Take Your Music Making Mobile With the MX Keys Mini
If you're looking to take your music-making device on the go, the MX Keys Mini is worth looking into. This tenkeyless keyboard was designed in response to requests for a smaller version of the popular MX Keys.
It has three functions to make working remotely easier during the Covid-19 Pandemic - an dictation button, muted keys and an emoji keyboard.
Size
Keyboards and synthesizers are available in various sizes. These include "mini" keys, various "slim" keys and full-size keys. Each of these has a different shape and feel, but what's important is the total package - not only how many keys are there and whether they are mini or full size.
For example, there is the Casio SA 51, which comes with 100 sounds and 50 rhythms, but remains smaller in size than alternative models. It's therefore easy to carry around and is an ideal instrument for practice. The MicroKorg XL also has smaller arrows, but more space, right-shift and enter buttons. It all depends on what you want from your keyboard and how portability is important.
Sound
Full-size keys. " TheKeyLab . "Mini" keys. Each of them has slightly different meanings, which can affect how the keyboard feels. We've put together this handy key size chart to help you compare.
In this category, our favorite is the iRig Keys Mini. It's ideal for musicians who are on moving, or for anyone who would like to work at home, the office or wherever you'd like. The keyboard is portable and light and utilizes Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your mobile device. It also comes with a variety of accessories that include a sustain pedal for added expression.
This model comes with more than 500 professional-quality onboard sound effects and loop mix features to create your own music, or make it an instrument controller for other hardware synths or DAW software. The keyboard is designed for beginners, with a user-friendly interface to assist you in your first steps.
It comes with a USB keyboard that connects to your computer, laptop or tablet. This allows you to connect any keyboard compatible to the receiver to control your DAW directly. It comes with a selection of essential music applications, including AAS Session Bundle and Softube Time & Tone. Also included is the exclusive Spitfire audio LABS Expression Strings instrument.
Functions
The MX Keys Mini has a lot of functions packed into its tiny frame. It comes with dual keys for Mac and Windows so you don't have to worry if you switch between laptops at home and work (a regular practice during the coronavirus epidemic was in full swing).
This keyboard has many other useful features, such as the system mute button that is compatible with all of your applications and conference software. It also comes with a dedicated keyboard for dictation and an emoji keyboard, which allows hands-free typing.
The layout of the MX Keys Mini still feels good despite the loss of quite many keys to help it fit into its shape and size of 65 and with the cursor jets squeezed into a laptop-style double stack, and the function row slenderized to allow room for a Delete key. The only real downsides are the absence of a Touch ID finger print scanner and the Back button which is the one that turns on the backlight. This could be distracting when typing in the dark.
Portability
If you're searching for a mini keyboard that you can use to compose music and transport around, pick one that's small enough to fit comfortably into your backpack or gigbag. It should have some useful features that will allow you to record musical ideas on the go.
If your mini-keyboard has been exposed to water, remove the battery right away and clean it using a paper towel. After drying completely, replace the battery. If the key fob does not work after this, it might have been reset and require an original replacement key to reset the device.
iRig Keys Mini is a 25-key MIDI controller that is designed to travel with you wherever your mobile lifestyle will take you. It's small enough for you to slip into the back of a bag or backpack but packed with powerful software that will help you turn your mobile ideas into full-on songs.
The keyboard is available in rose, graphite or pale gray, and has white LED-backlit keys. Logitech created the MX Mini with busy professionals and creatives in mind. It comes with a variety of ways to connect devices for seamless multi-device work. For instance, you can connect it to tablet, laptop or a desktop PC to take notes and switch to a different device like your smartphone to compose or editing your notes, and then posting to social media.