Ice Keys

Posted

An acoustic keyboard that sounds like polyphonic pan pipes.

Prototype Versions

Ice Keys P1

This was the first prototype, with 25 keys. A 3-tone color palette and exposed mechanisms give it a steampunk feel.

Main Issues:

  1. Pipe sealing. The pipes don’t seal well enough with the blocks that hold them, so the sound is at best a whisper.
  2. Heavy key action. The keys are hard to press.
  3. Bad ergonomics. It’s hard to hold (since it has no handle) and hard to play (since it has stiff, narrow keys).
  4. Incorrect pipe lengths. The model I used to determine the lengths is based on too many idealizations.
  5. Looks. The blue color is too pale and the off-white keys look dirty.

Ice Keys P2

The first playable version, also with 25 keys. Minimal casing and a better 2-tone PLA palette make for a sleek, versatile second prototype.

Main issues:

  1. Valve Sealing. Some valves stopped closing after some time in storage, making some notes sound whether played or not.
  2. Tuning. The pitch varies significantly with variations in lung pressure, so tuning requires a steadier source of air, e.g. from a bellows.
  3. Build Quality. While its appearance and ergonomics are much better than P1, P2 still feels like a prototype. Some edges are unfinished; some mechanisms uncovered.

Ice Keys P3

This is the most recent prototype. With its larger 30-key range, wrap-around case and compact action, it improves on P2 in many areas. This version has a 3-tone color palette, sporting a translucent royal blue and clear keys on a black body.

Main issues:

  1. Pipe sealing. The switch to PETG filament made bubbles and tiny pores more common, which surprised me because PETG has exceptional layer adhesion. In addition, I added a 180° bend to the lower pipes. That curved roof has a large porosity as well.
    • The solution here was the obvious one: revert to PLA, which gives much better self-sealing results.
  2. Anticipated: Tuning. This iteration will also need a steady air source for tuning.
    • Unexpectedly, this was not nearly as much of an issue for P3 as it was for P2. The new mouth design and lower overall range really helped.
  3. Valves (again). Some valves stopped closing after some time in storage, making some notes sound whether played or not.