow CMX editor! Love that some of us had a great foundation to build on. The CBS Memorex Experiment!

[@team2films]

Thanks so much. We appreciate you watching and commenting. Wouldn't want to edit without the editor keyboard now we've used it.

[@stephenbowlby1638]

My experience includes CMX 3600 and Omni as well. Appreciate the allusions to that experience, but in 2024, why are we locked out of customization on the BMEK? The one-size-fits-all days are completely over. I've been cutting on Avid since 1991, and the Media Composer keyboard has ALWAYS been customizable.

[@jfbmusic]

Thank you, Natalie, for another wonderful tutorial, very well produced and delivered. (I know it's not easy to edit then reupload one of your videos - the URL changes - but you may want to know that at 4:21, the word "Studio" is written as "Studo".) All the best, looking forward to the next episode.

[@team2films]

Thank-you so much! Yeah, we're sorry about that silly spelling mistake. Thanks for watching. It's great to have you here.

[@Deep-Travel]

Thanks. I have been on the fence about the keyboard but just ordered one after watching the video. As always, your videos are very helpful, well thought out and well executed on point and no water time.

[@team2films]

Thank-you David. We really appreciate your support and kind comments. Hope you enjoy the keyboard and I hope we gave it a balanced appraisal.

[@126productions8]

perfectly to the point!

[@jbrenes]

by far one of the best reviews of any product out there, kudos on a great script and edit....nothing less nothing more needed.

[@schnellkannjeder]

I would like a series for this keyboard. by showing what each key can do...even if they are labeled, not everything is self-explanatory

[@team2films]

We'll try and include keyboard tips in the other videos we have coming up. In the meantime, the manual for the keyboard is really excellent. Thanks for watching.

[@PedroHofmann]

same here. No tutorials out there - not even from Blackmagic. Really would like to see an in-deth tutorial.

[@reshpeck]

​@@team2films There's a manual? If so it didn't come with my keyboard

[@TheZaunite]

@@reshpeck there is a davinci resolve reference manual for davinci resolve 18 its a pdf file it includes the speed and larger editor keyboard

[@reshpeck]

@@TheZaunite Which chapter? I have the reference manuals for Resolve and Fusion 18.5

[@kinoromantic]

6:18 I have this exact monitor/keyboard/mouse setup. Year 1 usage update: One thing I did not like about the keyboard is a thick cable that it came with, so I used the one Apple sells, yes it's 100$ but it has to be high bandwidth, in my experience low bandwidth cables can't seem to drive the usb ports. Built-in USB ports are great for plugging in a mouse and are great for running edits from SSD drives. From my research and from what I see on my unit, the switches are replaceable and are not soldered to the board and are 'MX cherry' brand. One last thing - the rubberized finish on the palm rest shows a tiny bit of wear after a year of use, and keys used the most are shiny'ish.

[@team2films]

We're using a cheap flexible usb c cable, as we're not worried about speeds on the integrated usb hub. I know what you mean about the rubberised finish. That's cool that it is repairable. Glad you are enjoying it.

[@Gedaly]

I've got a speed editor, but am thinking of switching to one of these... great video!

[@team2films]

Thanks @Gedaly Yeah, it’s genuinely useful. Love ours.

[@mishinka]

🎉 this is such an amazingly wall crafted channel with meticulously created videos. Thank you so much.

[@team2films]

Thank you so much. We appreciate you watching our videos.

[@oakiewoodsman]

I really appreciate you making this video. I didn't know how much capability these had. I just thought is was a simple branded input device. The big plus for me is the License to Resolve Studio because I am currently on the free version. Thank you again!

[@team2films]

Yeah the included license makes this insane value!!! Thanks for watching.

[@oakiewoodsman]

This biggest issue for me is sometimes I am mobile so I would be concerned about workflow between going between macbook keys to Black Magic optimized board. I would think it might feel like going from 3 displays down to a 14" single display.... hahaha@@team2films

[@avdpost]

Very excited for a v2, could really benefit from a backlight and quieter keys. Plus, damn I would love some custom keys that can be configured while keeping the original keys as is.

