The eKeys 37 is a well-designed keyboard ideal for not just the would-be musician requiring learning right from the basics, but also for a creative musician needing a cheap but versatile and easy recording and arranging set-up.

The eKeys acts as a tool for getting your ideas down onto your computer and then with the easy-to-use software compiling them and forming them into a song. The software it comes with is a little simple for more experienced users who know exactly how they want something to sound, but more in-depth software is readily available, and the software provided is easily sufficient for most; the MIDI sound range is extensive and adaptable. The teaching software is decent, with applications from teaching toddlers the basics of communication to teaching you to read and play music, with the flexibility to let you import your own music files for playing and analysing. I haven’t had much use for the pre-recorded samples but they sound great and for someone who was into garageband they strike a decent equivalent, although the range is a bit more limited.

The keyboard does not suffer from latency problems as the similarly priced Creative Prodikeys dual keyboards do, and the notes have a similar feel to classic keyboards. The small notes are both an advantage and a drawback, as they make the keyboard very compact and convenient but also make playing a little difficult; thin fingers are an advantage here. A pitch bend, quick octave shift and sustain hold button would be nice, but are not essential, as the eKeys is hardly a performance item.

Overall the eKeys offers excellent value for money, and the best opportunity for effective recording and learning short of forking out hundreds of pounds. It is very easy to use with plug-and-play capabilities and straightforward software. Other than the keys being a little too small and there being no pitch, octave or sustain controls the keyboard is first-rate for my purposes, and probably the purposes of majority of those likely to buy it. I highly recommend this product.