Review MIDI keyboard Korg microKEY 25. Where to buy it?

Korg Inc, founded as Keio Electronic Laboratories, is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures electronic musical instruments, audio processors and guitar pedals, recording equipment, and electronic tuners. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Korg microKEY 25 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg

review korg-microkey-25
This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €58/£55/$60 and offers 25 natural touch mini-keys that allow you to compose and perform a wealth of musical ideas on the DAW you use.

As other control functions, we have a Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation, and octave up/down buttons and arpeggiator and sustain button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered.

The Korg microKEY 25 includes the licenses of org M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite.

Now that we have seen the features of this Korg microKEY 25 keyboard watch these related videos to learn more.

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Korg microKEY 25 vs Akai MPK mini Mk2

The Korg microKEY 25 MIDI keyboard is priced at €58/£55/$60 and the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go head to head:

  • Both MIDI controllers offer 25 mini keys with a natural touch.
  • The Korg microKEY offers a Pitch-bend/Modulation Joystick, and octave up/down buttons and arpeggiator and sustains button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered. The Akai MPK mini MK2 white features a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeats, an Arpeggiator button, 8 assignable control knobs, transport buttons, octave buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • Both offer USB connections, where they are also powered. The Akai MPK mini MK2 white has an integrated sustain pedal.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 includes the licenses of org M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite. And the Akai MPK mini MK2 white includes the Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Korg microKEY 25

Akai MPK mini MK2 white
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg
  • 25 mini synthesizer action keys
  • New 4-way ‘thumbstick’ for dynamic tone/modulation control
  • 8 MPC pads with note repetition
  • Arpeggiator
  • 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, adjusting plugins and more
  • The ultra-compact design allows you to create anywhere
  • Additional inputs: 1 x 6.3 mm jack for sustain pedal
  • Powered by USB
  • No power adapter required
  • Full size sustain pedal input jack
  • Includes complete production software package (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
  • Dimensions: 317 x 181 x 44 mm
  • Weight: 748 g
  • Color: White

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Korg microKEY 25 that we have already analyzed along with its functions and performance, and on the other hand, we have the Akai MPK mini MK2 white that offers 25 mini synthesizer action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repetition, an Arpeggiator button, 8 assignable control knobs, transport buttons, octave buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

In this interesting comparison we have the already analyzed Akai microKEY 25 and on the other hand the Akai MPK mini MK2 white, a MIDI controller that for the price it has gives many control functions, we can comment that this last one is the best option between both. For a slight difference in its price, we will have access to many more control functions. Go for the Akai MPK mini MK2 white.

And here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini Mk2 review

Korg microKEY 25 vs Korg microKEY Air 25

The Korg microKEY 25 MIDI Keyboard is usually priced at €58/£55/$60 when the Korg microKEY Air 25 is priced at €81/£75/$82. Let’s go head to head:

  • Both MIDI controllers offer 25 mini keys with a natural touch.
  • Both offer a Pitch-bend/Modulation Joystick, and up/down octave buttons and arpeggiator and sustain button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 offers a USB connection, where it is also powered. And the Korg microKEY Air 25 offers a Bluetooth connection that allows you to work without cables, but also has a USB input and can work with 2 AA batteries and also has an input sustain pedal.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 includes the licenses of org M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite. And the Korg microKEY Air 25 includes the KORG Software Bundle Code licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Korg microKEY 25

Korg microKEY Air 25
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg
  • 25 keys
  • With Bluetooth
  • For wireless functionality on iPad, iPhone or Mac
  • Natural Touch Compact Mini Keyboard
  • Joystick
  • Arpeggiator button
  • TAP/Sustain switch
  • Octave shift switch
  • Powered by 2 AA or USB batteries
  • Input for sustain pedal
  • Includes KORG Software Bundle Code and USB cable
  • Dimensions: 395 x 131 x 52 mm (width x depth x height)
  • Weight: 670g

Here we have a comparison of two very similar MIDI controllers, where the main difference we found is that in the Korg microKEY Air 25 we have Bluetooth connection, that is to say that it allows us to be used without the need of cables. If you want to have this great feature, you will surely not mind paying the small difference in price. If you can go for it.

And here is a video of the Korg microKEY Air 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review

Korg microKEY 25 vs Korg nanoKEY 2 black

The Korg microKEY 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €58/£55/$60 while the Korg nanoKEY 2 black is €44/£41/$45 with a difference of €14. Let’s go head-to-head:

  • Both MIDI controllers offer 25 mini keys with a natural touch.
  • The Korg microKEY offers a Pitch-bend/Modulation Joystick, and up/down octave buttons and an arpeggiator and sustains button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered. When the Korg nanoKEY 2 offers octave and pitch up/down buttons, sustain buttons and Mod.
  • Both offer USB connections, where they are also powered.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 includes the licenses of org M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite. And the Korg nanoKEY 2 includes the bundle software licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Korg microKEY 25

Korg nanoKEY 2 black
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg
  • Color: Black
  • 25-key sensitive keyboard
  • 4-speed curves
  • Pitch Button (Up/Down)
  • Octave-Shift (-4 to +4)
  • Modulation button
  • Sustain button
  • USB-Mini port
  • Powered by USB (less than 100 mA)
  • Dimensions: 325 x 13 x 83 mm
  • Weight: 244 g
  • Includes USB cable and software bundle
  • Supports Apple iPad from OS 4.2.1
  • Requirements: Apple Camera Connection Kit (not included), iPad App must support Core MIDI (KORG does not guarantee compatibility, the possibility of impairment if Apple renews OS and/or launches new models!)
  • Active USB Hub recommended

In this comparison, we find two somewhat basic MIDI controllers, which offer very similar control functions, but in a few of them, the Korg microKEY 25 has certain advantages, the tone and modulation joystick and its natural touch are its advantages. As an advantage, we can consider the Korg nanoKEY is that it can be powered with 100mA, a very low amperage that an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad can give and is compatible with them. The best option will be the Korg microKEY 25.

