I am probably leaning more towards something that will slide into my laptop backpack along with mb air, in other words even some of the ones mentioned as small as they are…may be too big! The Nanokeys2 and xKeys fit that requirement in spades. The others…I have to say, they are starting to be big enough I’d probably rather have something even bigger on my desk with real sized keys. If I was going to get one of those, based on reviews I’d probably get the Arturia micro lab. and could I squeeze it into my laptop bag? yea probably, but the nanokeys2 or xkey25 would really fit in there a lot better. There is a new version of the xkey25 an updated model coming over the ocean from Europe right now in a large batch… it has USBc connector, and the bluetooth version too has the USBC, but they aren’t here yet.
There is also a foldable version of Korg nanoKEY, that is only around 15 cm.
Ooh, thanks. Had a look and just bought it!
I can recommend Akai LPK 25 because particularly for it small size and nice touch. It has also have sustain button which is nice addition. Another keyboard which I recommend is Native instruments komplete kontrol A25. It is little bit bigger but touch responsive. Also it include komplete kontrol software. If you have big backpack you can transfer the keyboard another place.
I’d buy the protective case for it too. I had the xKey37 but the keys were quite fragile and I broke several of them just with it in my bag.
Please let us know your experience after you use it for a bit. This is what I am likely leaning towards also, but I’m gonna wait for the new ESI versions to arrive in USA.
ESI apparently either partnered with CME or bought them or whatever, who knows..but anyway they are the ones branding and selling a new version of the xkey line of keyboards, they were released in Europe last year, apparently there is a large shipment trying to get past tariff headaches into USA…Not sure your location. But anyway the ESI version of these has a USBC connector instead of the old USB-mini. Some reviews around the internet complain about the USB-mini connector becoming worn out, flakey, to downright dysfunctional. Apparently it wears out easily or becomes disconnected in some way internally rather easily for some people after a couple years of use.
So anyway the new ESI version has the USB connector updated to USBC for one thing and allegedly other internal updates may have been made to the motherboard. Apparently the 37 key version comes with an adapter cable that will let you connect to 5-din midi cable directly and also to connect sustain and mod pedals…something like that. Not sure if the 25 key firmware would also support that presuming you buy that adapter cable.. Unclear at the moment. At any rate these keyboards have been available for quite a while, so I suspect the ESI version to just have some things updated, fixed and improved after years of selling the CME’s. The USA distributor has actually emailed me back about all this and is going to notify me when the key 25 Air is available in the USA…it’s not here yet. The non-air is apparently, but I think only can be bought from one place in the ESI version, there are a lot of CME versions lingering around for sale all over the place, such as amazon, guitar center, etc.
FWIW.
My mini review of the Xkey 25:
It’s much thinner than the Akai LPK25, but has a much bigger footprint overall, being wider (+5cm) and deeper (+4cm). It’s even wider than my 16" MBP, and deeper than my Apple Keyboard! It just fits in my laptop rucksack.
The keys are a bit rattly, making a slight clacky noise (I’ll have to test it in the library…); but they give better feedback than the Akai, which was a bit spongey.
I was worried that there wouldn’t be much travel on the keys, but there is a decent bit of movement.
My model was indeed USB C. They supplied a very cheap USB C to USB A cable – when in fact, I wanted C to C, to plug it into my Mac.
The only real disappointment is that the buttons on the side don’t light up, so you can’t tell whether an Octave shift is applied, or not; or if the Sustain pedal is on.
There is an app to configure the keyboard, which won’t win any User Interface awards, but does the job. You can update the firmware, change the velocity curve, and so on.
It comes with codes and vouchers for various software. These are all “Lite” versions, but they give you discounts on upgrades to more substantial versions. E.g. Wavelab LE. (I think you can get that free directly from Steinberg) – but that lets you upgrade to WL Elements for £33, instead of £83 full price.
Also a voucher for Cubasis LE3 on iPad (giving you the full Cubasis at £29, not £49).
And Bitwig Studio 8-track, also giving slight discounts on the bigger products.
Back to the keyboard: on the whole, it seems slightly more robust than the Akai, whose keys are all at ever so slightly different heights…
My requirements are pretty basic: I’m only going to be using this for single-handed note entry. I’m not going to be playing Rachmaninov.
If it was an inch narrower and a little less deep, with lights on the buttons, it would get the full 5 stars. But yes, pretty happy with it.
One thing that hadn’t been mentioned is weight - the Arturo mini for example which I generally like is a pretty heavy addition to my bag when everything is in there. Not so airport friendly.
I second the XKey 25.
Bought it on the recommedation of Phillip Rothman and his ScoringNotes site and reviews.
It’s perfect for inputting, and can fit in a bag or briefcase.
I do think what would make the xkey more perfect would be as Ben indicated, some lights to let us know octave shift, and keep it full key sized width but one+ inch shorter (or less deep in the overall dimension). We don’t need to be able to reach the back of the keys..just need standard key sizes somewhat…in terms of the width of the keys and how far back to reach for black keys..the rest is wasted desktop space. Totally agree. They don’t have to hinge off the back of the key like a normal midi keyboard would, so there is no need for that at all, purely wasted.
I still think I can fit this better into my laptop bag than the LPK or similar mini keys, just because they tend to be thicker. The xkey length may take up the full size of my laptop bag, but being thin it still leaves more room for other things in the bag. Maybe? Well, anyway thanks for the review..it seems consistent with most reviews I’ve read.
Do you prefer it over the LPK now for Dorico work in particular and if so why?
I agree with your and @benwiggy’s comments but ultimately our choices are limited to what is available today. WRT your concluding question, I have years of experience with real pianos and find full-size keys much easier to use, especially for inputting multiple notes at once. At least for my stubby fingers, adjusting to much smaller keys is doable but far from ideal.
plus it comes in bluetooth version which I intend to get despite the high price.