The Benefits of a Dedicated Shortcut Keyboard – Comparing Traditional vs Shortcut-Based Editing - Editors Keys

The Benefits of a Dedicated Shortcut Keyboard – Comparing Traditional vs Shortcut-Based Editing

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When you’re deep in the flow of video, audio, or photo editing, every second counts. Whether you’re cutting together a documentary, mixing a podcast, or colour-grading a film, your workflow can make the difference between meeting a tight deadline and spending late nights at your desk.

That’s where a dedicated shortcut editing keyboard comes in. Designed specifically for creative professionals, these keyboards are built to make your work faster, more intuitive, and ultimately, more enjoyable. But do you really need one? Let’s compare a traditional keyboard with a shortcut-based editing keyboard and explore the benefits.


The Traditional Keyboard: Familiar but Limited

A standard keyboard is designed for general computer use — typing documents, sending emails, browsing the web. While it works perfectly well for everyday tasks, it wasn’t created with creative software in mind.

When editing in software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, or Photoshop, you’ll find yourself relying heavily on keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts can save minutes, even hours, compared to navigating through menus with a mouse — but here’s the catch:

  • They’re easy to forget. Unless you’ve memorised them, you’ll constantly break your flow to look them up.

  • Learning takes time. Many editing programs have hundreds of shortcuts — overwhelming for beginners and even seasoned editors.

  • Speed is inconsistent. Without visual reminders, you might revert to slower mouse-based navigation.

In short, while a traditional keyboard can get the job done, it doesn’t actively help you edit faster or more efficiently.

Editors Keys shortcut editing keyboard for Adobe Premiere Pro

The Shortcut Editing Keyboard: Designed for Speed and Accuracy

A shortcut editing keyboard is specifically engineered to supercharge your workflow. Each key is colour-coded and clearly labelled with the relevant shortcut for your software. With this at your fingertips, you don’t just work — you work smarter.

Key Benefits of a Shortcut Editing Keyboard:

  1. Immediate Speed Boost
    No more hunting through menus or trying to remember complex key combinations. With a shortcut keyboard, your most-used commands are literally under your fingertips. Editors report speed increases of up to 40% when switching from a traditional keyboard.

  2. Better Shortcut Retention
    Seeing the shortcuts printed directly on the keys reinforces your memory. Over time, you’ll naturally remember the combinations, even when you’re away from your editing setup.

  3. Reduced Strain and Fatigue
    Less mouse movement means less wrist strain and more comfort during long editing sessions — especially important if you edit for hours at a time.

  4. Professional Workflow Efficiency
    Time saved on repetitive actions means more time for creative decisions. Whether it’s colour correction, trimming clips, or mixing audio, you’ll get through tasks faster and with fewer interruptions.


Real-World Example: Peaky Blinders’ Editor, Paul Knight

It’s not just hobbyists or independent creators who benefit from shortcut keyboards — some of the UK’s leading editors rely on them too.

Paul Knight, the editor for the hit BBC drama Peaky Blinders, uses an Editors Keys Avid Media Composer shortcut editing keyboard as part of his professional workflow. Working on a show known for its sharp pacing, stylised visuals, and complex editing sequences, Paul needs tools that allow him to work quickly without sacrificing precision.

By having every Avid Media Composer shortcut clearly labelled and colour-coded in front of him, he’s able to keep his eyes on the footage, not the menus — ensuring that every cut, transition, and effect is made with maximum speed and accuracy.

If a shortcut keyboard can help edit a global hit like Peaky Blinders, imagine what it could do for your own projects.


Editors Keys Shortcut Keyboards and Covers: The Instant Upgrade

At Editors Keys, we design shortcut editing keyboards and silicone keyboard covers for the world’s leading creative software, including:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Final Cut Pro

  • Avid Media Composer

  • Pro Tools

  • Logic Pro X

  • Photoshop

  • …and many more.

Each keyboard is carefully laid out with colour-coded keys and icon-based shortcuts tailored to your software, so you can start editing faster from day one.

If you’re not ready to replace your keyboard entirely, our silicone editing keyboard covers are the perfect alternative — simply slip them over your existing keyboard, and you’ll instantly have all your shortcuts visible and accessible. They’re also spill-resistant and protect your keys from dust and wear.


Backlit Keyboards: USB Wired and Wireless Options

We know many editors work in dimly lit studios, edit bays, or even on the go in less-than-ideal lighting. That’s why we offer backlit shortcut keyboards in both USB wired and wireless versions.

  • USB Wired Backlit Keyboards – Perfect for those who want a reliable, plug-and-play solution with no battery concerns. They offer a consistent connection and bright, adjustable backlighting to keep your keys visible no matter how dark your workspace gets.

  • Wireless Backlit Keyboards – Ideal for a clean, cable-free desk setup, these keyboards give you the same editing speed and clarity with the freedom to move around. The built-in rechargeable battery ensures you can keep working without hunting for AA batteries, and the backlighting means you’ll never struggle to see your shortcuts.

Both options come with our signature colour-coded editing shortcuts, so whether you choose wired or wireless, you’ll benefit from faster editing and a more professional setup — day or night.

Editors Keys wireless backlit editing keyboard for Avid Media Composer

Shortcut Keyboard vs Traditional Keyboard – A Quick Comparison

Feature Traditional Keyboard Shortcut Editing Keyboard
Shortcut visibility None Printed and colour-coded
Editing speed Moderate Up to 40% faster
Learning curve for shortcuts Steep Significantly reduced
Workflow efficiency Standard Professional-level
Comfort during long sessions Moderate Reduced strain
Designed for editing No Yes

The Bottom Line: Is a Shortcut Keyboard Worth It?

If you’re serious about editing — whether as a professional or passionate hobbyist — a shortcut editing keyboard isn’t just a luxury; it’s an investment in your productivity. The ability to see every shortcut clearly, improve your speed, and work more comfortably can transform the way you approach your projects.

With Editors Keys shortcut keyboards and keyboard covers, you can improve your workflow immediately — no lengthy training, no wasted time searching menus. Just plug in, start editing, and watch your efficiency soar.


Ready to edit faster?
Browse the full range of Editors Keys Shortcut Keyboards and Keyboard Covers today and see the difference for yourself.

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