Choosing between these two color grading panels comes down to how you work: do you want a compact control surface with flexible connections, or a larger panel with more dedicated buttons and knobs? My leading pick for a streamlined workstation is the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel, whose tablet slot and Bluetooth or USB-C connection can make a smaller desk easier to manage. The DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel is the stronger fit for buyers who want a more traditional, button-rich surface and USB-powered laptop use.
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Both panels are built for DaVinci Resolve, so software compatibility is not the deciding point here. The real tradeoff is portability and setup flexibility versus a larger set of dedicated controls. Neither is a universal grading surface for every editing application, and the Micro Panel’s stated 11-pound weight makes it less convenient to carry than its portable USB-powered description may suggest.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Micro Color Panel is the more flexible fit for a compact workspace because it connects by Bluetooth or USB-C and includes a slot for an Apple iPad.
- The Micro Panel offers 12 precision knobs and 18 dedicated keys, giving buyers who favor direct access to grading and playback controls more defined physical controls.
- Both products are designed for DaVinci Resolve, so buyers working mainly in other grading software should check compatibility before choosing either.
- The Micro Color Panel’s supplied description does not specify a count for its direct-control knobs or keys; do not assume it has the Micro Panel’s stated 12 knobs and 18 keys.
- The Micro Panel is USB-powered and intended for laptop use, but its listed 11-pound weight makes frequent transport less appealing.
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel |  | Best Overall — compact, connection-flexible grading controls | Software: DaVinci Resolve | Connectivity: Bluetooth or USB-C | Trackballs: Three, with rings | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel |  | Best for Dedicated Controls — a more specified, button-rich layout | Supported software: DaVinci Resolve | Connectivity: USB | Power: USB-powered | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| color grading panel | Connectivity | Trackballs | Software | Additional controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Reso | Bluetooth or USB-C | Three, with rings | DaVinci Resolve | Direct control knobs and transport keys |
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Reso | USB | Three high-resolution trackballs | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel
I rank the Micro Color Panel first because its compact design and two connection options make it the more adaptable choice for a wide range of small editing setups. Bluetooth can reduce cable clutter, while USB-C offers a wired alternative when a direct connection better suits the workstation. Those choices matter most to editors with limited desk space or a setup that changes between a laptop-based edit and a more permanent grading station.
Its control layout is built around three trackballs with rings, direct-control knobs, and transport keys. That gives color work a physical interface rather than relying entirely on mouse movements and on-screen controls. The supplied details do not state how many direct-control knobs or keys it has, so I would not compare its control count directly with the Micro Panel’s clearly specified 12 knobs and 18 keys. Instead, its advantage is the combination of hands-on grading controls with a more compact format.
The Apple iPad slot further distinguishes this model. It gives the panel a place to hold a tablet as part of a compact workstation, although buyers should not assume that the iPad is included or that the slot itself adds software functions. Compared with the USB-powered Micro Panel, this design offers more flexibility in connection and a more explicit tablet-oriented setup, but less detail about its exact number of dedicated controls.
This is my pick for someone who wants a capable Resolve-specific surface without committing to the larger, heavier Micro Panel. Its limits are equally clear: it is not presented as a cross-software controller, Bluetooth is not a reason to assume every workflow will be cable-free, and the product details do not provide exact dimensions or weight. Buyers who mainly want a documented bank of dedicated grading and playback keys may prefer the Micro Panel’s more clearly itemized layout.
Pros:- Compact design suits smaller desks and streamlined setups.
- Three trackballs with rings provide hands-on grading controls.
- Bluetooth and USB-C give buyers a choice between wireless and wired connection.
- The built-in slot is designed to hold an Apple iPad.
Cons:- The supplied specifications do not give an exact count for its direct-control knobs or keys.
- It is designed for DaVinci Resolve rather than presented as a universal grading controller.
- The listed information does not state its dimensions or weight.
Best for: DaVinci Resolve editors building a compact workstation who want three trackballs, a tablet slot, and a choice of Bluetooth or USB-C connection.
Not ideal for: Editors who need a grading controller confirmed for software beyond DaVinci Resolve, or buyers who want a clearly specified count of knobs and dedicated keys before choosing.
