Polyend Keys turns a mechanical keyboard into a three-octave MIDI controller

Polyend Keys is a mechanical QWERTY keyboard where the number row and function row double as a three-octave piano layout. Switch modes and the same keys you type with become MIDI note input, usable for recording melodies or playing an external instrument live.

The notable part is what’s underneath. It’s machined from a single piece of aluminum, uses hot-swappable Kailh low-profile switches (no soldering to change one), and ships with nine rotary controls that can be mapped to MIDI CCs or to everyday OS functions like volume and scroll. An integrated display gives feedback on whatever those controls are currently doing. It connects over USB or Bluetooth, has a built-in rechargeable battery so it works standalone without a computer, and outputs MIDI over TRS to talk directly to a synth or drum machine. Polyend is also releasing it as open source hardware, meaning the software can be extended into other layouts or control schemes beyond what it ships with.

This is aimed less at people replacing a MIDI keyboard and more at anyone who wants one object doing double duty: a knob controller and a scriptable note input that travels well, particularly useful for laptop or tablet-based performers who don’t want to pack a separate keys or CC controller. It won’t replace a velocity-sensitive keyboard for playing parts that need dynamics.

Polyend showed Keys publicly for the first time at Gamescom in Cologne (August 26-30). Pricing, availability, and final color and spec details haven’t been announced yet.