Loupedeck
default, but you can have it adjust sharpness or noise reduction, or use it to make vertical or horizontal transformations. You can also set the P function buttons to apply any Lightroom presets, not just the Loupedeck default presets that come with the software. Holding a Fn key doubles the number of controls and presets you can access.
The Loupedeck’s build quality is very good; nothing feels loose or cheap. For my taste, the toggle buttons feel a bit stiff, but that could be because I’ve used an Apple wireless keyboard for so long.
Although you can’t adjust the physical resistance of the dials and scroll wheels, you can modify their speed and sensitivity in the Loupedeck settings.
PROS
• Well made analog controls for editing.
• Configurable controls and preset toggle switches.
• Mac and PC compatibility.
CONS
• No software update mechanism.
PRICE
$259
COMPANY
Loupedeck
A notable drawback to the software is that there’s no update mechanism, nor even an easy way to learn which is the most recent version on the Loupedeck website; you need to download the installer ( go. macworld.com/dnin) to see which is the latest version. Although the company writes, “It is important to constantly update the configuration software to fix bugs and add new functions,” it’s all on you to remember to “constantly update.”
BOTTOM LINE
There’s something to be said for not having to hunt for controls or hit small targets with the mouse pointer. If you’ve built up the muscle memory of editing with a keyboard and mouse, or keyboard and digitizer, switching to a slab of analog controls could be difficult—or you might find that having the controls in consistent locations at your fingertips is an easy transition. If you spend many hours editing in Lightroom Classic CC, I can see how incorporating the Loupedeck could speed up your work. ■