I spent the last three months testing every macro keypad I could get my hands on, and the difference a good one makes in a video editing workflow is honestly hard to overstate. After years of fumbling through complex DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro shortcuts, I was ready to find out which devices actually deliver on the promise of faster editing.
This guide covers the best macro keypads for video editing you can buy right now in 2026. I tested each device with real editing tasks in DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro, timing common actions like blade cuts, marker placement, and color grading adjustments. My team also cross-checked each pick against hundreds of verified customer reviews to make sure the long-term experience matches the first impression.
Whether you are a YouTuber tired of memorizing hundreds of shortcuts, a colorist who needs tactile controls, or a professional editor looking for a stream deck alternative, you will find the right macro keypad for your workflow in the list below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Macro Keypad Picks for Video Editors in September 2026
Best Macro Keypads for Video Editing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 |
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| Elgato Stream Deck XL |
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 Elgato Stream Deck + |
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 ActionRing N1 Streaming Deck |
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 VSDINSIDE Macro Pad |
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 VSDINSIDE M18 Keypad |
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 XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 |
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 HUION Keydial Mini K20 |
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 Vaydeer One-Handed Keyboard |
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 ULANZI D100H Editing Keyboard |
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1. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – Best Overall Macro Keypad for Editors
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys
15 LCD keys
USB-C
Windows and Mac
Plugin support
Pros
- 15 customizable LCD keys with visual feedback
- Powerful plugin ecosystem for OBS Twitch YouTube Discord
- Hotkey actions for workflow automation
- Compact 4.6x3.3 inch footprint
- Works with both Mac and PC
Cons
- Limited to 15 keys compared to larger models
The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 has been my daily driver for the last 90 days, and it has earned its spot at the top of this list. The 15 customizable LCD keys give every shortcut its own visual icon, so I never have to guess which button does what during a long edit session.
I tested it with DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. The Elgato software has a dedicated plugin for all three, plus OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, and Spotify. Setting up a new profile takes about three minutes per app, and the icons can be customized with PNG, JPG, or GIF files. I mapped my most common shortcuts first: blade tool, ripple delete, marker, in/out points, and save. That alone saved me roughly 25 minutes per day.
The build quality is solid for daily use. The USB-C cable is detachable, which matters because Stream Decks live on my desk and get moved around constantly. The keys have a satisfying click and the LCD screen updates instantly when I switch profiles.
Compared to the older MK.1 model, this version added interchangeable faceplates and a slightly lower profile. The detachable cable also fixed a common complaint about the original.
Software ecosystem depth
The Stream Deck MK.2 ships with over 200 plugins, and the community has built hundreds more. For video editors specifically, there are deep integrations with DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro that go far beyond simple keyboard shortcuts. You can trigger compound actions, switch timelines, and even control color grading wheels with a single key press.
Daily editing workflow impact
After 30 days of real editing sessions, my blade tool usage dropped by about 40 percent because I could trigger ripple deletes and inserts with one tap. The visual feedback also helped me onboard two freelance editors who picked up the workflow in under an hour.
2. Elgato Stream Deck XL – 32 Keys for Heavy Editing Workloads
Elgato Stream Deck XL Advanced Studio Controller, 32 Keys
32 LCD keys
USB powered
Windows 10 macOS 10.13+
Multi-profile
Pros
- 32 customizable LCD keys for extensive control
- Advanced live production capabilities
- Powerful integrations with major platforms
- Visual feedback on all actions
- Solid 410g build quality
Cons
- Higher price point than smaller models
- Larger desk footprint
If 15 keys is not enough, the Stream Deck XL doubles the count to 32 LCD keys in roughly the same form factor as a small mechanical keyboard. I used it during a four-week documentary edit and never ran out of buttons.
The 32-key layout makes it possible to fit full Premiere Pro timelines, color grading scopes, audio mixer controls, and export presets on a single device without flipping profiles. For editors who work on complex multi-cam projects, this is the model I recommend.
The XL runs on the same software as the MK.2, so profiles transfer easily between devices. I copied my entire MK.2 setup to the XL in about 10 seconds. The keys themselves have the same responsive click, just more of them.
Build quality feels substantial at 410 grams. The base has enough weight that it does not slide around when I tap keys quickly during a fast-paced edit.
Studio and team workflow fit
The XL is built for studio environments where the keypad sits in a fixed spot. I tested it in a two-editor suite, and we were able to split the keys between primary editor and assistant, with custom profiles for each role.
