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Compact Keyboard Controller for Laptop Mobile Work ?

Hi,

Given I'm going to use FL Studio 21 as an alternate DAW to S1Pro 6, I was also interested in this keyboard which Novation designed specially for FL Studio users. The 37 key version is around $200.

This might be a second option if I dislike something/s about using the Akai MPK Mini Plus. Which I can return, and get the Novation FLkey 37. I don't know if it is also suitable to control other DAWs, i.e. Studio One Pro, Cubase, ..etc.

Anyone using one of those Novation FLKey series keyboards ?

Thanks,
Muziksculp

https://us.novationmusic.com/products/flkey-37

 
dcoscina said:
I’ve used a Microkey 49 for years now. I do also have a thing for mini key controllers as they fit better on my composing desk than full sized boards. I do agree that getting 127 velocity is almost impossible however. Not a problem when using notation apps like Dorico or MuseScore mind you.
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mybadmemory said:
I’ll just say it again. I’ve tried almost all keyboards with mini keys around and while they differ in general build quality and extra features, the key actions themselves always suck. Keys are stiff and springy, hard to play, and velocity response is off the charts. Except with the Korg Microkey series. They really are a different level, and as good as mini or micro keys have ever felt. They actually play and respond extremely well. There’s just no comparison. :)
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Just purchasing a Microkey 25 - thanks @muziksculp, @mybadmemory, @dcoscina, this advice has been extremely timely and helpful!
 
VannKraken said:
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-m32/

This is the compact keyboard I picked up for travel or quick project stuff - Komplete Kontrol M32.

It doesn’t have drum pads, but it does have a good amount of DAW connectivity with sliders, knobs, and buttons.

I feel like the build quality is solid, but it does take time to get used to the small keys.
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I have the m32 as well and i feel it is a good product! it also come with NI software which may be interesting for you.
 
muziksculp said:
Hi,

My Akai MPK Mini Plus arrived.

I didn't hook it up yet to my Mobile Rig, but playing the keys, and moving the controllers feels quite solid. I will post more feedback about it once I have it hooked up, and tested for a while.

Oh.. and I think it looks pretty sharp too. 😎

Cheers,
Muziksculp

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Hey, Muzikscupl, how are you getting along with the miniplus?
 
muziksculp said:
I don't know if it is also suitable to control other DAWs, i.e. Studio One Pro, Cubase, ..etc.

Anyone using one of those Novation FLKey series keyboards ?
Click to expand...
Hi. I'm a big fan of Novation devices. (I have Launchkey 49mk3, Launchpad Pro, Launchkey Mini.)

Novation's MO is designing MIDI controllers around a specific piece of software (the most noted of these is Ableton.) In recent years their devices have branched out, into standalone midi control and also in your question, controlling FL studio as well as Ableton.

To be clear, this means controlling any DAW other than Ableton may not be as integrated, but there are plenty of nice features packed in there and they do have scripts for a lot of DAWs. On the Launchkey, the onboard arp is pretty legendary, and the Custom Modes allow you to map keystrokes to the pads, which means you can rely less on the mouse and keyboard. You can also map this to Cubase. So while the Launchkey is for Ableton and the FL Key is for FL Studio, the sense I get is that the FL Studio is even more tightly bound to the DAW than the Launchkey is, which does at least carry some generic functions.

The Launchkey Mini is surprisingly terrible. It has a stripped back selection of controls that the full Launchkey has, which is nice and as a starter keyboard, it's easy to recommend, but you will go right past it if you stick with musci production. But tbh, the actual keybed is dreadful and the macros are tiny.

I'm now looking at a replacement 2nd keyboard and I'm watching this thread with interest. I'll follow this post up with some learnings I've seen from my research in case it's interesting to others searching for similar.
 
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I’ve got an Akai MPK Mini 2. It’s rubbish.

The editor has never been updated to (and doesn’t work on) recent Mac OSes. But worse still the keys are failing. One key has stopped working completely. And there are only 25 of them. And I’ve not had it that long… it was a Xmas pressie.

I have an ancient and much derided Novation XioSynth and it still works brilliantly even though it has a battle scarred broken case.

It even works as an audio and midi interface with my iPhone as despite its age it is class compliant and works with usb or battery power.

and the built in synth is pretty cool too.

I’d probably buy a new one if they still made something similar (battery powered with built in audio interface) — a smaller on with mini keys would be perfect for iPads/macbook.

I wouldn’t buy another Akai.
 