- Software:DaVinci Resolve
- Connectivity:Bluetooth or USB-C
- Trackballs:Three, with rings
- Additional controls:Direct control knobs and transport keys
- Tablet slot:Designed to hold an Apple iPad
- Design:Compact color grading panel
Our verdict“I recommend the Micro Color Panel to Resolve editors who value compact design and connection flexibility more than a documented, higher-count bank of dedicated controls.”
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel
The DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel earns its place for buyers who want a defined set of physical controls rather than the smallest possible footprint. Its three high-resolution trackballs are paired with 12 precision-machined knobs and 18 dedicated keys for grading features and playback. That gives prospective buyers a clearer picture of the control layout than the Micro Color Panel listing does, and it makes this model the more straightforward choice for anyone comparing panels by stated knob and key counts.
Its trackballs are described for lift, gamma, and gain adjustments, bringing core tonal controls within physical reach. The dedicated keys also include access to grading and playback functions, with controls for saving and recalling stills. Compared with the Micro Color Panel, the Micro Panel puts more emphasis on a clearly specified array of direct controls; it gives up the newer model’s Bluetooth option and iPad slot, and its connection is USB only.
USB power suits a laptop-based setup because the panel draws power through its USB connection rather than requiring a separately described power source. Still, the word portable needs context: its listed 11-pound weight and dimensions of 20.51 x 14.49 x 5.12 inches make it a substantial piece of equipment to move regularly. I would treat it as a panel that can be connected to a laptop, not automatically as the better choice for frequent travel.
This model makes more sense than the Micro Color Panel if the stated bank of knobs and keys is your priority and your workstation can accommodate its size. It is less compelling for a cramped desk, frequent pack-downs, or a workflow that depends on Bluetooth. Like the other pick, it is designed specifically for DaVinci Resolve, so buyers using different grading software should verify support before committing.
Pros:- Three high-resolution trackballs support lift, gamma, and gain adjustments.
- 12 precision-machined knobs provide a clearly specified set of direct controls.
- 18 dedicated keys offer access to grading and playback functions.
- USB power supports a laptop-based setup without a separately listed power connection.
Cons:- USB is the only listed connection option.
- At 11 pounds, it is comparatively burdensome for frequent transport.
- Its stated software support is specific to DaVinci Resolve.
Best for: DaVinci Resolve users who want three high-resolution trackballs, 12 specified control knobs, dedicated grading and playback keys, and USB-powered laptop operation.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need Bluetooth, have very limited desk space, carry their control surface frequently, or require confirmed support for software other than DaVinci Resolve.
- Supported software:DaVinci Resolve
- Connectivity:USB
- Power:USB-powered
- Trackballs:Three high-resolution trackballs
- Control knobs:12 precision-machined knobs
- Dedicated keys:18 for grading features and playback
- Dimensions:20.51 x 14.49 x 5.12 inches
- Weight:11 pounds
- Compatible devices:Laptop
Our verdict“I would choose the Micro Panel over the Micro Color Panel when its documented knobs and dedicated keys matter more than a lighter, more connection-flexible setup.”
How We Picked
I ranked these panels by how well their physical controls, connection options, and form factor serve distinct DaVinci Resolve workflows. A grading panel should make frequent color adjustments easier to reach than a mouse-driven interface, so I gave particular weight to the available trackballs, rings, knobs, and dedicated keys. I also looked at how each design fits a real editing station: the Micro Color Panel emphasizes a compact footprint and tablet slot, while the Micro Panel gives more specific information about its knobs and keys.
That distinction drives the order. I place the Micro Color Panel first for its combination of compact design and Bluetooth or USB-C connection, which gives it a broader fit for desks where cable routing and space matter. The Micro Panel ranks second, not because it lacks useful controls, but because its USB-only connection and listed weight make it a more particular choice. Its stronger case is for a buyer who values a clearly specified array of dedicated controls over a smaller, more flexible setup.
I have not treated either panel as a universal controller. Both are identified for DaVinci Resolve, and the supplied details do not establish broader application support. I also avoid assuming unlisted functions, dimensions, or control counts. Where the product information is specific, such as the Micro Panel’s 12 knobs and 18 keys, I use that detail to explain the buying difference; where it is not, I keep the comparison bounded to the stated features.
| color grading panel | Connectivity | Trackballs |
|---|---|---|
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Reso | Bluetooth or USB-C | Three, with rings |
| Blackmagic Design DaVinci Reso | USB | Three high-resolution trackballs |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Color Grading Panels
Before choosing a panel, I would match the hardware to the way you grade, the software you use, and the space available at your workstation. These two models share a DaVinci Resolve focus and a three-trackball layout, but their differences affect setup and day-to-day access to controls.
