When I spend money on devices, I have to ask if they save me time and frustration in the long run over doing things another way. When a note is pressed, the whole key depresses rather than angling downwards like a traditional keybed. Note that the larger Xkey37 model, in addition to its Micro-USB port, includes a proprietary Xport connector and a breakout cable, with 5-pin DIN for MIDI output and two 1/4'' cables for sustain and expression. The CME Xkey Air 25 Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard is easy to play, simple and powerful for advanced users.

Packaging and product design are both reminiscent of Apple and the keyboard certainly sits well within a Mac setup. In fact it’s incredibly lightweight, making it transportation-ready and easy enough to slot in wherever space is a problem. I think of the Xkey as more than just a mobile solution; its compact dimensions and slick functionality make it an ideal studio keyboard, too. Otherwise, this is a really great lightweight and portable keyboard, however another problem is that it doesn't work really well with some (especially music notation) applications, e.

The original 25-note Xkey remains an ideal size for music on the move, as you can fit it in a rucksack or a large laptop bag, and you can operate it on your knees while sat next to someone without getting too antisocial. Last summer, Web MIDI was announced, and over the last year, programs have been adding it: Noteflight, Flat.

As a music teacher and a musician–there are few occurrences where I am bursting with excitement about a product. The entire travel length of the low-profile keys, however, is only 3mm or so, and although the Xkey supports the full 128-step MIDI velocity scale, it is not easy to be expressively precise in exploiting it. Chromebooks being able to use MIDI keyboards over a wired USB connection is a major step forward, and it means that I could teach Music Theory (mostly with Noteflight or Flat. It is wonderfully compact and light, and you can get a fab little travel case for it - but today I'd probably get the NI Kontrol M32 in its place. Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer.This little dongle, which looks like a newer flash drive, gives BLE MIDI capability to nearly every device. It is good for trying out ideas and playing in parts, and the key action is better than your would think, but it did take a lot of getting used to.