I have two 25 key keyboards, the Akai Mini Mk 2, and the Alesis V25. Both have their plus points, with the Akai being compact and probably having more features, but then the Alesis is more sturdy and has full size keys.
 
Here's my other general contribution to this thread. As I mentioned in my other post, I feel these controllers are a bit addictive. Having a few of them around can be nice, as they each offer different workflows. Big keyboards are great, but they are bulky and so if you are pushed for space or want to have a smaller keyboard around with a mouse and keyboard, they do have their place perhaps as a second keyboard for casual jamming or maybe mixing where you want more stuff on your desk.

As VST hero mentions here, the big problem with the smaller keyboards is that the plastic used in these is awful - especially the keys. I get the feeling the mini keyboard is just a very hard design to get right at a reasonable level of quality. What we've got instead is a race to the bottom and lots of opportunities not taken by music companies. And btw, I say this as somoene who is exceptionally basic in terms of playing - I'm just as happy on a pad controller as a keyboard.
VSTHero said:
my only issue with the mini Akai, like the mini novation as well, is it uses bending plastic for the keyboard action, it's a formula for developing tendinitis very quickly.
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Quick question on this. The Arturia and Native Instruments boards (Minilab, Microlab, M32) are often touted as the best mini keys. Do they use a different type of plastic to make these controllers any better? I have no issue with mini keys as long as they are a little bigger and therefore not RSI inducing.

Anyway, here's a rundown of the feature-sets I've noted in some of these keyboards.
  • AKAI/M-Audio (same company.) MPK Mini Plus/MPK Mini/Oxygen Pro Mini. Smaller/shallower keys than other manufacturers. Big selling point is having MPC drum pads and Beat/Note Repeat, usually not appearing on other controllers. AKAI specifically do the the minimum in terms of DAW control. As @emokeez says, there are many, many questions about build quality (cheap?) and I have erred on the side of using other manufacturers due to hearing about plenty of downsides. I chose a Launchpad Pro over the recently released APC64 for exactly this reason.
  • Novation Launchkey Mini. Other controllers have added things like arps, sequencers and scale modes, but very few of them come close to the way Novation does it. Launchkey Mini offers a lot of control of Ableton and is a perfect starter keyboard. That said, the mini controller keys are shallow & sadly, possibly the worst out there. Generally though their stuff works and they last. Kinda the ultimate utility brand for controllers. You'll just want to upgrade quite quickly once you have it.
  • Native Instruments M32. Only the M32 remains in this category for NI. I'm told it is very highly rated and it looks like a reasonable controller. The keys are deeper and if you use NI plugins obviously the pre-mapped NKS thing can be quite useful. I always wondered if the lack of pads allows them to give better quality keys. On the downside, the DAW control looks like it takes a bit of manual setup, which is classic NI really. It's a good concept with potentially reasonable quality, but one that requires the user to skip through multiple hoops to actually make it work to its potential. They also don't (to my knowledge) have a MIDI centre controller like Arturia or Novation do, as their aim is to tie as much as possible to the NI ecosystem. I think they should make life a lot easier for people and this could be a nice basic universal MIDI controller.
  • Arturia Minilab 3. These folks have been on a heck of a journey. The Minilab to me is almost the perfect general controller. To have a desktop controller with encoders, faders and DAW control via a small screen is a lot of utility for a cheap device. And all this done to a level of quality which is (so I hear) higher than others. I just wish they made a 32/37 key version as they do with Keystep. I don't want a sequencer as I use the DAW for this. So this exact format, just with more keys please. As of today, the only option is to go up to full size keys.
  • Arturia Keystep 32/37. As if to make the point for the Minilab 3, these controllers have all the extra keys you could want (and the only mini/slim keys with aftertouch) - but they are really designed for controlling hardware via the sequencer. I believe they can be used for the purpose of controlling a DAW, but compared to the encoders & faders afforded to you on the Minilab 3, this feels (for DAW control) like spending money on features that are not needed for computer based music.
I sortof feel like AKAI are onto something with the MPK Mini Plus. But I also feel like the missing link is a controller with those features, but minus the sequencer and a focus on better quality components. I would like Novation to either shrink the Launchkey 37 (maintaining quality & features) or Arturia to elongate the size of the Minilab 3, and these 2 keyboards would be exceptional utility boards. Until then, it's a case of choosing the compromise you don't mind. I'm going to replace my Launchkey Mini. I'm minded to choose the Minilab 3, but I could also be tempted to downsize my Launchkey 49 (I don't use the faders that much) to a 37 for what would be the best compromise out there.
 
