The ONE Light keyboard is a 61-Key smart keyboard with light-up keys. The accompanying app includes several tutorials, sheets, games (that lights up the keys) and includes several songs for practice. See PRICE on Amazon
Introduction
Playing any musical instrument usually takes time and requires the help of a tutor besides going through YouTube videos to understand the basics.The good thing is that keyboard manufacturers like ‘The ONE’ are coming up with products that make it easier to learn music.
Most manufacturers now provide light-up keys on their beginner keyboards. The One Light smart keyboard also includes this feature, and the accompanying app utilizes this feature to the fullest.
The keyboard has a minimalist design with only three physical buttons (most of the action happens via the app). Just connect the keyboard to a smartphone or tablet and using the app, you can learn to play keyboards.
The app offers four ways to learn music:
- Take a crash course
- Access instructional videos from Hoffman Academy
- Play Guitar Hero style games
- Read sheet music.
Lighted keys make it easy for beginners to play what is required; the LED lights up underneath the keys to indicate the next key that you need to press.
Even though the keys on the One Light keyboard look as if they are weighted, they are actually not. The keys are like normal keys found on most beginner keyboards.
Review
The ONE Light keyboard has just three buttons and a knob to control volume; there’s no LCD display because most of the features are activated via a smartphone app. It comes with built-in speakers.
Unlike other music keyboards, this keyboard doesn’t rely on the piano keyboard’s hardware to store songs and instrument sounds. This is a smart Keyboard that has to be connected to your mobile phone/tablet so that you can make use of the wide collection of sheet music, videos, and games that help you to learn to play the piano.
The keyboard provides access to keyboard lessons, comes with interactive keyboard learning games and some keyboard tones. Besides the video tutorials, the app has a Games section, which includes a collection of rhythm games (inspired by rhythmic video games like Guitar Hero). You have to hit the right note at the right time to get a rating.
The app also provides you a decent collection of sheet music; you can play your favorite pieces using the visual indicators. Even experienced musicians will enjoy playing on this keyboard as they have thousands of free sheet music to play.
The Keyboard ships with four MIDI cables that let you connect to USB Type-C, MicroUSB, USB Type-B and Lightning (Apple) devices.
Unlike other light-up keyboard, you have to select a song from the ONE Smart Piano app; once selected, the keys on the keyboard start lighting up prompting you to play the right notes. Most beginners find it easier to play the songs or follow the tutorials by following the lights, and the idea of having these lights is to make it easier for beginners to learn to play the piano.
The lights are controlled by The One Smart Piano companion app (available for iOS and Android). Install the app on a smartphone (or tablet), connect the device to this keyboard using the bundled cable and you are all set to explore the various features offered by the app.
So are all the games, lessons, free?
You get several free lessons and games along with the app. However, if you want more songs, you need to pay for it (starts from 99 cents).
Demo / Video Review
Watch: The ONE Light 61-Key Keyboard Demo
Features / Technical Specs
Key features of ONE Light 61-Key Keyboard:
- Standard 61 keys that light-up, tells you you which notes to play
- 128+ instrument sounds. 4000+ sheet music, 100+ videos, games.
- Polyphony: 128 notes
- MIDI output and recording feature
- 1/8″ headphone socket, 1/4″ external microphone socket, 1/4″ auxiliary input socket, 1/4″ auxiliary output socket
- Free learning app for iOS and Android
- Also operates on 6 AA batteries
PROS & CONS
PROS
Video tutorials and LED lights will appeal to beginners
Rhythm game makes it interesting to practice
CONS
Keys are not weighted
Buying Links
Overall, the ONE Light Keyboard is a nice option for beginners, and its not very expensive as well, when compared with the other beginner keyboards. LED lights makes it easier to learn, and the app offers several learning and practicing options. While you can access several keyboard lessons, those are designed to complement human tutors and not replace them.
You can checkout more lighted keyboards here.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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