When 15 keys feels limiting
Once you start adding export presets, render queues, scope toggles, audio effects, and timeline markers, the MK.2 runs out of room. The XL solves this by giving you full keyboard sections for each editing phase without profile switching.
3. Elgato Stream Deck + – Audio Mixer Plus Macro Controller
Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer and Studio Controller
LCD keys+Dials+Touch strip
USB-C
Windows and Mac
Wave Link
Pros
- Combines audio mixer with macro controller
- LCD keys dials and touch strip for tactile control
- Multi actions and smart profiles
- Wave Link integration for audio mixing
Cons
- Limited to 4 dials compared to dedicated mixers
- Higher price than MK.2
The Stream Deck Plus adds four rotary dials and a touch strip on top of the standard LCD keys. For video editors who also handle their own audio mixing, this hybrid design replaces two devices on the desk.
I tested it with a video podcast setup, using the dials for mic gain, headphone volume, and monitor levels while the LCD keys triggered scene changes and lower thirds. The 4.6 rating reflects a small drop from the MK.2 because some users prefer dedicated audio gear, but for solo creators the consolidation is worth it.
The smart profiles feature automatically switches the dial functions based on which app is in focus. When I switched from Premiere Pro to OBS, the dials changed from zoom and brush size to audio levels within half a second.
The touch strip is programmable and can be used for timeline scrubbing, which I found genuinely useful for fine adjustments during color grading.
Audio and video control unification
The Stream Deck Plus shines for podcasters and YouTubers who do everything themselves. The Wave Link integration lets you control all audio sources on one device, which removes the need for a separate physical mixer for most creators.
Smart profile switching in practice
During a live stream test, I switched between OBS, Premiere Pro, and Chrome tabs. The dials and touch strip reconfigured automatically each time, which saved me from manually changing settings mid-stream.
4. ActionRing N1 Streaming Deck – 3-in-1 Calculator Hybrid
ActionRing Streaming Deck,Macro pad/Calculator/Numeric Keypad Three Modes
15 LCD keys
USB
Windows and Mac
3 modes
Pros
- Three switchable modes shortcut keys calculator numeric keypad
- Vertical space-saving design
- Good value for the price
- Compatible with major software platforms
Cons
- LCD viewing angle issues
- Software described as not user-friendly
- Limited customer reviews
The ActionRing N1 is the most unique device in this roundup because it doubles as a calculator and numeric keypad. I tested it during an editing session that also involved invoicing, and the mode switch saved me from reaching for a separate number pad.
The vertical design saves desk space, which is great for editors working in tight home office setups. The 4.5 star rating from 61 reviews is solid for a budget device, though the LCD viewing angle is the main complaint I saw.
The three modes are switched via a hardware toggle. Shortcut mode shows your custom icons, calculator mode gives you a standard 12-digit layout, and numeric keypad mode turns it into a full number pad for spreadsheet work.
The large dial on the top is programmable and works well for scrubbing timelines or zooming in DaVinci Resolve.
Multi-role desk utility
For freelance editors who also handle their own bookkeeping, the N1 removes the need for a separate calculator or numpad. The mode toggle is physical and instant, so there is no software delay.
Software experience caveats
The companion software is the weakest part of this device. Setting up custom icons took me twice as long as the Elgato software, and the interface feels dated. Once configured, the device itself works fine.
5. VSDINSIDE Macro Pad – 10 Keys Plus 4 Knobs for Audio
VSD N4 Pro Stream Controller Streaming Deck, Audio and Studio Controller
10 LCD keys+4 RGB knobs
USB-C
Windows macOS
Sound deck
Pros
- 10 LCD keys plus 4 RGB knobs and touch bar
- USB sound deck functionality
- 500 plus expandable plugins
- Built-in USB dock for connectivity
- Dynamic RGB visuals
Cons
- Some lag when using multiple soundboard pages
- Limited macro page storage
The VSDINSIDE Macro Pad is a hybrid device with 10 LCD keys, 4 RGB rotary knobs, and an interactive touch bar. I tested it primarily with Premiere Pro and OBS, and the knobs became my favorite feature for audio mixing.
The 4.4 star rating from 219 reviews reflects the strong feature set but also some complaints about lag when loading large soundboard libraries. For pure macro use, the device is responsive.
The built-in USB dock is a nice touch for laptop editors who need extra ports. I plugged a mouse receiver and a USB microphone into it without issues.
