It is an entry-level[4] and low fidelity synthesizer and not as feature rich as the Kawai K4 and was released to compete with the Roland D50 and Korg M1 synthesizers.
[5] The K1 features 256 8-bit PCM waveforms (204 additive waveforms and 52 acoustic samples),[6] AM (Ring modulation), and a 16×2 character LCD.
[7] The four modes of operation are: The K1 includes drum kits and sounds (acoustic and electronic kits, cymbals as well as some tuned percussion), so can be used to create full rhythm backing when sequenced.
Percussive sounds, organs, haunting pads, strings and FM bass sounds and acoustic bass.
[10] Also a module version called K1M was released.