Suggest a small midi keyboard

[visheshl]

So since i have installed reason on my laptop, i was thinking of buying a cheap, small midi keyboard controller. You know something which is easy to take anywhere with the laptop.
Hopefully something which has a proper reason remote mapping
What do you guys recommend?

[DaveyG]

My favourite "conventional" mini keyboard is the Novation Launchkey Mini. It just shades it over the Akai MPK Mini for me (I own both).

Slightly more leftfield, and my favourite ultra-portable that I use with the iPad is the Korg nanoKey Studio.

The latter works wirelessly as well as wired and has some useful built-in chords, scales and better-than-usual arp patterns. The "keyboard" is an acquired taste but it is playable. The Kaoss pad is a nice bonus. Review: https://www.musicradar.com/news/korg-na ... dio-review

I can't really comment on the remote mappings as I tend to just map things on the fly when I need them.

[miyaru]

I have an Akai LPK25 Wireless. I had to look out for it, as they do not make them anymore at the time I wanted one. Happily I found one.

It's connected with USB to my PC, for syncing reasons of the arpeggiator, and I use it wireless with my iPad 9th gen to run music software.

It is a nice keyboard, and does what I want it to do. I have to say with my PC and Reason 12, I use a Ableton Push2 too running PusheR2 software.

[RobC]

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32.

More keys, some buttons, a knob and thinner than an LPK25.

However, LPK25 is useful for self-defense.

(Or ~ I don't have it, but looks nice: Alesis V Mini. Has knobs and drum pads.)

[moalla]

I still using for mobile usage a Korg Mikcrokey,it just has no aftertouch but the keys are very smooth to play and more or less silent, perfect when your would play while recording in a jam.

[RobC]

I still using for mobile usage a Korg Mikcrokey,it just has no aftertouch but the keys are very smooth to play and more or less silent, perfect when your would play while recording in a jam.

I have that one, too! I used it as my main keyboard. Basically, I bought any mini keyboard with unique size and number of keys (of course, only 1 of each kind). Yup, that's 3 minis total. I'm still looking for one that starts from E / F key.

That said, the flat keys don't have the best dynamics! Microkey is better in that regard - however, pretty big, at least the 3 octave one.

[Billy+]

haven't got one but seriously considering one




full size keys + after touch....

xkey 25

[RandomNoise]

I've recently got the updated Arturia Minilab 3 and really liking it. Solid build and plenty of encoders and faders for the control I need at hand. Also the size is perfect for my setup

[jam-s]

For a compact mobile setup (esp. in combination with apple gear) IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25 can also be a nice option.

[challism]

If I were looking to get something, I'd be comparing these:
Nektar Impact LX25
Novation LaunchKey Mini
Arturia MiniLab
Akai Pro MPK Mini
M-Audio Oxygen 25

Check youtube for comparison videos of the best mini MIDI controlers.
As far as mapping goes, I think Nektar does a good job of that (I've got a Nektar Panorama). Not sure about the rest.