Comparison

Xkey Plus vs SWAM Cello

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Xkey Plus

This app enhances the functionality of ESI Xkey musical keyboards on mobile devices. It allows users to update firmware, customize velocity curves, and configure key sensitivity and timings for an advanced user experience.

Highlights
  • Check for new Xkey firmware
  • Velocity curves editor
  • Configure Xkey sensitivity & timings
  • Access all Xkey parameters
  • Configure key & button assignments
  • Access Xkey documentation & support
Features
Read full description

◆◆◆ Xkey Plus ◆◆◆ This app is dedicated to ESI Xkey musical keyboard. It is an ideal companion to your mobile keyboard. FEATURES ◆ Check for new Xkey firmware ◆ Velocity curves editor ◆ In-depth configuration of Xkey sensitivity & timings (advanced users) ◆ Access to all Xkey parameters (advanced users) ◆ Possibility to configure new assignments to all keys & buttons (requires Fw 1.2+) ◆ Direct access to Xkey documentation & support REQUIREMENTS ◆ Xkey musical keyboard ◆ USB cam kit or lightning cable ◆ Compatible with iPad (iOS 7 or later) Do not hesitate to contact us if you find any problem on this app. If you like this app, don't forget to write a positive review ! ESI

About

SWAM Cello

This virtual instrument uses physical modeling to generate realistic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your playing style. It offers advanced spatial control with a built-in room simulator and supports various input devices for expressive control. Ideal for musicians seeking a highly responsive and versatile cello sound on mobile.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Real-time dynamic response
  • Room simulator 'Ambiente'
  • Standalone and AUv3 plugin support
  • Expressive virtual bowing surface
  • MPE and MIDI controller support
  • Micro-tuning capabilities
Currently charting
Read full description

SWAM Cello for iOS: Unmatched Realism and Expressive Power in Your Hands Experience the cutting-edge Physical Modeling technology of SWAM Cello for iOS, now featuring the revolutionary Room Simulator "Ambiente"! Unlike sampled libraries, this virtual instrument doesn’t play pre-recorded sounds but generates authentic string performances in real-time, responding dynamically to your every nuance, just like a real cellist. These instruments are NOT sample libraries. Unlike sampling, which uses recordings to replicate the sound of an instrument, physical modeling doesn’t generate a sound as such but creates the conditions for the system to create it according to an external input (like someone playing on a keyboard). This means every note is unique, and the instrument responds dynamically to your playing style. With SWAM Cello, you can unleash your creativity across any musical style—from classical to modern, film scoring to microtonal music. Whether you're performing live or producing music on the go, SWAM Cello is your ultimate companion. New Features and Key Benefits: Room Simulator "Ambiente": Take advantage of advanced spatial control with the built-in Room Simulator "Ambiente," which allows you to position the instrument in a realistic acoustic space, interact dynamically with other SWAM instruments in the same virtual room, and create truly immersive performances. Additionally, the legacy Reverb, EQ, and Compressor effects are available for fine-tuning your sound. Standalone and AUv3 Plugin: Perform in real time or integrate SWAM Cello seamlessly into your mobile production workflow. Intuitive, Inclusive Interface: Designed for everyone, including blind and visually impaired users. Expressive Control: Play with unmatched expressivity using the exclusive virtual bowing surface, MPE controllers, keyboards, breath controllers, or other MIDI devices. Top Features at a Glance: Access a library of presets, create your own, or import presets from the desktop version. Customize every detail of your sound, including timbre, vibrato, and dynamics. Micro-tune the instrument with the Pitch Manager, supporting devices like MAQAM for advanced tuning systems. Add built-in effects like EQ, and Compressor. Play with different cello bodies to explore unique tonal variations. Use AUv3 to integrate with your mobile DAW (Logic, Cubasis, AUM) or apps like Camelot PRO for live performances. Who is SWAM Cello for iOS Designed For? Wind Controller Players: Looking for a mobile setup to perform live without needing a computer while still achieving an incredible sound. Keyboard Players: Frustrated by the limited expressive capabilities of normal sample-based plugins? SWAM Cello unlocks the full range of expression. Music Producers: Need a mobile setup to produce music from anywhere without carrying around expensive gear? SWAM Cello is the solution. Musicians Seeking Expressivity: Looking for a virtual instrument that allows you to express the full range of your musicality easily on your iPhone or iPad. IMPORTANT To fully harness the expressive power of SWAM Cello, a controller capable of continuous expression (such as a breath controller, expression pedal, MPE device, or wind controller) is required. Just like a bow is essential for a real cellist, SWAM Cello needs expressive input for maximum realism. With SWAM Cello for iOS, you have the freedom to create lifelike string performances on your iPhone or iPad. Redefine your music with unparalleled realism and expressive depth—anytime, anywhere.

Screenshots

SWAM Cello4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SWAM Cello at 100% against Xkey Plus's 36%. SWAM Cello also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.9) and chart position (#177 vs unranked). Xkey Plus's advantage is price (Free vs $29.99) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Xkey Plus is free to download; SWAM Cello costs $29.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SWAM Cello holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Xkey Plus's written reviews are positive against 100% of SWAM Cello's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Xkey Plus ships an update every 3 months, SWAM Cello every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Xkey Plus versus SWAM Cello: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterXkey PlusSWAM Cello
PriceFree — better$29.99
Rating2.9 (13 ratings)4.5 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews35.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings13 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank—#177 — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB101 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperESI Audiotechnik GmbHAudio Modeling

Customer experience

Xkey Plus

All ratings13 ratings
Positive38.5%
Neutral23.1%
Negative38.5%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive35.7%
Neutral21.4%
Negative42.9%

SWAM Cello

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Xkey Plus

No in-app purchases

None

SWAM Cello

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Xkey Plus free?
Xkey Plus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SWAM Cello free?
SWAM Cello costs $29.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello?
SWAM Cello is rated higher. Xkey Plus averages 2.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while SWAM Cello averages 4.5 from 12 ratings.
Do Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello have ads?
Neither Xkey Plus nor SWAM Cello shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Xkey Plus or SWAM Cello?
Xkey Plus ships an update every 3 months, and SWAM Cello every 5 weeks. Most recently, Xkey Plus was updated on October 23, 2026 and SWAM Cello on October 25, 2026.

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