This post is mostly centered around the Synstrom Deluge's isometric keyboard, however the info can be applied to the many other iso - keyboards out there.. both of the software & the hardware variety.
So what's an Isomorphic Keyboard?
There are lots of different varieties. You can find them on devices like the Deluge, the Novation Launchpad, the Linninstrument, Native Instruments Maschine and the Abelton Push controller. These instruments have square keys.
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The keys can also have different shapes. Devices like the Hyve Synth and the Axis controllers by C-Thru Music, use hexagonal keys.
![]()
Accordions using round and hexagonal keys in various isomorphic layouts have been built since the 19th century. So the idea isn't new.
![]()
The word isomorphic derives from the Greek iso, meaning "equal," and morphosis, meaning "to form" or "to shape."
Your standard keyboard looks like this:
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In comparison with the iosmorphic keyboard you have all the notes of a standard keyboard. However, the notes are arranged differently.
![]()
Moving left to right horizontally, the lit keys are A, B, C, D , E , F, G.
The unlit keys are your sharps / flats : A#/B-flat, C#/D-flat, D#/E-flat, etc etc
That is, each key is 1 semitone apart from the next. ... pretty much like a standard keyboard.
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However, differences appear when we move in a vertical direction
If we move up or down the isometric keyboard each key is 5 semitones or a perfect 4th from the next.
For example moving from A to D on a normal keyboard looks like this:
![]()
But on an isometric keyboard, it's just one button away.
This setup on the Synthstrom Deluge is called a‘chromatic fourths’ arrangement.
It's a bit like a fretted string instrument.
Notice also that each note appears more than once on the isometric keyboard.
![]()
The advantage of this layout comes when you try to learn chords.
When you play a chord on a standard keyboard you need to learn many finger positions.
Every chord has a unique finger configuration. Eg if you wish to learn the major chords you have to learn 12 different variations, for each root note.
![]()
On an isometric keyboard, you only have to learn one shape or pattern for each chord. Then you just apply that to other notes.
For example a Major chord is a triangle.
So a C major chord (CEG) will look like this:
![]()
A D major chord (D,F#,A)
![]()
An E Major Chord ( E, G#, B)
![]()
Here are some basic Chromatic Isomorphic keyboard shapes to remember.
![]()
Links
* Wicki-Hayden Note Layout
* Axis 49 keyboard
* Hyve Synth
* Linn Instrument
* XotoPad for Windows multi-touch devices.
So what's an Isomorphic Keyboard?
There are lots of different varieties. You can find them on devices like the Deluge, the Novation Launchpad, the Linninstrument, Native Instruments Maschine and the Abelton Push controller. These instruments have square keys.
The keys can also have different shapes. Devices like the Hyve Synth and the Axis controllers by C-Thru Music, use hexagonal keys.
Accordions using round and hexagonal keys in various isomorphic layouts have been built since the 19th century. So the idea isn't new.
The word isomorphic derives from the Greek iso, meaning "equal," and morphosis, meaning "to form" or "to shape."
Your standard keyboard looks like this:
In comparison with the iosmorphic keyboard you have all the notes of a standard keyboard. However, the notes are arranged differently.
Moving left to right horizontally, the lit keys are A, B, C, D , E , F, G.
The unlit keys are your sharps / flats : A#/B-flat, C#/D-flat, D#/E-flat, etc etc
That is, each key is 1 semitone apart from the next. ... pretty much like a standard keyboard.
If we move up or down the isometric keyboard each key is 5 semitones or a perfect 4th from the next.
For example moving from A to D on a normal keyboard looks like this:
But on an isometric keyboard, it's just one button away.
This setup on the Synthstrom Deluge is called a‘chromatic fourths’ arrangement.
It's a bit like a fretted string instrument.
Notice also that each note appears more than once on the isometric keyboard.
The advantage of this layout comes when you try to learn chords.
When you play a chord on a standard keyboard you need to learn many finger positions.
Every chord has a unique finger configuration. Eg if you wish to learn the major chords you have to learn 12 different variations, for each root note.
On an isometric keyboard, you only have to learn one shape or pattern for each chord. Then you just apply that to other notes.
For example a Major chord is a triangle.
So a C major chord (CEG) will look like this:
A D major chord (D,F#,A)
An E Major Chord ( E, G#, B)
Here are some basic Chromatic Isomorphic keyboard shapes to remember.
Links
* Wicki-Hayden Note Layout
* Axis 49 keyboard
* Hyve Synth
* Linn Instrument
* XotoPad for Windows multi-touch devices.