EASYPLAY 1s – An affordable compact MIDI Controller With a Twist

SummerTones, a brand-new company from China, has taken a fresh approach to keyboards and MIDI controllers. Their EASYPLAY 1s is a compact 25-key keyboard with a unique 3×5 layout that can be used as a standalone keyboard or a MIDI controller. When used as a keyboard, it offers over 25 built-in sound packs. All performances can be recorded on your PC via a 3.5mm jack.

Talking about EASYPLAY1s, the founder of Summer Tones, Feifeiyu said:

I’m Feifeiyu, the mind behind EASYPLAY 1s. I come from Sichuan, China, known for its scenic mountains. However, due to limited resources and no formal music training, I never had the chance to pursue my passion for music systematically during my childhood. After graduating, I bought my dream entry-level electronic keyboard, the CASIO-st. Its bulky size made it impractical for learning on the go, and the linear keyboard layout made finding notes difficult. That’s when the idea of creating a portable, easier-to-learn, and affordable musical instrument struck me. The EASYPLAY 1s was designed as big as a phone, with a 2-octave, 3×5 matrix layout, which is easier to memorize compared to a linear layout. With 25 keys, it covers most of what beginners need.

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Unlike most keyboards that require a power connection, the 1s boasts a built-in battery offering 8 hours of playtime. Furthermore, when used as a MIDI controller, it features the modern USB Type-C connection instead of the traditional Type-B. Additionally, the device supports Bluetooth, enabling both Dual-mode MIDI and Bluetooth speaker functionality. While the keyboard has only 25 keys, it still offers a wide octave range between C3 and C8. Some small features caught our eyes as well, such as Interchangeable keycaps, a built-in Metronome, and the keyboard can even record and replay on the go.

If you’re willing to get more information, click below for their Kickstarter page.

Kickstarter

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Tags: Summertones, Kickstarter, INDIEGOGO, EASYPLAY 1s, 1s EASYPLAY, MIDI, Keyboard, MIDI Keyboard