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:
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:
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:
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 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 -- Assign video files to clip slots
Lighting Configuration -- Assign DMX clips to lighting slots
Triggering Overview -- All trigger methods compared
Hardware Controllers -- Standalone MIDI controller setup
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