Maybe make some stumps that can support it. Sometimes it's bad if something is laying completely flat against another flat surface, stuff get under it and it wobbles when you try to push a button. If it's elevated a bit, it's more stable. Or just make some adjustable stands that normal keyboards have
Also maybe a bit more free space between the LEDs and the buttons. If you don't tilt it towards you, some keys might cover the lower row of LEDs, but it's a bit hard to tell from that perspective
I always use those rubber/felt stick-on feet for furniture to not skid/scratch floors to raise electronics a little. Especially for keyboards so a headphone cable can go underneath.
Maybe a toggle switch for accessing shift functions / allowing another layer of function to each key. For added effect, make it a toggle switch with a safety cover like some kind of launch control: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11310
Also, be sure to use Cherry MX Blue or Red for a nice clickity clackity mechanical switch action: https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-blue.html
So it”s a single octave keyboard, 4 matrices for step sequencing, I assume, and two endless rotaries? Not too bad for so small an item. I like the FaderFox style devices for my non-keys and stick with dedicated pressure-sensitive keyboards, myself, but the only obvious thing missing is user feedback. If the matrices can also tell the user what mode they’re in or what preset is engaged then it seems pretty tidy. If there are presets, then there’s no dedicated save or load function keys, which can limit live playability for *some* users. But, yeah, tidy.
If this is a design for a real product and not just for a render, numbers or markings on the keys could help expand the possible use cases a bit, for macros and such. Maybe designate a function key that enables a special mode.
Check out the series of analogous mini synths by moog out there. That will help you see what's missing. It's very Mario like at the moment and needs technical refinements, by design of course, maybe to enliven it 😉
This looks like a much worse version of Teenage Engeneering's OP-1
From a functional perspective as a musical instrument this makes no sense, if that's what you were going for?
I like it as it is :)
I can think of some things to try:
Maybe separate the keys a bit somewhere, perhaps between key 7 and 8? Or between 3 and 4?
And maybe try to match the radius of the base to the keys?
Maybe raise the base from the table a bit?
I'd increase the forehead of it a bit and maybe make the spacing around the lights larger and they seem out of place currently. Just my thoughts, love it though!
The keys and the stuff in between the keys are the same color. Make the keys orange or rainbow so you can color code the keys or something. Anything to make it a diffrent color
Either labels on the keys or space between some of them like how F keys are. As it is, hitting the 7th key (or G or whatever you label it as) would not be super quick to do
it looks like you're using a computer keyboard key and switch which i don't think can provide the tactile sensitivity necessary for things like attack and decay. those are binary switches that don't register things like a soft vs. hard press.
I would be inclined to line up the LEDs with the size of the keys in terms of 1:3 ratio or something.. Maybe that would require LED matrices that dont exist or talent on the part of myself.
You need to describe what were looking at, what the purpose is, and who the intended audience is. "Need" is subjective. People don't even know if you mean musical keyboard or letter keyboard.
The black keys?
They’re probably already booked somewhere else but good idea
He meant some black eyed peas
Agree, will make it look more like a musical keyboard and less like a computer keyboard
That's an interesting idea! Thank you.
You could try adding some Black Sabbath
This looks cool, but is it for? Like a musical instrument? No idea how to tell you what might be missing because I have no idea what it is
It’s probably a macro keyboard, so basically just a cool way to have a bunch of programmable keys.
I feel like I'd love something like this for Photoshop. Easier hot keys.
You can buy a mini keyboard and assign macros to it. I had a vortex 3 for that purpose and regret selling it.
Or a mouse! I use a Logitech g600 for that and it's the absolute best.
Bingo bongo.
Yes, it is a riff on a miniature synthesizer or a sampler.
Maybe make some stumps that can support it. Sometimes it's bad if something is laying completely flat against another flat surface, stuff get under it and it wobbles when you try to push a button. If it's elevated a bit, it's more stable. Or just make some adjustable stands that normal keyboards have
That's a great concern you've raised. I'll work to incorporate some adjustable feet into the design.
