This is hard to explain in words or pictures until you actually put your hands on one. We felt there were already enough controllers out there with flat pads or touch-sensitive squares, and we also knew that everything else about Lumatone is novel and unique, so we knew that Lumatone would be most powerful if we gave the keys a familiar “keyboard” key travel.

We also chose not to make the keys “weighted” in the traditional sense. Professional keys player Leith Fleming-Smith -- who had the chance to play on our prototype -- likened the keys to those found on his prized Hohner Clavinet. They’re super responsive, allowing you to play lightning fast. But the surface of the keys are smooth and tactile, and the keybed rises as you play further away from yourself, creating a very ergonomic experience.

When the keys hit the bottom of their travel, there is also a generous amount of pressurized travel leftover for maximum aftertouch playability.

The included aluminum kickstand raises the Lumatone towards the player by 15 degrees, which is the angle that we feel is optimal for playability. Of course it can be removed and angled on a traditional stand as well.

Again, we know everyone responds to instruments differently. We spent years perfecting this design in an effort to appeal to as many of you as possible, and so far the feedback has been excellent!