Best Compact MIDI Keyboard?

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Hello Elektronauts,

Long, long time lurker first time poster.

The knowledge here is endless and I could really do with some help from you wise owls.

I have DN & DT (OG’s and II’s)

I’m currently using a MiniFreak if I need a keyboard but space is very limited for me and it’s a bit of a faff.

Looking for a compact MIDI keyboard but there’s so many options.

What would you recommend is the best right now?

They’re all quite affordable so no real budget restraints. Something usb powered or even with a battery would be preferred but not a deal breaker.

Don’t need full size keys either the small ones have never bothered me as i’m really not very good at keys but i’m getting tired of only using the Digi’s.

Thanks guys.

1 Like
2

Hi @SOFTIE, welcome to Elektronauts! See Talk to me about little MIDI keyboards.

1 Like
3

A post was merged into an existing topic: Talk to me about little MIDI keyboards

4

Look into the very recently released Arturia Keylab MK2. If I am not mistaken, the keys will be very similar to your Minifreak.

5

IMO they are all junk, including Arturia.
Build quality is really bad, clacky keys.
The only good solid mini keyboards I know are Yamaha Reface.
I‘d rather use something with pads like Push if is has to be ultra compact.

6

I don’t love small keyboards but I got a keystep 37 a while ago and haven’t been able to bring myself to sell it - it feels solid and good to play, it’s just small haha

2 Likes
7

Yep. I have the Keystep OG. Build quality is right up there with the OPs Minifreak. Keys are pretty similar to the Minifreak, too.

My fingers are extra, extra long (I have to get XXL gloves because of their length). So I don’t prefer minikeys for sitting down and playing keyboard; they’re a little too short for me.

But for using with a groovebox for making music, the Arturia minikeys are good.

1 Like
8

I bought a Keystep 37 recently and because of my massive building trade fingers I can barely play it, also I don’t like the action much.

Why doesn’t there appear to be a compact, 37ish key midi keyboard with really premium full size keys? Or is there?

Thanks

9

ADDED EXPLANATION : This post was moved here. It was originally the second in a thread StuB created called, “Midi keyboards, talk to me” – see his post immediately above this one, which started that thread.

17669868511432137660102050666335
17669868511432137660102050666335750×337 43 KB

Novation Launchkey 37 MK4

They have four regular size, and two mini keys, all with a different number of keys.

Is that what you mean ? The keys on their 49 and 61 are semi-weighted, while these ard synth style keys.

1 Like
10

Is it pretty much the standard that the better quality keybeds aren’t available under 49 keys?

Space is a premium here and I don’t need a lot of octaves either tbh, octave shifts are fine for me.

1 Like
11

Respect, you must have proper set of hands. The action is pretty much the same on all of the mini keyboards but it does get even worse than Keystep. Jukkas suggestion could work but expect all midi but the most special midi keyboards to have flimsy action.

12

Maybe try a Yamaha reface as a controller?

1 Like
13

Lol, yeah. Like bear paws.

Im making an attempt to learn to play a bit but even my little finger can hardly hit a key step key without playing the one next to it, didn’t consider this when I ordered it :smile:

Thanks both!

1 Like
14

User name checks out.

5 Likes
15

OT but may I ask what you do?

I’m an electrician and have what have been called ‘shovel hands’
Thing is, it’s great for work! Makes many things easier.

I am ok on my Keystep 37 and Minifreak though but I’m generally not using my pinkies. Not trying to play properly

1 Like
16

Same, sparky and heating engineer. I’m a ‘Plumbtrician’.

I just mean my smallest finger is a liability on the keys this size.

1 Like
18

Another shovel handed electrician here (Cant pass your AM2 without them ) and another vote for the reface keybed. It’s the best mini keybed I’ve played. Personally I don’t have a problem with the KSP keys but each to their own as they say.

1 Like
19

If you want the Yamaha Reface keybed without the Yamaha Reface price, there is the cheaper Yamaha PSS-A50 which I just picked up and am surprisingly smitten with. Its targeted at a learning market but has a lot to offer for composition.

It only does MIDI over USB, but that’s all I needed with my Hapax. It has a pretty useful arpeggiator, fun sounds, fairly deep MIDI implementation, and is enjoyable to jam on. They’re only $110 USD on Amazon right now. For my use case the only thing I miss from my Keystep is its ability to sync to MIDI clock (though the PSS-A50 can send clock at least).

2 Likes
20

I personally have appreciated owning the iRig Keys 2 Pro. I like full-size keys :slight_smile: it has a 4 control knobs and mod / pitch wheels

1 Like