Logitech has announced the release of a brand-new tool for creative professionals. The MX Creative Console is a combination of keypad and dialpad which promises to streamline editing and content creation.
The product, which is available in shops from 14 October, utilises MX series hardware capabilities and Logi Options+ software integration to enhance workflow. Devised with designers generally (and Adobe Creative Cloud users specifically) in mind, Logitech hope that by enabling faster execution times creatives will be able to reach new heights. Through Logitech's partnership with Adobe, the Creative Console also comes with an exclusive offer of a complimentary three-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (for both new and existing Adobe accounts).
The keys (and dial) to success?
The MX Creative keypad features nine fully customisable LCD display keys and two page turning buttons. With up to 15 pages of actions per app this will allow for the creation of 135 shortcuts in each of the user's software programs of choice. This could reduce costly time spent searching for the right option in a dropdown menu or the strain of your fingers using traditional, more complex, keyboard shortcuts.
On the MX Creative dialpad users will find a contextual dial, a roller and further customisable buttons which can trigger regularly performed actions like undo and redo, for example. The adjustment of parameters with the dial and the ability to zoom in and out using the roller are likely to be appreciated by creatives who spend much of their time utilising apps like Adobe Photoshop.
Actions Ring is an additional virtual addition to the Creative Console that gives access to even more advanced application controls (eight bubbles, each containing an action or adjustment). In conjunction with the Dial users can quickly select adjustments in Lightroom Classic or for colour grading in Premiere Pro.
The MX Creative Console is compatible with both Windows and Mac and includes deep plugin integration with:
• Six Adobe plugins (Photoshop, Premier Pro, Lightroom Classic, Illustrator, After Effect, Audition)
• Spotify Premium
• Zoom
• Ableton Live
• Philips Hue
• vMix (Windows only)
• Capture One Pro (Mac only)
More are set to follow and for apps that don't have a plugin a shortcut profile can be created. An Adapt to App feature allows the Creative Console to switch profiles automatically based on the active application window.
Available in graphite or pale grey (the plastic parts of the former are made from 72 per cent recycled plastic, 55 per cent for the latter) the MX Creative Console is available to pre-order now from Logitech.
David Ker is a journalist with a decade's experience in print and digital publishing. He appreciates technology made with its environmental impact in mind and which presents him a further means to pursue his love of music, reading, games, TV and film. Above all, with so many options out there, he's interested in products that display something out of the ordinary and offer value for money. Hard to please, he assures What's The Best readers that he'll be a discerning critic on their behalf.
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