CME Xkey

[Bald Eagle]

I just got a CME Xkey keyboard. It's a great little board to go along with your iPad. It's all that it is advertised.

Lightweight, less than the iPad itself.
Portable, fits in a standard backpack.
Standard size keys, not the annoying mini keys.
Poly aftertouch for apps that support it.
Two octaves with octave, pitch, mod and hold buttons (buttons instead of wheels)

Well worth the $99.00 but had to spend an extra $30 at the apple store for a USB Camera to Lightning adapter. You won't need the adapter if you use it with a laptop or other PC.

Given its weight and standard size keys I would say this is the best portable keyboard I have come across. I don't think there is one that's any smaller. The key action is not like a traditional keybed buts it very playable. This keyboard will be going everywhere with me along with my iPad.

[csteen]

I am looking for a controller board for my ipad mini but I am thinking of 49 keys does the cme only come in 25 keys? I'm also checking into the novation Launchkey 49 .

[Bald Eagle]

The CME Xkey only comes in the 25 key version. A board with 49 keys is not what I would call "backpack portable". Just to clarify, the Xkey is a great super portable little board for use when out and about but not something I would use in the studio or for a gig. I have enough other keyboards for those purposes.

So it all depends how you will be using it and where. The Launchkey 49 is small, the keybed has a more traditional feel and has a lot of controls and is only about 8 pounds so it is certainly portable ... but it won't go in your backpack. And it's not as easy to hook up and play while driving (not that I do that)

[Giner]

I hope you don't do that. Too easy to bugger up the chords in a song

[keyboardnut]

It is also great to plug into the back of the kronos to use as a second board

[Lika]

I have planed to buy one of CME Xkey for my home studio ...
I am very happy to have a midi controller by CME for live performances !!!