Korg Nanokey Fold: Perfect, Portable or Plastic Junk?

[@JalexWROK]

This keyboard would be much more useful if it had a sensor instead of keys like the Arthuria Mirofreak. It is bigger and more convenient.

[@kentjensen4504]

Now that is what I call a professional, fairminded, honest, and even inspiring review.

[@K3dev]

If it had Bluetooth it would be a good device for connecting to phones and tablets, but without Bluetooth seems pointless to have so many compromises, as you have the compromises of a really portable device but is not that portable because you need to carry cables and maybe dongles to work with it.

[@Taetro]

yeah bluetooth makes everything easier.

[@keepitgrimy]

That’s my biggest gripe with it but it’s gotten me to play around with my iPad/phone for music way more than I would otherwise.

[@UncleBoobieCosmicOverlord]

Why is pocket size midi controller market so niche? I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who would absolutely love some really intuitive pocket sized mini control! Don’t give a shit about keyboards either! Get outside the box!!

[@HotStrange]

1000% agreed. Idk how the market is still so niche considering how well the Minilab and Akai ones sell and how much iOS production has grown. Especially from Korg seeing as how they’re one of the OG iOS pioneers.

[@danstuckie2115]

What’s that skinny blue recorder he is using with the waveform display? Someone HELP! Lol

[@pheotus]

Yes please what is that

[@Kofiers]

DigdugDIY is the company that sometimes makes that kind of stuff !

[@pesto12601]

its called instagram/tiktok/youtube "desk pretty" to make his videos appeal to the younger gen that likes fancy thumbnails and visual stimulation. :)

[@Turtlpwr]

I think he actually mentions it in another video

[@ameykillekar9574]

That's DigDugDiy SoundWave 3

[@pheotus]

What is that blue wave box???

[@TR-707]

SOUNDWAVE III

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Looks useful. I’m just tying to figure out the rationale behind not putting some metal in the hinges, as that’s usually the primary failure point in anything that folds.

[@HotStrange]

Honestly you sticking to your guns on that old Korg review gave me even more respect for you. You’re one of the few music channels that doesn’t make me feel like I’m constantly being sold to or shilled to. Big ups for that 👏 this little thing looks cool too. Have you seen the other new/similar one called Monkey I think?

[@AcmeLife]

It's close, if it had some type of keys and a little better quality. Thanks for reviewing. Great music ❤

[@bobbyrutz9402]

If "Teenage Engineering" was written on it somewhere it'd sell for $800 and everybody would love it. "It's cute that it feels like a toy!" I would like one.

[@Taetro]

TE has an amazing build quality.

[@bobbyrutz9402]

@@Taetro They sure do. But if they built this and were to market it as a toy-ish product, it'd be sold out.

[@Taetro]

would be cool if they made something like this for their PO series

[@MatsueMusic]

@@Taetroeven the KOII?

[@Taetro]

I wouldn’t say the KOII is amazing quality but it’s more in line with all the other plastic gear out there and priced accordingly 🤷

[@alexandrosroussos]

To compensate its inability to change MIDI channel right on the hardware : I created 15 identical scenes based on the factory one with each set in a different channel from 1 to 15. Now it’s acceptable for my use case. But I would prefer if Korg implemented ability to switch channels directly on the hardware. For a controller that can work with standalone hardware, it’s a bit of a problem to have to connect it to the computer/editor just to switch MIDI channels.

[@infn8loopmusic]

Absolutely necessary. That's crazy

[@StevenSclafani]

Is there a way to make the sustain button latch? The arp can, so I imagine there must be a way.

[@bananaghost427]

How easy is it to switch midi channels with the Korg NanoKey Fold?

[@ryejack]

I pre-ordered one. I've been wanting a small, ultra portable controller that will fit in a sling bag for a long time. While the build quality gave me pause, I see this as a great iPad companion for all the music apps I like to use when traveling or hanging out at a coffee shop. My one wish is that included a port for headphones. Luckily, I have a splitter, but wouldn't it be nice to just plug this keyboard into an iPad and then plug in some headphones without needing an extra cord? That is a huge miss for Korg considering this is meant to be super portable. Oh well, I hope one day for a similar product with better keyboard and an audio port. Until then, I think this'll work for what I need.