And here is a video of the Korg nanoKEY 2 black keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Korg nanoKEY 2 black.

Korg microKEY 25 vs Arturia Keystep

The Korg microKEY 25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €58/£55/$60 and the Arturia Keystep is priced at €105/£98/$108. Let’s go ahead with this interesting face-to-face:

  • The Korg microKEY 25 offers 25 mini keys with a natural touch. The Arturia Keystep offers 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys, this product is also a polyphonic sequencer, which means that you can create sequences (loops) with notes that sound at the same time (creating harmonies), it allows us to create up to 64 different steps (sequences) and create loops, be they percussion, bass, harmonies (chords), melodies and so on. With a maximum of 8 notes per step.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 offers a Pitch-bend/Modulation Joystick, and up/down octave buttons and arpeggiator and sustain button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered. When the Arturia Keystep offers octave up/down buttons, 3 knobs where we can modify different parameters, transport buttons (rec, play, stop) and pitch bend and modulation wheel.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 offers a USB connection, where it is also powered. The Arturia Keystep offers USB connection, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Korg microKEY 25

Arturia Keystep
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg
  • 32 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys
  • Integrated polyphonic step sequencer
  • Up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous step notes
  • 8-Mode Arpeggiator
  • Mode of interpretation of chords
  • Transposition buttons
  • Pitch and modulation touch slider
  • Connections: USB, MIDI In/Out, CV/Out, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In

In this last comparison we have on the one hand the Korg microKEY 25 that we have repeatedly analyzed before and on the other hand, the curious and interesting element of Arturia Keystep, which is a MIDI controller and a polyphonic sequencer. If you are interested in this option you will have to raise your budget a bit, but it is really worth it since interesting themes can be made with the polyphonic sequencer function. If you want to know more go to the Arturia Keystep tab.

And here is a video of the Arturia Keystep

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia Keystep review

Korg microKEY 25 vs M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3

The Korg microKEY 25 MIDI keyboard is priced at €58/£55/$60 while the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is priced at €88/£75/$87. Let’s take a look at the face-to-face:

  • The Korg microKEY 25 offers 25 mini keys with a natural touch. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers 49 speed-sensitive keys.
  • The Korg microKEY offers a Pitch-bend/Modulation Joystick, and up/down octave buttons and an arpeggiator and sustains button. It has an integrated USB connection where it is also powered. When the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers an assignable fader, transport buttons, movement buttons (up, down, left, right), octave buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
  • Both offer a USB connection, where they are also powered. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 features a built-in sustain pedal as well.
  • The Korg microKEY 25 includes the M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite licenses. And the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2 licenses.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Korg microKEY 25

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
  • 25 mini keys with Natural Touch
  • Arpeggiator
  • Joystick for Pitch-bend/Modulation
  • Up/Down Octave Key
  • Powered by USB
  • For WIN XP/VISTA/MAC OSX
  • Includes Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lizzard Session Lounge, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite
  • Dimensions (width x depth x height): 395 x 131 x 53 mm
  • Weight: 0.65 kg
  • 49 speed-sensitive keys
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • Octave switch
  • Transport buttons for DAW control
  • A fader
  • 6.3 mm jack input for optional sustain pedal (not included)
  • USB bus-powered
  • Plug&Play for Mac and PC
  • Includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet, and AIR Xpand!2
  • Dimensions: 822 x 189 x 68 mm
  • Weight: 2.1 kg

In this other interesting comparison we have on the one hand the Korg microKEY 25 with its functions and features that we already know, and on the other hand, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 that offers 49 speed-sensitive keys, an assignable fader, a transport button, movement buttons (up, down, left, right), octave buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

On the one hand, we have the Korg microKEY 25 with a minimalist style and few control functions, and on the other hand, a keyboard with a wider range, reaching 4 octaves, and certain more control functions. For this reason, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is the best choice between the two.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this comparison, we find some MIDI controllers that demand an economic price, with a maximum price of 90 And as a star controller, we have the Akai MPK Mini MK2 which offers 25 mini keys and in addition MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads and 8 control knobs. So we also have a sustain pedal input, plus certain licenses that come excellent for beginners. If you can get it, don’t think twice.

Where to buy the Korg microKEY 25 keyboard

Amazon

  • Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
  • Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
  • Sometimes a better price.
  • He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Thomann

  • Free Shipping.
  • Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
  • 100% reliable payment.
  • A leader in trouble-free shipping.
  • Usually the Best price.
  • Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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