yes! you flip a switch for keyboard/midi modes? with mod/pb and a rotary or two
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How about 8? 
Who’s got a hardware startup?
You would really need to be short on desk space to want velocity qwerty instead of just using a small MIDI controller hahaha.
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the thing is, if someone does not use midi, but only qwerty in renoise, why would that change? 
well, minimalism is a thing 
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The Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard comes with the sorts of features and design choices that make getting through a day of non-stop typing and productivity work just a little easier. It may not have the bonafides of gaming keyboards, but that’s because it doesn’t need to. To start, the backlighting on the keyboard can adjust to lighting conditions to save you a little battery life. And, it’s incredibly easy to switch seamlessly between different sources. And, there’s plenty more customization on tap.
Interface: USB wireless receiver, Bluetooth
Keyboard backlighting: Yes
Switches: Blue, red or brown mechanical switches
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I’m using a Roccat Vulcan Pro TKL. Optical switches and an extremely satisfying typing experience, one of the best KBs I’ve ever owned.
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i’m using a split keyboard called a cantor and this is my layout for renoise. right alt is record enable and the little upside down triangle is a layer switching thing.
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Dope. Love it. Must have cost quite a few local currency units!
was a bit but it was worth it. these kind of keyboards can be diyed pretty easily and semi-cheaply!
Creative Prodikeys PC-Midi Keyboard
Never had it, but perhaps something to consider 
Edit: There is also Creative Prodikeys DM PS/2 keyboard
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I know this thread was only bumped recently due to a spammer, but that thing is hilarious! The only downside I could see with that is resting your hands accidentally on top of the keys since it doesn’t look super ergonomic otherwise!
I’ve been doing good with my slew of basic-ass keyboards (don’t ask me why I have a whole pile of them), but I’m also still trying to nail those shortcuts – so like a heathen, I’ve also been using my generic-ass mouse :0
I’m using a cheap classic cherry keyboard. If it breaks I just buy a new one.
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I had the white Prodikeys back when I had a Windows computer that could accept PS/2 input - ~2003 or so. It was my daily driver keyboard that I used 80% QWERTY and maybe 20% music (this was before I used a tracker – I started on Ableton). I loved it, but eventually shuffled it off somewhere when I got a Mac.
Once I got going with Renoise I thought how perfect it would be to have again!
I never knew there was a USB version produced until I searched for it this year! It’s the one pictured above. I just decided to gift myself one for Christmas this year – probably about $45 on eBay. From what I hear it plays nice with modern Macs as long as you remap the Cmd & Alt buttons, just like you would with any Windows keyboard. Should work nicely on Lin and Win. There is a “wrist rest” piece that clicks on over the piano keys, serving as support for your hands while you type as well as keeping you from mashing piano keys.
This modern review/tutorial shows it in action.
All in all, so excited that these are still a viable option! The way I see it, these things were made for tracker artists. Would be a cool on-stage “instrument” so people can see your text and music skills happening at the same time.
The other two PS/2 models of ProdiKeys were arguably better suited for making music with due to their pitch and mod wheels and sweet keytar shape (!!!). There is an Arduino Uno hack for using these PS/2 controllers with USB if you’re interested.
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I do have this.
This was the best thing ever.
I still have it lying somewhere.
The last time when I tried it, I didn’t get the keys to send any midi.
Maybe have to try again someday. Maybe it was just a driver issue.
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What a marvel, it shouldnt be so aesthetically appealing but in a weird frankenstein way its amazing. Like a toaster with a built in bacon grill or something. I miss when companies took risks.
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Whatever keyboard you are going to get, don’t go for a Razer black widow imo. The clickedy clack keys are much too loud. Might be good for gaming if you want to have extra feedback that you have pressed a key, but when tracking at night you will wake up the house, stealthy beat making will be hard to do 
. I fell for the shiny colored led keys, ooohhhh colors, what a gimmick.
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My first reaction when I found it years later was how huge it is! It’s like a tank. 
Been so used to those small and slim wireless keyboards.
In my opinion, this kind of keyboard would be absolutely perfect with a tracker. If only these were still made, and there could be a few knobs and faders added too.
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I use a Novation Launchpad mini mk3. It replaces the PC keyboard, 100%. This, plus a midi keyboard and/or Maschine is mucho better than a standard keyboard for Renoise, imo.
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Really? I’m curious! Did you have to set up a custom midi map or does it work well out of the box? What about modifier keys for keyboard shortcuts and such? It’s hard for me to imagine an external controller being able to do all that the keyboard does, but I’d like to hear more about your experience if you want to speak to it
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