Korg microKEY AIR-61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller with Bluetooth

84
GEARANK

84 out of 100. Incorporating 225+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$210
Korg microKEY AIR-61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller with Bluetooth
Korg microKEY AIR-61 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller with Bluetooth

Korg is known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to music gear technology, and the microKEY AIR-61 is an excellent example.

This MIDI keyboard offers true wireless operation with its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your software instruments without having to plug-in any cables.

It is an ideal match for the iPad and Laptops, great for mobile recording and for capturing ideas while on the go. Running on a pair of AA batteries, the microKEY AIR-61 gives you up to 30 hours of wireless use, much more than the operating times of most laptops and mobile devices.

In addition, it can also work as a regular MIDI Keyboard by removing the battery and connecting it via USB, which also powers the unit.

Since it is meant for portability, it is stripped down to just the keybed, a pitch wheel, a mod wheel, and octave buttons.

As the label implies, it has 61 mini-keys with Korg's natural touch feel, their version of synth action which many users prefer.

Key Features:

  • Keys: 61 / synth-action / velocity-sensitive / mini-keys
  • Bundled Software: Free software from Propellerhead, Ableton and Korg
  • Power: USB Bus powered or 2 x AA Batteries
  • Connectivity: USB, 1/4" Footswitch Jack
  • Controls: Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Wireless Switch
  • Octave: Octave Up/Down buttons
  • Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.10 or later / iOS 8 or later / Bluetooth 4.0 (for wireless) / Windows 7 or later
  • Dimensions: 5.47 x 33.46 x 2.13 inches
  • Weight: 3.77 lbs

Pros

Many of the positive reviews for the Korg microKEY AIR-61 are from iPad and iPhone users. They reported that it works really well while wirelessly connected, with very minimal latency. The feel of the keys also got a lot of commendations, even from non-keyboard musicians.

Cons

Most of the complaints center on the smaller sized mini-keys, which require technique adjustments if you are used to playing regular size pianos and keyboards. There were however others that loved the smaller size, especially since it makes for a compact partner instrument for their mobile device. Some users also cautioned that the bundled software are outdated and can be annoying to install/un-install, they recommend that you just use your existing DAW.

Overall

If you are always on the go, or you just want a keyboard that works wirelessly, then consider the MicroKEY AIR-61.

The Korg MicroKEY AIR-61 isn't currently on our recommended list which you can see in our guide to The Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards.