Take Your Music Making Mobile With the MX Keys Mini
The MX Keys Mini will allow you to make music on the go. The keyboard, which is tenkeys-less, was created in response to requests for smaller versions of the popular MX Keys.
It has three functions to help you work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic: A dictation key, mute key and an emoji keyboard.
Size
There are many different sizes of keys that can be found on synths and keyboards. They include "mini" keys, several "slim" keys, and full-size keys. Each has a distinct shape and feel, but what's most important is the entire package - not only the number of keys and if they're mini or full size.
Casio SA51, for instance has 100 sounds and 50 rhythms, however, it is smaller than other models. This means it's easy to carry around and makes for an ideal practice instrument. Similar to the MicroKorg XL has smaller arrow keys but larger space, enter and right shift buttons. It all depends on your needs and how important portability is to you.
Sound
Full-size keys. "Slim" keys. "Mini" keys. They all mean something different, and the difference can make a big impact on how comfortable and enjoyable a keyboard feels. This handy key size chart to help you evaluate.
In this category, our pick is the iRig Keys Mini. It's the perfect instrument for musicians who are constantly on moving, or for anyone else who wants to practice at home, the office, or wherever you want. The keyboard is portable and light and also uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your mobile device. It is also equipped with a number of accessories that include the sustain pedal to give you more expression.
This model comes with 500 onboard sounds of pro-quality and a loop mixing feature. You can use it to create your own music or as a controller software for other hardware synthesizers and DAWs. The keyboard has been designed with simple functions for those who are new to the field.
TheKeyLab includes an USB keyboard receiver that connects to your computer or laptop and lets you plug in any compatible keyboard to control your DAW with zero latency. It's even bundled with a variety of essential music software AAS Session Bundle, Softube Time & Tone, the exclusive Spitfire Audio LABS - Expressive Strings instrument and Novation's Launchkey Lite.
Functions
The MX Keys Mini has a many functions packed into its compact frame. It comes with dual keys that work for Mac and Windows, so if you're switching between laptops at work and at home (a common practice during the coronavirus pandemic) you don't need to worry about accidentally pressing the wrong button and adding gibberish to the document you're opening.
The keyboard also has a number of useful features, for example, a system mute key that works with all your apps and conference software. It also has a dedicated keyboard for dictation and an emoji keyboard, which allows hands-free transcription.
The layout of the MX Keys Mini is still great, despite the fact that it has shed a lot of keys to fit into its 65% size. The cursor jets were squished together to form an asymmetrical laptop-style double stack, and the function row has been slightly narrowed in order to accommodate the Delete button. The only real downside is the lack of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and the Back button which turns on the backlight, which can be distracting while typing in dark.
Portability
If you plan to carry a keyboard around with you and use it to compose music, you need a mini one that will be lightweight enough to fit in your backpack or gig bag. It should have some useful features to aid you in recording music while you travel.
If your mini-keyboard has been exposed to water, take it off the battery immediately and clean it with a towel. Dry it thoroughly before placing the battery back in place. If the key fob isn't able to function following this procedure, it could have been reprogrammed and require an original replacement key to reset the device.
iRig Keys Mini, an 25-key MIDI Controller is designed to be carried wherever your mobile lifestyle takes you. It's small enough to slip into a backpack or gig bag but packed with powerful software to help you transform your mobile ideas into full-on songs.
The keyboard is available in rose, graphite, or pale gray and comes with white LED-backlit keyboards. Logitech has designed the MX Keys Mini with the needs of creatives and busy professionals in mind as well, and it offers multiple ways to pair devices for seamless multi-device use. It can be connected to tablets, laptops or desktop PC to take notes, and then switch to your smartphone to edit, compose and post to social media.