Lumi Keys Review - Genius Or Gimmick?

Y'all, I made the most comprehensive review I could possibly do for the Lumi Keys system.
Lumi Keys did give me two keyboards and a subscription for free to do this review but don't worry, I don't pull any punches (or compliments).
I even included a bonus walkthrough of the lesson content at the end of this video so you can know what you're actually buying before you buy it.
You can see my text version of this review here on my website:
soundadventure...
You can find more information about Lumi Keys here: playlumi.com/l...
**Update! I made a mistake!
Thanks to commenter: @RealGrover
"You do get per-note pitchbend (and per-note pressure) with any MPE capable MIDI instrument on your computer or mobile device, stand-alone or within an MPE capable DAW"
So you can get per note pitchbend if your DAW supports it: www.midi.org/m... (unfortunately for me, FL studio does not)"
Additionally, I tried to edit my video to be more clear and clear up the mistake. Hope that helps!
Short Outline (there's a more detailed outline later in the description if you wish)
00:38 What Is Lumi Keys?
01:41 Review Starts
01:43 Hardware Review
06:36 Learning Module Review
14:10 Song Module Review
20:18 Video Game Review
20:27 Scales And Chords
21:35 Final Score
21:47 Would I Recommend Lumi Keys To a Friend?
24:38 - BONUS: DETAILED view of what's in the course
Detailed Outline
00:38 What Is Lumi Keys?
01:41 Review Starts
01:43 Hardware Review
01:51 - Awesome Parts of Hardware
01:52 -- #1 Notes are Color Coded
02:21 -- #2 Notes will pre-light
02:36 -- #3 Notes needed will light (scale, chords)
02:53 -- #4 Use your own DAWs (mobile included)
03:39 - Bummer Parts of Hardware
03:40 -- #1 Price
04:57 -- #2 Deadzone
05:34 -- #3 Needs a Subscription
06:19 - Hardware Summary
06:36 Learning Module Review
06:44 - Awesome Parts of Lesson Modules
06:45 -- #1 Production Value
07:12 -- #2 Great Teachers
07:24 -- #3 Notes will light up in lessons
07:40 -- #4 Teachers will wait for you
08:00 - Bummer Parts of Lesson Modules
08:01 -- #1 No Customization of Lesson Player
09:13 -- Bugs
09:13 --- #2 Audio Sync
09:32 --- #3 Internet Connectivity
10:23 -- #4 Cascade View In Lessons
13:55 - Lesson Module Summary
14:10 Song Module Review
14:16 - Awesome Parts Of Song Module
14:17 -- #1 Changing Note Visualizations
15:48 -- #2 Ability To Change Tempo
16:17 -- #3 Isolating Right/Left Hand Parts
17:13 -- #4 Wait Mode
17:27 -- #5 Gamified
17:36 - Bummer Parts of Song Module
17:37 -- #1 No Ability To Remove Training Wheels
18:19 Embedded Video Games Review
18:21 - SuperLuminal
19:35 - Springboard
20:18 - Video Game Review
20:27 Scales And Chords
21:35 Final Score
21:47 Would I Recommend Lumi Keys To a Friend?
24:38 - BONUS: DETAILED view of what's in the course

[@demaris2810]

OMG: they total takeaway from this Lumi device is “frustrating”. I so appreciate your thorough review. You saved me a lot of frustration. Thank you.

[@hypano]

You were absolutely right, it was exactly the review I needed. Super good, keep it up! PS: I think more light would help your camera / image quality a lot. If you go for a darker theme, go for digital darkening afterwards.

[@NYXthetherian11]

lighting made me think the video was from the 90s

[@theBassBurnout]

Ma boooy you saved my money. Legend of a man with this review!❤❤❤

[@profitglen]

This thing looks super cool and there's nothing quite like it. However The issue with the deadzone may be a dealbreaker. I also don't want to have to pay monthly/yearly. Overall it's just not a great value. Thank you for not glossing over the cons and bugs with this. The other reviewers I watched did not mention some of these.

[@ryananderson6893]

You had me at price, monthly subscription, and exclusivity.. ewww. @ 4 ish mins in. Thank you!

