Korg Microkey Usb-/Midi-Keyboard

I must admit that when I was looking for a controller keyboard I was very confused as there are dozens of options. Some covered in sliders, rotary controls, displays, assignable buttons etc and other offering nothing more than a keyboard with less than a handful of other controls. The pricing for this group of products varies vary little but the specs are quite varied. So I wanted to know why the microkey was this price but only featured keys and 2 wheels, and why other manufacturers offer this and a hell of a lot more for the same cost.

I took advantage on a recent business trip to visit a couple of music retailers to see a variety of these products "in the flesh" and found that the main reason for the feature variance is quality, and how well the product supported. The microkey has a great editor available that allows me to set up my controller very easily, the software is simple, stable and also compatible with all other Korg USB controllers launched over the last 3 years. The keyboard feels great and is the same action that is fitted to the microkorg xl, microsampler and microstation, all of these products are high quality so I think you see where I'm coming from. The keyboard does actually feel very nice and like one of the other reviewers already mention, does takes a little bit of getting used to but now I find it really comfortable and easy to play.

The fact that the microkey doesn't have sliders etc is easily resolved if you need them, as you can connect the korg nanopad or nanokontrol to the built in USB hub, again this is very simple and I can use the same korg editor to set these up. You can of course connect up any other manufacturers USB product so your not limited to just korg devices. My reason for buying in this is lack of space and a not so accommodating girlfriend. I had been using an M-Audio Axion but found that I wasn't using all the extra controls, really only needed keys and despite her nagging thought I'd give the relationship a go! It's comforting to know I can connect other midi controllers but after 6 weeks haven't so I guess having the extra controls is more of a comfort than a necessity, plus the girlfriend is a lot happier. Having this also highlighted how nasty the keyboard on the Axiom feels so everyone's a winner.

The other great thing is the software bundle, this includes the Korg M1 LE, a software emulation of the famous synth from the late 1980's, EZ drummer lite (not really for me but sounds great), lounge lizard and a 30 euro discount vouched for ableton products.

I've recently started using the microkey with isotope stutter, this is perfect as you can assign the pitch wheel to the global filter and the mod wheel to the timeline over ride control. As the pitch wheel is sprung to return to the middle when released the filter is disabled....perfect!!!

Lastly, it's made of plastic, they all are lets face it!! Overall it seems a lot better than some of the other makes and is finished to the usual Korg high standards. I feels like it will last a long time unlike some of the units I saw before taking the plunge.

A quality product that we have here. Small and compact and light enough to easily carry around with you and the pitch and mod wheels are a great addition !

37 keys is just about right for a portable, enough to play stuff on with both hands in different octaves, unlike the 25 key ones which are severly limiting.

Yes the keys are undersized, but I found this to not be a problem and I only required a small adjustment to my playing when compared to that of my large full sized keyboards. The action and feel of the keys is great also and this certainly helps with the speed that you are able to play at.

Go get one now, I don`t think that you can find a more useful midi/USB portable keyboard interface at this price, Awesome !

This keyboard is a great size for the average home setup.
It has enough keys for two-handed playing but is still compact and the keys looks and feel quite professional.

The set up could not be easier. It will be automatically installed under most situations and works fine for me using Windows 7.

There are obviously limited options with this keyboard but this is actually to my preference and it is priced accordingly. I would rather have a basic midi USB controller like this and have my actual hardware synth work done using something more personal like an SH-101 so this prevents me from outlaying too much on a synth/midi controller combination.

Overall this is the midi controller I have been looking for; a good size, easy to use and a good price, thanks Korg.