Korg microKEY2 review

The microKEY2 is for producers who want a small keyboard and nothing else on the desk. Korg sells it in 25, 37, 49 and 61-key sizes, all with its Natural Touch mini keys, which makes it one of the few ways to get a 49 or 61-note range in a compact body. It is USB bus-powered and needs no driver on Mac or Windows, and it connects to iPad and iPhone with Apple's Lightning to USB camera adaptor, sold separately. The 37, 49 and 61-key models have pitch and mod wheels and a damper pedal jack, while the 25-key model uses a joystick and adds an arpeggiator. The KORG KONTROL Editor lets you adjust the velocity curve. The bundle includes iZotope Ozone Elements, Skoove lessons and software synths. There are no pads, knobs, faders or transport buttons, so DAW control stays on the computer. Korg's page showed no US price in our check. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Players who want keys only, with no pads or knobs, in a small footprint.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Natural Touch mini keyboard in 25, 37, 49 and 61-key models
• USB bus-powered and driverless on Mac and Windows
• iPad and iPhone support through Apple's Lightning to USB camera adaptor
• Pitch and mod wheels and a damper pedal jack on the 37, 49 and 61-key models
• KORG KONTROL Editor for velocity curve adjustment

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Up to 61 keys in a compact mini-key format
• Strength: No driver needed
• Strength: Bundle includes iZotope Ozone Elements and Skoove
• Weakness: No pads, knobs or faders
• Weakness: No DAW transport controls
• Weakness: 25-key model uses a joystick instead of wheels

Key facts

• Sizes: 25, 37, 49 or 61 mini keys
• Power: USB bus-powered
• Mobile: iPad and iPhone via camera adaptor, sold separately
• Pedal: Damper jack on 37, 49 and 61-key models
• Editor: KORG KONTROL Editor

Where it ranks

Korg microKEY2 is No. 10 in our Best Midi Keyboards verdict.