Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard, Black
The Korg nanoKey 25 Key Keyboard is a unique, easily transportable MIDI Controller Keyboard that is little in size, but huge with functionality and features! When Korg set out to build a slim-line MIDI controller keyboard, they utilized their years of experience in manufacturing innovative MIDI keyboards to create a great-feeling, velocity sensitive keyboard based off a laptop keyboard. The resulting 25-note keyboard on the nanoKEY will transmit your playing dynamics to your softw (more…)
Like probably most computer composers, I’ve lived with the tradeoffs of trying to have a computer keyboard and a midi keyboard handy when basically they are designed to be in the exact same position relative to my hands. While I won’t be writing masterpieces with this little guy, the size puts it right where I want it for putting in a few notes or chords while keeping my desktop organized for regular non-musical work. Just having it there is like finally getting to scratch an itch I’ve had for years. The build quality is very good–for what it is…a tiny handy two octave musical data entry tool. Also, it looks very cool.
Great little keyboard. Excellent for traveling! However, when I received it, one of the keys didn’t work, so I had to get a replacement. The keys do feel a bit on the cheaper side of things, a little bit wobbly, plastic, springy-feel. But it works fine. The velocity is fine too. Works much better than using your keyboard pad if you’re a Logic user (which doesn’t have velocity sensitivity).
The nanoKEY is the best small keyboard ever made. The price is right and Korg has struck a great balance between size and usability. Don’t expect it to be like any other keyboard and you won’t be disappointed. Perfect for travel or cramped workspaces.
The Korg nanoKEY is not like any keyboard – MIDI or computer – you’ve ever used. Although the velocity sensitive keys are shaped somewhat like piano keys, the action most closely resembles that of your laptop keyboard. Unlike the very light action of my MacBook keyboard (or the very similar Aluminum Apple Keyboard the nanoKEY offers more resistance. If The Apple keyboards were synth-action keyboards, the nanoKEY would be a semi-weighted keyboard.
The nanoKEY is incredibly compact. If I place it on top of my 15″ MacBook’s keyboard, the nano is narrower than the MacBook. There is also plenty of room below for my nanoKONTROL. Small size doesn’t mean cramped though. The keys are roughly the same width as the letter keys on my MacBook and they are maybe two or three times as “long.” No space is wasted, the keys run right up to the edge of the device.
Connectivity is via a Mini-B USB port. Korg includes a USB cable complete with ferrite bead to keep audio interference down. As advertised, I had no trouble plugging both the nanoKey and nanoKontrol into a small unpowered hub and then plugging that into my MacBook. No external power required!
I was able to use the nanoKey without installing Korg’s software. Both GarageBand and Reaktor recognized the nanoKey’s events immediately. If you want, you can download Korg’s USB-MIDI driver and Kontrol editor from the Korg’s website. The Kontrol software lets you adjust every parameter of every key. You can change the assigned CC numbers, velocity curves and other parameters individually. I’ll probably explore these options more later since the nano worked perfectly out of the box.