10Best.Guide

Mini Piano Keyboard

Top Picks

Last Updated: September, 2023
Pros
  • Great portable keyboard for the price.
  • Nice keyboard size for kids.
  • Excellent practice keyboard for newbies.
  • Good value for the money.
  • Nice comfortable size to hold or place on a desk.
Cons
  • Power supply sold separately.
  • CD-ROM lessons disk doesn't work on Mac or TV disk player.
Bottom Line
This is a great portable keyboard for the price, especially for kids or newbies. However, buyers should be aware that the power supply is sold separately and the sound/sample quality isn't amazing.
Pros
  • Great for beginners or small spaces.
  • Lightweight and easy to move.
  • Comes with a stand for music sheets/books.
  • Good sound quality.
  • Affordable with a huge array of sounds.
Cons
  • Poor customer service from Casio.
  • LCD display has no light.
Bottom Line
The Casio CS2000 Keyboard is a great option for beginners or those with limited space. It has good sound quality and is portable and easy to use. However, there are some issues with customer service, missing items, and quality control.
Pros
  • Great for music creation
  • Offers a great playing experience
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Good quality
  • Perfect for use with Akai Force
Cons
  • Software maintenance cost is overpriced
  • Tough to play instrument
Bottom Line
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great MIDI keyboard controller for music creation and offers a great playing experience. It is beginner-friendly and comes with its own Music Production Software Included. However, the software maintenance cost is overpriced and there is a learning curve for certain functions.
Pros
  • Fits specific products perfectly
  • Provides good protection
  • Nice interior material
  • Comes with cable wraps
  • Good for carrying around
Cons
  • Strong chemical smell
  • Limited space for accessories
Bottom Line
This product is a good choice if you need a case for a specific product and want good protection, but be aware of the strong chemical smell and limited space for accessories.
Pros
  • Great stand-in for a drum set for kids.
  • Surprising number of different drum sounds and built-in melodies.
  • Has a headphone jack.
  • Good quality for the price.
  • Fun way to introduce kids to music.
Cons
  • Plastic piece came off one side.
  • No basic book included.
Bottom Line
This product is a good option for parents looking to introduce their kids to music or for those who want a portable instrument. However, it has some quality control issues and some minor design flaws.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Mini Piano Keyboards

Overview

Mini piano keyboards are a popular choice for beginners, kids, and musicians on the go. They offer a portable and compact alternative to traditional pianos, with a range of features and prices to suit different needs and budgets. In this buying guide, we'll cover the different types of mini piano keyboards, key considerations when choosing a keyboard, important features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

- 25-key keyboards: These keyboards are the smallest and most portable option, with a range of two octaves. They are ideal for beginners and kids who are just starting to learn piano.

- 32-key keyboards: These keyboards offer a slightly larger range of two and a half octaves, making them a good choice for intermediate players who want more flexibility in their playing.

- 37-key keyboards: These keyboards offer a range of three octaves, making them suitable for more advanced players who want a wider range of notes to work with.

- MIDI keyboards: These keyboards are designed to connect to a computer or other digital device, allowing you to control virtual instruments and software programs. They are a popular choice for music producers and composers.

- Weighted key keyboards: These keyboards feature keys that mimic the weight and feel of a traditional piano. They are ideal for players who want a more authentic playing experience.

Key Considerations

- Portability: Consider how often you will need to move your keyboard and whether you need a lightweight and compact option.

- Skill level: Choose a keyboard that is appropriate for your skill level, whether you are a beginner or an advanced player.

- Budget: Mini piano keyboards can range in price from under $50 to over $500, so consider how much you are willing to spend.

- Purpose: Consider what you will be using the keyboard for, whether it's practicing, performing, or recording.

Features

- Touch-sensitive keys: These keys respond to how hard or soft you play, allowing for more expressive playing.

- USB connectivity: This feature allows you to connect the keyboard to a computer or other digital device.

- Built-in speakers: Some keyboards come with built-in speakers, while others require external speakers or headphones.

- Battery-powered: Consider whether you need a keyboard that can be powered by batteries for portability.

- Headphone jack: This feature allows you to practice without disturbing others.

Prices

- Under $50: Basic 25-key keyboards with limited features.

- $50-$100: 25-32 key keyboards with more features, such as touch-sensitive keys and USB connectivity.

- $100-$200: 37-key keyboards with more advanced features, such as weighted keys and built-in speakers.

- $200 and up: High-end MIDI keyboards with advanced features and connectivity options.

Tips

- Consider purchasing a keyboard stand or case for easier portability and protection.

- Look for keyboards with a variety of sounds and instrument voices to expand your playing options.

- Consider purchasing a sustain pedal for more expressive playing.

FAQs

Q: Are mini piano keyboards suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, mini piano keyboards are a great option for beginners who want a portable and affordable option to practice on.

Q: Can mini piano keyboards be used for live performances?

A: Yes, some mini piano keyboards come with built-in speakers or can be connected to external speakers for live performances.

Q: Do mini piano keyboards require any special software or drivers?

A: Some MIDI keyboards may require specific software or drivers to connect to a computer or other digital device. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Q: Are weighted keys necessary for a mini piano keyboard?

A: Weighted keys are not necessary, but they can provide a more authentic playing experience for players who are used to playing on traditional pianos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mini piano keyboards offer a portable and affordable option for beginners, kids, and musicians on the go. Consider the different types, key considerations, features, and prices when choosing a keyboard that is right for your needs. With the right keyboard and a bit of practice, you can enjoy playing piano wherever you go.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Good for beginners
  • Reasonably priced
  • Portable
  • Realistic piano tone
  • Weighted keys
Cons
  • No AC adapter
  • Bluetooth function for MIDI doesn't work
Bottom Line
This portable keyboard is a good value for beginners or those looking for a budget option. It has weighted keys, 128 built-in sounds and rhythms, and a realistic piano tone. However, there are some drawbacks such as the lack of an AC adapter, Bluetooth function not working, and disappointing sound quality.
Pros
  • Good sound quality
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Affordable price
  • Comes with a microphone
  • Has a rechargeable battery
Cons
  • Poor quality plastic
  • Inconsistent volume control
Bottom Line
This keyboard is a good option for parents looking for an affordable and portable toy piano for their children. It has good sound quality, fun beats and sounds, and comes with a microphone. However, it may have some quality issues such as inconsistent volume control and poor plastic quality.
Pros
  • Compact and portable
  • Follow along training mode
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Cool features like microphone and different instrument sounds
  • Good starter keyboard for kids
Cons
  • Cheap quality
  • Volume resets to super loud
Bottom Line
This keyboard is a good starter option for kids, but it has some quality issues and limitations. It is compact, portable, and has some cool features, but it may not be suitable for serious piano learners.
Pros
  • Integrates well with Ableton Live and other DAWs.
  • High-quality faders and pots.
  • Excellent pads and touch sliders.
  • Arpeggio features are creative and fun.
  • Smooth knobs and sliders.
Cons
  • Keys are not adjustable in velocity curve.
  • Not ideal for playing piano.
Bottom Line
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is a great MIDI controller for Ableton Live and other DAWs, with excellent pads, touch sliders, and high-quality faders and pots. However, it may not be ideal for playing piano and requires some setup.
Pros
  • Portability
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Full-size keyboard
  • Comes with a pedal
  • Accurate key width
Cons
  • Poor sound quality
  • Keys feel like a computer keyboard
Bottom Line
This keyboard is a great option for those who need a portable and lightweight keyboard for practice. However, the sound quality is poor and it may not be suitable for proficient pianists.
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