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I've had the Korg micro-key 25 for a couple of months now and love, love, love it. It feels wonderful in the hands, it disappears into my desk drawer, it runs on USB power from the Charlie Brown Christmas laptop, which disappears into the other desk drawer, and (not expected) ships with the Korg M1 LE synth, which installs as a standalone app and does absolutely everything I could hope for. Drums, Synth, Pads, Guitar, Individual Orchestral Sections, ... , just unbelievable.

I'm a pianist on training wheels, and don't use it for piano play.
 
holonology said:
  • Arturia Keystep 32/37. As if to make the point for the Minilab 3, these controllers have all the extra keys you could want (and the only mini/slim keys with aftertouch) - but they are really designed for controlling hardware via the sequencer. I believe they can be used for the purpose of controlling a DAW, but compared to the encoders & faders afforded to you on the Minilab 3, this feels (for DAW control) like spending money on features that are not needed for computer based music.
I sortof feel like AKAI are onto something with the MPK Mini Plus. But I also feel like the missing link is a controller with those features, but minus the sequencer and a focus on better quality components. I would like Novation to either shrink the Launchkey 37 (maintaining quality & features) or Arturia to elongate the size of the Minilab 3, and these 2 keyboards would be exceptional utility boards. Until then, it's a case of choosing the compromise you don't mind. I'm going to replace my Launchkey Mini. I'm minded to choose the Minilab 3, but I could also be tempted to downsize my Launchkey 49 (I don't use the faders that much) to a 37 for what would be the best compromise out there.
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I've never controlled hardware with my Keystep 37 other than triggering notes. The sequencer, while apparently robust, isn't easy to use and is one single little sequencer - I never use it. I do sometimes use the note hold and arpeggiator, though.

What the Keystep 37 (and 32) have is a solid build and aftertouch in a compact package. THAT is why I got my Keysteps instead of something festooned with knobs and pads I'd never use. I wish the Keystep 49 was equally svelte instead of the bloated beast it is as I'd then purchase it. As it is, there's no comparable 49 key MIDI controller at this time.

Given the weight and sturdiness, though, a Keystep isn't quite as portable as something that might be a little chunkier but cheaper and lightly build.
 
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vitocorleone123 said:
I've never controlled hardware with my Keystep 37 other than triggering notes. The sequencer, while apparently robust, isn't easy to use and is one single little sequencer - I never use it. I do sometimes use the note hold and arpeggiator, though.

What the Keystep 37 (and 32) have is a solid build and aftertouch in a compact package. THAT is why I got my Keysteps instead of something festooned with knobs and pads I'd never use. I wish the Keystep 49 was equally svelte instead of the bloated beast it is as I'd then purchase it. As it is, there's no comparable 49 key MIDI controller at this time.

Given the weight and sturdiness, though, a Keystep isn't quite as portable as something that might be a little chunkier but cheaper and lightly build.
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Yeah for sure I don’t disagree there. For me, Arturia are at the top in terms of the quality factor, and thoughtful design. Close second is Novation though as mentioned quality can be an issue there. Arturia go big with long warranties and claims of longevity so fair play there.

The thing for me is that having the knobs, faders and crucially the encoder would be really nice for moving around a project on the Minilab. These controllers tend to be utilities so while having stuff that is pointless is of course to be avoided. But personally I do use them. As a second controller it’s nice to have those controls in reach. If I could trade a feature or two, I would have the 37 or 32 keybed from the Keystep, with the controls from the Minilab, and I’d lose the sequencer.

Now you’re saying you don’t use the sequencer I will have a second look at how to set the Keystep up with a DAW. If you can just play it like a standard keyboard it might sit nicely below the Launchpad. I had heard some folks saying they got frustrated with having the arp/sequencer constantly running.
 
holonology said:
Yeah for sure I don’t disagree there. For me, Arturia are at the top in terms of the quality factor, and thoughtful design. Close second is Novation though as mentioned quality can be an issue there. Arturia go big with long warranties and claims of longevity so fair play there.

The thing for me is that having the knobs, faders and crucially the encoder would be really nice for moving around a project on the Minilab. These controllers tend to be utilities so while having stuff that is pointless is of course to be avoided. But personally I do use them. As a second controller it’s nice to have those controls in reach. If I could trade a feature or two, I would have the 37 or 32 keybed from the Keystep, with the controls from the Minilab, and I’d lose the sequencer.