[@Taetro]

that's a good point and would be a major plus, but there's no other midi keyboards I can think of that include that, so I don't think we can call it a huge miss. That would involve them building an audio interface into what's meant to be a tiny controller. Have you considered a hub like this that has an audio out? amzn.to/4iOFYoC

[@ryejack]

@@Taetro Good point about the other midi keyboards. Maybe it's an unreasonable ask. I do have a hub like that one, so that works out and it's pretty small for portability. I travel a lot, hence my endless search for the perfect portable setup. I've even considered designing and building my own device. I would love something with keys like the QuNexus but folds up like the Korg Nanokey. If those two keyboards had a baby, I think my search would end.

[@Taetro]

yes I feel you! there's always some trade off. The quest for the perfect gear goes on!

[@Cacophonous_Cat]

My thoughts almost exactly. I have reservations about the build quality, but for the price I think it's worth the risk. If It breaks I will just buy another one. Cheap, functional, and ultra portable, sounds like a win. As to the lack of a headphone jack, on that point, I have a solution. For my M2 Ipad Pro I use a reasonably portable Thunderbolt dock by OWC. It has a headphone jack, as well as a lot of other useful ports, though it is a bit of extra weight. I'm sure Amazon sells it if you use Tatero's link. I use a Pacsafe anti-theft backpack so the extra weight is fine for me.

[@zzrwood]

@@Taetro The IK Multimedia iRig Keys have built in audio interfaces, as do Korg’s own Keystage keyboards…

[@koncreteto2758]

Good old korg they never fail to put out absolute junk that people will buy

[@MartinMartin-xm8xs]

Do you know...Will this thing work with my sp404mk2 ?

[@rflyn5864]

it should - especially if it has an app that lets you change the mappings

[@AlecBoyd]

Can this work with just midi trs? Or is the usb always necessary for power?

[@CartoonCityKid]

Wow those musical features are really cool. I'm not a keys player so it's nice to quickly see the notes in a key or chord

[@osc769]

Great video , I have a question about whether I can control my Nord Drum 3P as a step sequencer with the fold ?

[@DodaGarcia]

Well I don't know how it's being marketed but it doesn't seem to be designed to be anyone's main controller. More like something you can carry around more easily than a traditional controller and still provides a better playing experience than relying on, say, your iPad touch screen for a keyboard. And if it's meant to be carried around then it makes sense that they would focus more on features than build quality, since it's better to lose something that cost $120 than something that cost $200.

[@darwiniandude]

Big problem - Yes, I'd like one to use with my iPhone or iPad on the go. On the go is the only reason to have a controller this compact. And yet, Korg provided no BLE and no battery operation. So you have to plug it into the iPhone or iPad via USB-C. So that's fine, and works - except how do you get your audio out without latency? BLE midi is low latency, bluetooth audio when playing live instruments is not low latency. So you actually cannot use it with an iPhone or iPad unless you're using the built in speakers, not even headphones. So you need to also carry a USB-C hub with you. At which point, just get a slightly larger controller with better keys than does have BLE and battery operation. It's just a bizarre 'almost' product - really surprising from Korg. Such a head scratcher product when you actually think about possible use cases.

[@drivebyemusic]

If it feels cheap. It’s because it is cheap. But they’re selling it for that price because they can. Cool concept though

[@ozmosize]

I’ll grab when they cost a lot less! Looks kinda cool, I was considering one but I don’t like “cheap” feeling. Thanks for the review

[@marcotixxx]

the TRS MIDI really sold me. might get one soon for my Roland grooveboxes

[@mrchairboy]

I bought one because it’s one of the few controllers of this size that has a dedicated midi out with an independent power option (usb-c). Most devices of this size only have midi over usb which combines the power in. So this is actually pretty handy in that respect. Especially when just looking for a tiny midi source when I’m tweaking sounds on a non usb midi device (my blofeld, for instance).

