What's new

Compact Keyboard Controller for Laptop Mobile Work ?

Hi,

Thank You for all the helpful suggestions, and feedback.

OK, so I decided to go for the Akai MPK Mini Plus. , mainly based on the overall functionality, aesthetics, design, features, price. ..etc. .

https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus

I have the option to return it for full store credit for 30 days from the day I receive it. So, very low risk.

With regards to the comments related to the keys being too small, or springy, or ..etc. I'm willing to sacrifice a bit in this dept. since, I'm not going to be playing a Piano concerto on these things. LOL

I will let you know how it goes, and what I think about the Akai MPK Mini PLus after I get it, and have some time to work with it.

Cheers,
Muziksculp
I had an MPK and never liked how it felt in any way, shape, or form. But it was very portable. A Keystep 32 was a huge step up in quality to me. I've never used an MPK Plus, though, so hopefully they've dramatically improved things.
 
Despite you've already made your mind, I would recommend this:
Nice keybed, wheels, faders. Customisable key sensitivity, CC numbers, pad colors, etc.
I'm using it for over a year as secondary or mobile controller.
 
The smaller model MPK
Despite you've already made your mind, I would recommend this:
Nice keybed, wheels, faders. Customisable key sensitivity, CC numbers, pad colors, etc.
I'm using it for over a year as secondary or mobile controller.
Hi @JohnS ,

Looks very good to me. Thanks for the recommendation.

I already ordered the Akai MPK Mini Plus Keyboard. I have 30 days to test it, if I'm not happy, I can return it for full store credit. So, I could get the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini if I don't like the Akai.

Cheers,
Muziksculp
 
Hi @Scottyb ,

Thanks for the recommendation. I decided to go with it. The Akai MPK Mini Plus Model.

I'm looking forward to see how I get along with it, and my mobile rig. I will post feedback on how the entire rig is working together as a system. Fun stuff ! :)

Cheers,
Muziksculp
Awesome! Hope you like it! I've luckily only heard good things from other people who have bought them so hopefully you have good luck with it as well. What they've packed in that tiny space is pretty impressive!
 
Awesome! Hope you like it! I've luckily only heard good things from other people who have bought them so hopefully you have good luck with it as well. What they've packed in that tiny space is pretty impressive!
Thanks. 🤞
 
Here is another option for a Keyboard Controller for the mobile rig :

https://nektartech.com/impact-lx-mini/

Any thoughts about it ?

Thanks.
Nektar is known for their daw integration so that would be my pic. If you can leave with 2 octave that is? The AKAI Mini Plus is pretty cool but don't expect much in therms of integration with S1. Unless something has changed? But it should work well with their software and with daws like Live.

Have you seen this?

 
I have an Akai Mini (not plus). Must be 10 y.o. or more. It does the job and there's an editor for the midi assignment.
IMO the Plus will be fine for mobile use. As long as you don't expect a Steinway keyboard action.
 
Can't post a video somehow. Research this on YouTube ->

Nektar LX Mini Tutorial - Studio One DAW Integration​

Hi @Obi-Wan Spaghetti

Thanks. I checked the Nektar LX Mini. It caught my attention. But, there were some mixed reports about Nektar products in general, maybe not being reliable ? not sure. But it had DAW integration, which is a nice thing to have for a small mobile rig.

Cheers,
Muziksculp
 
I use the M-Audio Oxygen Pro mini because:

1. It has sliders (my fingers are too big for those tiny knobs)
2. Mod/Pitch wheels are above so the width fits in a carry-on suitcase

However, it's pretty hard to play with any kind of finesse. The velocity sensitivity is pretty bad.

I travel a lot and have had about half a dozen mini keyboards. I don't really "like" any of them but the M-Audio is the least bad.
 
I’ll just say it again. I’ve tried almost all keyboards with mini keys around and while they differ in general build quality and extra features, the key actions themselves always suck. Keys are stiff and springy, hard to play, and velocity response is off the charts. Except with the Korg Microkey series. They really are a different level, and as good as mini or micro keys have ever felt. They actually play and respond extremely well. There’s just no comparison. :)
 
I’ll just say it again. I’ve tried almost all keyboards with mini keys around and while they differ in general build quality and extra features, the key actions themselves always suck. Keys are stiff and springy, hard to play, and velocity response is off the charts. Except with the Korg Microkey series. They really are a different level, and as good as mini or micro keys have ever felt. They actually play and respond extremely well. There’s just no comparison. :)
Slightly annoying velocity curves though. At least on my 61. There doesn't seem to be a curve that has the full range. Either the top or bottom is cut off so I have to use a transformer to expand the curve. Do like the action compared to other mini keys I've tried though.
 
Picked up the keys yesterday. Quite impressed with this pair so far. Nicely built.

I have a bit of a thing for mini keys and controllers. I’ve had most of them. It’s a bit tragic..

IMG_9846.jpeg
 
I’ll just say it again. I’ve tried almost all keyboards with mini keys around and while they differ in general build quality and extra features, the key actions themselves always suck. Keys are stiff and springy, hard to play, and velocity response is off the charts. Except with the Korg Microkey series. They really are a different level, and as good as mini or micro keys have ever felt. They actually play and respond extremely well. There’s just no comparison. :)
I’ve used a Microkey 49 for years now. I do also have a thing for mini key controllers as they fit better on my composing desk than full sized boards. I do agree that getting 127 velocity is almost impossible however. Not a problem when using notation apps like Dorico or MuseScore mind you.
 
Hi,

My Akai MPK Mini Plus arrived.

I didn't hook it up yet to my Mobile Rig, but playing the keys, and moving the controllers feels quite solid. I will post more feedback about it once I have it hooked up, and tested for a while.

Oh.. and I think it looks pretty sharp too. 😎

Cheers,
Muziksculp

 
Hi,

My Akai MPK Mini Plus arrived.

I didn't hook it up yet to my Mobile Rig, but playing the keys, and moving the controllers feels quite solid. I will post more feedback about it once I have it hooked up, and tested for a while.

Oh.. and I think it looks pretty sharp too. 😎

Cheers,
Muziksculp

Please report also about any strings attached. 😉
 
I've used an Xkey Air for years now and love it. The keys are full size which for me is a necessity. The tiny movement you get used to quickly enough.

No real mod cabability (the pressure-based modulation is pretty hard to use) but it does have aftertouch. No controller knobs either.

I have the smaller one and it easily fits in a backpaack with my laptop.

 
Top Bottom