There are a slew of keyboards and apps that assist folks discover ways to play the piano, however a small firm referred to as PopuMusic is displaying off an intriguing set of merchandise at CES to make the method simpler. PartyKeys and PartyStudio are a 36-key MIDI keyboard and MIDI / Bluetooth speaker that pair collectively in seamless trend. The PartyStudio is especially attention-grabbing as a result of it has a built-in library of 128 instrument tones and greater than 50 completely different drum machine patterns. Naturally, it really works with the PartyKeys, however any MIDI keyboard can connect with it and use these sounds.
The PartyStudio and PartyKeys each use NFC to attach to one another — you’ll be able to simply faucet and maintain the keyboard as much as the speaker for pairing. You possibly can join as much as three gadgets utilizing MIDI over Bluetooth Low-Vitality (BLE MIDI) in addition to a fourth utilizing a wired connection. You probably have a couple of keyboard, in the meantime, you’ll be able to join them along with NFC as effectively — you’ll be able to pair three keyboards collectively complete, providing you with an enormous 108-key floor to play.
Each the PartyStudio and PartyKeys have an understated however interesting look to them (they’re obtainable in black or white) and really feel fairly substantial and well-made. PopuMusic has been releasing {hardware} through Kickstarters campaigns for a couple of years now, so although they’re a comparatively small and new firm they’ve some expertise on this division. The speaker appears to hit a pleasant steadiness of portability and energy; it has two tweeters and two woofers and weighs in at 3.75 kilos. It’s about 13.5 inches extensive, 5.2 inches tall and 4 inches deep, so it’s not a tiny speaker you’ll simply throw in your bag, but it surely nonetheless feels straightforward to tote round due to its hooked up deal with.
The opposite trick that the PartyStudio and PartyKeys have is on the software program facet. Utilizing a companion app, a number of folks can play together with a music. The sunshine-up keyboard can present you what to play, and if in case you have a number of folks enjoying every keyboard can show complimentary components. It begins with easy three-key chord voicings, however I additionally noticed a demo that used a well-known Guitar Hero-style interface of various notes flying down the display, making for a extra concerned and superior efficiency.
The PartyKeys are up for order on Kickstarter now for $199, whereas the PartyStudio prices $349. The corporate says they’re on monitor to ship each merchandise in Q1 of 2026.