[@drewblanche]

I hate this review now 😂 I so wanted this stupid keyboard 🎹 it is so pretty 😭

[@drewblanche]

But picture this, my mom bought a real piano 🎹 it cost way more than this keyboard and she had to also pay for lessons each month and they cost way more than $6 a month so if she would’ve gotten this keyboard instead she could still be learning how to ply at only $6 a month instead of the $15-20 price per class per week that adds up even more and you gotta drive there and wait etc. this is a lot less hard to do. It saves you time and money and you can unsubscribe once you don’t need the app anymore. That’s how I see it being useful for those that want to learn but don’t want to get a real piano and don’t want to pay for actual classes that cost way more.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Once again, another option is to pay a one time fee for a much cheaper online course that teaches you how to play piano. Remember, if you cancel your lumi keys subscription, all of the features, such as playing synced to songs and everything like that is not accessible to you. So, at that rate, if all you need is 25 keys, then you could pay a fraction of the price, one time, and not be locked into a subscription. Anyway, there are arguments for this keyboard and system, but I don't think price is its strongest

[@Bigheadedwon]

As just a midi controller, while expensive it fills a void. Unlike regular controllers, I can easily put 2 in my bag with my MPC One and have a nice little mobile setup. A 25 key controller will work but is pretty restrictive when trying to come up with a melody. And regardless of price, there really isn't another option if you want to be able to carry around more than a 32 key keyboard, which is still gonna restrict you. And while it'd cost an arm and a leg lol, you could fit 4 of these in a music gear backpack no problem and have a whole piano at your disposal. The setup I use doesn't support MPE so I can't comment on that. But for the ability to link and unlink them, this was the only solution I could find. One con, I wish Roli had put a couple buttons on top so I could map a few DAW functions to it. But this is primarily a tool to help people learn piano not what I use it for. All that said, they do the job for hammering out some chords on the go. I have 2 of these, an MPC One, a USB mic and a power bank and I can basically go anywhere and make full songs. And he made it clear in the video, but I know a lot of people have ADD and can't focus, you don't NEED the software subscription unless you want to use the app to learn to play piano. As a standard midi controller you just plug it in and it'll work with your DAW.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Agreed. That is a very true point. The magnetic snap together has a lot of potential in my mind.

[@CookieColt]

Great take and exactly how I feel. And the reason for not having buttons for DAW functions is because Lumi wants you to buy the side module for that (Or that is how it seems to me.) Though I can't find them anymore. It's a block module with DAW buttons.

[@Bigheadedwon]

@@CookieColt I thought that too at first. but they don’t even have them listed on their website anymore. Hopefully they’re working on improved or new ones that will come out soon. And hopefully they won’t cost $300 each or something crazy. I really miss these not having transport controls. Or maybe I’ll buy a used Loop Block and the other one. I hate buying used though

[@dboinoize-2023]

That’s the only reason why I’m getting it tbf

[@FA-hi8oy]

Thanks. Because of your review I cancelled my LUMI order. Picked up a a Yamaha P45 on Amazon used and subscribed to piano4all. Great concept with the gamification and probably would have been good for me since I’m a drummer but the bugs, hardware inconsistencies and price leave a lot to be desired.

[@pizzinimichael]

Thank you for this honest review! Really happy I watched this before I recommended to piano student’s parents.

[@pixelanimating]

Great in-depth review! It does sound like it's a bit expensive for a purely learning keyboard (and not particularly functional),, and the even then the "No Internet Connectivity" seems like more of a deal breaker than even you emphasized. That needs to be fixed Lumi!

[@seang9764]

price out taking in person lessons into that equation.

[@salbill4484]

I almost bought it and then I realized the only people who talk about the Lumi is Lumi the company and creators who do this professionally. After 4 years that really the only people I find saying positive things - which lets me know it's probably not a good buy for a beginner. There are cheaper options though I settled on a Roland FP10 and Pianoforall - which costs 40 bucks and there's so many positive reviews about it.

[@SoundAdventurer]

good for you! I love piano4all, and I think you'll go a lot farther with that.

