Korg nanoKEY Keyboard Review (B001J8INY2)
The Korg nanoKey Keyboard is a 25 key USB controller black electronic keyboard. It is tiny as the word “nano” suggests. The keys are velocity sensitive, and ideal for song production via a computer rather than for live performances. Each key on this compact keyboard can be set to send MIDI control data, making it a versatile instrument.
It has 4 velocity curves. It runs on USB power, has a CC Mode button, an octave shift up and down buttons. It also has pitch up and down buttons. This musical instrument measures 14.2 x 1.5 x 4.2 inches and weighs a very light 13.9 pounces or about 1 pound. It is tiny enough to slip into your laptop bag even with a laptop already in it. The controllers are also very small and designed for small spaces in a studio.
In CC Mode, the keys becomes a MIDI controller, letting you control any MIDI assignable parameters within your software. The octave shift function helps you access your whole MIDI note range. There are also pitch and modulation buttons available. The package comes with the nanoKey, USB cable and manual.
Pros
One user said that it is one of the best music accessory ever invented for the computer savvy music composer. It works effortlessly with Finale, Encore and Sibelius. The user uses the Korg nanoKey Keyboard to create music from his computer.
One review said that the Korg nanoKey Keyboard is great for use on a desktop home studio. It also saves lot of space. You can even put it on front of your laptop keyboard and start making music. One person said he wasn’t a serious piano user and did not need a full sized keyboard. According to him the octave up and down function allows chord changes when needed. So he said he did not need a full sized keyboard.
When on CC mode, one buyer said that, you can send MIDI commands to your DAW using any or all the keyboards. If you have a laptop with music software installed in it, you can use it with your nanoKey and make your own music from anywhere, whether you are at an airport terminal or at a coffee shop.
Cons
One person said that the CC button is to near the keys, and it is very easy to hit the wrong button by accident. Another person said that he had used the Korg nanoKey Keyboard only 4 times before discovering it broken when he opened his bag. Some keys had fallen off while it was in the bag. The bag, according to the user, did not fall and was handled carefully.
A number of users also said that it was not durable at all and could not take a minimum amount of abuse.
It is the perfect unit for a moderate user who creates music digitally from a computer. It is a great tool for tech savvy musicians and composers. It is small enough to stuff in your laptop bag together with your laptop. It makes it easy to create music wherever you are. It is the best small keyboard for tight spaces like in a studio or work desk.