---
title: "DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor: search dial, transport, source tape, and in/out points"
author: "Cutsio Team"
date: "2026-05-15"
lastmod: "2026-05-15"
category: "DaVinci Resolve Advanced Workflows"
excerpt: "The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a compact editing panel with a machined metal search dial, transport controls, source tape scrolling, large in/out buttons, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for portable, two-handed editing."
tags: ["DaVinci Resolve","Speed Editor","Search Dial","Source Tape","Transport Control","Hardware","Cut Page"]
---

## What is the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor?

The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a compact hardware editing panel designed for the Cut page. It features a large machined metal search dial with a soft rubber coating for precise timeline navigation, dedicated transport controls, source tape mode for scrolling through media, large in and out point buttons for two-handed editing, and intelligent edit mode keys. It connects via Bluetooth for wireless use or USB-C with a rechargeable battery.

![Keyboard Models](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/keyboard/models/models-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1712642554)

Three models are available: the Speed Editor (compact, Bluetooth, search dial), the Replay Editor (multi-cam focus with camera selection keys), and the full Editor Keyboard (QWERTY with metal search dial and clutch).

## How does the search dial work on the Speed Editor?

The search dial is a machined metal control with a weighted feel. Spin it fast to move up and down the timeline quickly, or turn it slowly for frame-by-frame precision. But the search dial is more than a navigation tool — press a trim button and the dial transforms into a large adjustment knob for real-time, precise trimming.

![Dial Control](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/keyboard/dial-control/dial-control-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1603341470)

The physical connection to the timeline is deeper than a mouse. The weighted metal design provides tactile feedback that makes precise positioning and trimming faster and more accurate. Once you have experienced trimming with the search dial, it is difficult to go back to a mouse.

## How do transport controls work on the Speed Editor?

Hardware control panels are perfect for fast playback control. The Speed Editor includes a space bar style button positioned so it can be pressed with your thumb for instant start and stop of playback. The shuttle, jog, and scroll buttons change the function of the search dial for different modes.

![Transport Control](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/keyboard/transport-control/transport-control-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1603061493)

Shuttle mode lets you scrub through the timeline at variable speeds based on how far you turn the dial. Jog mode provides frame-by-frame control. Scroll mode moves through the timeline at a constant speed. Each mode is optimized for a different phase of the editing workflow.

## How does Source Tape work for scrolling clips on the Speed Editor?

Source Tape is a modern version of the traditional videotape workflow. Press the Source button and use the search dial to scroll through all your media. The current clip is highlighted live in the bin. After performing an edit, the viewer stays in Source Tape mode so you can immediately move to the next shot without clicking back into the media pool.

![Source Tape](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/keyboard/source-tape/source-tape-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1642742670)

Traditional editing requires constantly clicking and dragging clips. Source Tape eliminates this by placing all clips end to end in the viewer, letting you fast forward and rewind through your media like a videotape. This is significantly faster for TVCs, news, promos, and training videos.

## How do in and out point buttons work on the Speed Editor?

Entering in and out points is the most common editing function. The Speed Editor includes large in and out point buttons that are easy to locate by feel. Scroll with the search dial, place in and out points, then reach up to the edit function keys to perform the edit. This enables two-handed editing where your right hand controls transport and your left hand places points and performs edits.

![In and Out Points](https://images.blackmagicdesign.com/images/products/davinciresolve/keyboard/in-out/in-out-lg@2x.jpg?_v=1603331032)

In and out points can also focus the Source Tape to a specific range. Press Escape to return the Source Tape to the full bin. The large button size makes them findable without looking at the keyboard.

## How does Bluetooth and USB connectivity work?

The Speed Editor includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless use without cables. Use it in conjunction with your regular computer keyboard — perfect for laptop setups. Connect via USB-C if preferred, and the USB connection charges the internal battery. The combination of wireless operation and rechargeable battery makes the Speed Editor highly portable for editing on location.

For editors who pre-select footage in Cutsio and export an EDL into Resolve, the timeline arrives organized with selects. The Speed Editor makes it fast to refine the assembly and add B-roll using the search dial, source tape, and smart edit modes.