The Speed Editor connects to your PC or Mac using a USB C connection (there’s a USB C to USB C cable included in the box - if your computer doesn’t have a USB C connector you’ll need either a USB A to USB C adapter or any standard USB A to USB C cable on hand) or via Bluetooth. It’s a logical layout that helps you quickly familiarise yourself with the various speed editor functions. The jog wheel and navigation/transport related controls are on the right hand side of the panel, the in/out point selectors and various clip insertion and editing options on the left, with additional functions and multicam options in the middle. The Speed Editor’s buttons are arranged into convenient groups according to their function, and their position makes it easy to work seamlessly with the controls using both hands. Don’t let its looks deceive you though: the Speed Editor is a thoroughly modern bit of kit. The console looks and feels a bit retro (in a good way), like a mini mechanical keyboard from back in the day, compressed laterally. That premium feel extends to the metal jog wheel and the 43 dedicated function buttons that press with a very tactile click, and work alongside the jog wheel to perform a bewildering array of video editing tasks.

On the contrary, it has a reassuring weight and solidity that gives it a premium feel in the hand. The body is plastic, but it doesn’t feel in any way flimsy or cheap. The first thing you notice when you take the Speed Editor out of its box is how compact and solid it is. It works exclusively with DaVinci Resolve 17 editing software (see my DaVinci Resolve 17 review here), and works with Resolve’s Cut Page to help you put your video content together in record time. The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor from Blackmagic Design is designed to do exactly that. If you’re producing video content regularly, anything that makes the process quicker, easier and more intuitive will be a real boon. Scrubbing through your source clips, selecting the scenes you want, adding them to your timeline, trimming and rearranging them, adding audio, transitions and titles all takes time. Calvin Jones explains more in this in-depth review. If you’ve ever done any video editing you’ll know it can be a labour-intensive process.

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