Korg microKEY 37

The Korg MicroKey is a USB - bus powered midi keyboard that comes in 3 different key - options.

1) Original 37 key model.
2) 25 key model.
3) 5 octave 61 key model.

The keys are extremely velocity and touch sensitive, which is one of the main attractions of this keyboard that pushed me to get this one. The 61 key model is essential for live keyboard performance, having a pitch and modulation wheel knob along with the octave UP/DOWN buttons (+3/-3). The 37 key model also has the previously mentioned wheel knobs with octave shifts up-to +4/-4. The 25 key model is a smaller version of the 37 key version, but has a joystick that acts as the modulation/pitch-bend along with the sustain and arpeggiator function, having an octave shift of +4/-4. The MicroKey is designed to replicate a natural touch performance similar to the microKORG XL and the microARRANGER.

The 2 extra usb ports (Type A) available in the 37 key version was one another reason why I purchased this midi keyboard. You can connect any of your other Korg midi devices (for e.g, the NanoKey or NanoPad) to the MicroKey and expand your production setup a step further.

Plug your MicroKey into your Mac (From OS X 10.5 and onwards) or PC and start playing. No driver needs to be installed or any additional software needs to run to use this. Plug and Play! This weighs around 1 kg only and is a very light weighted device (Have to feel it and experience yourself).

Another feature that caught me was that you can now connect the MicroKey to an iPad (At-least iOS 5.0) with any core MIDI supported application and start playing and recording. This is very helpful for mobile musicians who are always on the go.

Using the Korg Kontrol Editor software (provided with the purchase and also available for download), customise the MicroKEY for your personal taste. Choose from eight velocity curves and/or fixed velocity, specify the control change number of the modulation wheel or joystick and specify their maximum and minimum values.

UTILIZATION

Using the MicroKey takes only around 1 minute of your time and is that simple. Plug and Play. Start playing and recording according to your requirements and enjoy the velocity sensitive performance. The configuration is absolutely easy. Since this is a digital midi keyboard that can only recognise numbers and only be used to transform digital information via your system to trigger your sounds, there are no inbuilt patches or specially made sounds produced from within the MicroKey.

The Manual is very clear and well taken care of. Ranging from general precautions from how to use the keyboard, explaining and defining every single part of the midi keyboard, Korg makes sure, the user inherits a complete idea of safeguarding this device. I have not faced any situation leading to troubleshooting this device or for a factory reset stage. Anyways, Korg explains and instructs us what to do in these situations as well.

OVERALL OPINION

The quality of the hardware construction of MicroKey is, of-course, having the Korg signature style. Sleek and smoothly black in colour. Performing on the MicroKey gives you a disciplined playback. As some of you might already now the pricing tags made by Korg is usually very high (even for the smallest products), the MicroKey is also not behind in this. With $125, I would say, this is fairly priced (For me). Though there are cheaper midi keyboards that I have used earlier, the MicroKey is well made, tough and durable. For travelling and mobile applications, this is very efficient and user friendly.

Pros

1) Extremely touch sensitive. Natural velocity reproduction.
2) No driver needs to be installed for use.
3) Very user friendly. Smoothly accommodates into your travel/work bag.
4) The pitch-bend and modulation wheel is very detailed giving you even the slowest movement bend.
5) Light weighted.
6) Additional Korg bonus software coupons available for download upon purchase (Discount coupons vary with the model purchased)
7) Optional travel case available for purchase.
8) Two additional USB hubs.
9) USB cable provided along with the keyboard.

Cons

1) A bit over - priced.
2) 3 models could confuse the purchasers (Should I buy the big, small or smaller one?)
3) Comes only in 1 colour.

After conducting fair amount of research only, I had resorted to the MicroKey. I love working with this and will stick to it for another couple of years, hopefully.

I love its compact size because it doesn't take up too much space on a desk.
The keys are big enough to play them.
Very easy to use.
USB connections

UTILIZATION

Nice and responsive piano keys.
I'm not a pianist, I have two pianos but only for basic accompaniment
And this one I can take with me anywhere easily.
It is easy to set up and, for me, the software included is more than enough.
No manual, but it's plug and play.
It's easy to set up but you can also take it very far (I use the basic setup).
The Korg software suite allows you to have fun and create musical lines to accompany yourself.
It works seamlessly with fruity loop, as well as with Guitar Pro 6.

OVERALL OPINION

It's almost two years since I have it. My partner bought it for me as a birthday present and I'm satisfied with it.
I was looking for a USB piano to connect to my PC and "create" music.
I'm originally a guitar player and it works great when I want a percussion line to accompany myself.
The value for money is quite good. Its price corresponds to its quality.
It's very good as a complement to my old Roland.