[@team2films]

Yeah, I can see that. Loving it in the meantime though.

[@obmstudio65]

I got the editors keyboard and I like it a lot. I have a lot to learn on how to use it and I just started my editing journey with Davinci Resolve. Can you do more videos on how to use the editors keyboard?

[@team2films]

Yeah, we will try and include keyboard tips in other videos. Thanks so much.

[@petrusvanbiljon4130]

I'm very happy with my editor keyboard. Will be great to have an in depth tutorial on how to best use all the functionality.

[@team2films]

Thanks, we will try to work Editor Keyboard tips into future videos.

[@micah4396]

Excellent information, thank you.

[@scottabergermd]

I own them both the editors, keyboard, and the speed editor and here are my main three complaints. One. You should be able to have lighted keys. Keys that are backlit would be a huge positive and are so necessary. It is very hard to see these keystoo you should be able to assign certain keystroke functions to some of the keys anyway you want shortcuts that you prefer. And three. You need to have more formalize courses and how to use these hardware devices. They’re very hard to learn without.

[@team2films]

Heya, yeah, those are good points about the hardware. Backlit keys and the ability to assign custom functions would be great. A course for the hardware would be a smart idea too. Maybe we'll do something later this year. Great to have you here.

[@mikefei6934]

Charming mentor😍😍😍

[@team2films]

Thanks for watching

[@DaveKnowlesFilmmaker]

I have the speed editor and use it sometimes. I am sure though I would use it more if it had customisable keys especially the camera ones which I never use for the work I do.

[@team2films]

Yeah, that's true you can't reassign the keys. You'd probably appreciate something like a stream deck. However, the search dial in combination with the trimming and inserting keys is fantastic! We'd be happy with just those keys and the search dial. The other functions are helpful too of course, but love that search dial and trim/insert keys.

[@michaelauknz]

Hi Team 2 Films, Firstly, again another brillantly produced overview and explanation and you guys are one of the few with depth. You guys are in a master class of your own with the knowlege and clarity you have and share. Secondly, I have had the Blackmagic keyboard since it was released and can not operator with out it, But I have looked for a "comprehensive training course on all the functionality, keys and skills it offers" as we have several junior editors who want to upskill?

[@team2films]

Heya Michael. Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment. We're working on a ground up course about editing in Resolve at the moment. That won't include editor keyboard tips. But I think we might try and make some mini courses later in the year too. Perhaps one of those will be about the keyboard. I'm not sure when that would be ready though. We are also available for bespoke remote or in-person (location dependent) training sessions. If ever you wanted to arrange some continued professional development for your editors, please get in touch. We make it fun :)

[@timzweistra]

@@team2films @michaelauknz I've gotten much more use out of the keyboard after reading the specific section for it in the Resolve manual (page 978 and on), and I finally found how to use the "missing" keys like Home, End, Numlock, etc, on page 993. Here's a link to the manual: documents.blackmagicdesign.com/UserManuals/DaVinci_Resolve_18_Reference_Manual.pdf

[@N82SV]

Fantastic review. Looking forward to this keyboard making video editing easier. I like taking aviation videos but hate the Premier Pro process.

[@team2films]

I hope it works out well for you. Happy flying :)

[@HewalGuenes]

I keep thinking about whether I should get the Keyobard. But I'm not sure. For example, I haven't been able to figure out if - and if so, how easily - you can put effects on clips, drop an adjustment clip, adjust it in the layers, navigate in the inspector and adjust the sliders and controls. These are all things that are very important for my everyday editor because I use them all the time.

[@team2films]

The keyboard is great for all the core functions you use as an editor. It might not be as good for specific custom operations. You might have to do some research. Thanks so much for watching.

[@MaximoJoshua]

Great video as usual!

[@team2films]

Thanks Max :)

[@seancloutier2577]

the scroll wheel alone makes either worthwhile....even if you only spend 2-3 hours a week in resolve....that wheel for scrolling makes the experience so much easier and better

[@team2films]

Yeah completely agreed Sean. It's such an organic way to navigate.

