ThinkGeek has a cool customizable keyboard that looks like it would be great for rigging up a personalized music controller.
The Ergodex DX1 Input System was built with gamers in mind – it looks like it could be great music, too.
I’d be interested in trying this out, but there’s no mention of Mac support.
If you’ve got one of these, let me know what you think in the comments!
Here are the details:
Description:
All you do is stick the keys where you want and then tell the DX1 what you want each key to do. It can be one command, it can be a string of commands – you now have the freedom to configure your ideal keyboard.
The 25 included buttons stick to the Tray in any configuration. And, if you change your mind or mess up, they are removable and moveable – just twist off and restick. The Tray is clear, so you can make your own backgrounds. Maybe you’ll label your buttons, maybe you’ll slide in artwork – the choice is yours. And the two permanent little buttons let you bring up the DX1 control panel and assign/record macros on the fly. That’s right: you can be in-game, realize you need a new key, stick it down, assign it a command or macro, and keep playing.
The DX1 works with any program and can remember a different set of macros for each program you use. You could stick down the keys and without changing anything other than the program you are using, they would serve as a pallet of commands in Photoshop, a squadron of macros for your favorite RTS, and your perfect arsenal for your fraggiest FPS.
Ergodex DX1 Input System
- Includes: a Pad, a removable Tray, 25 numbered Keys with a storage tray, preprinted key labels, an installation CD, and a Quick Start Guide.
- System Requirements:
- Windows XP / 2000 (with Service Pack 3 or later) – US Version
- 350 MHZ Pentium III PC (or equivalent)
- 128 MB RAM
- 50 MB of free hard drive space
- Powered USB Port (1.1 or 2.0)
- US English Keyboard
- Mouse
- Pad Dimensions: 10” X 8”
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year (limited)
Yes, this one is great.
I built a chromatic keyboard with this, and wrote a program to convert the keystrokes to MIDI. The limitation of 50 keys can be overcome by using duplicates.
sirWombat – more details! Can you tell us more about your software setup?
I’m not releasing my software as it is more like a bunch of everything and currently does not work outside the development environment. But I surfed a little and found that this setup is doable for example with qwertymidi and autohotkey combo.