LogicKeyboard Avid Media Composer Keyboard for Mac — ASTRA 2 Backlit Shortcut Keys

Every second counts in a professional edit suite. The LogicKeyboard ASTRA 2 for Avid Media Composer puts every shortcut at your fingertips — color-coded, graphically labeled, and backlit for any lighting condition. Whether you’re cutting a feature film, a broadcast segment, or a documentary on your Mac, this keyboard eliminates shortcut hunting and keeps your hands on the timeline where they belong.

Designed specifically for Avid Media Composer on macOS, with Mac-native modifier keys (Command, Option, Control) properly labeled for seamless integration into your Mac workflow.

Key Features & Benefits

• Color-coded Media Composer shortcut keys — every command labeled with graphical icons and color-coding for instant visual recognition
• Mac-native modifier keys — Command, Option, and Control keys properly labeled for macOS workflows
• Backlit keys with 5 brightness levels — dimmable backlight adapts from bright production offices to dark edit suites
• Built-in USB 3.0 hub — connect Contour ShuttlePRO, USB dongle, phone, or other peripherals directly from the keyboard
• Dual USB cable design — separate grey cable for keyboard and black cable for USB hub; eliminates KVM extender conflicts in complex facility setups
• Low-profile scissor-switch keys — light, responsive feel with quiet operation for long editing sessions
• Full-size F-row and multimedia keys — complete keyboard functionality alongside Media Composer shortcuts
• 10 million keystroke durability — built for professional daily use in broadcast and post-production environments
• Plug-and-play — no software installation required; works immediately on macOS

Who This Keyboard Is For

Essential for professional video editors, assistant editors, and post-production supervisors working in Avid Media Composer on Mac. Ideal for broadcast networks, post-production facilities, film studios, documentary houses, and freelance editors who want to eliminate shortcut memorization and maximize editing speed on macOS. Also used in media education programs and corporate video production departments running Mac workstations.

Technical Specifications

• Software: Avid Media Composer (macOS)
• Compatibility: macOS (plug-and-play)
• Modifier keys: Command, Option, Control (Mac-native)
• Backlight: Yes — 5 selectable brightness levels
• Key mechanism: Scissor-switch, low-profile
• USB hub: Built-in USB 3.0 port
• USB cables: Dual cable (grey for keyboard, black for hub)
• Number of keys: 108 (ANSI) / 109 (ISO)
• Durability: 10,000,000 keystrokes per key
• Dimensions: 446mm × 150mm × 30mm (17 5/8" × 6" × 1 1/4")
• Weight: 950g (2.1 lbs)
• Connection: Wired USB

Frequently Asked Questions

Which version of Avid Media Composer is this keyboard designed for?

The LogicKeyboard ASTRA 2 is designed for Avid Media Composer on macOS. The shortcut labels reflect Media Composer’s standard default keymap. The keyboard functions as a standard Mac keyboard regardless of your specific Media Composer version or custom keymap settings.

Is there a PC/Windows version of this keyboard?

Yes — see the LogicKeyboard Avid Media Composer ASTRA 2 for PC for the Windows-compatible version with standard PC modifier keys.

Does this keyboard work with Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4)?

Yes. The ASTRA 2 is a standard USB HID keyboard compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs running macOS. No drivers or software installation required — plug in the grey USB cable and it works immediately.

How does this compare to using a standard Mac keyboard with Media Composer?

With a standard keyboard, Media Composer shortcuts require memorization of dozens of key combinations with no visual reference. The ASTRA 2 puts every shortcut in front of you with color-coded graphical labels — dramatically reducing the learning curve for new editors and speeding up workflows for experienced editors who want faster visual confirmation of key functions.

What is the dual USB cable design for?

The ASTRA 2 uses two USB cables: a grey cable for the keyboard itself and a black cable for the built-in USB 3.0 hub. This separation prevents conflicts with KVM extenders commonly used in broadcast facilities and post-production suites. You only need to plug in the grey cable to use the keyboard; the black cable activates the USB hub.

Can I connect a Contour ShuttlePRO to the keyboard’s USB hub?

Yes — the built-in USB 3.0 hub is ideal for connecting a Contour ShuttlePRO, USB dongle, or other peripherals directly from the keyboard. This is a common setup in professional Avid Mac edit suites, keeping the workstation organized and reducing cable clutter.

Is this keyboard suitable for broadcast and network television environments on Mac?

Yes. The ASTRA 2 is widely used in broadcast networks, news organizations, and television post-production facilities running Mac workstations. The dual USB cable design specifically addresses KVM extender requirements common in broadcast infrastructure, and the backlit keys are ideal for low-light edit suite conditions.

Can this keyboard be used as a regular Mac keyboard when not using Media Composer?

Yes — all standard letter, number, and symbol keys are labeled alongside the Media Composer shortcuts, and Mac modifier keys (Command, Option, Control) are properly labeled. The keyboard functions as a full standard Mac keyboard for any macOS application.

Can Ask Ergo Works help configure a full ergonomic edit workstation around this keyboard?

Absolutely. Our certified ergonomic specialists work with post-production professionals and facilities to optimize full workstation setups — including keyboard positioning, monitor height, chair configuration, and peripheral placement for long editing sessions. We offer ergonomic consulting services for individuals and enterprise teams.

Why Ask Ergo Works

With 30+ years of ergonomic and professional workstation expertise, Ask Ergo Works serves creative professionals, post-production facilities, and enterprise teams who demand both performance and comfort. The LogicKeyboard ASTRA 2 for Avid Media Composer is our top recommendation for Mac-based editors who want to eliminate friction and maximize their editing speed.

• Certified ergonomic specialists — professional workstation optimization expertise for post-production and broadcast environments
• Trusted by post-production facilities & broadcast teams — film, television, documentary, and news production
• Bay Area roots, nationwide reach — in-person assessments in the Bay Area; virtual consultations available nationwide
• Enterprise and facility procurement support — volume pricing, net terms, and procurement documentation available

Need help optimizing your full Mac edit workstation? Our ergonomic consulting services cover keyboard selection, monitor positioning, chair setup, and peripheral configuration for professional editors.

Complete Your Edit Workstation

• LogicKeyboard Avid Media Composer ASTRA 2 for PC — Windows version with PC modifier keys
• Ergonomic Mice — pair with a vertical or trackball mouse for a complete low-strain Mac edit workstation
• Professional Workstation Assessment — ergonomic evaluation covering keyboard, monitor, chair, and desk setup for long editing sessions