Learning piano never looked this bright
Let me say it straight: I’ve tried to learn piano more times than I’ve had coffee-fueled existential crises. And yet, the sheet music always stared back blankly, daring me to find middle C. Enter Keysnake 2 — an LED-lit, serpentine gadget that slithers onto your keyboard and turns it into an interactive, glowing learning zone. It’s bold. It’s weird. And it just might be brilliant.
Features That Matter
• 49 Dynamic LEDs: Individually addressable lights that glow above each key to guide your fingers in real-time
• Shake-to-Wake: Just nudge it and it springs to life — no buttons, no fuss
• Dual USB-C Ports: One for power, one for data — connects to almost any digital piano with MIDI or USB
• Works With Any Keyboard: Flat or curved, acoustic or digital (as long as there’s USB/MIDI output)
• iOS & Android App: No ads, no subscriptions — just plug and play
• Firmware That Boots Instantly: Even after a hard power cut
• Fully Flexible Body: Wraps around your keyboard like a friendly python
• Lightweight, No Setup Fuss: No mounts, glue, or tools required
Why It Works: From MIDI to Memory
The genius of Keysnake isn’t just its lighting — it’s the real-time synchronization between music playback and your fingers. The companion app parses MIDI files, maps them to your keyboard layout, and illuminates exactly what you need to play and when. And it’s fast — lights respond without noticeable lag, even with complex compositions.
The shake-to-wake feature is more than a gimmick. It gives Keysnake 2 personality. You just tap it gently, and the lights glow to life like fireflies ready for rehearsal. There’s no on/off button, no screen, nothing to fiddle with. It’s a rare case where less is more, and it works flawlessly.
Design: A Snake That Charms
Forget plasticky keyboard accessories. Keysnake 2 is made of soft-touch silicone rubber and rests easily on any keyboard — no straps, clamps, or adhesives needed. The top of its “head” angles up slightly like a cobra about to perform, giving you a tiny status LED and accelerometer for the shake feature. It’s surprisingly elegant for a device that looks like a coiled LED noodle.
No keyboard disassembly. No pairing codes. No learning curve. It’s the physical manifestation of zero friction.
Real-World Use: I Played Chopin. Sort Of.
I tested Keysnake 2 with a Roland FP-10 and a few MIDI files downloaded from the app’s open library. Setup? Less than 2 minutes. The app detects your connected piano, loads your MIDI file, and you’re off. It doesn’t just throw keys at you like Guitar Hero — it slows down playback if you’re struggling, offers loop practice for hard sections, and even suggests correct fingering through color coding.
That alone made me feel like I was finally learning efficiently, not just banging the right notes eventually.
And here’s a fun detail: the companion app includes a Keysnake emulator, so you can preview lessons on-screen before ever touching a keyboard. You don’t even need to own the device to test the system.
Price & Availability
Retail Price: £129
• Launch Discount: £99
• Where to Buy: Official Website – keysnake.com
• Shipping: Free worldwide from the UK
• Certifications: CE and FCC compliant
How It Stacks Up
Keysnake 2 vs One Smart Piano
• One Smart Piano is built into the keyboard — you’re locked into their system
• Keysnake 2 works with any existing digital piano
Keysnake 2 vs Simply Piano App
• Simply Piano relies on listening to your playing (sometimes inaccurately)
• Keysnake gives direct visual feedback with no need for a mic
Verdict: Keysnake is a far more tactile and intuitive experience. If you already own a keyboard, it wins by a mile.
What Others Say
“Best music gadget I’ve bought this year. The LEDs make practice 3x faster.” — Reddit user @nocturne88
“The firmware is so fast, I forgot it’s a device. It just became part of my piano.” — Verified customer review
FAQ
• Can it work with an acoustic piano?
No — you need a USB or MIDI connection for the app to communicate.
• Does the app cost anything extra?
No. It’s free, with no subscriptions, ads, or in-app purchases.
• Will it work with any size keyboard?
As long as your keys are full-width and flat, yes. It’s built for 49–88 key setups.
• Is there lag between notes and lighting?
None that I noticed. The LEDs are reactive and smooth.
Final Verdict
Keysnake 2 is a rare breed: a smart music tool that feels fun, looks cool, and actually improves your practice. It’s not trying to be a full teacher — it’s more like that friend who patiently shows you the notes again and again, until your fingers remember.
If you’re learning piano and already own a keyboard, there is no better hardware companion under $150 right now.
Rating: 4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
