Smart keyboard mapping. (Avid)

I'm a big believer in mapping your keyboard on an Avid. (Nothing new in this) But I believe in 'smart' mapping - the idea that the key you bind a function should have meaning (to you.)

This tip is not​ about mapping your keyboard...nor that you can map elements with the shift key held down.

Rather, this tip is based on the idea that you should only​ bind keys that make sense. I've taught bunches of people how to use Media Composer. When I walk into a facility I chuckle if someone has a sticker above the F Keys. Why? Because they had to write down what the key does, because it doesn't make sense.​

Anything mapped should have a logical connection to it's function, another key's function or the way you work.​

Right now, go look at your keyboard. Where is the Remove Effect button? Don't tell me it's on an F key. ​

My Remove Effect is underneath the Quick Transition button. Why? Because it's the only button on the keyboard that creates an effect. The Shifted version of it removes​ an effect.​

The tip is really this: map your keyboard in a purposeful way.​​

Some other quick suggestions: Set Expert Render to Shift-R - because, frankly, we still think of it as rendering.​ Put the Segment modes (yellow/red arrows) underneath the Splice in/Overwrite because they share similar colors.

Avid tips like this will be in sessions at NAB/Post Production World​