[@Taetro]

makes a lot of sense. For some people this will be a really useful controller

[@rflyn5864]

If Korg made something like this that didn't bother folding, had a more solid construction, and OP-1 style keys, I would buy it so fast. Especially with having the TRS MIDI jack.

[@RadioBluesPR]

+1 for the op1 style keys. Initially I thought that it had those types of keys. As I looked closely I realized they’re just bubble buttons 😢. Time will tell if those buttons can survive without the plastic breaking.

[@famitory]

you mean... the original korg nanokey?

[@rflyn5864]

@@famitory not quite. if anything, it's non-fold design and the laptop-y-ness of the keys, yes.

[@dustyaudio]

Yeah, the nano key 2 was nice. I’d be interested in a v3, with no folding but the connectivity & features of this model for sure.

[@fxdaly]

I bought it and sent it back on the day I received it. It is certainly portable and has lots of features, but a keyboard is supposed to be playable - that's it's main function, and this one is rubbish. The little bubble switches for each key reminded me of the buttons on an old microwave. (come on Korg, surely you can do better than that) I'm sticking to my nanokey2 as a portable keyboard - less than half the price and certainly playable as a portable keyboard.

[@yourcitysleeps]

Man, what is with those bubble keys... It's like old Gas Pump buttons. If they could use something similar to the Microfreak keys, then maybe they'd have something.

[@narutohokage24]

How would you compare this to the easy play 1s? I’ve been looking for a small controller like that for a more portable setup

[@iamboody]

Korg is a reputable company, summertones are not.

[@willgavillan]

What would be a good minimal/portable keyboard to use with an elektron box?

[@peaterrepeater4441]

May I ask what is the blue box showing the waveform? Thanks!

[@charliel5262]

I want to know too. I saw one recently in another KZbinr video.

[@sodathief]

this would have been so much better with the keys being touch strips too

[@iotaprime2892]

Superb review. Greatly appreciated.

[@Falk4J]

As foldable phones have already proven the weak point certainly will be the flat band cable leading through the hinge. That only a long term testing can display. But it's a reason to be sceptical about the mechanical integrity.

[@mcdan2696]

Come on! Obi micro keyboard has the same keys with a $2000 price tag!!

[@Taetro]

what is the obi micro keyboard?

[@mcdan2696]

@Taetro Sorry Taetro. Auto correct is the worst! I meant, Teenage Engineer OP-1 has similar key bed with such an expensive sticker price. Have you cover the new MicroKorg 2?

[@Taetro]

OP1 has a completely different kind of keybed than this controller and is priced the way it is for an array of other reasons. Haven't really gotten too deep with any korg stuff

[@myanrellick]

My non DAW/gear situation is currently the Ableton Move or an iPad. This seems like it would be a nice solution versus my non-travel-friendly Keystep that fills some of the holes in the Ableton Move.

[@homerdus9668]

Thanks, good point has two octaves

[@publika6883]

respek for the honesty my boy

[@planktron]

That would actually be an awesome device... if they squeezed op-XY inside. xD I love the Blade Runner-y look.

[@darwiniandude]

You're describing the OP-Z :) Which is rechargeable and has bluetooth midi, so is actually useful.

[@sonofaglitch]

Sweet, when my chordbot bit the dust, I have been looking for a replacement, I think this just might fit the bill. I don't mind the build quality, but definitely one of those things that will have to be baby'd a bit.

[@HIFI1965]

The k-board or qunexus is much more tactile, just doesn't fold.

[@GreenShark4]

Would kill for something like this but with a capacative keybed with aftertouch a la Microfreak, maybe slightly bigger.

[@zorglub667]

always appreciated the nano stuff from korg for its portability, but >100 for this? pass.