Now you’re saying you don’t use the sequencer I will have a second look at how to set the Keystep up with a DAW. If you can just play it like a standard keyboard it might sit nicely below the Launchpad. I had heard some folks saying they got frustrated with having the arp/sequencer constantly running.
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I'm not sending clock to the Keystep in S1 from the DAW, so don't have any issues with the arp/sequencer. It's easy to just dial in the bpm if you need it to match. There's DIP switches on the back for clock stuff and such.

Certainly if you need lots of controls, a Keystep 32/37 may not work for you. I don't bother mapping anything to anything as it's just easier to use the mouse. I mean, if I wanted knobs, I have about 30 or more on just my SE-02 I could map, not to mention my other hardware synths. It's not worth the effort for me.
 
I've picked up the Arturia Minilab 3. I will report back on how it is.

I have a Launchkey mk3 (49) for a "big" centrepiece do-it-all setup, and it serves that purpose well. But it is bulky, and I sometimes like to have the mouse & keys on the desk at the same. I also have a Launchpad Pro for playing ideas in a different way and I really find that format intuitive as a former guitar player. I'm still learning keys, so in the meantime, a smaller keyboard is actually easier for me to wrap my head around. I started to notice that some of my favourite producers actually only use a 25 key keyboard, so maybe in the end I didn't technically need the bigger board. I figured if I'm only playing one handed anyway, 25 will do the trick - for now.

Funnily enough, reading this thread actually reminds me that I actually think MIDI controller pairings are where it's at. You can of course over-do this and buy everything under the sun, and I know this can lead to drawers and cupboards full of unused MIDI devices. But there is something to be said for a compact setup with a couple pieces on the table. Sometimes you have something like a MidiMix or a Launchcontrol XL that just shines at a single purpose, and that's cool.

What I like (in theory) about the Minilab is that its quality to value ratio is (seemingly) high - time will tell of course. It's essentially a shrunken down version of the LK49, with the knobs and faders and screen. Since I will use the LPP alongside it, each adds something that the other doesn't do. The LPP is a giant playable control surface for Ableton and it has stuff like undo/redo/click/quantise etc, where the Minilab is just some keys, knobs and faders. But then the Minilab has an arp, physcial encoders and faders, and the V Collection control will be a nice bonus. People say that the pads on the Arturia's aren't great - but the LPP is way better for that anyway. The Launchpad doesn't have a screen but the Minilab does. And so on... So yeah. pairings FTW!

I get the feeling that now we have the MPK Mini Plus we are in the zone for a new keyboard to come out and challenge the current 32 and 37 mini key incumbents. Novation are 4 years into Mk3, and NI is in the middle of refreshing its line up, including the M32.
 
vitocorleone123 said:
I'm not sending clock to the Keystep in S1 from the DAW, so don't have any issues with the arp/sequencer. It's easy to just dial in the bpm if you need it to match. There's DIP switches on the back for clock stuff and such.

Certainly if you need lots of controls, a Keystep 32/37 may not work for you. I don't bother mapping anything to anything as it's just easier to use the mouse. I mean, if I wanted knobs, I have about 30 or more on just my SE-02 I could map, not to mention my other hardware synths. It's not worth the effort for me.
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With my current setup that now includes a MIDI interface (Mio XM) and a Midronome, I am sending clock to my Keystep and it works great.

That said, I'm trying to free up desk space to fit a 49 key controller, but they're all huge! Some are more than a foot deep - and yet most of those lack basic aftertouch. I've narrowed it down to the Keylab Essential MK3 or the Korg Keystage 49.... but I've read the Korg, being new, has some issues still, including around clock.
 
veranad said:
@holonology , may I ask how are you liking the minilab 3? 😀
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It's nice! In my case I have 2 setups. One is with the Novation Launchkey only. If I had a bigger desk I might not need the Minilab. But for what it is, I find it useful. Usually this is using the Launchpad Pro and the Minilab as a pair. You basically have a Push (minus the screen, but plus the keys and some faders) for a fraction of the price.

The keys are the selling point here, and are in a different league to the Novation Launchkey Mini (strange really as the full-size LK49 is fine.) The pads aren't really as good as the Novation ones though. The encoders are big and easy to use. I will say that as I was trialling Logic, this keyboard failed to be recognised (and searching on Reddit it seems this is a bit of an issue), where it works seamlessley with Ableton. Integration with Analog Lab is flawless as you'd expect.

I'd say if someone starting out didn't want pads, then this is probably one of the best options out there, and the quality for the money is very high. It's not perfect, and it doesn't have the smarts of some of the other controllers. I'd love to test an M32 as I hear that has similar quality of keys.
 
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