I started this project assuming I would be making something just for myself, but it would seem my initial assumption was incorrect…
HexBoard MIDI Controller
HexBoard Interest Form
I cannot give you an exact date when this will be available, but I would like to keep you in the loop on this project. Leave your email here and you’ll be the first to know when I have big updates. This form will only sign you up for updates on this specific project.
I cannot for sure say what the final price will be, but I will do my best to keep it reasonable. I am aiming between $300-500 US right now. Kits will probably be available for less, but the parts cost isn’t insignificant.
HexBoard 1.2 MIDI Controller
Price range: $299.00 through $589.00
Hexagons. Colorful lights. MIDI. Need I say more? (probably… keep scrolling)
Description
This MIDI controller features a distinctive hexagonal arrangement of 140 keys, with an RGB LED under each key to illuminate the notes as you play. With the simple interface, you can easily change the note layout to fit your preferences, allowing for a fully customizable experience. It comes in a stylish, compact form-factor making it easy to carry around in a backpack for producing music on-the-go. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the HexBoard MIDI controller will let you explore music in a fun, intuitive, and uniquely inspiring way!
The keys are 20mm center-to-center which is a nice blend of compact and playable. The HexBoard is 255 x 243 x 30mm (about 10 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches) including the encoder knob.
What’s version 1.2? It’s a new board revision that adds headphone and MIDI out jacks as well as socketed switches, brighter lights, and more hackable design with all unused pins from the RP2040 chip exposed as headers.
These controllers are hand-built to order. I will email you when I receive your order so we can decide what customizations you’re interested in. Do keep in mind it may take 2-4 weeks to build and ship out your unit. I will keep you updated via email as I go.
Orders outside the US may need to pay customs fees/duties on delivery.
Not interested in customizing your HexBoard colors? I have a more budget friendly kit available here.
Out of stock? Join my Discord (linked at the bottom of this page) to get restock notifications as soon as I’m ready to make more!
Additional information
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 14 × 2 in |
| Assembly | Fully Assembled, Kit |
| Key Switches | OUTEMU Silent White, TTC Frozen V2, None |
| 3D Printed Parts | Included, Print-It-Yourself |
| Carrying Case | Yes, No |
Plug & Play
The HexBoard connects to your computer with USB C. No drivers or special software needed. Works immediately with all midi-compatible software. Likewise, firmware updates are as simple as drag-and-drop.
Don’t have a laptop with you? Just power it off USB and use the built-in buzzer to jam old-school style with simple square waves. 😎👾🎶
Reactive Illumination
The 140 RGB illuminated keys change colors to indicate what notes they play.
Different layouts can be chosen, scales can be highlighted, and these keys can respond to your touch with several different animations to choose from.
Current layouts include Wicki-Hayden, Harmonic Table, Gerhard, and a layout that maps all 128 MIDI notes to different keys!
Intuitive Controls
The simple clickwheel allows you to easily change settings while the buttons on the side allow you to quickly do pitch bends, modulation, and velocity changes.
The high-contrast OLED makes it easy to read the menu options and the square display rotates to indicate what orientation to use for the selected layout.
So. Many. Buttons.
With the default Wicki-Hayden layout, you can cover 7 octaves (!) with an instrument you can slip into a backpack.
Despite this, you don’t need to worry about hitting the wrong notes. By enabling “scale lock” mode, you can jam in a scale without a care in the world!
Open-Source Firmware
The HexBoard’s firmware is open-source meaning you can program in your own features and learn how it works.
The open-source firmware is under active development and can be found here if you’re interested.
Color-Fully Customizable
The keycaps and frame are printed in PETG plastic and can be customized to your favorite colors. With all the options available, you can make your HexBoard truly your own.
Quality Construction
The HexBoard is built with mechanical keyboard switches for a smooth, non-fatiguing play experience. With a lifetime rating of tens of millions of keystrokes, these switches will last you many years of expressive playing.
HexBoard 1.1 MIDI Controller
Price range: $149.00 through $269.00
Hexagons. Colorful lights. MIDI. Need I say more? (probably… keep scrolling)
Description
Customs/duties may be required for orders outside the US.
Out of stock? Join my Discord (linked at the bottom of this page) to get restock notifications as soon as I’m ready to make more!
This MIDI controller features a distinctive hexagonal arrangement of 140 keys, with an RGB LED under each key to illuminate the notes as you play. With the simple interface, you can easily change the note layout to fit your preferences, allowing for a fully customizable experience. It comes in a stylish, compact form-factor making it easy to carry around in a backpack for producing music on-the-go. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the HexBoard MIDI controller will let you explore music in a fun, intuitive, and uniquely inspiring way!
These controllers are hand-built to order. I will email you when I receive your order so we can decide what customizations you’re interested in. Do keep in mind it may take 2-4 weeks to build and ship out your unit. I will keep you updated via email as I go.
The HexBoard is about 10 x 9.5 x 1.1 inches (255 x 243 x 28mm) and weighs about 2 LBS (.9 KG).
Additional information
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4375 × 11.625 × 2.5 in |
| Assembly | Fully Assembled 1.2, Complete Kit, Kit (no keyswitches), Kit (no printed parts or keyswitches) |
Plug & Play
The HexBoard connects to your computer with USB C. No drivers or special software needed. Works immediately with all midi-compatible software. Likewise, firmware updates are as simple as drag-and-drop.
Don’t have a laptop with you? Just power it off USB and use the built-in buzzer to jam old-school style with simple square waves. 😎👾🎶
Reactive Illumination
The 140 RGB illuminated keys change colors to indicate what notes they play.
Different layouts can be chosen, scales can be highlighted, and these keys can respond to your touch with several different animations to choose from.
Current layouts include Wicki-Hayden, Harmonic Table, Gerhard, and a layout that maps all 128 MIDI notes to different keys!
Intuitive Controls
The simple clickwheel allows you to easily change settings while the buttons on the side allow you to quickly do pitch bends, modulation, and velocity changes.
The high-contrast OLED makes it easy to read the menu options and the square display rotates to indicate what orientation to use for the selected layout.
So. Many. Buttons.
With the default Wicki-Hayden layout, you can cover 7 octaves (!) with an instrument you can slip into a backpack.
Despite this, you don’t need to worry about hitting the wrong notes. By enabling “scale lock” mode, you can jam in a scale without a care in the world!
Open-Source Firmware
The HexBoard’s firmware is open-source meaning you can program in your own features and learn how it works.
The open-source firmware is under active development and can be found here if you’re interested.
Color-Fully Customizable
The keycaps and frame are printed in PETG plastic and can be customized to your favorite colors. With all the options available, you can make your HexBoard truly your own.
Quality Construction
The HexBoard is built with Gateron Clear mechanical keyswitches for a smooth, non-fatiguing play experience. With a lifetime rating of 50 million keystrokes, these switches will last you many years of expressive playing.