[@Rooftopaccessorizer]

this looks like something id find for 6$ at a goodwill

[@Maluband]

Thanks for the review. I hope Korg use the features and software in a larger keyed keyboard.

[@meBrokenBody]

I wouldn't touch this with a 10-foot pole... @Taetro, what other device would you say is the closest in terms of arp and chord generator functions (with build quality)? And thanks for your good videos!!!

[@Taetro]

LK mini features are great, but much larger than this

[@Imetalman2000]

This would pair well with the TE-133 sampler.

[@billiedoesbeats]

I have it. Same exact thoughts as you on it. The features are killer for a compact keyboard. I wanted something with chords and arps as I already have a launchkey 37 but it’s kind of too big for when I want to chill away from my studio desk setup. They missed majorly on the keys. Who approved those bubble keys 😭 Gotta press pretty hard too. Also I would forgive the plastic build if the board locked flat. These are major oversights, but I’m keeping it for the portability and features.

[@atmobeat]

2:20 You should sample this sound as long as it is still possible 🤣 Actually, I ordered this item yesterday. The only thing I expect from it is to be a better alternative to using my Macbook keyboard under Ableton, and this should work out perfectly alright. As long as it doesn't brrrrrreakhhhhh........

[@doomboyfiasco]

does taetro actually recommend distrokid? i'm hearing only bad stuff about them

[@Taetro]

as I said in the video, have used them since way before they ever sponsored the channel. Have never had any issue. Be careful taking advice from folks who don't really have the experience to know what they're doing, and then post a bad review because their music got taken down or whatever. It is likely because they did something wrong. Also, the streaming services can take people's music down, the distributor is just the middleman. So bottom line is, DK is an inexpensive solution, therefore a lot of people have access to it. Unfortunately, that means a lot of people that don't know what they're doing and don't take accountability.

[@doomboyfiasco]

​@@Taetro tysm for taking the time to reply! feeling way better about distrokid now ngl. appreciate you making those points fr

[@jackpijjin4088]

It's cute... if it was like $50 I could see myself going for it. It looks like a toy from the 80s, which I really appreciate "retrofuturistic" designs. I hate touch screens with a passion because of the lack of tactile feedback, and playing keys on a glass sheet just ain't it.

[@davidc510]

Returned it after using for a day. The keybed is not usable. Cool features, and I could see the value in custom mapping for functions (e.g. transport, undo, redo, etc) but I didn't pay $120 for that.

[@j-julien]

So you can emulate a Polyend Synth with this and a Move for example 😀

[@Taetro]

not entirely but it does definitely add some great usability to the move

[@HisXLNC]

I’d pay double the price if they made it out of aluminum instead of plastic and made the keys capacitive touch.

[@cartilagehead]

NanoKey Studio and NanoKey 2 both seem way better, albeit for a bit more money and an arguable sacrifice in portability (but a big gain in durability, so I think it evens out, since I used to chuck my NanoKey Studio in a bag with no issues)

[@homerdus9668]

Improvement: the keys could be full touchable

[@osakablinladen]

would be cool if it costed as much as regular nanokey and not nanokey studio

[@jaydeepalmer]

I absolutely love the nanokey, but the midi out was sorely missed. There weren't a lot of compact options for controlling hardware, just five years ago. If they had built kind of the same controller with midi trs i think it would have sold me. The features on that thing look absolutely amazing, reminds me of the nanokey studio. Too bad for the build quality 😒

[@darwiniandude]

This controller BADLY missed the mark, Korg. I'd have instantly bought it due to it's size if it had 1) Bluetooth midi, and 2) Battery operation. As it is, for compact size and use with portable devices I'll have to get Wavy Industry's Monkey. Instead of the Korg, look at CarryOn FC25 - it's bluetooth, midi, usb-c, rechargeable, arpeggiator, pads, folding, and costs the same. I have their FC49, which is bigger.

[@nathanksimpson]

Sounds like they took a page out of Native Instruments' smart chords.

