Anyone played the Arturia Keystep 37 "slimkeys"?

[pax-eterna]

Just trying to get an idea of how "playable" these small keys are.

https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid ... 7/overview

Not near any shop that stocks them, so thought I'd get a view from users here.

[Eusouobenjamin]

Yes! I don’t really love minikeys but they’re definitely playable and feel good. Not like my microkorg. Haha.

[pax-eterna]

Yes! I don’t really love minikeys but they’re definitely playable and feel good. Not like my microkorg. Haha.

thanks - exactly what I was after. So you adapted ok to them? I wanted to use it for both in studio (on desk) and as a second controller live.

How would you rate it for playing live synth and organ lines?

[Bob Bickerton]

They're the best of the smaller keys I've come across, but even though I'm not a great keyboard player, I still much prefer full sized keys.

Bob

[Kayvon]

Although generally the Keystep's keys are fine as mini keys go the black keys can get tiring when playing chords as one's fingers typically will reach to the rear where they become stiffer to depress due to lack of mechanical advantage. Especially when playing thumb on black note chords like Ebm7, Abm7 or GbMaj7 etc.

I wouldn't really want to improvise on them live but if I had some pre-planned lines or a modest amount of chords then I'd probably be ok at a push as I'd know what i was getting into.

Incidentally i find the same problem with the majority of full size keys apart from the top of the range long fulcrum offerings. I have rather average hands but perhaps if you have a shorter thumb tip to finger tip ratio it'd bother you less. Or if you're used to playing in a 'crabby' manner vs flat fingered like I do.

So actually really it's a no, personally I wouldn't want to play live synth or organ on them. Reciting some modest phrases perhaps. I could probably play a bop line or two but then why do it to oneself? There's enough small midi keyboards out that'll be that much more amenable.

I do love the Keystep 37 though! It's my lap keyboard that I can prop up against a table leg at desks at home. Ace little thing but yh, tiring for playing chords.

[pax-eterna]

Although generally the Keystep's keys are fine as mini keys go the black keys can get tiring when playing chords as one's fingers typically will reach to the rear where they become stiffer to depress due to lack of mechanical advantage. Especially when playing thumb on black note chords like Ebm7, Abm7 or GbMaj7 etc.

I wouldn't really want to improvise on them live but if I had some pre-planned lines or a modest amount of chords then I'd probably be ok at a push as I'd know what i was getting into.

Incidentally i find the same problem with the majority of full size keys apart from the top of the range long fulcrum offerings. I have rather average hands but perhaps if you have a shorter thumb tip to finger tip ratio it'd bother you less. Or if you're used to playing in a 'crabby' manner vs flat fingered like I do.

So actually really it's a no, personally I wouldn't want to play live synth or organ on them. Reciting some modest phrases perhaps. I could probably play a bop line or two but then why do it to oneself? There's enough small midi keyboards out that'll be that much more amenable.

I do love the Keystep 37 though! It's my lap keyboard that I can prop up against a table leg at desks at home. Ace little thing but yh, tiring for playing chords.

thanks much, appreciate the detailed reply. I play a 88 semi Compact 2x SE and I get what you mean about the fulcrum point. Albeit it is reasonable on the 2x.

I do have largish hands although not huge ( to give an idea, I can span thumb to little finger C-E...hence my posing the question.

It DOES seem like a nice little keyboard though, and as I have two iPads to fit along the bar as well as the keyboard (above the NC2x) I am finding the Gaia 2 just a little on the large side.

[Eusouobenjamin]

How would you rate it for playing live synth and organ lines?

I also use a keystep pro live, which has the same keys, and it works for most things, but it really depends on how complex or fast you need to play. It will never be the same as full sized keys but they feel like a good a compromise to me.

[pax-eterna]

How would you rate it for playing live synth and organ lines?

I also use a keystep pro live, which has the same keys, and it works for most things, but it really depends on how complex or fast you need to play. It will never be the same as full sized keys but they feel like a good a compromise to me.

thanks! appreciate that.

[Arpangel]

I’ve had one for ages, keyboard feels quality, don’t worry about it, it's a well made solid thing.