[@StudyEnglishwithFrank]

I think that I would like this. Not being able to customize the shortcuts is a big downer for me...

[@team2films]

Sorry, but what's there is pretty fantastic though.

[@Huttersvuur]

Great review. Dealbreaker for me with the keyboard we're non registering keystrokes. It was unusable for any regular work such as typing an email.

[@team2films]

Ah no! I’m so sorry, did you contact your reseller about getting a warranty repair or replacement? We’ve not had that experience.

[@Huttersvuur]

@@team2films I was under the impression the issue was due to it being a mechanical keyboard with a lot of key travel. Not sure. I came from an Apple keyboard which is very light on the touch so it might be the contrast between them for me.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

For fulltime Resolve editors, it's so worth it. The speed editor is nice (especially for on the road) but the layout is much better on the full keyboard version.

[@team2films]

Yes well said! Thanks so much for watching.

[@silversurfertech7922]

Thank you 👏

[@willianaleman6114]

Natalie and Leon, thank you for the informative insight. Does the keyboard have a backlight?

[@team2films]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. No it doesn't have a backlight.

[@muskettisoturi]

Hi! Great video. One question: If I bought the Editor Keyboard, would I be able to completely edit without a mouse on the edit page? I mean, would I be able to navitage freely through the media pool and choose shots that I would put into the timeline? I'm looking for a 100% mouse-free solution to editing and I wonder if this keyboard is the solution for that?

[@Urtana]

Great video review. Can the Editors Keyboard perform on a Windows PC the same as it does on a Mac ? I edit on Mac and on PC (depending on location) and I would like to use the keyboard on either system

[@team2films]

Yes, absolutely. Works the same on windows and Mac.

[@wilsonbatuyong1147]

Is there a full tutorial on how to use the keyboard? like moving clips using keyboard...etc. thanks in advance

[@team2films]

No, sorry! But we'd like to create one in the future. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Jeff_Lathrop]

Could you choose between this and the new micro color panel if you had to pick one? I know they are quite different!

[@team2films]

Yeah, that’s a difficult question. One is for colourists the other is for editors. There’s no overlap. Ideally you would have both devices. Can you provide more info?

[@Jeff_Lathrop]

@team2films I guess it's just a personal question, whether you feel one is more important than the other for your workflow. Totally depends on a creators needs, and both would definitely be best.

[@team2films]

​@@Jeff_Lathrop Yeah, it's a hard one. Love the search dial. on the keyboard. Love the rings and trackballs for primary corrections. But you can live without either... as it's possible to do everything with a keyboard and mouse. Remember they don't make you a better editor or colourist... they make you a quicker one. So if you have to choose between the two it's worth considering whether you spend more time colour grading or more time editing. Really sorry we can't give you a more concise answer. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Jeff_Lathrop]

@@team2films Thanks for the feedback! Either one would be a luxury for me at this point, no doubt. I think making simultaneous adjustments to lift/gamma/gain would be pretty neat, and the dial seems really nice for timeline work. However, my grades are getting simpler the more I learn; and my videos are pretty short - so it will be a splurge that I justify as an an ergonomic upgrade once I get some more projects done this year. Physical controls like these are always nice! Happy editing :)

[@wizzNarts]

I would love to sse this keyboard in action in Edit mode (some would call it a tutorial). I own the Speed Editor and am thinking of a switch being that a lot of the Speed Editor's features do not work in edit mode.

[@team2films]

We'll try and work that into future videos.

[@IvyPoison]

I have one question about purchasing license for DaVinci Resolve Studio ... So, if I purchase a license for lets say "DaVinci Resolve Studio" today, how many updates do I get or do I have to pay for any new update (and if so, how much approximately) ? Thank You

[@team2films]

It’s a lifetime license. All updates are free. That’s a pretty amazing deal! Does that answer your question?