[@salbill4484]

@@SoundAdventurer xD, almost everyone loves it

[@RotoGluOn]

Thanks for this review, the dead zone is a total "no go" for me since I don't care at all about the "learning games" and the subscription features. I was only hyped by the hardware and the MPE capabilities, now I'm not anymore... OK, I'll probably pass up until they fix these issues in the next couple of years I guess...

[@MeatCatCheesyBlaster]

I hate how everything is a subscription these days. You will own nothing and be happy

[@blender_wiki]

good review, no BS.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

Great review, thank you very much. For me, it's a no-go because of the price, subscription, and deadline. I'll bet getting. anew Yamaha instead.

[@Simon-je7ko]

I remembered the LUMI from an ad somewhere on the Facebook or something like that. I just don't see how to bring my Casio CT-S1 at the office without someone noticing. So I bought two LUMI Keys. Because I don't see exactly how I would play a sheet of music with 24 keys or notes. Now with 48, it should be enough. I just do not know what to do sometimes at work. So why not. I did a search online on Amazon. The folding piano looked like garbage or a toy from a toy store. So I think LUMI is better for me. Maybe it's not perfect. But at least I will practice more than before. I need to practice more. It will fit perfectly in my backpack. Not my Casio CT-S1. The Yamaha CLP-720 is too heavy. I will need to go to the chiroprator too much times. LOL

[@miguelsilvestri]

great review

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

I have always associated each note with a color (and) shape. And what shocked me about the LUMI keys was that besides the last note (violet/B), every color is exactly as I see it. I began to do vast interdisciplinary research to try to understand my note “perceptions.” The rabbit hole began to go very deep and more and more I am becoming convinced that there is an underlying parallel in how we ALL perceive sound; Even on a psychological level. This led to to my Theory of Pitch Psychology. My Theory of Perfect Pitch. And my own new color-keyboard invention of a honey-comb shaped “beehive” keyboard. (Which I actually perform in my videos). What I wanted to say about the LUMI-Keys is that I feel this is a very important cognitive tool for music. Because of the specific colors used. For example, because C is the most fiery-sounding note, love songs are continually written in C. I have proven this by simple observance of love songs and love themes. This is part of my theory. And I have endless, concrete examples for the energy or “psychology “ of each key. For example, A-flat, blue, is the most distant-sounding note (sounds twinkly). Blue. death. Songs about DEATH ITSELF are written in A-flat. And I explain ill of this on my own channel. Because I was already a pianist playing by ear (and “color”) since I was a child, I had no need for the learning lessons that are offered with the system. To this day, I have never tried them. However, because of the color-coding itself, I simply think this is awesome. The Superluminal game seems fascinating in its use of anticipating sound that is “approaching.” This is literally a synesthesia-learning instrument! // Composers Alexander Scriabin and Rimsky-Korsakov saw similar coloring to the notes as I. There IS a possibility that synesthesia in an intrinsic, underlying perception within all of us. Hallucinogenic drugs would therefore simply highlight perceptions that are already there. A side note, and another neat thing about LUMI Keys that it’s a genuine 7/8th keyboard. The 7/8th keyboard is a piano keyboard that has narrower keys (8 keys stuffed into the length of 7 normal keys) which allows more women and children to play easier, since their hands are smaller. Amazingly, pianist/conductor Daniel Barenboiem uses a 7/8ths piano for his small hands, but he has kept it a secret so that the public would not know his SHAME of playing in on a specially instrument. The curse of being born with a small . . . Set of hands! The 7/8ths keyboard is important, and even technically useful because it allows ANY pianist to play outside of an octave. Suddenly, 9th and even 10th chords become available to the player. I reached out to LUMI, suggesting that they advertise the LUMI as a piano-keyboard for people with smaller hands. But they just did not seem interested. Yet, these points are a big deal, as no other keyboard-maker has done this. Shame on Roland, Yamaha, Kong, and all the rest. Perhaps they will listen to me as my own channel grows and I get the word out. Bottom-line: I think the light-up LUMI has actual historic value as being the first correctly colored keyboard which also functions as a 7/8th keyboard. The music lessons also take advantage of color-association with the different keys. It’s a cognitive and artistic breakthrough, and they don’t even see it! LUMI, are you out there? Is ANYBODY out there!