It was launched in July 2013. I needed a small, 3-octave keyboard to accompany my M-Audio Axiom 49 (with the goal of playing pads and accompaniments on the 4-octave M-Audio but most of the leads on a small, sensitive, 3-octave keyboard with mini-keys). There are quite a few options for 37 mini-keys keyboards on the market... but as soon as you start comparing them, the options start shrinking more and more and this Korg is always on top. In the end, this is the only one left standing. Absolutely everything about this keyboard is done to please you. Among the advantages that made me fall for it:
- It's velocity-sensitive in a very fine and adjustable way
- The keyboard is extremely soft but with a clean Note On triggering, with no odd action.
- Octave transposition (it has a range of 7 octaves!)
- The two indispensable wheels
- There's no need for any particular drivers (you plug into an available USB port, Windows 7 installs straight away its internal driver and you are good to go!)
- It doesn't need power supply (unless you use it with an iPad)
- It has one USB output and TWO(!) USB inputs! Which broadens the possibilities when you have a micro-computer lacking USB ports for other MIDI devices (it works as a sort of hub for two additional MIDI devices).
- It comes with the Korg Kontrol Editor software, which allows you to program it entirely (you can program MIDI messages, assign Control Changes to any key, for example, split the keyboard and assign them to different MIDI channels, modify at will the velocity, create patches, etc.)
- A bundle of free software that are no toys, but true VSTIs distributed by big and well-known names (a free license for Korg M1 LE, a free license for Toontrack EzDrummer Lite, a free licesnse for AAS Strum Acoustic Session, a free license for AAS Lounge Lizard Session, a free license for AAS Ultra Analog Session. More than enough to keep you busy for quite some time and it's all of good quality! Plus, 50% off the full Korg Legacy Collection (which is the best of the best when it comes to vintage synths and you can get for only $130!))

UTILIZATION

The keyboard is VERY nice. It's truly the best mini-keys keyboard I know. It responds perfectly to velocity, the keys don't have any play, release is instantaneous, you can play really fast (that was my goal when looking for a 37-keys) with perfect control. Even the two wheels are sturdy, perfectly adjusted, without any play and not flimsy at all.

There's no aftertouch, but is it really necessary on a keyboard conceived to play fast a fluently? For pads, long sustains and aftertouch I use my M-Audio Axiom 49. Mini-keys with aftertouch is nonsense. Lots of people confuse aftertouch and velocity (which is important on a keyboard with mini-keys to play leads).

And the shell of this keyboard is not made of soft plastic like on other models by well-known brands! This small Korg is almost an all-purpose keyboard, despite its 37 keys. I can take it with me when I go into town and also on weekends to the countryside in any bag and I can even take it on holidays without the fear of it getting damaged! Even the two wheels are as solid as on a normal-sized keyboard. One year later it is still in perfect condition despite using it every day for several hours.

It is extremely easy to set up: Just plug it in and that's it! (If you want o do more specific things with MIDI messages you can install the Korg Kontrol Editor software and it all works seamlessly).

MIDI channel selection is done automatically by all software programs so you don't have to worry any more than you would for any other keyboard.

The manual is perfectly clear (in 5 languages).

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it every day for several hours since July 2013.

What about the value for money, you ask? Unbeatable! I bought it last summer for $150... And now, in March 2014, it sells for only $120 (and in some stores even $110).

Would I buy it again based on my experience? Yes, for sure! If I ever need another 3-octave mini-key keyboard in the next months I'll buy this one without wasting any time comparing it to any other products!

I bought it due to its size.
I didn't have the space for a 49-key keyboard, besides, I'm not a pianist. But 25 keys is not enough. The 37-keys format is a good compromise.

The MIDI connection via USB is a good point given the built-in hub that I use to connect a launchpad mini, which works perfectly.

It's very light. It fits inside a bag. Responsive pitch wheel.

UTILIZATION

The keyboard is fairly good in the sense that you have a decent sensitivity. It's nothing spectacular, but with my level of piano it's ok. And the keys aren't that small. You won't hurt your hands playing chords

I haven't read the manual, it's plug & play. Apparently it comes with a software bundle... I'll have to check that later.

OVERALL OPINION

I received it today. Time will tell.

I've had several synths, including the NL2X, which isn't well-known for its keyboard. I love the mellow side of this Korg Mini.

Pros: mini dimensions, 37 keys, responsive pitch wheel, quality ok
Cons: time will tell

For the price, it's a chance not to be missed.