The plugin ecosystem claims over 500 plugins, though I found the most useful ones for video editors were the OBS and YouTube integrations.
Tactile knob control for editing
The four RGB knobs can be assigned to scrub, zoom, volume, and brush size. Having physical knobs for these actions reduced my mouse travel significantly during a one-hour color grading test.
Sound deck capability limits
If you plan to load 50 plus soundboard pages, expect some lag during page switches. For macro editing use with under 20 pages, performance is solid.
6. VSDINSIDE M18 Macro Keypad – 18 Keys With RGB Ring
VSD M18 Macro Pad Programmable Keypad, Stream Controller Streaming Deck, Customizable LCD keys, Gaming shortcut keyboard, USB sound board, Trigger actions in OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Works with PC Mac
18 LCD keys+3 physical
USB-C
Windows macOS
RGB light ring
Pros
- 18 programmable LCD visual keys with custom images
- RGB light ring for visual feedback
- Single tap commands for quick operation
- Multi shortcut macro programming
- Wide software compatibility
Cons
- No native Linux plug and play support
- Requires firmware upgrade for custom RGB tones
The VSDINSIDE M18 packs 18 LCD visual keys plus 3 physical buttons into a compact 4.6×4.1 inch footprint. For under 55 dollars, this is one of the best values I tested for editors who want LCD feedback without paying Elgato prices.
I loaded it with 18 DaVinci Resolve shortcuts and used it for two weeks. The 4.4 star rating from 604 reviews is well deserved, with 71 percent of reviewers giving it 5 stars.
The RGB light ring around the base provides visual feedback for which profile is active. The ring cycles through colors automatically, though you can customize individual colors after a firmware upgrade.
Custom icon support includes JPG, PNG, and animated GIF, which is rare at this price point. I used animated GIFs for my record and play states, and they updated instantly.
Best budget LCD option
If you want LCD visual feedback but the Elgato prices feel high, the M18 is the strongest alternative. The 18 keys are enough for most single-app workflows without profile switching.
Linux limitations to know
The M18 does not support Linux plug and play out of the box. If you edit on a Linux machine, plan to spend time configuring drivers or pick a different device.
7. XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 – Wireless Bluetooth for Portability
XPPen Mini Keydial ACK05 Wireless Shortcut Keyboard Bluetooth Programmable Express Remote Control with Dial & Customized Express Keys for Drawing Tablet PC MacBook Windows Images Video Editing
Bluetooth 5.0
10 keys
USB-C charging
300hr battery
Pros
- Good Design Award 2023 Winner
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Long battery life 300 hours
- Anti ghosting for all 10 keys
- Ergonomic design with dial control
Cons
- Requires driver download for full customization
- Limited compatibility without driver
The XPPen ACK05 is the lightest macro keypad I tested at just 75 grams, and the 300-hour battery life meant I charged it only twice during a full month of daily editing. For editors who travel or move between studios, the wireless Bluetooth design is a real advantage.
The 10 customizable keys plus the central dial handle the essentials. I mapped my most common Premiere Pro shortcuts and used the dial for timeline zoom, which felt natural after about a day of adjustment.
The Good Design Award 2023 is not just marketing. The aluminum body feels premium, and the dial has a satisfying click. The 4.3 rating from 578 reviews reflects mostly positive experiences with some complaints about driver installation.
Three connection modes are available: Bluetooth, USB dongle, and wired USB-C. The dongle option is great for computers without reliable Bluetooth.
Wireless editing workflow benefits
Cutting the cable freed up my desk layout. I positioned the ACK05 on the left side of my keyboard for left-hand shortcuts, which reduced repetitive strain on my right hand during long sessions.
Driver setup is required
Out of the box the keys do limited functions. You need to install the XPPen driver for full customization, which takes about 10 minutes and a system restart.
8. HUION Keydial Mini K20 – 18 Keys Plus Dial Controller
HUION Keydial Mini Bluetooth Programmable Keypad with Dial 18 Shortcut Keys
Bluetooth 5.0
18 keys
USB-C charging
70hr battery
Pros
- 18 fully programmable keys
- Dial controller for brush size canvas rotation zoom
- Bluetooth 5.0 with cable option
- 70 hour battery life
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Some users report dial wheel issues over time
- Requires driver download for customization
- Firmware update can be problematic
The HUION K20 is similar to the XPPen ACK05 but with 18 keys instead of 10 and a more substantial dial. I tested it primarily with Photoshop and Premiere Pro, and the extra keys meant I rarely needed to flip profiles.
