Looking for a very small-footprint controller keyboard

[rogfrich]

Hi all,

I'm getting back into music-making after a several-year absence. Something I'm currently lacking is a controller keyboard.

I'm not a keyboard player, so I'll mostly use this for playing in little lines that I'll later edit in the piano roll. My main requirement is that it uses as little desktop space as possible (with front-to-back thinness being more important than width). I'd be fine with 25 mini keys, and I'm not that fussed about drum pads or controller knobs. Are wireless controller keyboards a thing now? I'm trying to keep clutter to a minimum, so USB-powered would be good. I'll be using this with a Mac Mini in case it's relevant.

What's good?

Cheers,

Rich

PS, I debated whether to put this in "Hardware and Other Software" or here. I decided that since it's specifically to use with Reason, this was the place - sorry if that was wrong.

[jam-s]

The iRig Keys I/O might be an option (esp. if you're also using an iPad). They had a promo some time ago that got you Sampletank 4 Max when you registered one of those, so it might be worth waiting to buy one of those until they redo that promo.

[fieldframe]

If size is paramount, Korg NanoKey 2 is what you want. It takes a little getting used to the button-keys, but they're significantly better than the regular keys on any other sub-$100 keyboard, and the unit is not much bigger than two phones put end to end.

If you're willing to sacrifice a little more space, though, Native Instruments' M32 is by far the best for regular-style mini keys. It's really the only controller keyboard that size that has what I'd call a quality keybed, like on a hardware synth – everything else I've tried, from Akai, Novation, or Arturia, feels like a budget option in comparison.

[jjkjjk]

Keith McMillen Kboard or QNexus

[gullum]

the CME Xkey air might just be the right keyboard for you https://xkeyair.com/ I have the 25 key no wirless version and it is surpricingly good to play on

[DaveyG]

Look at Akai LPK25. You can't get much smaller with "real" keys.

But are you sure you don't want a few pads and knobs too?
Something like Launchkey Mini or Akai MPK Mini take up a little more space (but not width) and give you more hands-on options for not much more money.

All are USB powered.

Avoid Bluetooth keyboards. They need batteries and they have a time lag on the keys.

[zero-13]

Sadly I had to part with mine a while ago, but the OP-1 was fantastic as a controller, the transport keys and sequencer shortcuts were amazing and the form factor is just too perfect, I also loved the feel of the keys, dang I miss it a lot.

But if some company ever decided to dupe the design and feel as a simple midi controller nothing else would compare small form factor wise.

[ksniod]

Arturia MicroLab seems tempting (https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid ... b/overview

[chimp_spanner]

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32. It’s small, has a better range than most other options, and is still surprisingly playable. Of all the small keyboards I’ve owned this is the best IMO. I usually chuck it in my backpack if I take my Mac anywhere with me just in case!

[EdGrip]

I have a CME Xkey that I really enjoy playing on. You can adjust the velocity curve and it has aftertouch. Sure it doesn't feel like a piano or an organ, but the keys are full size and it feels good.

[Bewlay]

I use the AKAI MPK Mini as a secondary keyboard for quick ideas, which fits nicely on my desktop. The keys aren't amazing but work as a starting point and having access to knobs, pads and buttons is invaluable, I reckon.
Especially if you're using Reason devices like Octo Rex and Kong not to mention the remote mapping on the synths.

[littlejam]

hello,

i would use all 3 korg nanos: keys, pads, controller
but you need 3 usb ports
i have a 10 port usb hub so it's a no brainer

cheers,

j

[zebbleganubi]

i use a kboard which is decent enough and minimal. i mainly use it for the same reasons you are looking for. that said the bend key on it is too small too be useful and the octave buttons are too close to the lowest key so i trigged that by accident from time to time

another controller ive been using a lot more recently is the sensel morph. im using the "music production" overlay but you can buy different overlays like a piano or one you would use with drum sticks and they clip on magnetically. its probably the most responsive controller ive used. it has bluetooth as well which is a nice option to have

[Desmondblack]

I just got the Nektar Impact JX25 and very happy with it, works very well with Reason. Solid buttons and knobs, as well as a lot of control options.
Tried the Arturia Minilab MK2 first but could not get it to work well with Reason.

[EdGrip]

An interesting option for a playing surface, if you're okay to try something different, could be an Arturia Microfreak. Bit bigger because of the attached synthesiser.

[plaamook]

I'm gonna second the Korg Nanokey2. If you don't want to 'play' a keyboard so to speak, just trigger and edit, you can't beat it for size and cost. It's about as long as a 13' MacbookPro is. Fits right in front of it. Thin as anything.

[bxbrkrz]

Korg MicroKey 2 Air
https://www.korg.com/us/products/comput ... okey2_air/

[zoidkirb]

Korg MicroKey 2 Air
https://www.korg.com/us/products/comput ... okey2_air/

Great little unit, solid.
Really interesting joystick style pitch/mod controller too.

The micro key holds a special place in my heart for the time I brought it and installed the bundled Reason lite 10 a few years ago and discovered a whole new world...

[bxbrkrz]

Korg MicroKey 2 Air
https://www.korg.com/us/products/comput ... okey2_air/

Great little unit, solid.
Really interesting joystick style pitch/mod controller too.

The micro key holds a special place in my heart for the time I brought it and installed the bundled Reason lite 10 a few years ago and discovered a whole new world...

I gave my old Novation Remote 25 to the Salvation Army a long time ago. I may look into the 37 or 49 Air. The keys are not bad. The joysitck is fun because it is as if you have a Roland modulation wheel combo.

[zoidkirb]

Great little unit, solid.
Really interesting joystick style pitch/mod controller too.

The micro key holds a special place in my heart for the time I brought it and installed the bundled Reason lite 10 a few years ago and discovered a whole new world...

I gave my old Novation Remote 25 to the Salvation Army a long time ago. I may look into the 37 or 49 Air. The keys are not bad. The joysitck is fun because it is as if you have a Roland modulation wheel combo.

The the Roland combo mod/pitch that brings back memories of my first ever midi controller. I was surprised to discover eventually that wasn't just a typical way to do things!

[ProfessaKaos]

If you aren't concerned with width and want a 49 key controller I highly recommend the Roland A-49, its one of (if not the slimmest) 49 key controller on the market. The keys are really good also, some of the nicest keys of all 49 key controllers.

[rogfrich]

Hi everyone, just swinging by the thread to say thanks for all the suggestions. I'm weighing them up now

[simonphinix1986]

I would go with that one. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32.
It is expensive to buy in contrast to the others, but you have something clever for it

[gullum]

This is how little space the CME keyboard is taking on the desk

IMG_7092.JPG (688.71 KiB) Viewed 2331 times

[rogfrich]

Hi all, just a quick update...

I ended up buying the Arturia Microlab, which has just arrived. It just does the basics, which I'm fine with, and it seems very well built with a nice key action. I'm pretty pleased so far. At first, I thought they hadn't included a USB cable, but it turned out to be cleverly stored in the controller's protective jacket. It comes with some decent software as well, which I haven't installed yet.

Thanks for all the (heh) input.