> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.4cast.world/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.4cast.world/5.-triggering/usb-keyboards-hid.md).

# USB Keyboards (HID)

Any standard USB keyboard or numeric keypad can trigger video and lighting clips on the MVP -- no MIDI controller or DAW required.

***

## Connection

Plug a USB keyboard or numeric keypad into one of the MVP's **USB-A ports** on the rear panel.

The MVP detects keyboards automatically. If you plug one in while the system is running, it will be recognized within a few seconds.

***

## Key Mapping

### Video Triggers

Press a key to trigger the corresponding video clip:

| Keys                                    | Clips          |
| --------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| `1` `2` `3` `4` `5` `6` `7` `8` `9` `0` | Clips 1-10     |
| `Q` `W` `E` `R` `T` `Y` `U` `I` `O` `P` | Clips 11-20    |
| `A` `S` `D` `F` `G` `H` `J` `K` `L`     | Clips 21-29    |
| `Z` `X` `C` `V` `B` `N` `M`             | Clips 30-36    |
| `ENTER`                                 | Black Out Clip |

### Lighting Triggers

Hold **Shift** and press a key to trigger the corresponding lighting (DMX) clip:

| Keys                      | Clips                |
| ------------------------- | -------------------- |
| `Shift` + `1` through `0` | Lighting Clips 1-10  |
| `Shift` + `Q` through `P` | Lighting Clips 11-20 |
| `Shift` + `A` through `L` | Lighting Clips 21-29 |
| `Shift` + `Z` through `M` | Lighting Clips 30-36 |
| `Shift` + `Enter`         | Black Out Clip       |

***

## Visual Layout

The mapping follows the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, reading left-to-right, top-to-bottom:

```
┌───┬───┬───┬───┬───┬───┬───┬───┬───┬───┐
│ 1 │ 2 │ 3 │ 4 │ 5 │ 6 │ 7 │ 8 │ 9 │ 0 │  Clips 1-10
├───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│ Q │ W │ E │ R │ T │ Y │ U │ I │ O │ P │  Clips 11-20
├───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│ A │ S │ D │ F │ G │ H │ J │ K │ L │   │  Clips 21-29
├───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│ Z │ X │ C │ V │ B │ N │ M │   │   │   │  Clips 30-36
└───┴───┴───┴───┴───┴───┴───┴───┴───┴───┘
```

> **Tip**: A small wireless numeric keypad makes a great compact 10-button trigger controller (keys 1-0 = clips 1-10).

***

## Dashboard Feedback

When you press a key, the Dashboard shows the trigger event in the **Input Monitor** just like a MIDI trigger:

* The **MIDI display** flashes with the corresponding note number
* The **Event Log** records the keystroke with a "KEYBOARD" label
* The **Status Display** on the device shows the key label and "KEYBOARD"

\[SCREENSHOT: Dashboard Input Monitor showing a keyboard trigger event in the event log]

***

## Enabling Keyboard Triggering

USB keyboard triggering is **always enabled** -- there is no setting to turn it on or off. Any connected USB keyboard will trigger clips immediately.

> **Note**: Keyboard triggering is listed in the **Beta Features** dialog in [System Settings](/6.-configuration/system-settings.md) for informational purposes, but it is always active regardless of whether beta features are enabled.

***

## Limitations

* **36 clips maximum**: The keyboard layout maps to clips 1-36 only. For clips 37-99, use MIDI triggers.
* **Simultaneous with MIDI**: Keyboard triggers work alongside MIDI and timecode. However, when timecode is actively driving playback, keyboard triggers (like any manual trigger) are suppressed.
* **Key repeat**: Holding a key down does not re-trigger the clip continuously.

***

## Use Cases

* **Backup trigger method**: Keep a small USB keypad connected as a fallback if your MIDI controller has issues.
* **Simple shows**: For shows with 10 or fewer clips, a wireless numeric keypad is all you need.
* **Crew control**: Hand a labeled keypad to a stage crew member for simple video/lighting cue triggering without MIDI knowledge.
* **Tech rehearsal**: Quickly test clips during setup without needing to open a DAW.

***

## Related Pages

* [Video Configuration](/2.-video-setup/video-configuration.md) -- Assign video files to clip slots
* [Lighting Configuration](/3.-lighting-setup/lighting-configuration.md) -- Assign DMX clips to lighting slots
* [Triggering Overview](/5.-triggering/triggering-overview.md) -- All trigger methods compared
* [Hardware Controllers](/5.-triggering/hardware-controllers.md) -- Standalone MIDI controller setup