When it comes to video and audio editing, every second counts. Whether you’re cutting footage in Adobe Premiere Pro, fine-tuning vocals in Logic Pro, or colour grading in DaVinci Resolve, your workflow can make or break your productivity.
One of the most powerful tools to enhance your editing speed and efficiency isn’t a faster computer or a new plugin – it’s a dedicated shortcut editing keyboard.
In this article, we’ll explore what editing keyboards are, how they differ from standard keyboards, and how they can revolutionise the way you work.
What Is an Editing Keyboard?
An editing keyboard is a specially designed keyboard created for a specific piece of editing software. Rather than relying on a generic QWERTY layout, these keyboards feature colour-coded shortcut keys that correspond to the software’s most-used functions.
For example, in Premiere Pro, you might see colour-coded keys for razor cuts, ripple deletes, and timeline markers, while in Logic Pro, keys for split regions, zoom, and playback control are clearly labelled and easily accessible.
At Editors Keys, we create shortcut keyboards and silicone keyboard covers for leading editing applications such as:
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Adobe Premiere Pro
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Final Cut Pro
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Logic Pro
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DaVinci Resolve
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Avid Media Composer
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Pro Tools
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Photoshop and After Effects
Each keyboard is designed with professional editors in mind, offering an intuitive layout that helps you edit faster and with fewer mistakes.
Traditional Keyboard vs Shortcut-Based Editing Keyboard
1. Learning Curve and Shortcut Memorisation
A traditional keyboard requires you to memorise dozens, sometimes hundreds, of shortcuts. Even experienced editors find it easy to forget lesser-used ones, wasting valuable time hunting through menus.
With a shortcut keyboard, every essential command is clearly labelled and colour-coded, allowing you to learn and memorise shortcuts naturally through visual reinforcement. Over time, your workflow becomes faster and more intuitive — muscle memory develops without the frustration of forgetting which key combination does what.
2. Speed and Efficiency
Editing keyboards can dramatically improve your editing speed. Instead of repeatedly moving your mouse to access menu commands, you can perform complex edits with a single keypress.
Independent studies and user feedback show that editors can work up to 40% faster with a dedicated shortcut keyboard compared to a standard keyboard.
That might not sound like much at first — but over the course of a week, month, or year, that efficiency adds up to hundreds of hours saved. More importantly, it allows editors to focus on the creative aspects of their craft rather than repetitive navigation.
3. Reduced Strain and Fatigue
Editing for hours on end can take a toll on both your hands and eyes. Constantly switching between your keyboard and mouse causes repetitive strain, while dimly lit workspaces can lead to eye fatigue and headaches over time.
Editors Keys backlit shortcut keyboards are designed to combat both issues. The backlit keys provide a soft, adjustable glow that makes it easy to see every command, even in low-light studios or during late-night editing sessions. This not only reduces eye strain but also helps maintain focus and accuracy without the need for harsh overhead lighting.
At the same time, the shortcut-based layout minimises unnecessary hand movement by placing your most-used commands directly at your fingertips. The result is a smoother, more ergonomic editing experience that helps prevent physical strain and mental fatigue – keeping you comfortable, efficient, and creative for longer sessions.
The Benefits of Editors Keys Shortcut Keyboards and Keyboard Covers
Editors Keys has been a trusted name in the editing community for years. Our products are used by editors and studios across the world — from BBC, ITV and Sky, to content creators and freelancers.
Our Editing Keyboards
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Colour-coded for quick recognition of shortcuts
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Available for both Mac and PC
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Plug-and-play USB connectivity – no drivers needed
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Designed for professional-grade editing software
Our Keyboard Covers
If you already own an Apple Magic Keyboard or MacBook, our silicone editing keyboard covers are the perfect alternative.
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Ultra-thin and form-fitting – designed to fit perfectly over your existing keyboard
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Protects against dust and spills
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Easily removable and washable
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Affordable option for editors who want shortcut functionality without replacing their keyboard
Both options give you the same productivity boost, but keyboard covers are ideal for on-the-go editors or those working in shared studios.
The Drawbacks of Using a Standard Keyboard
While standard keyboards are fine for general typing, they’re not optimised for editing. Here are a few of the main limitations:
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Slower workflow: Repeatedly navigating menus or searching for shortcuts breaks your creative flow.
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Higher mental load: Remembering dozens of shortcut combinations is cognitively taxing, especially across multiple programmes.
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Increased fatigue: More mouse use and awkward hand movements lead to strain over time.
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Limited productivity: The lack of visual shortcuts means your learning curve is much steeper.
Why a Shortcut Keyboard Is Worth It
Think of an editing keyboard as an investment in your productivity and creative focus.
By cutting out repetitive clicks and menu navigation, you can concentrate more on storytelling, pacing, and creativity. For professionals, this time saved can translate directly into faster client delivery, higher output, and even increased revenue.
And for beginners, a shortcut keyboard from Editors Keys serves as a learning tool – helping you naturally master your chosen editing software without constantly referring to shortcut lists or tutorials.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about video or audio editing, a dedicated shortcut keyboard isn’t just a luxury – it’s a workflow essential. It bridges the gap between creativity and efficiency, allowing you to edit faster, smarter, and with greater comfort. Whether you’re editing your next short film, podcast, or YouTube video, Editors Keys has the tools to help you reach professional standards faster than ever.
Explore our full range of shortcut editing keyboards and keyboard covers for Premiere Pro, Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, and more at www.editorskeys.com.
