The ability to control the size of the onscreen keyboard in Bitwig

[MrG]

Description of the Feature

The ability to control the size of the onscreen keyboard in Bitwig. This feature would allow users to adjust the scale of the keys displayed on the screen, providing a more comfortable and customizable playing experience, especially for users with larger fingers. The scale could be adjusted from 0-5 and would be located near the keyboard layout option bar.

What problem(s) would this feature resolve?

This feature would resolve the issue of discomfort when using the onscreen keyboard for users with larger fingers. Currently, the onscreen keyboard fits almost three octaves, which can be cramped and difficult to use accurately. By allowing users to adjust the size of the keys, it would enhance usability and precision, making it more accessible and user-friendly.

How does this feature fit in Bitwig as a product?

This feature fits seamlessly into Bitwig’s user-centric design philosophy, enhancing the flexibility and customization options available to users. Bitwig is known for its innovative approach to music production and this feature would further support its reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive platform that caters to a diverse range of user needs and preferences.

Is there already an alternative way to achieve this on Bitwig?

Currently, there is no alternative way to adjust the size of the onscreen keyboard in Bitwig. Users must adapt to the fixed size of the keys, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially those with larger fingers.

Could it be implemented using Bitwig components or APIs, without Bitwig team’s support?

This feature would likely require some support from the Bitwig development team to ensure proper integration and functionality.

Could it be provided by a VST or something else reasonably integrated with Bitwig?

While a VST or external plugin might offer a similar functionality, it would not be as seamlessly integrated into the Bitwig environment. The best user experience would be achieved through a native implementation within Bitwig itself, ensuring smooth operation and cohesive design.

Are there other products that offer this feature?

Some digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music production software offer customizable onscreen keyboards or MIDI controller interfaces. However, the degree of customization and integration varies, and a native solution within Bitwig would provide a more consistent and reliable user experience.

[x.iso]

I think it’s worth mentioning that you can adjust the size of onscreen panel, but not size of keys themselves. at least not without scaling whole UI, which is the only solution so far, but it can’t scale lower than 100% in some cases where DPI is pretty low already.

[icaria36]

@MrG as your picture shows, currently Bitwig offers four types of keyboard, and the vertical height can be adjusted. There is a touch specific keyboard with pads that (to me at least) look big enough for any fingers:

The only dimension that is fixed is the keys width. Are you suggesting that users should be able to increase the width at the expense of having less keys? For instance, in the screenshot above, having 7, 6 or 5 thicker keys on each row?

[x.iso]

this is a drum pad mode, so it kinda makes sense for it to have fixed number of pads, but when you stretch it this far, perhaps an extra row could fit easily, after all some presets far exceed 16 pads.

the feature request is more about size of keys in other modes, both width and height. or I guess just width for single row mode. you can only increase those with whole UI upscaling, but it doesn’t get lower than 100% scale