Polyend Unveils Keys, a Mechanical Keyboard That Doubles as a MIDI Controller

Polyend, known for drum machines, synthesizers and guitar pedals, is developing a new device called Keys that combines a mechanical computer keyboard with a playable musical instrument. On the surface, Keys looks like a regular desktop keyboard, but its number row and function keys double as a three-octave piano.

Nine rotary knobs above the keys can be assigned to Continuous Controllers, parameters in a communication standard called MIDI, short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, to adjust settings on MIDI-enabled devices, such as the intensity of a synthesizer effect, or everyday computer settings like volume and screen brightness. A small display shows what each knob is currently controlling. Users will be able to configure these functions and build alternative keyboard layouts using open-source software that Polyend plans to release to its community.

The keyboard itself is machined from a single piece of aluminum and uses backlit, hot-swappable Kailh low-profile switches, so individual keys can be replaced without soldering. It connects to a computer via USB cable or Bluetooth, and includes a TRS output for MIDI equipment. A rechargeable battery lets it be used away from a desk.

Polyend says Keys is still in development and may change before release. The company is working to add pressure sensitivity and aftertouch, features common on higher-end MIDI controllers, using a technique similar to one in Teenage Engineering's KO2 sampler. Pricing and availability have not been announced. Polyend showed Keys at the Gamescom expo in Cologne, Germany, this month.