All user reviews for the Korg nanoKEY

I wanted a small keyboard master self powered usb to record some bass lines, synth riffs and a few on my MacBook Pro in Logic.
The connection is fine, no problems. The NANOKEY is immediately recognized on the fly in Logic or Garage Band.
The keyboard is very light and you can easily imagine lugging the laptop to sleep with a few ideas.

UTILIZATION

Touch keyboard:
The worst thing imaginable. These are key PC fitted with a brake soft plastic so that typing is very sound and it takes "type" hard on the keyboard to reach the highest velocities. The location of the keys is confusing because the keys are black and white on two different levels. Not easy to make arpeggios or chords in these conditions.

NOTE: To add to this that the buttons are very fragile and that I am not alone in needing to jump back when. And it's not frustrating to use, quite the contrary, I am quite sensitive to this kind of device.
Anyway, it's horror, they took me from home studio also confirmed that "take a different and more" would not address this very dark point of reliability and design.
Manual: Clear. Simple. In several languages ​​including French.

Channel selection and other simple but being ultra limited, it has no interest in this type of product.


OVERALL OPINION

After two exchanges of two weeks of use, the verdict is clear: it is poorly done, poorly assembled, poorly conceived despite a fine record and a blue LED (light USB connection) pretty nice.

After a few hours the keys become loose and sometimes one has to the "hand" in the reclipsant on their base. But the underlying mechanism is very flimsy plastic (kind of small buildings kinder Surprise in the 80s) some keys are lost forever ..

And even if this manufacturing problem had to be corrected, for anything I would not choose this new product. Too little ergonomic, and useful only to return some clavinet riffs ..

Finally we take comfort, there is a competitor and I have purchased (LPK AKAI 25) I'm delighted:
Real keys, solid and responsive, a full featured arpeggiator and parameters (up to redo the intro of Radio Gaga
and even if it is a bit more "heavy" that the NanoKorg, this is 45 € which will not be thrown out the window!

https://fr.audiofanzine.com/clavier-maitre/akai/LPK25/avis/

The Korg NanoKey is a small USB based MIDI controller. It's perfect for bringing on the go and for getting quick ideas. The keyboard has 25 keys, all of which are mini and it's not a realistic feel for a keyboard instrument, feeling more like a computer keyboard than an instrument keyboard. This is definitely best suited for use with a laptop when it might not be possible or necessary to have a bigger MIDI controller. There isn't much that you need to know about getting the NanoKey up and running as it's a simple plug and play controller, although you probably have to install a drive on a PC. It doesn't really have any connections beyond the USB port, but in situations where you're going to be using this, that's really all you will need.

UTILIZATION

It's not at all hard to operate the Korg NanoKey controller. In addition to the 25 keys, it has octave up and down buttons, pitch up and down buttons for shifting, a modulation button and a CC mode which allows you to use the keys to control MIDI assignable controls for your parameters on your virtual instruments and the like. The keyboard itself certainly is not as smooth playing instrument, but again it's not meant to be used as a traditional instrument like that. It's really just meant to be an extension of your computer keyboard and to have a piano like keyboard that gives you quick access to notes for laying down simple MIDI parts or getting ideas down. I wouldn't expect this to replace your regular keyboard MIDI controller...

OVERALL OPINION

The Korg NanoKey is a unique product and is definitely one worth checking out if you think you might benefit from a mini, portable MIDI controller. It of course doesn't have the most options in the world or anything close to a realistic piano feel, but it does the job for getting a simple idea down or laying down other MIDI parts. It's cheap enough where it's probably worth picking up if you think you could use it as I can definitely see if being helpful on the go with your laptop. This isn't for everyone, but for those who might need it, it can be very helpful to have.

What characteristics have motivated your choice? First keyboard, a mark that would be considered.

What connector (MIDI pedals ...)? USB MIDI connectivity only.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it nice? Should your use? keys is nothing like that of a synthesizer, ie you can not really depressed.

The manual is clear and sufficient? Manuel could not be clearer for the small number of keys.

The general configuration is simple? really can touch, they are very explicit (their function is notified).

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it? Since four months.

Did you try many other models before getting this one? A keyboard more upscale with a friend.

What thing do you like most/least about it?
-The +: Really easy to use, very compact.
-The -: The feel of the keys, the look very robust.

What is your opinion about the value for the price? Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? Q / P not evil, even if it would in time.
I think I price something more user friendly.

(Originally written by elgbl/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
See global section.

UTILIZATION

See global section.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for a few months. I've transported it a lot and not always with due care but still I've had no problems.

Don't pay attention to comments regarding the playing feel! This keyboard is about 0.4" slim so it's normal that the playing feel isn't comparable with a classic synth. It's just impossible but that doesn't have anything to do with quality.

The main advantage of this keyboard is that it is ultra slim, ultra light and very affordable.

People disappointed with this keyboard bought the wrong product!!! If you want a keyboard you can put in a small backpack with your laptop and a sound card to make music while you travel, make holiday or visit friends, this product is for you!

(Originally written by opaze/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
It doesn't have a lot of features but you don't buy it for its versatility... It's super convenient for mobile applications and it doesn't require any drivers since it is immediately detected as USB device... I use it with Reason on a Macbook.

UTILIZATION

Average finish and feel although I expected it to be even worse. Some buttons are already worn out after a few hours of use even though I handle it very carefully because it seems to be easily breakable... It has four velocity curves but I think that's a marketing gimmick because I can't hear a real difference between them...

OVERALL OPINION

IMHO the unit has a dubious quality and although the original idea was good, Korg should offer a better product even if that means it would be more expensive... The quality is average even for an ultra basic notepad product and every budget master keyboard with real keys is more pleasant to use. It's true, it has a very compact size but the quality is very poor. It definitely needs some improvements!

(Originally written by Nounours-Ben_j/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Which technical specifications motivated your choice?

Size, weight

Type of connections? (MIDI, pedals, etc.)?

Mini USB connector... It can be disconnected by mistake...

UTILIZATION

Does the keyboard feel comfortable? Does it fit your needs?

The playing feel reminds me a laptop keyboard with velocity. Not very pleasant...

- Is it easy to make settings?

Yes thanks to the downloadable software

Is it easy to select MIDI channels and patches?

Changing channels is only possible via the software. It's a pity...

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using it?

A few days

Which feature do you like the most / the least?

I like the size and the price!

I don't like the playing feel, the low manufacturing quality (I had to take some keys apart so that they work properly...)

Did you try any other models before buying it?

No real competitor product except a computer keyboard used as master keyboard with Ableton... Compared to that the NanoKey is much better. But it's not comparable to a real master keyboard. It was clearly conceived for people wanting to play anywhere with their laptop. It's sort of a music notepad.

How would you rate its value for money?

The quality is not excellent... Considering the price, I expected a better manufacturing quality.

Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Perhaps not... I plan to use it to trigger scenes in Ableton and maybe as songwriting tool when I travel. But if you plan to use it as a studio master keyboard, forget about it and spend more money to get a real master keyboard.

(Originally written by raoulbeckman/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

See below

UTILIZATION

See below

OVERALL OPINION

I got it yesterday.
To travel with it.
Small nice toy, almost useless gadget.
Ridiculous velocity...
It's ok to control loop starts and stops with Live, perhaps also to record Midi clips on the fly.

I have an Xboard 25 and compared to the Nanokey it seems like professional gear...

GOOD as a DIY and low-tech unit to tinker and experiment with or to show off in the plane.

NOT to perform and play real melodies except you are a masochist...