[@Matt369oi]

I'm glad I watched this video! Fortunately the downsides are keeping me from buying it. Thank you

[@joseville]

Great review! 2:25, 6:45 do the tutorials also teach proper hand and finger posture/technique? 7:30 yes

[@SoundAdventurer]

Only briefly. They don't focus on it.

[@profitglen]

I recommend Lumi develop a Lumi Keys 2 or Pro version that is more polished with higher quality keys.

[@SoundAdventurer]

4:22 MAN my AKAI 49 is dusty. Glad all of you got to see that 😅 Wow... it's been a while. So much life has happened and I haven't gotten to spend as much time with music as I want to. How are y'all doing?

[@nathangelinas11]

Hi! I'm glad to see a new video from you! I discovered you with the didgeridoo videos. Your videos are well done and you seem to really know your subjects. If you still want to discover and review new instruments, I want to proprose you the handpan. I don't think you made a video on it, but it's a percussion who makes some very meditative and melodic sound. It's a little expensive (about 2 000$ for the minimum 8 notes), but it's a great instrument. Keep on your good work and take care! :) (P-s.: my sentences may seem confuse, I'm sorry if it happened. English is not my native speaking).

[@SoundAdventurer]

@@nathangelinas11 hey there! Oh man, I want a handpan so much. It's gonna happen. The question is when, not if 😂

[@goldscroll]

Can you still use it without the app

[@KB28L]

Thank you!

[@SimplicityForGood]

HELP!! Lumi keys or Block M or should I get a second hand full keyboard Rise 2?? how to think... I am new to electronic music but not to music... ideas pleas why one outdo the other .. pease give me ideas and direction of how to best choose! thanks :)

[@meliodascsjo_gaming2637]

I think there is a big thing missing in this review. Using the lumi keys as a midi controller for music production. The greatest benefit of the lumi keys is the MPE compatibility with per note pitch bend, per note aftertouch, velocity and lift. i don't think it supportes slide. There only a hand full of devices out there that support expressive playing/MPE. The ones that do are REALLY expensive(Such as the osmose, Rise 2, Haken continuum). With the lumi keys being the cheapest one the market (i think). MPE Midi protocol has also included in more and more DAWs. Most professional ones support MPE now. Lumi Keys also support the addition/connection of other controls in the lumi/roli ecosystem to connect together. Your review covers the keyboard as a learning device, but that is probably only half of what it has to offer. I do not know how well it performs in the music production side as i do not have one. But this especially is why the price point is what it is with this device.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Totally agree. I hadn't really explored it as much as a MIDI controller. I think that Roli and Lumi were trying to sell their hardware to another market and so Lumi Keys was a way to make the hardware dual-purpose. I think as a MIDI controller it has a lot of positives... as a learning tool, I honestly think that a learner is better off with a cheaper solution. That's my own opinion, though. I think what I should have done is right at the front of the video said that this is a review solely for the learning module--which is why most people want to buy it--I think that would have been more fair to the MIDI controller side of the device.

[@meliodascsjo_gaming2637]

@@SoundAdventurer yes i agree. As a sole learning device 24 keys for that price seem over the top and more like a gimmik for learning. Although the visual part would certainly help.

[@_intrepid]

Do you think the Lumi would be a good start to then transition to a proper digital piano?

[@SoundAdventurer]

I would personally just get the proper digital piano from the start. My review for this course is much cheaper and I think a better music learning experience. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYDTgHluo71ml9k

[@RealGrover]

4:49 isn’t correct. You do get per-note pitchbend (and per-note pressure) with any MPE capable MIDI instrument on your computer or mobile device, stand-alone or within an MPE capable DAW. It isn‘t restricted to ROLI instruments at all.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Wow, that's really helpful! And really good to know. I put that in my description--i appreciate your help on that.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Hey there @RealGrover, KZbin actually lets you edit mid-video! It's a new feature and I'm glad of that. Anyway, I've done my best to try and fix it. I don't think I do credit to Lumi Keys as far as its MPE functionality, but at least it's not saying that it directly is not supported and is not proprietary. Thanks again.