[@mrclaytron]

I saw someone give a pretty good analogy that the buttons are like using a microwave 😂 I think it's a cool idea though - but I can't look past the poor materials and build quality!

[@gru_day]

Midi is a big plus. To be perfect it should have BT, rubbeer velo keys and last long. I have enough of a expensive junk gear. To sum it up... not this time Korg.

[@Geekraver]

Just put the Move into chromatic mode and you get perfect fourths

[@Taetro]

not the same as in-key mode in terms of finger placement

[@DiscoR53]

I think this is more to get you to buy the software.

[@cliffhanger012]

2:20 young me not knowing if my DS screen is supposed to go that far back...

[@Taetro]

😂😂😂

[@Dilettanteworks]

For regular production? Probably stupid/pointless. As a user-programmable, general-purpose midi controller? Perfect. Instead of using it for playing piano/synth parts, you could use midi note messages to trigger things in custom made/custom configured A/V software. Honestly, it's probably good for everything except music.

[@Taetro]

that was pretty much my takeaway too!

[@MCloudRed]

Yup❤

[@TR-707]

its straight out of 1983

[@bwest6275]

No way, I wouldn't touch that thing with a ten foot pole

[@Taetro]

😂

[@ChetHanks-eh1md]

no sensitive touch plate is a major L. Who is in charge at Korg? They have great ideas but are always poorly executed in the flimsiest packages. Their prices dont match the quality on everything they make.

[@fcf8269]

Why would you have all these features on the keyboard when most of the synths have them? I think this is where they messed up this thing... remove the keys; put silicone pads and make it a DK/MPC device that has those features and that folds and it is more useful than this Fisher Price keybed. Not a single sane person that has access even to a tablet would touch this keybed to be honest; and if you are so desperate for space, you can get midi keyboards with micro buttons (those you use for remote controls, you can find them on small devices like the NTK-1 or the Moog Mavis or heck, even get the same buttons used for the Korg KR-11 and it would be better than this. And at that price it just hurt my eyes

[@theinvisibleman-e8v]

Doesn’t have full velocity, dealbreaker

[@vasiliszaxaropoulos8726]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@canofworms]

So, what you're saying, without saying, is, this thing is junk ?

[@Taetro]

Nope, I’m saying the many words I said in this video.

[@brandonread6956]

I have bought the Korg nano key, nano studio and nano Kontrol and the midi mapping implementation and overall feel SUCKS!! I ended up buying an Akai Midimix and Novation Launch Key mini and now im happy. Please stop making midi controllers Korg, its just bringing your brand down.

[@manuelgonzales6483]

🥇

[@TigroGumi]

They can put a USB-C port on this but not their flagship Kaoss Reply? 🤡

[@Taetro]

lmaooo good point

[@Born_in_92]

pokedex

[@Taetro]

true

[@stevewoywitka3258]

I guess junk😂

[@sodiumlights]

So a bit like the OP-Z. What it can do is superb. But utterly shite build quality.

[@pesto12601]

not sure why folks want these portable items when if you have a small computer or decent laptop, you can have everything you possbile could want with a small midi keyboard and VST's.... seems like gadgets for those that like gadgets!

[@geebee44]

Their Nano line in general feels cheap…

[@Taetro]

because they are cheap. this one just not as much so

[@geebee44]

@ I can dig it… they do get a good grade for creativity with this one…

[@BASILEMOJO]

LOL a peace of crap tasted on the Crap Move,this guy always find everything fantastic as long as he get paid...don t trust this dude,i taste it ,it is a huge crap totally useless

[@Taetro]

Lmaoo tell me you didn’t watch the video without telling me you didn’t watch the video

[@kentjensen4504]

ET cetera. With a T. Not ""ex" cetera.

[@Javeton]

Can't believe I had people defending this piece of shit over chat l m f a o

[@AA-ge4uj]

30 bucks, yeah, 120 bucks, piss off. As a smoker, Tojo trying to charge Zippo price for a Bic, not gonna happen. Nice software though, lets hope M-vave rips it & Firmwares its ass.