[@HoriNotCode]

Hi, I had a question, Is it possible to customize the extra keys and the wheel that comes with this keyboard for other software? for example blender o krita

[@team2films]

No, I'm sorry. It cannot be customised.

[@Alchemetica]

Definitely a nice controller. But its size is a real-estate hog, given in my circumstances I already have controllers of one sort or another from Presonus, Arturia, Korg, Akai, Wacom, ShuttlePro, Logitech MX keyboard & mouse, monitors & near field 100w RMS audio monitors to contend for space on my desk. The bonus Resolve software does make it a great deal.

[@team2films]

You have a busy desk :) Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dvm_224]

Loved this review! I was actually looking for a dedicated review on this keyboard from your channel ❤️🤌🏻

[@team2films]

Ah! I'm glad we timed that right 😊 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mathias2659]

If i recess it, will those 3 connectors on the backside and if there are any on the sides, be usable? can i use them if i recess the keyboard? it seems very tight

[@team2films]

You might need to consider the thickness of your desk where the connectors fit, but it should definitely be possible. I think you're going to be less likely to use the USB A ports when it's hidden under your desk, but again it should still be usable. It might just require a little more woodworking to make it perfect.

[@andy80sdrums]

I am learning to speed edit on the go with my Wacom and built in keyboard. I don't miss no keyboard...

[@team2films]

Awesome.

[@Nick_Lavigne]

I own one but it drives me nuts so I gave it to someone else to use. The arrow keys location is annoying and makes a smaller right shift and removed function keys, the FN key causes control to be moved. No separate backspace and delete key. Basically if the main keys were setup like a standard win/ibm keyboard it would be perfect.

[@team2films]

Sorry it was so frustrating. We've not had the same problems, but we can sympathise. Perhaps there will be a v2 in the future!

[@ZvilgantisKailis]

It is so great that Saoirse Ronan teaches us to use Resolve.

[@team2films]

Hahah! Thank-you so much. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

Are the switches hot-swappable? That way one can change to quieter switches.

[@team2films]

No, not switchable as far as we know.

[@markhudson5825]

Nice shirt!

[@team2films]

Thanks! Patagonia.

[@markhudson5825]

☺@@team2films

[@resolving_boris]

I edit mainly in Resolve, but depending on the client's workflow I also work in Premiere and Avid. Still hoping someone comes up with a hack to get it to work (other than just keyboard shortcuts) in other NLEs....

[@team2films]

Yeah, I can appreciate that.

[@nicobreeze]

Thank you for this review. I just subscribed to your channel as your videos are really informative! Can I ask what grading monitor are you using? Thank you. Nico

[@team2films]

Thanks so much! Glad to have you here. We're using an ASUS ProArt PA32UCXR at the moment.

[@nicobreeze]

@@team2films thank you for the speedy reply! Can you suggest a calibration tool for an external monitor? Thanks

[@prostigeMarketing]

Would the speed editor with a stream deck provide the same functionality as this keyboard?

[@team2films]

No, there's no keyboard. The Speed Editor is basically an editor keyboard without the keyboard. Thanks for watching. Hope that was helpful.

[@stephenbowlby1638]

Career film editor here, with decades of time on CMX, Avid, FC7/X, PP, and now Resolve. Have always remapped my NLE to my Avid keyboard to keep muscle memory and speed. Started considering this KB, until after extensive studying (the only manual that refers to it is 18.6) , I became severely disappointed with its biggest limitation: no customizability. That is a dealbreaker. No wonder they cut the price in half. I don't care how well thought out it is, customization is king, and in 2024, there is no excuse for a company like BMD to choose to withhold that capability. It's like they designed it to try to force you to use the CUT page because literally half the Function keys do not work in EDIT. And the upper row of numbers keys have no functions either. Avid and other systems have always maintained mapping, why does BMD think it knows better?

[@team2films]

Hello! Yes, its lack of customisation will be limiting for some users. I guess at the end of the day, it's an option for editors, but it's not necessary. There are great keyboards from other companies that you can use with Resolve. We appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Thanks so much.