[@JeffGillis-lv1rz]

I noticed guitars on your wall, what midi controller would you recommend so that I can make drum and cello sounds come out of my guitar with graph tech hexpander?

[@IgikoPop]

Music teacher here, I saved a parent so much money looking into this thing. It seems more like an expensive gimmick than a useful education tool, better off buying a cheap keyboard and a lesson book

[@IgikoPop]

Heck DDR Shows quarter, half and 8th values and it’s almost 30 years old XD

[@nickcope]

I was an original backer of the Lumi Keys and I enjoyed it for the year after it arrived. It lingered in a drawer until I got it out just today, now that I finally have some time to pick it up again. I was truly disgusted to learn I can't use the app without a ridiculously priced subscription. I don't care about learning famous songs they have to pay licensing for - I just want the lessons part. The fact that I can no longer use a device I fully paid for, well this should be illegal frankly.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Yeah, I really feel like they are shooting themselves in the foot. They could easily capture tons of people's money by allowing purchasing songs a la carte... They could expand this buy allowing for purchasing song packs... imagine a classical music pack for $40 or Taylor Swift pack for $2560.29 or something like that. Anyway, nobody listens to my brilliant ideas. 😂

[@visionair1238]

Is this review still accurate from the new app updates + in comparison with the Lumi keys Roly studio edition?

[@Em.P14]

so an somewhat ok product ansolutely killed off by the price AND the subscription, thx for savin me form the purchase!!!

[@visualpiano_sys]

Thanks - great review dude! Do you know if you can set all the same keys of a scale to a single colour? Say all the white keys to Red for example and the #/bs not lit

[@SoundAdventurer]

Nope, the color lighting is not customizable

[@SoundAdventurer]

If you use your own DAW with MPE support, I suppose you could. But not in Lumi Keys

[@davidantoinehajj]

@@SoundAdventurerthat sucks

[@gilangradip]

I have no experience with musical instrument. It's good choice if I start with piano(lumi key)?. Or should I start with guitar?

[@bluehefner2740]

I use it with mi DAW no subscription or whatever...I like it so I'm good..this is coming from a producer

[@IsaiahRabadad]

Do you have to use it with the app? Or can you use any other plugin like omni or kontakt , what I want is the smart chords

[@LaurenEllman1]

This was a great video! I'm looking for a keyboard for my 6-year-old daughter. I liked the fact that the keys light up and can't really find a keyboard that does just that. Do you know of one? If not, would you recommend this device?

[@dorisvenzin5260]

Yamaha EZ-300

[@SoundAdventurer]

I don't feel like I can answer your question fully. I tried this with my 4 year old and I don't think he was able to get too much out of it, musically. for a 6 year old, that might be different. so, I don't know for sure.

[@GregoryPoche]

I don’t need a toy or a subscription, or a dead zone with the keys.. I’ll have to find something else. Thanks.

[@a1paradox19]

Yikes, can’t believe you gave it a 4/5. I was super tempted to get this but seems basically useless for actual music production. Thanks for the info!

[@TYSAFLIPPINFOOL]

got one of these today for 69.99 howd i do ?

[@mikeingrassia7505]

What was that midi keyboard with the channel mixers?

[@SoundAdventurer]

That's my Akai 49

[@LADuncanLLC]

One thing to note is that there’s a 30 money back guarantee.

[@dragonstone6594]

I don't care for the learning stuff. I'm interested in this device as a MIDI controller. And if Roli improves the build quality, and makes the keys hummer action or at least decent action, I'll buy it. Also is there a way to connect a sustain pedal to this thing?

[@SoundAdventurer]

no, I don't think so. it only has a port to connect to a computer/ phone and contacts to connect to other keyboards

[@freshday633]

how much .they need to give us 49 keys at least before u start asking for that amount of money seriously $249 lol

[@courage936]

you had me at 5:00, no key sensitivity ? that's useless

[@musicbyfaint]

Would you recommend it if I I just want a midi controller which looks cool?

