Polyend, known for innovative music gear, is developing 'Keys,' a compact desktop device that blends a mechanical keyboard with a MIDI controller. Designed for work and creative performance, Keys lets users type, compose, and tweak music in one versatile tool.
- Three-octave playable piano integrated into a QWERTY mechanical keyboard.
- Assignable rotary knobs for MIDI control and computer settings.
- Hot-swappable keys with USB, Bluetooth, and MIDI output connectivity.
What happened
Polyend, a company celebrated for its creative musical instruments like drum machines and guitar pedals, has unveiled the development of 'Keys,' a unique combination of a mechanical computer keyboard and a MIDI controller. This new device looks like a standard desktop keyboard but houses a playable three-octave piano keyboard in the number and function key rows. Along with this, it includes nine rotary knobs that can be customized to control MIDI parameters or even computer settings such as volume or brightness.
Keys is built with a machined aluminum case and equipped with backlit Kailh low-profile mechanical switches that can be hot-swapped for personalized customization. Connectivity options include USB, Bluetooth, and a TRS output to connect with traditional MIDI equipment. With a rechargeable battery onboard, Keys is designed to be portable enough for live performances. Polyend is currently showing the device in progress at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, offering a glimpse at its black and silver designs.
Why it feels good
Musicians and composers will appreciate that Keys eliminates the clutter of having to use a separate MIDI controller alongside a regular keyboard. By integrating the two, users can seamlessly switch between typing and playing instruments, streamlining the creative process. The customizable rotary knobs add flexibility, allowing on-the-fly adjustments of sound parameters or computer controls, which is a boon for both studio work and live sets.
The hot-swappable mechanical switches provide a satisfying tactile experience that is rare in typical keyboards, enhancing comfort and performance. Moreover, ongoing development is focusing on adding pressure sensitivity and aftertouch, features that would make the instrument feel more like a traditional piano and offer nuanced expressive control. This progression shows promise for musicians who demand both technical excellence and musicality in their gear.
What to enjoy or watch next
As Keys is still under development, its exact release date and price remain unannounced; however, it’s already generating interest for its innovative approach to combining typing and music-making. Future updates will include open-source software, allowing the Polyend community to customize layouts and control modes, expanding the device's capabilities beyond typical keyboards or MIDI controllers.
Music enthusiasts should keep an eye on Polyend’s announcements, especially regarding the addition of pressure-sensitive keys and aftertouch functionality. These enhancements are likely to attract professionals accustomed to high-end MIDI controllers. Meanwhile, capturing a hands-on look at Keys during its Gamescom debut offers a first impression of its design and potential, setting expectations for a versatile new tool for creative workspaces.