Was looking around for a little MIDI keyboard to use with my Deluge and the Keystep ticks a lot of boxes with its connectivity (actual MIDI DIN sockets!) but I don’t need the sequencer and arpeggiator side of it. Is there something similar to it with that sort of connectivity and size but just a ‘regular’ controller?
I’ve had the Keystep for quite some time. It has solved more situations for me in terms of connectivity, sync and whatnot, than I can remember. For that price and size, I can’t think of any equivalent.
Try the Arturia Keylab (I have a 25). They’re a bit wider than the Keystep, but they do have MIDI in and out.
Get one of the Yamaha refaces. They’re pretty cheap now, din socket (via included minijack adapter), similar size as keystep but much nicer keys and there’s 37 of them. Nice pitchbend knob but no modwheel. You get a free synth to boot.
Just get a Keystep and skip the „Step“ part. Can be had used for €80, you won‘t find anything even remotely so compact, connective and nice (37 keys etc) at that price point.
this:
Seems this doesn’t have aftertouch though. Nor the same extensive connectivity (which may come in handy sooner or later).
Also, it’s not like one’s paying a lot for the step part anyway…
Yeah - you‘re right. If you‘re after cv than the keystep is pretty lonely in the field.
Aftertouch on the keystep is pretty bad imho,
I wouldn‘t miss that very much…
I’m not big on aftertouch anyway to be honest but have admittedly struggled with getting satisfactory results with the Keystep aftertouch. Always thought it was just my less than sensitive playing style.
Set the vel curve to linear in the Midi Center then it is less sensitive.
I don’t use the seq/arp but just as a keyboard.
Midiplus X3 mini looks exactly like a Key-minus-step^^
Does look pretty good actually. I don’t necesarily need the CV outs so that could be the winner.
I second this. I’ve had multiple times where I was in a situation that I didn’t expect to be in - connectivity wise - that the Keystep proved to be the solution. Sort of the perfect midi / usb / cv connection kit that gives you a free keyboard, with arp and sequencer as bonus-bonus cherries
I have a Keystep and never use the sequencer and arp. Still worth it.
The build quality of the keystep is exceptional in the realm of small midi keyboards. I was very impressed when I got mine.
The velocity sensitivity is really good too.
Did you get the Midiplus X3 Mini? Curious what you think…
Apparently some people think it has the better keybed compared to the Keystep.
It’s metal, leds on the touch strips, so really could be a good small controller keyboard.
Midiplus is a OEM keyboard company founded in the 70s, so I guess the know how to make controller keyboards.
Not yet but going to pull the trigger this week I think.
Just been eyeing the midiplus xpad too
Oh hang on - Alesis V25?
Alesis VMini?