[@stephenbowlby1638]

@@team2films Since this I have learned that SOME of the F keys are programmable and nearly half are not. In the ASCII world, that seems like a missed opportunity.

[@TadeoValencia]

Hey! How's it going?! I have a big question, every time I press In to put a marker, DR inserts the marker exactly where my playhead is, but when I mark the Out, the marker is done one frame after the playhead, is there any way to correct that? I think it was working properly before and I don't know what I pressed to change it (or I just never realized it was like that since the beginning hahaha). Thanks a lot!!!

[@team2films]

It's working exactly as it should. In markers include the frame which they are on. Out markers exclude the frame they are on. Therefore, an out marker will always appear to be one frame after the frame that you had selected when you make it... because the selection includes the frame your playhead is on. Hope that helps.

[@TadeoValencia]

@@team2films Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply! I was really loosing time looking for "a solution" because I just realized about it, thanks a lot for clarifying, it would be a nice topic for a video because I saw a huge debate online but no concrete info. Again, thanks a lot and have nice weekend! 🥳

[@team2films]

@@TadeoValencia No problem! I think it's detailed in the manual. The manual is excellent btw.

[@BiggerTriceps]

Do I have to buy speed editor if I only buy Editors Keyboard? Will Editors Keyboard be enough without speed editor?

[@team2films]

Yeah the Editors Keyboard is basically a speed editor but with more buttons. Give or take. Check the FAQ out in the video

[@TimTylerCine]

Deal-breaker for me: No Backlit Keys. I can't imagine why BMD left backlighting out since most of us use these in dark rooms. Otherwise perfect.

[@team2films]

Hmm, that's a good point. See what you mean there. Most Suites do have dim lighting though. But I can understand why that would be a deal breaker for you. Thanks for watching though. Appreciate having you here.

[@HamzaShiban-v3w]

It's sad that these editing keyboards/speed editor panels are not compatible with Avid

[@team2films]

Sorry!

[@PhilipTimm]

@4:26 Yeah, get me one of those great Resole Studo licenses!

[@team2films]

Yeah man! Worth the price of admission :)

[@ymer2501]

what you didnt mentioned is, this is particularly meant more for CUT page not EDIT page. when going into EDIT page, the keyboard more or less are not worth it.

[@team2films]

Thanks for watching. That’s not correct though. The editor keyboard is designed primarily for the edit page. It works equally well on the cut page too.

[@stephenbowlby1638]

I agree with much of your point. 5 of the 12 Function keys do not work in EDIT, but only in CUT. And the numbers row seems to have no functions aside from standard QWERTY. And nothing is customizable.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

This thing is worth the price for the Studio program alone

[@team2films]

Yes! Agreeed 😊

[@sanadakhumanthem3557]

Is it available to download?

[@team2films]

🤣 The keyboard?

[@sanadakhumanthem3557]

Yeah😁

[@Spidouz]

I just wish they would offer an AZERTY keyboard for people that don’t use QWERTY :/

[@team2films]

Ah yeah! I’m sorry about that!

[@aman34587]

The only deal breaker for me is the money even my computer isn't 600 dollars i am a student and very passionate about editing i have learnt DAVINCHI RESOLVE very much but have no Idea were to start working professionally😂😂

[@team2films]

Yeah! Sorry about the cost. Don't forget it comes with a Resolve license. It's definitely a pro tool, but not something you absolutely need to edit.

[@TheDefpom]

@4:25 someone really needs to check spelling…

[@team2films]

Ah no! I am so sorry. That's terrible. Thanks for spotting it.

[@TheDefpom]

@@team2films no worries, it’s happened to all of us !

[@gregormarini]

Overpriced for shure!

[@team2films]

It comes with a license for DaVinci Resolve Studio that is worth around $300. We think it's excellent value, especially given the quality of the keyboard.

[@derrharr77]

Ok, this is gonna make me spend more money....

[@team2films]

🙏

[@petermorris925]

Dreadful spelling errors at 4:22😮. Great intro. Thanks a tonne.

[@team2films]

Our bad! Thanks for watching though