I’ve seen these keyboards for a while and the poly aftertouch capability is what really interests me. Does anyone have experience with any of the X-Key line? Seeing as they’ve been around for many years, is there another midi controller with poly afterouch that you would recommend instead?
I have the X-Key 25. I got it used a few years ago when my Keystep died. I have to say that I don’t like it.
The key spacing is weird and the wireless is a PITA. You have to go in and pair it each time. It doesn’t pair like normal Bluetooth.
I don’t really use any advanced features so can’t really comment on that, but as a general controller I’m not that happy. It does take up little space, so basically I’m just using it until something that is a perfect fit for me comes along or it dies.
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Thanks for the reply. I was only interested in the wired one, it’s cheaper and I don’t really trust Bluetooth for playing things live. So the poly aftertouch isn’t really worth the purchase
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TImely. Superbooth 24: ESI Xsynth, new portable Synthesizer with polyphonic aftertouch - SYNTH ANATOMY
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No worries. I was just lamenting over how this thing does not spark joy, so your post was timely. Haha.
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Yeah that article is actually what made me think about finding a good midi controller with poly aftertouch
That’s normal for BT LE instruments. You don’t pair them like speakers. You connect them every time.
I have the 25-key x-key and I would buy the bigger one if this one broke. I love poly aftertouch, full-size keys, and the thin sturdy build.
I retuned it quickly enough, partly because of the displeasing keys, but mainly because I couldn’t switch easily between midi channels.
Edit: my bad, seems there is a way to easily switch midi channels. Still didn’t enjoy the keys.
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On mine, you can switch midi channels by holding down octave up and down buttons together, and tapping a key. It works the same way as on the Keystep.
Normal but not convenient. At least for me. I just wire it up usually. It loses its connection as well if you leave it too long. I just can’t be bothered. Plus, I hate the keys. I realize all of this is just personal preference, but I rarely dislike gear this much, lol.
It will probably never die just to spite me. 
I still really like mine, especially the feel and speed you can play it. It’s only let down by those tiny, flimsy connectors that I’ve grown to distrust and would not dare to use live again. If I was more dynamic I’d get one of my more capable friends to set it in a box with the connectors housed properly and firmly, but these days I’m so hooked on my Osmose I don’t use it as much.
I had the Xkey 37 before Bluetooth. My intent was to use it with the Blofeld and I never did. The dongle was the most troublesome part, but the keys were awful as well. Maybe that’s why I find the OPSIX keys tolerable while everyone else hates them. 
I’ve got the Hydrasynth Keys now and would strongly recommend a single device with both keys and synth. Get the Explorer if space or budget constrained.
CME does deserve credit for putting out a ver compact poly AT keyboard when no one else was, but there are plenty of alternatives now. Get an XKey if none of the alternatives work for you.
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Oh, maybe it’s been added later or I am confusing it with another keyboard I’ve owned….
My bad.
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You may have to turn it on using the accompanying app.
Got myself a Keystep 37 instead. Very happy with it.
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I wish there was a slightly more premium version of the Keystep 37. Same size but that is less plasticy. For some reason, it became the norm that small midi keyboards have to be really cheap looking/feeling, but in reality it’s probably the keyboard people use most and not everyone has the room for a big keyboard (the only premium controllers as far as I can tell).
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I was just helping a guitar buddy get a new controller and wished I had an option like this, he is tall and has the hot dog fingers from everything everywhere all at once so Keystep37 with slightly less plasticity and full keys would be a dream.
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