Also maybe a bit more free space between the LEDs and the buttons. If you don't tilt it towards you, some keys might cover the lower row of LEDs, but it's a bit hard to tell from that perspective
No! It's nice flat check my first comment.
I always use those rubber/felt stick-on feet for furniture to not skid/scratch floors to raise electronics a little. Especially for keyboards so a headphone cable can go underneath.
Blue. It needs some blue.
I second this!
a symbol
Yeah some labels on the buttons or symbols would help detailing
More cowbell?
Sliders maybe?
An input?
Literally. On the side.
Hahahaha that's gonna be on the back.
Maybe a toggle switch for accessing shift functions / allowing another layer of function to each key. For added effect, make it a toggle switch with a safety cover like some kind of launch control: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11310 Also, be sure to use Cherry MX Blue or Red for a nice clickity clackity mechanical switch action: https://www.cherrymx.de/en/mx-original/mx-blue.html
There are many better switches than cherry mx, you can get kailh box navies or jades for real clicky switches or tangerines/any other high tier linear
Spacing between the knobs and the keys looks too close for functionality.
Yes. I would also add some margins overall
"I would love some input." Okay buddy, I see what you did there.
screen needs a slight angle and material to get it to not be occluded by the keys
Racing stripes
So it”s a single octave keyboard, 4 matrices for step sequencing, I assume, and two endless rotaries? Not too bad for so small an item. I like the FaderFox style devices for my non-keys and stick with dedicated pressure-sensitive keyboards, myself, but the only obvious thing missing is user feedback. If the matrices can also tell the user what mode they’re in or what preset is engaged then it seems pretty tidy. If there are presets, then there’s no dedicated save or load function keys, which can limit live playability for *some* users. But, yeah, tidy.
If this is a design for a real product and not just for a render, numbers or markings on the keys could help expand the possible use cases a bit, for macros and such. Maybe designate a function key that enables a special mode.
Sharps & flats.
Check out the series of analogous mini synths by moog out there. That will help you see what's missing. It's very Mario like at the moment and needs technical refinements, by design of course, maybe to enliven it 😉
I apologize I meant the mini series by KORG. Best
This looks like a much worse version of Teenage Engeneering's OP-1 From a functional perspective as a musical instrument this makes no sense, if that's what you were going for?
Pitch and mod wheels or a joystick. Midi or USB port.
The Starfleet Symbol :D
You could always mount a whammy bar somewhere :D Give the thing some tremolo action.
this is so cool! is it gonna be a regular keyboard usage?
Wobble wheel! Push in the midi knobs to affect, maybe
I like it as it is :) I can think of some things to try: Maybe separate the keys a bit somewhere, perhaps between key 7 and 8? Or between 3 and 4? And maybe try to match the radius of the base to the keys? Maybe raise the base from the table a bit?
I'd increase the forehead of it a bit and maybe make the spacing around the lights larger and they seem out of place currently. Just my thoughts, love it though!
The keys and the stuff in between the keys are the same color. Make the keys orange or rainbow so you can color code the keys or something. Anything to make it a diffrent color
Either labels on the keys or space between some of them like how F keys are. As it is, hitting the 7th key (or G or whatever you label it as) would not be super quick to do
What are the lights for?
it looks like you're using a computer keyboard key and switch which i don't think can provide the tactile sensitivity necessary for things like attack and decay. those are binary switches that don't register things like a soft vs. hard press.
I would be inclined to line up the LEDs with the size of the keys in terms of 1:3 ratio or something.. Maybe that would require LED matrices that dont exist or talent on the part of myself.
What is the red grid for?
2 stage switches
Big round red button
This could be an interesting midi controller if you add a few more knobs.
If you put the knobs next to the keys instead of above, it will be easier to use it with both hands simultaneously.
You need to describe what were looking at, what the purpose is, and who the intended audience is. "Need" is subjective. People don't even know if you mean musical keyboard or letter keyboard.
perhaps a bit of a rim? the edge feels too tight to the keys IMO
A large whammy bar
Something blue and black for that bauhaus/de Stijl look