iRig Keys is the ideal compact keyboard and producer’s partner. Connect it to your phone or computer and begin playing whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. The iRig Keys also has very long battery life. It could be powered by the device when connected to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and it can also be fueled by the available USB connection for longer play sessions.
On the other hand, the microKEY2 MIDI controller keyboard from Korg exemplifies beautiful simplicity, prioritizing basic functionality above frills to give you a set of keys that can be played anywhere. This microKEY2 has 37 keys, allowing you to easily access three octaves while being thin enough to fit into small desktop spaces.
iRig Keys
The iRig Keys global MIDI controller keyboard for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android, and Mac/PC is the world’s first ultra-slim and highly compact MIDI controller keyboard. An included Lightning connection directly connects to your iOS smartphone. The supplied OTG to Micro-USB cable connects to your Android device and contains USB cable links to your Mac/PC.
Pros of iRig Keys
- A keyboard and audio interface in one.
- Input with phantom power and a high impedance.
- Up to 99 user pages can be configured.
- iPad cradle made to order.
Cons of iRig Keys
- The only USB supports MIDI.
- Shorter proprietary cables.
- Only Logic has a dedicated control system.
- There is no software editor.
Korg MicroKey 37
Pitch and mod wheels are also beneficial. The enhanced mobility of the second-generation microKEY series, which can now be driven directly from your iPad or iPhone, is appreciated by our customers and keyboardists. The inclusion of a damper pedal input is a great touch. Finally, you can’t go wrong with a microKEY2 when it comes to a good software bundle that includes titles from Korg, UVI, AAS, Propellerhead, and Ableton.
Pros of Korg MicroKey 37
- Excellent setup and action.
- USB hub built-in.
- Going up and Down of Octave Light.
Cons of Korg MicroKey 37
- It consumes a lot of energy.
iRig Keys vs. Korg MicroKey 37
| iRig Keys | Korg MicroKey 37 | |
| INPUTS | • 2.5 mm TRS MIDI Input 1 • 1 x 1/4″ Sustain Input | 1 x 1/4″ damper |
| OUTPUTS | • 2.5 mm TRS MIDI Output 1 x 1/8″ • 3.5 mm TRS Headphone | 1/4-inch TS |
| CONTROLS | Universal MIDI | Slim USB-Powered MIDI |
| CONNECTION TYPE | • Micro-USB • USB Cable | USB Type-B |
| MONITORING | ||
| COMPATIBILITY | • iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad) • Android • Mac • PC | • OS X 10.8 or later / iOS 8 or later • Windows 7 or later |
| SIZE | 503mm/19.8″ x 120mm/4.72″ x 40mm/1.57″ (W x L x H) | Height: 2.13″ Width: 22.24″ Depth: 5.47″ |
| WEIGHT | 660g/23.28oz | 2.2 lbs. |
| INCLUDED APPS | • SampleTank FREE iOS and iGrand Piano FREE apps (download from the App store) • iGrand Piano FREE and iLectric Piano FREE for Android (download from Google Play Store) • Mac/PC software: SampleTank 4 SE (download from IK User Area) | • KORG Gadget 2 Le (music production studio DAW app) • KORG Module (piano/keyboard sound module app) |
| WARRANTY | One (1) Year Warranty PARTS, Ninety (90) Days Warranty LABOR | 1 Year Free Extended Warranty |
Comparison
The iPad powers the iRig Keys, making it completely self-contained and transportable. According to the Korg homepage, you’ll need additional USB power to utilize the iPad. Also, the iRig Keys (19.8″) is 2.4 inches shorter than the Korg (22.2″), making it more difficult to transport in a backpack. Even with the iRig, there are just a few backpacks that can accommodate anything 20 inches long.
