Take Your Music Making Mobile With the MX Keys Mini

If you're looking to carry your music-making device on the go, the MX Keys Mini is worth checking out. This tenkeyless keyboard was designed in response to requests for smaller versions of the popular MX Keys.

It is equipped with three functions to make working remotely easier during the Covid-19 Pandemic - an dictation button, muted key, and an emoji keyboard.

Size

There are many different sizes of keys on synths and keyboards. There are "mini" and "slim" keys, as well as full-size keys. Each one features a distinct shape and feel, but what's important is the complete package, not only how many keys are there and whether they are mini or full size.

Casio SA51, for instance features 100 sounds and 50 rhythms but it's smaller than other models. It's also lightweight and is a great practice instrument. The MicroKorg XL also has smaller Arrows, but has more space, right-shift and enter buttons. So it is all about what you need from your keyboard and how much portability is essential.

Sound

Full-size keys. "Slim" keys. "mini cooper key fob (borderpeaceschool.or.kr)" keys. They all mean something different, and the distinction can make a big impact on how comfortable and enjoyable the keyboard is. To help you evaluate the different sizes of keyboards, we've created this handy key size comparison chart.

The iRig Keys Mini is our top choice in this category. It's a great choice for musicians who are on moving, or for anyone who would like to work at home, at work or wherever you'd like. The keyboard is lightweight and portable and also uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your mobile device. It comes with a variety of accessories including an sustain pedal that can be used to add expression.

This model is equipped with more than 500 professional-quality onboard sounds as well as loop mix to create your own music, or make it an instrument controller for other hardware synths or DAW software. The keyboard is designed for beginners, with a user-friendly interface to aid you in getting started.

It also comes with a USB keyboard receiver that connects to your laptop or computer and lets you connect any keyboard you want to use for hands-on control of your DAW without any latency. It even comes 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 is a compact keyboard that comes with a lot of features. It has dual keys that support Mac and Windows and Windows, so if you're switching between laptops at work and home (a regular practice during the coronavirus pandemic) you don't need to worry about hitting the wrong button and adding gibberish in your open document.

This keyboard comes with many other useful features like a system mute key, which works across all your applications and conferencing software. It also has a dedicated keyboard for dictation and an emoji keyboard for hands-free typing.

The layout of the MX Keys Mini still feels good despite the loss of quite some keys to make it fit into its 65% form factor and with the cursor jets squeezed into an laptop-style double stack and the function row being narrowed to make room for a Delete key. The only downsides are the lack of a Touch ID finger print scanner and the Back button, which turns on the backlight. This could be distracting especially if you're typing in dark.

Portability

If you're in search of a mini keyboard that you can use to compose music and take around, pick one that is small enough to fit comfortably in your backpack or gigbag. It should also come with useful features that will help you capture your musical ideas whenever inspiration strikes while on the move.

If your mini keyboard is exposed to water, you should immediately take it off and wipe it clean with a paper towel or electronic cleaner. After drying completely, replace the battery. If the key fob still doesn't work, it might be reprogrammed. You'll need an original replacement mini keys key to reset the device.

iRig Keys Mini, an 25-key MIDI Controller designed to go wherever your mobile-based lifestyle takes you. It's small enough and compact enough to fit in bags or backpacks, but it is packed with powerful software that can help you turn mobile ideas into full-blown tracks.

The keyboard is available in rose, graphite or a light gray. It has white LED-backlit keys. Logitech has developed the MX Keys Mini with creatives and professional professionals in mind as well, and it provides numerous ways to pair devices for seamless multi-device use. For instance, you could connect it to tablet, laptop or desktop computer to record notes, and then switch to another device, such as your smartphone to compose or editing your notes, and then posting to social media.