Best mini midi keyboard?

[Bob_Atwell]

Any recommendations for a good mini (25 key) midi keyboard controller for Dorico? This is for when I am away from my 88 key setup at home.

[Rikard]

Watching this thread. (Are there even smaller ones?)

(I’m thinking that even a tiny one may be sufficient to speed up my Dorico notation, as I’m currently only using the computer keyboard. I’m wondering if a music keyboard or a streamdeck would be the best purchase…)

[benwiggy]

For what they do, I don’t think there’s a bad 25-key keyboard. The Akai, Korg and ESI Xkey are all good. Slightly different shapes; slightly different additional buttons.

For entering pitches into Dorico, they all work fine. Personal choice of size and shape, connection type, etc is the main criteria. Get one that fits your bag.

There have been a few threads on this before. This one has my review of the Xkey 25:

Recommendations for a 25 key portable keyboard as input to Dorico 4.3?

Hello World, New owner of Dorico & Cubase looking for a portable keyboard solution to use with a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 tablet. Have looked at Akai and Arturia models, wondering what others are using. Thanks in advance for any input …

@Rikard

I’m currently only using the computer keyboard.

I’d certainly argue that anyone who spends significant time entering music should use a MIDI keyboard as a matter of necessity.

[jesele]

This should be pretty good too.

Jesper

MicroLab mk3 - Universal MIDI controller | Arturia

[asherber]

@benwiggy

I’d certainly argue that anyone who spends significant time entering music should use a MIDI keyboard as a matter of necessity.

There are many people who say they’re lightning-fast with Finale-style arrow key entry. Personally, while I do miss the ability in Finale Speedy to use the computer keyboard for three-octave input, I did remap one octave to the bottom row of my keyboard, as well as remapping some of the octave shift keys, and I would wager I’m generally as fast as I would be with a MIDI keyboard—especially since I’m not a pianist!

So I think there are a bunch of variables here.

[jaskarbong]

I generally use the prescribed Dorico keys (and I miss the Finale layout…) but I had initially setup my iPad with Stream Deck Mobile and created a note entry page with a reasonable layout. Something similar could be set up for an iPhone or using a different app that imitates a keyboard. As others have suggested, it’s whatever works for you – and what you need it to do.

Another suggestion might be a roll up keyboard.

—Jim

[danadams]

I got the “AKAI Professional LPK25.” Good bang for the buck and works well for me. I wanted something small/sturdy that would fit on my desk between my keyboard and monitor. Does the trick.

[derAbgang]

@danadams

I got the “AKAI Professional LPK25.”

Same, and it fits in backpacks/carry-ons etc. Great for working on the go.

[Bob_Atwell]

Thanks all, I decided to go with the Arturia MiniLab 3.