Start with software compatibility
Both panels are described as designed for DaVinci Resolve. If Resolve is where you perform most of your grading, that shared focus makes the choice about controls and fit. If you use another editing or color application, do not infer support from the presence of trackballs and knobs alone. Check compatibility with your exact software version and operating system before buying, since the supplied product details do not confirm broader application support.
Choose your control layout
Both options have three trackballs, but only the Micro Panel listing specifies 12 precision knobs and 18 dedicated keys. That makes it easier to judge the Micro Panel if you prioritize a documented set of controls for grading and playback. The Micro Color Panel also includes direct-control knobs and transport keys, but its available details do not give a count. I would choose based on whether compactness and connection options matter more to you than a stated control count.
Match connectivity to your desk
The Micro Color Panel offers Bluetooth or USB-C, giving you more ways to fit the panel into a tidy or changing setup. The Micro Panel uses USB and is USB-powered, which can make sense beside a laptop when a wired connection suits your workflow. A wireless option can reduce cable clutter, but buyers should confirm their preferred connection behaves well with their complete Resolve setup. For a fixed desk with an available USB connection, the older Micro Panel’s simpler connection may be sufficient.
Be realistic about space and transport
The Micro Color Panel is described as compact and includes an Apple iPad slot, making it the more natural choice for a space-conscious arrangement. The Micro Panel’s listed dimensions are 20.51 x 14.49 x 5.12 inches, and its weight is 11 pounds. That is useful information for planning a desk, but it also argues against treating it as an effortless travel companion. If you regularly pack down your workspace, compare the physical requirements with your bag, table, and setup routine before choosing.
Decide which workflow benefits most
A grading panel earns its place when its physical controls fit tasks you repeat often. If you want an at-hand surface for trackball adjustments and a compact workstation, the Micro Color Panel has the more flexible overall setup. If you specifically want a known number of knobs and dedicated keys for playback and grading, the Micro Panel is easier to evaluate against those needs. I would not pay attention to feature counts in isolation: think about which controls you expect to reach repeatedly and whether the panel’s connection and footprint fit the rest of your station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both panels designed for DaVinci Resolve?
Yes. Both listings identify DaVinci Resolve as the software they are designed to support. The product details do not confirm compatibility with other grading or editing applications, so I would check the manufacturer’s current support information if Resolve is not your main software.
What is the main difference between the two panels?
The Micro Color Panel emphasizes a compact design, Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity, and a slot for an Apple iPad. The Micro Panel uses USB and provides a more clearly specified layout of 12 precision knobs and 18 dedicated keys. I would choose between them by weighing setup flexibility against documented control count.
Which panel is easier to move between workstations?
The Micro Color Panel is the more natural fit for a compact setup, and its Bluetooth or USB-C connection gives you more connection choices. The Micro Panel can connect to a laptop and is USB-powered, but its listed weight is 11 pounds, so I would not pick it for frequent carrying without accounting for that weight and its stated dimensions.
Does the Micro Color Panel include an iPad?
The product details say that the panel has a slot designed to hold an Apple iPad; they do not say that an iPad is included. Treat the tablet slot as a mounting feature, and check the product package details if you need to know exactly what comes with the panel.
Should I choose the Micro Panel if I want more dedicated controls?
The Micro Panel is the clearer match if you want a stated count: its listing specifies 12 precision-machined knobs and 18 dedicated keys for grading features and playback. The Micro Color Panel also has direct-control knobs and transport keys, but its supplied details do not specify their number. If control count is central to your choice, compare the full current layouts and choose the one that suits the actions you use most.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on the workstation you are building. Choose the DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel if you want a compact panel, Bluetooth or USB-C, and a tablet slot for an Apple iPad. Choose the DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel if you prefer a clearly specified set of 12 knobs and 18 dedicated keys and do not mind its USB-only connection or 11-pound weight. If you use software beyond DaVinci Resolve, confirm compatibility before choosing either; neither listing establishes that these are general-purpose grading controllers.
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