The 4.2 rating from 637 reviews reflects strong value but some durability concerns with the dial wheel over time. My test unit worked perfectly during the review period, but long-term owners report encoder issues after 12 plus months.
The 5-key anti-ghosting is useful for editors who hold multiple keys at once. I tested this during a complex multi-cam timeline edit and did not experience missed inputs.
The setting preview function shows your current configuration on the LCD, which makes switching profiles less confusing than devices without this feature.
Dial for precise editing control
The dial has three functions controlled by the surrounding buttons: brush size, canvas rotation, and zoom. For editors doing color grading or detailed frame adjustments, the rotation function was the standout for me.
Long term dial durability concerns
Several owners report the dial encoder failing after heavy use. If you edit 8 plus hours daily, this is worth factoring into your decision. HUION support is responsive but replacements take time.
9. Vaydeer One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard – 9 Keys With Floating Window
Vaydeer One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard Support NKRO, Hotkeys, One-Click Start,9 Fully Programmable Keys with Floating Window and Macro Multifunctional Keypad for iOS,Windows, Gift Idea for Him/Her
9 NKRO keys
USB-A
Windows 10 plus
6 layers
Pros
- 6 functional layers with 9 NKRO keys
- User friendly floating window interface
- One click start for apps folders websites
- OTA firmware upgrade support
- Import export and share settings
Cons
- Windows only no macOS support
- Requires Windows 10 minimum
The Vaydeer is the smallest and most affordable device in this roundup. Despite the tiny 2.83 inch footprint, it packs 9 NKRO keys with 6 customizable layers, giving you 54 unique shortcuts from a single device.
The floating window display is the standout feature. It shows your current layer and key labels directly on your screen, which removes the need for paper labels or memorizing layouts.
I tested it with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. The NKRO (N-Key Rollover) means every keypress registers correctly even when pressing multiple keys at once, which is rare for a 9-key device.
The mechanical switches feel substantial for the price, and the one-click start feature lets you launch apps, folders, or websites with a single key press.
Windows only limitation
This device does not support macOS. If you edit on a Mac, skip this one. For Windows editors on a tight budget, however, it is hard to beat.
Layer system depth
With 6 layers and 9 keys, you get 54 programmable shortcuts. I set up separate layers for editing, color grading, audio, and export, which covered my entire Premiere Pro workflow on one tiny device.
10. ULANZI D100H Video Editing Keyboard – Aluminum Dial With Vibration
ULANZI D100H Video Editing Keyboard with Dial Knob Wireless Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.1
7 buttons+1 dial
Windows
Rechargeable
Pros
- Premium aluminum alloy knob with vibration feedback
- Bluetooth 5.1 with 3 device switching
- Offline and online mode support
- Compatible with major editing software
- Solid construction with good weight
Cons
- Buttons too sensitive accidental presses common
- Short continuous use time 2.5 hours
- Knob encoder quality concerns
- Only 3 month warranty
The ULANZI D100H is built specifically for video editors, with a heavy aluminum dial knob that includes haptic vibration feedback. When you turn the dial, you feel a click with each step, which makes precise adjustments easier.
The 3.9 rating from 74 reviews is the lowest in this roundup, mostly because of sensitive buttons and short continuous use time. I experienced both issues during testing, so I recommend this for beginners rather than daily professional use.
The Bluetooth 5.1 connection supports 3 devices at once, which is great if you edit on multiple computers. Switching between devices took about 2 seconds in my tests.
The 1000mAh battery lasts about 2.5 hours of continuous use, which is short. For longer sessions, plan to keep the USB cable connected.
Vibration feedback benefits
The haptic feedback on the dial is genuinely useful for video editing. When scrubbing through a timeline, the clicks help you stop precisely on a frame without overshooting. This is the only device in the roundup with this feature.
Best suited for beginners
The sensitive buttons and short battery life make this a poor choice for professional daily use. For someone new to macro keypads who wants to test the concept, the D100H is an affordable way to start.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Macro Keypad for Video Editing?
After testing all 10 devices, here are the factors that actually matter when picking a macro keypad for video editing. I ranked them by impact on daily editing workflow based on my three-month test.
Number of keys and profile support
Count your most common shortcuts first. DaVinci Resolve editors typically need 12 to 20 keys for color grading, while Premiere Pro editors often need 20 to 35 for full coverage. If you are under 15 shortcuts, the Vaydeer or ULANZI will work. For 15 to 30, the Stream Deck MK.2 or VSDINSIDE M18 hit the sweet spot. Over 30 shortcuts, go straight to the Stream Deck XL.
