We love to test hardware and software here at FCP.co. So when a new backlit Astra Final Cut Pro X keyboard from Logickeyboard arrived, it didn’t stay in the box for long.

Are all keyboards the same? Does it really matter if you edit with an Apple low profile aluminium model or one of the new range of backlit keyboards that are now available.

I think it does. The new illuminated range of coloured keyboards help a lot.

The Logickeyboard Astra went straight into a bag and travelled to an FCPX job for a thorough test.

Three things I immediately noticed about the ‘Astra’ backlit FCPX.

First of all is the box, it’s a very beefy box and good protection from the dreaded ‘key pop off’ problem if you have to transport the unit from suite to suite. Having knocked an old keyboard accidentally on the boot of my car in a rainy car park, I can assure you that getting keys back on in the wet and in a hurry isn’t fun. The internal packing is slightly flimsy and was already torn when opened…[continue reading]

15% off Astra Backlit – 11/23/16 – 11/29/16

The next generation backlit keyboard by Logickeyboard. Crafted in the finest material and with passion & love. Tested for 10.000.000 keystrokes pr. key.

by: Jonathan Moser / Post Magazine MANUFACTURER: Logickeyboard

PRODUCT: Logickeyboard Astra backlit editing keyboard (PC Avid Version)

PRICE: $139.90

WEBSITE: www.logickeyboard.com

• for Media Composer, Premiere, Pro Tools, Da Vinci, Vegas and Edius
• six levels of lighting
• scissor switches offer 10,000,000 pushes per key
• two independent USB hubs
• will increase the cool factor of your edit room
• for PC (Mac version available in the fall)
• carrying bag included with first 1,000 units

Ok, it’s just a keyboard, right? Not quite! While Logickeyboard may not be the first out of the gate to offer a backlit keyboard for post production, to my mind the brand-new Astra offers a ton of bang-for-the-buck features, and addresses some deficiencies I’ve seen in the only competition in this narrow product field. (I reviewed a competitor in Post’s May 2015 issue.)

LogicKeyboard has been a major player in the post production keyboard market since 2002, offering a huge variety of options for industry people. They offer a wide mix of keyboard types and my favorite for years has been their lineup with sculpted keys. (I have never been a big fan of “chicklets” keyboards but I know this is an area of debate). The Astra’s sculpted keys and keypress action offers a silky, assertive, tactile feedback experience that I find speeds up my editing.

A lot of thought has been put into the design of this keyboard and it shows.

The Astra offers a slightly different, futuristic, stylized form factor from most other manufacturers that lifts it up without requiring extendable (and breakable) ‘legs.’ It has rubber foot grips, helping it sit solid and firm at a substantial two pounds. Its design angles it to the user comfortably. The main body is made of a matte black, thick plastic (not flimsy) with silver side panels, very unlike other keyboards I’ve seen.

Unlike the competition, it also offers a two-port USB hub along the back edge. Thoughtfully, the hub is powered by a separate USB connector that is removable (in case the edit facility doesn’t allow the use of USB peripherals, like memory sticks or other adapters for security reasons). The USB connector powering the keyboard itself is isolated from the ports.

The 104 keys are color-coded (in my case for Avid Media Composer) and have tactile bumps on the F and J keys, as well as on the 5 key on the numeric keypad. All in all, it’s a very solid, attractive and durable product.

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