The key design element is making the LEDs and the data from the pads independent. That means you can use the visual feedback on the pads to do whatever you want. So, maybe the LED shows where you are in a loop or step sequence as you play — or maybe it shows something else entirely. In fact, even if you don’t need a box with 256 pads, the idea of abstracting visual feedback from control information for more flexibility is one that could be applied to other instrument designs. (The Lemur, for instance, is also making steps toward letting you provide visual feedback FROM the computer TO the device, the opposite of the usual one-way relationship. There’s a lot more to be done in this area.)

But they’ve also managed to put this in a very professional-looking, USB 2.0-powered box. That’s a big step for a homebrew device. The only disadvantage of the design I can see is that the focus on buttons mean it lacks continuous control, and it’s not velocity-sensitive.
Monome site
Demo video
Product page

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