Polyend Keys MIDI keyboard controller Doubles as QWERTY Keyboard

Polyend has unveiled the Polyend Keys MIDI keyboard controller, a new instrument that doubles as a QWERTY keyboard. Keys is presented as a three-octave piano and a fully functional keyboard and can also be used as a standalone controller. The hardware features a single piece of aluminium as the bed, hot-swappable Kailh low-profile switches that can be changed without soldering, backlit switches, nine rotary controls that can be freely assigned to MIDI CCs and mapped to functions such as volume, scrolling and brightness, and a built-in display that provides feedback as adjustments are made.

Polyend is showcasing Keys at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany between August 26 and 30; the device includes a TRS MIDI output for direct connection to external synths, drum machines or other MIDI hardware, it is in prototype phase so functionality, colour or hardware could change, and price, availability and further details will be announced in the future.

Polyend’s Keys is described as a MIDI keyboard controller with three-octave piano functionality and the ability to operate as a fully functional keyboard. The unit can be used as a standalone controller and is identified by its physical construction that centers around a single piece of aluminium forming the bed. Keys employs hot‑swappable Kailh low‑profile switches that can be changed without soldering, and those switches are backlit for visual feedback during use.

The controller includes a TRS MIDI output that enables direct connection with external synths, drum machines, or other MIDI hardware. Nine rotary controls are provided and can be freely assigned to MIDI CCs; these controls can be mapped to parameters such as volume, scrolling, and brightness. A built‑in display supplies feedback as adjustments are made, supporting control assignments and parameter changes.

The firmware behind Keys is reported as possibly open source, and the product is described as being in a prototype phase so functionality, colour, or hardware could change. Alternative layouts, different control modes, custom MIDI tools, sequencers, and other software ideas are mentioned as possibilities to explore through firmware or software. Price, availability, and further details will be announced in the future.

The firmware behind Keys may be open source, according to the initial report. Keys is in a prototype phase so functionality, colour, or hardware could change before a final product is released. Price, availability, and further details will be announced in the future when Polyend provides them.

Alternative layouts, different control modes, custom MIDI tools, sequencers, and other ideas can all be explored through software as part of the device’s software and firmware options. Nine rotary controls can be freely assigned to MIDI CCs via the controller’s interface. Those controls can be mapped to volume, scrolling, and brightness for use in different setups.

A built-in display provides feedback as adjustments are made on the device. Keys can be used as a standalone controller without additional hardware attachments. Keys has a TRS MIDI output enabling direct connection with external synths, drum machines, or other MIDI hardware for hardware integration. Learn more about Keys at Polyend.

Polyend is showcasing Keys at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany between August 26 and 30. The device is described as a three-octave piano and a fully functional keyboard and can be used as a standalone controller. The presentation at Gamescom was listed in the initial report announcing the product.

The controller includes hardware features such as a single piece of aluminium as the bed and a TRS MIDI output for direct connection with external synths, drum machines, or other MIDI hardware.

Keys is in a prototype phase, and functionality, colour, or hardware could change. Price, availability, and further details will be announced in the future. The firmware behind Keys may be open source and alternative layouts, different control modes, custom MIDI tools, sequencers, and other ideas can be explored through software.

Learn more about Keys at Polyend.

Keys includes a TRS MIDI output that enables direct connection with external synths, drum machines, or other MIDI hardware. The device can be used as a standalone controller without additional hardware attachments. The presentation describing these connectivity options was included in the initial report announcing the product.

Nine rotary controls are provided and can be freely assigned to MIDI CCs on the controller. Those rotary controls can be mapped to parameters such as volume, scrolling, and brightness to alter performance or navigation functions. A built‑in display provides feedback as adjustments are made, supporting the mapping and real‑time control changes.

The physical design contributes to usability through hot‑swappable Kailh low‑profile switches that can be changed without soldering, and the switches are backlit. The controller is described as a three‑octave piano and a fully functional keyboard, which complements its connectivity and control features. Keys is in a prototype phase, and functionality, colour, or hardware could change in future iterations.

Polyend has unveiled the Polyend Keys MIDI keyboard controller that doubles as a QWERTY keyboard. The product is presented as a three-octave piano and a fully functional keyboard. Polyend is showcasing Keys at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany between August 26 and 30. Keys is in a prototype phase and functionality, colour, or hardware could change.

The hardware design includes a single piece of aluminium forming the bed and hot‑swappable Kailh low‑profile switches that can be changed without soldering. Those switches are backlit, and nine rotary controls can be freely assigned to MIDI CCs and mapped to parameters such as volume, scrolling, and brightness. A built‑in display provides feedback as adjustments are made and the controller also includes a TRS MIDI output for direct connection with external synths, drum machines, or other MIDI hardware. Keys can be used as a standalone controller.

The firmware behind Keys may be open source, and alternative layouts, different control modes, custom MIDI tools, sequencers, and other ideas can be explored through software. Price, availability, and further details will be announced in the future. Learn more about Keys at Polyend.