[@SoundAdventurer]

Lol... I mean, sure. 😁

[@hostrow]

I having issues with it as a generic controller. It works great with MPE capable instruments but not with generic MIDI.

[@krissgrab]

Is it possible to connect to the tablet with a cable? Or is it Bluetooth only?

[@SoundAdventurer]

I haven't tried this, but I see no reason why not. I connected it to my PC with the cable and it worked fine

[@elliotwilliams8250]

Can i load other somgs other than what is available ? Example midi somgs from other websites?

[@SoundAdventurer]

No, you can't load other MIDI files to get the cascade view in the LUMI app. Lumi has to figure out the licensing and re-perform each song in order for it to be in the app.

[@elliotwilliams8250]

@@SoundAdventurer thanks alot. Then this is truly a dumb over priced product

[@drewblanche]

You have to realize tho that you are getting to learn how to play the keyboard 🎹 and it’s only $6 a month as it’s like $15-20 plus for just one class like you’d normally pay for a real teacher. If you pay for private lessons it would be way more than $6 a month. You would also just sub for as long as you need the app and then just use the keyboard 🎹 in your daw like normal right? I think it’s got great features and potential

[@SoundAdventurer]

while that is true, I think I'd rather get a more traditional MIDI controller, one that supports way more automation. I'd honestly prefer a $20-30 Udemy course (piano4all is my favorite for chords and composition potential) to this when it comes to music composition. as I talk about in the review, I think this is geared to teaching you the muscle memory of songs.. If you're a composer you are best served by learning chords and some theory, not learning how to hit the flashing lights. that's just my take though.

[@kemal_ozturk]

I bought the keyboard to use it as a MIDI controller with pitch bend. Very disappointed with the deadzone and the overall inaccuracy of all the "expressions". If you're a pro musician, don't even bother getting this one. I'll give the seaboard a shot since that one is marketed more as a pro keyboard. If that's also inaccurate, I'll be taking my leave...

[@SoundAdventurer]

Sorry to hear about your experience. I agree with you. Would love to hear your impression of the Seaboard

[@hendrx]

Subscription no thanks

[@Mike-xq7ib]

Screw it - ill use some scotch tape and a marker and mark the note names myself.

[@HairToThePie]

Yeah for me a subscription is the down fall.

[@MrDarksidematter]

Can you use it with headphones?

[@SoundAdventurer]

The piano does not make sound on its own. You can just use headphones with your phone or tablet. They should be wired though because Bluetooth has too much delay.

[@matejsuva4685]

Does it play without any mobile or PC ?

[@SoundAdventurer]

Nope

[@a012345]

Thanks. The must have sub turned me off to buying. Seems like I am better off buying something else and getting lessons with the money instead.

[@JeffGillis-lv1rz]

So with a midi guitar this would not be the midi controller I’m seeks as this is more for piano players who want to use midi, correct?

[@SoundAdventurer]

I would agree with that. it has more expression capabilities than a typical keyboard, but it's still a keyboard at the end of the day

[@DadiWili]

Great review, I decided not to buy. Those issues would frustrate the pants off of me.

[@creativemojo8531]

This thing should have been recalled day one for having no off button! I have 3 of these and they each get stuck in the 3 lights crash mode once a week!!! (THIS IS THE STUPIDEST DESIGN TO NOT HAVE A FORCE OFF OPTION OR A PATCH UPDATE BY NOW. The fix is they make you wait A WEEK!!!! for repair because that's how long it takes for the battery to die and reset. THEY ALL WILL DO THIS NO MATTER WHAT. BUYERS BEWARE!!

[@RobnDob]

Jesus they’re reaching with this item.

[@BabyPholol]

Lose note streak….1/5

[@TommyBahamy]

Thanks, staying away from Lumi 🙏🏼

[@pagpapaitim]

i bought it and didn't watch this video.

[@SoundAdventurer]

You rebel you. 😆

[@NatureLovesYou-yh8vz]

Did you just say 'shit music'?

[@SoundAdventurer]

:) Sheet music.