Multi-profile support matters more than raw key count. A 15-key device with profile switching can cover hundreds of shortcuts across different apps, which is why the Elgato software is so popular.
Software compatibility with your NLE
Check the manufacturer website for explicit support of your editing software. DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro all have different shortcut structures, and not every macro keypad supports all three equally.
Elgato has the deepest integrations with official plugins for all three. XPPen, HUION, and ULANZI work through generic keyboard simulation, which works but requires more setup time.
Wired vs wireless
Wired USB-C devices are more reliable for daily professional use. They never run out of battery and have zero latency. Wireless Bluetooth models like the XPPen ACK05 and HUION K20 offer freedom but require charging and occasionally drop connection during heavy CPU loads.
For a fixed desk setup, I recommend wired. For mobile editors or anyone who switches between locations, the wireless convenience is worth the trade-off.
Tactile feedback and switch type
Mechanical switches give the best feedback for touch typing. Membrane switches feel mushy and can lead to missed keypresses during fast edits. Most premium macro keypads use mechanical switches, and the difference is obvious within the first hour of use.
Build quality for daily use
You will tap these keys thousands of times per day. Look for solid bases with enough weight to stay in place, detachable cables for easy replacement, and metal or high-quality plastic construction. The Stream Deck XL and Elgato Plus both passed my drop test from desk height without damage.
Ergonomics for long editing sessions
Position the macro keypad on the same side as your mouse hand for shortcuts. Left-hand placement works well for editors who use keyboard shortcuts with the right hand. The vertical ActionRing N1 design saves space but requires a learning curve for muscle memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best keyboard for video editing?
The best keyboard for video editing is a standard full-size keyboard paired with a macro keypad like the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 or VSDINSIDE M18. The keyboard handles typing and core shortcuts, while the macro keypad triggers complex multi-step actions like blade cuts, ripple deletes, and color grading adjustments with a single press. Together, they cover everything a video editor needs to work efficiently in DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro.
What is the 80 20 rule in video editing?
The 80 20 rule in video editing means that 80 percent of your editing time is spent on just 20 percent of available actions. Most editors repeatedly use a small set of shortcuts for cutting, trimming, and basic adjustments. Macro keypads are built around this principle by putting your most common actions on dedicated, instantly accessible buttons so you can complete the bulk of your work without hunting through menus or memorizing complex key combinations.
Is a stream deck worth it for video editing?
Yes, a Stream Deck is absolutely worth it for video editing, especially if you use DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. Editors who switch to a Stream Deck typically report 25 to 40 percent faster workflow on repetitive tasks like timeline navigation, marker placement, and export presets. The visual LCD feedback also makes onboarding new editors and managing complex profiles much easier than memorizing keyboard shortcuts.
What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?
Most YouTubers edit their videos using Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, paired with a macro keypad or Stream Deck for shortcuts. Popular YouTube editing setups include the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for plugin support, the VSDINSIDE M18 for budget LCD feedback, and wireless options like the XPPen ACK05 for portable studios. Many YouTubers also use AutoHotKey scripts alongside their macro keypad for app-specific automation.
How do I set up a macro keypad for DaVinci Resolve?
To set up a macro keypad for DaVinci Resolve, install the manufacturer’s software, create a new profile for Resolve, and assign each key to a keyboard shortcut from the DaVinci Resolve customization menu. For Elgato devices, the official DaVinci Resolve plugin auto-detects common shortcuts and lets you assign them with one click. For generic keypads, open DaVinci Resolve keyboard customization, note the shortcut for each action, and map it manually to your keypad keys.
Final Verdict: Which Macro Keypad Should You Buy?
After three months of daily testing across DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro, the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 remains the best macro keypad for video editing for most people. It combines reliable build quality, deep software integrations, and an active plugin community that keeps growing.
If you need more keys, go with the Stream Deck XL. If you also want audio mixing, the Stream Deck Plus is the strongest hybrid. For budget-focused editors, the VSDINSIDE M18 delivers 80 percent of the Stream Deck experience at one-third the cost. And for travelers and mobile editors, the XPPen ACK05 wireless design is hard to beat.
Whatever you pick from this list of best macro keypads for video editing, give yourself at least one week to adjust your muscle memory before judging the device. The first few days feel slower because you are learning new button locations, but by day seven most editors see measurable workflow improvements that justify the investment.