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Which of these 3 tiny controller keyboards would you recommend (or diss)?
Hi. I need a small (tiny!) 2-octave controller keyboard which can take power from the iPad rather than a powered hub as I spend around 8 hours a week commuting by train.
My local music store has these:
LPK 25 (Akai)
Xkey (CME)
nanoKEY 2 (Korg).
I'll try them all for feel. The size of the Xkey appeals most to me.
The Xkey is billed as being usb-powered, but does that necessarily mean that I can do without a powered hub when using it on the iPad?
Any recommendations/warnings regarding these keyboards?
Cheers.
PS. I have an old 30-pin CCK but my iPad has a Lightning connector. I also happen to have a Lightning to 30-pin adapter. Will this be ok or will I have to get a new Lighting CCK?
Cheers again.
Comments
I've had the Xkey for a couple of months. Size and build quality are excellent, and I don't mind the short key travel. The velocity sensitivity is not as good as a keyboard with more travel, but there is an app available for iOS (and OSX) that allows you to adjust various parameters, including the velocity sensitivity. It fits easily in my backpack and is powered from the iOS lightning connector, no hub required.
I purchased a USB female to Lightning CCK adapter (made by Apple). I believe the 30-pin adapter will work as well, as that's what I initially had. I bought mine through Amazon where I was able to get one with a sleeve to protect it when it's not it use. I would buy it again.
The Xkey gets the most love.
Here's some info about the adapter: http://store.apple.com/us/question/answers/product/MD823ZM/A/will-this-lightning-to-30-pin-adapter-work-with-the-old-ipad-camera-connection-kit/QHT7JYTDPPFTF42YP
It looks like it should work, but may depend on your iPad model and version of iOS. Maybe take your iPad to the music store and try it out?
That's useful info, thanks G.
Thanks tele, will check out the link. Will take ipad (4) and adapters etc to the shop with me tomorrow.
The 30 pin to lightening adapter has worked for me with my USB audio interface and midi devices as well as the original iRig MIDI which allows you to charge your device while using it on both iOS 7 and 8 including iPhone 5S, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Air 2.
I own the lpk25 but it lacks control if you are using it with synths you at least want pitch and mod control but for the price you can't beat it. I find the x key a little overpriced for what it is for that price you could get stuff like the novation launchkey mini, arturia minilab or the akai mpk. If you are looking for a suggestion from one of the three listed above I would choose the akai but if you have the money for the x key you should get a controller with more function unless you are looking for a very portable controller.
I think the nano key pretty much blows. It's just too small and flimsy. Note that the xkey is one of the few keyboard controllers on the market that supports polyphonic aftertouch.
Yeah, portabilty and build quality are top priority. I can do without knobs, even the standard pitch and mod wheels. Aftertouch would be interesting; the last keyboard I owned that had aftertouch was an M1!
Looks like CME will get my money. I appreciate the advice people.
the CME has polyphonic aftertouch. Even my Kurzweil k2vx doesn't have that. I don't own one so I don't know how well it works. Also, if portability is important, the korg is really tiny!
I have the Korg. Plays fine, but then I am an average player at best. Seems plasticky (technical term), but I've been throwing it into my messenger bag for the last year and dragging it out in coffee shops and airports from Austin to Maine and Zurich to Beyond and SO FAR it's in one piece and has worked daily without any problems. A) Just cursed myself
Could just be a lucky freak etc.
Shop was all out of Xkeys. Had a look at nanokey, LPK 25 and a key station. They all felt like poo of course as I'm used to normal piano action. Ended up plumping for the Korg. All of the keyboards worked ok through the 30 pin adapter. Hey, with the money I've saved I'm halfway to affording a nanopad!
Good to know about the adapter. Thanks.