Take Your Music Making Mobile With the MX Keys Mini

If you're looking to bring your music-making device on the go, the MX Keys Mini is worth exploring. The tenkeyless keyboard was developed in response to the requests of customers for smaller versions.

It has three functions to facilitate remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic - a dictation button, Mute key, and an Emoji keyboard.

Size

Keyboards and synthesizers come in a variety of key sizes. There are "mini replacement key fob (talking to)" and "slim" key sizes and full-size keys. Each one has a distinct shape and feel, but what's most important is the complete package, not just the number of keys and if they're mini or full size.

Casio SA51, for example includes 100 sounds and 50 rhythms, but it's smaller than other models. It's also portable and is a great practice instrument. The MicroKorg XL also has smaller arrows, but a larger space for right-shift and enter buttons. So it is dependent on what you require from your keyboard and the degree to which portability is essential.

Sound

Full-size keys. "Slim" keys. "Mini" keys. Each of them has distinct meanings, and this could have a significant impact on the way a keyboard feels. This handy chart of the size of keys to help you evaluate.

The iRig Keys mini key fobs is our top pick in this category. It's ideal for musicians on the move, or anyone who would like to practice at home, at work or wherever you'd like. The keyboard is portable and light and uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your mobile device. It comes with a range of accessories such as a sustain pedal to add expressiveness.

This model has 500 onboard sounds of pro-quality and a loop mixing function. You can use it to create your own music, or as controller software to other DAWs, or hardware synthesizers. The keyboard is designed to be simple in its functions for beginners.

It includes it's own USB keyboard that connects to your laptop, computer or tablet. This allows you to connect any keyboard compatible with the receiver to control your DAW directly. It's also included with a range of essential music software AAS Session Bundle, Softube Time & Tone and the exclusive Spitfire Audio LABS Instrument for Expressive Strings, and Novation's Launchkey Lite.

Functions

The MX Keys Mini has a many features packed into its small frame. It has dual keys for Mac and Windows so you don't need to worry about switching between laptops at work and at home (a normal practice when the coronavirus outbreak was in full force).

This keyboard also comes with numerous other useful features, including the system mute button which works across all your applications and conference software. It also has an emoji button and an edictation key that is specifically designed for hands-free voice dictation.

The layout of the MX Keys Mini still feels pretty good despite the loss of some keys to make it fit in its 65percent size as well as the cursor jets squished into the shape of a laptop double stack, and the function row slightly narrowed to accommodate deletion keys. The only drawbacks are the absence of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a Back button that activates your backlight, which could be distracting while typing in the dark.

Portability

If you want to carry around an instrument with you and compose music, you require a portable keyboard that will be light enough to comfortably fit into your bag for gigs or backpacks. It should also have useful features that help you capture musical ideas on the move.

If your mini-keyboard is exposed to water, remove the battery right away and clean it with a towel. Dry it completely before putting the battery back in place. If the key fob still isn't working, it may have been reset. You'll need an original replacement key to reset the device.

iRig Keys Mini is a 25-key MIDI controller that is designed to be portable, regardless of where your mobile lifestyle will take you. It's small enough for you to slip into the back of a bag or backpack but packed with powerful software that can help you turn your mobile ideas into full-blown songs.

The keyboard is available in graphite, rose or pale gray, and features white LED-backlit keys. Logitech has developed the MX Keys Mini with the needs of creatives and professional professionals in mind as well, and it offers various ways to pair devices to work seamlessly across multiple devices. For instance, you could pair it with tablets, laptops or desktop PC to take notes, and then switch to a different device like your smartphone for writing or editing and posting to social media.