Prodikeys

Lore & Background

Prodikeys was developed by Creative Technology, a Singaporean audio company. Three versions have been launched: Creative Prodikeys, Creative Prodikeys DM, and Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI. The product is a computer keyboard extended by a 37-key mini-sized MIDI keyboard at the bottom, which sits under a detachable palm cover. It supports Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Linux, but is incompatible with newer versions of Windows or Mac OS. The Prodikeys DM model uses a single mini-DIN connector for the PS/2 port and is detected as a regular typing keyboard; its included Windows software communicates with the keyboard driver to send and receive MIDI data over the PS/2 line. This protocol has been partly reverse-engineered, enabling use on a regular USB port via an Arduino microcontroller adaptor.

Reader's Guide

Prodikeys is notable as an early hybrid device merging a standard computer keyboard with a MIDI music keyboard, created by Creative Technology. Its viral 2003 demonstration video featuring Paul Seow playing a drum solo brought it unexpected Internet fame. The product shipped with a software suite including EasyNotes for learning melodies, FunMix for creating music, HotKeys Manager for customizing hotkeys, a Mini Keyboard with over 100 instrument sounds, and a Prodikeys Launcher with an interactive tutorial. The Prodikeys DM model's PS/2-based MIDI protocol was partly reverse-engineered, allowing hobbyists to adapt it for USB use with an Arduino. However, its limited operating system support—only Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Linux—and incompatibility with newer Windows versions and Mac OS restricted its long-term usability.

Did You Know?

• Its viral 2003 demonstration video featured Paul Seow playing an unexpected drum solo using the keyboard's keys as drum pads.
• The Prodikeys DM's MIDI protocol over PS/2 has been partly reverse-engineered for use with an Arduino adaptor.