Music simulations are pretty common in today’s world, with plenty of mobile and PC-based programs available to teach the very basics of how a tune is put together. However, the team over at Opho have managed to create a keyboard that makes putting together a tune even simpler – users won’t even need to pound away on keys.
The device, called Keys, enables a connection to either a computer or mobile device, then helps produce tunes using a series of gestures and light-up keys on the boards.
It’s not heavy like most keyboards, as it clocks in at around two pounds and enables easy interaction with whatever device it’s plugged into. It utilizes light-up interaction with the keys through proximity-based gestures, and also provides modular link, so that tunes can be easily customized.
With the coordinating Keys app (available through Apple’s App Store), users can learn to play along with a number of songs, as keys light up when they need to press them. A number of songs and modes are available, providing plenty to do for would-be pianists, whether they’re just getting started or can master Beethoven off the back off their hands.
Speaking with PSFK, Idan Beck, founder and CEO of Opho, explained the simplicity of the device. “We’ve taught thousands of people to successfully play the guitar with gTar. Our customers and our team felt that a keyboard-like device would offer even more accessibility, as well as be more portable and affordable. We designed and developed Keys from the ground up to be a modern take on the musical keyboard, leveraging the platform that we originally built for gTar.”
Best of all, the project won’t cost an arm and a leg like most instruments. Pre-orders for the Keys device are available now, selling for around $88 (down from the usual $99 price tag). In addition, Opho has vowed to donate some of the proceeds to the Immunity Project, a non-profit company devoted to developing a free HIV vaccine.
The video below shows just how easy the keyboard is to use. If Opho can find the right marketing angle, there’s no reason that it can’t be successful in the music/electronics industry – and that’s music to the company’s ears.
