What is Patatap?
Patatap turns your keyboard into a little instrument and light show. Each of the 26 letter keys plays a different sound, and each sound comes with its own animation: circles that pop, lines that sweep, shapes that spin across the screen. Press the space bar to switch to a new colour scheme and sound set. On a phone or tablet you tap different parts of the screen instead.
It was made by designer Jono Brandel (jonobr1) with the Japanese sound duo Lullatone, using Brandel's Two.js drawing library. It has been a staple of cool websites lists and r/InternetIsBeautiful for years because it works instantly: there is nothing to learn, and mashing keys sounds good. The same team also made Typatone, which turns typed text into music.
What You Can Do
- Play 26 different sounds, one per letter key
- See a unique animation for each sound
- Switch sound and colour palettes with the space bar
- Tap the screen to play on mobile
- Build rhythms by repeating key patterns
How to Play Patatap
- Open Patatap in your browser and turn your volume up.
- Press any letter key from A to Z.
- Press space to change the palette.
- Try a steady pattern of keys to build a beat.
Is Patatap Free?
Patatap is free to use on the web with no account. The site links to optional merchandise, but nothing on the toy is paid.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Kids who love pressing buttons
- Anyone who needs a two-minute stress break
- Musicians playing with quick rhythm ideas
- Fans of audio-visual web art
Websites Like Patatap
- Typatone: From the same makers: type words and hear them as music.
- Bongo Cat: Another keyboard instrument, with a meme cat drummer.
- Chrome Music Lab: A full set of playful music toys from Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Patatap free?
Yes. The web version is free with no sign-up.
Does Patatap work on phones?
Yes. Tap different areas of the screen to trigger sounds.
Who made Patatap?
Jono Brandel made it with the sound duo Lullatone.