Tech-Savvy '80s Instruments

The Vortex Keytar Puts a 21st Century Spin on Handheld Synth

Those of you still stuck in 1985 are going to flip over the Vortex keytar. This 21st century keytar from Alesis is a drastic update of the instrument first made popular in the '80s.

The keytar was often lampooned, but it apparently had enough of a following to warrant a 21st century overhaul. The Vortex keytar has 37 pressure sensitive keys and features USB/MIDI connectivity. The keytar comes with a built-in accelerometer that allows players to ramp up the volume of their music by moving faster. The craze for all things retro isn't dying down anytime soon, so it's no wonder that the Vortex keytar was created. This updated '80s instrument is expected to sell for between $249 and $399 when it hits the market later in the year.

Retro Music Gear
This trend gives rise to an opportunity for businesses to create a new line of retro-styled instruments.
Advanced Keyboards
The rise of advanced keyboard instruments opens up opportunities for manufacturers to introduce unique features.
Wireless Connections
This trend creates an opportunity for businesses to introduce instruments with wireless connectivity, offering easy integration with other devices.

Who This Affects Most

Musical Instruments
Musical instrument manufacturers could take advantage of the trend for retro-inspired instruments and introduce a range of updated retro-styled instruments.
Electronics Manufacturing
The rise of advanced keyboard instruments creates a niche for electronics manufacturers to produce novel keyboards with specialized features.
Technology Gadgets
Introducing wireless connectivity in music instruments expands opportunities for technology businesses to build wireless devices for music production and performance.
SCORE
1.3 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 5%
Activity 27%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X