Take Your Music Making Mobile With the MX Keys mini key

If you want to take your music-making mobile, the MX Keys Mini is worth taking a look. This tenkeyless keyboard was designed in response to requests for a smaller version of the renowned MX Keys.

It features three functions that allow remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic much easier It includes a dictation key muted button, mute button and an Emoji key.

Size

There are a number of different key sizes found on keyboards and synths. These include "replace mini key" keys, several "slim" keys, and full-size keys. Each of these has a different shape and feel, but what's important is the entire package - not just how many keys are there and if they're mini or full size.

For instance, there's the Casio SA 51, which has a total of 100 sounds and 50 rhythms yet is smaller than other models. This means it's easy to transport and makes an ideal instrument for practice. The MicroKorg XL also has smaller arrows, but a larger space, right-shift and enter buttons. So it depends on what you need from your keyboard and the degree to which portability is essential.

Sound

Full-size keys. "Slim" keys. "Mini" keys. They all refer to something slightly different, and the distinction can have a significant impact on how comfortable and playable the keyboard is. This handy key size chart to help you evaluate.

The iRig Keys Mini is our best choice in this section. It's the perfect instrument for musicians who are on traveling, or else who wants to practice at home, the office, or wherever you want. The keyboard is light and portable and also uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your mobile device. It is also equipped with a range of accessories, including the sustain pedal to give you more expression.

This model comes with more than 500 professional onboard sounds and loop mix features to create your own music, or use it as an instrument controller for other hardware synths or DAW software. The keyboard has been designed with simple functions for novice users.

It comes with it's own USB keyboard that connects to your computer, laptop or tablet. This lets you plug any keyboard compatible into the receiver to control your DAW directly. It comes with a range of essential music software, including AAS Session Bundle and Softube Time & Tone. Also included is the exclusive Spitfire audio LABS - Expression Strings instrument.

Functions

The MX Keys Mini is a compact keyboard that comes with a lot of features. It comes with dual keys that work for Mac and Windows, so if you're switching between laptops at work and home (a common practice during the coronavirus pandemic) you don't need to worry about accidentally hitting the wrong button or adding gibberish to the document you're opening.

This keyboard also has a number of other handy features like the system mute button that works with all your apps and conference software. It also has an emoji key as well as a dedicated dictation key for hands-free voice dictation.

The layout of the MX Keys Mini still feels quite good, despite the loss of quite some keys to make it fit into its 65percent size as well as the cursor jets being squeezed into a laptop-style double stack and the function row being narrowed to make room for deletion keys. The only real downside is the absence of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and a Back button that activates the backlight, which can be distracting when typing in darkness.

Portability

If you're looking for a mini keyboard that you can use to compose music and carry around, select one that is compact enough to fit comfortably in your backpack or gigbag. It should also include useful features that can help you capture your music ideas when inspiration strikes on the go.

If your mini keyboard becomes exposed to water, immediately remove the battery and wipe it clean with an electronic or paper towel cleaner. Then, dry it completely before putting the battery back in place. If the key fob won't function following this procedure, it could be reprogrammed and will require an original replacement key to reset the device.

iRig Keys Mini is a 25-key MIDI controller designed to travel with you no matter where your mobile life takes you. It's small and compact enough to fit into bags or backpacks and is loaded with powerful software that will allow you to transform mobile ideas into full-blown tracks.

The keyboard comes in rose, graphite or pale gray, and has white LED-backlit buttons. Logitech has developed the MX Keys Mini with the needs of creatives and busy professionals in mind well, and it offers multiple ways to pair devices to work seamlessly across multiple devices. You can pair it to a laptop, tablet or desktop PC to take notes and then switch to smartphones to compose, edit and post to social media.