The Casiotone CT-FS1 is available now for $399.99 in a monochromatic black or white version where even the 61 touch-responsive keys are all the same color. It can run on AA batteries or a power adapter but at just under 10 pounds in weight it’s definitely not the smallest of portable keyboards. There’s built-in stereo speakers and Bluetooth connectivity if you’re playing for others, as well as a physical headphone jack.
The keyboard’s most compelling feature is what Casio calls its Feel Sync technology that works alongside a new Feel Sync mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. Through the app you can import a song file which is analyzed by an algorithm before playing through the keyboard. As you play along with the song the keyboard will only produce notes that match the song’s harmony, no matter what keys you press. You’re still responsible for timing and matching the song’s rhythm, but the keyboard takes care of everything else so you can work on developing your creative expression without being self-conscious about it sounding awful.
The CT-FS1 can be played like a standard keyboard without the Feel Sync assistance, but because it’s long enough to accommodate two musicians, you can also split the keyboard into two zones. One side works like a traditional keyboard for an experienced musician to play, while the other benefits from the real time Feel Sync corrections.