If you’re a music enthusiast who likes to make some music when on the go, you need a portable music keyboard. But because there’s no such thing as one-brand-fits-all, you should choose a keyboard that suits your interests. These instruments come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles so there’s something for everyone. But with the many options out there, selecting the best music keyboard can be an overwhelming task. Thankfully, we have done the legwork for you. Here are the best portable music keyboards for 2020.
Akai Professional 25-Key Keyboard
Akai professional keyboard is ideal for novice and experienced musicians. It features 25 velocity-sensitive keys and up/down buttons to ensure the player gets a full-range melodic effect. Another notable feature is the Hybrid 3 (high-definition) synthesizer that gives futuristic digital manipulation capabilities.
This keyboard is designed to help you take control of where you go. It comes with a powerful 64-bit music production package, user-friendly import capability, AIFF samples, and 1 GB sound library. And with VIP 3.1, you get unparalleled control of your instrument. Finally, you’ll love the adjustable modes that create intricate melodic lines. Akai professional is undoubtedly the best portable music keyboard for travel.
Pros
- Features a beautiful aesthetic design
- Easy to use
- A fun way to get into digital music-making
- Offered in different sizes
Cons
- You have to go through the tutorials to set it up
- Can't use the knob with MPC essentials
Roland 61-note Synth-action Keyboard
Roland keyboard is the best instrument to keep your music production alive. It’s compact and powerful, so you can create your music anywhere. But what makes the keyboard stack up above the competition is the fact that it allows you to create signature sound with ease. While you can stick to factory settings, you should leave your options open. If you’re working on the first synth, you may want to use the available parameters to create your own sound.
Roland has a dedicated vocal reverb to help you pitch sounds on the keyboard and sing into a microphone. This instrument also supports internal waveform expansion to ensure you get the best performance. The wave expansion slot allows you to choose your favorites from the Roland website.
Pros
- Features a lightweight design
- Easy dial-in features
- Suitable for beginners and advanced amateur
- No extra gear is required
- Offered in different key sizes: 61, 76, 88 keysred
Cons
- It’s not small enough to simply throw in your backpack. May not be suitable for long haul travel.
- Can't use the knob with MPC essentials
Casio CTK -2250 Portable keyboard
Casio keyboard comes in a futuristic look and offers a rich sound. It has 400 Inspiring sounds and a cool 3-step learning system to play with. And with the 150 built-in Rhythms, you can jump-start your creativity. If you want to learn how to play the songs, you simply connect your tablet to the Chordata play app. The CTK -2250 is arguably the best music keyboard for travel. Interestingly, the screen shows you the note you’re playing.
Pros
- Comes with high-quality headphones
- The sound is really beautiful
- The keyboard has 3 levels of touch sensitivity
- Let's you create remix electronic dance quickly
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced musicians
- This is not intended for frequent travel. A great starter or home keyboard.
Hamzer 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Hamzer portable keyboard boasts of 255 Timbres, 61 keyboard percussions, 255 rhythms, and 24 demonstration songs. It’s suitable for beginners and intermediate users. To simplify your piano mastery, this instrument comes with transparent stickers. If you want to select chord timbre, you can use single-fingered bass chords. You can also utilize the effects such as sustain, vibrato, and ensemble. Additional features include tempo adjustment and rhythm sync.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Provides an authentic range of sound
- Has an integrated learning system
- Compact enough for travel
Cons
- Requires 6AA batteries - not included in the package
Alesis Melody 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Alesis comes with everything you need to get started. It features 61 responsive keys and has built-in speakers to create your own songs. This instrument lets you record your performances to enhance your creativity. Alesis has 300 built-in rhythms, 40 demo songs, and 300 sounds (with layering and split modes). And with the expansive in-demand sound wallet, you can set different sound effects. The `record mode’ allows you to record your own songs.
Pros
- Great keyboard for starters
- Lightweight design
- Easy to set up
- Available in two different styles
Cons
- The sound is not suitable for advanced musicians
Final Thoughts
The above portable keyboards offer a creative way to produce music anywhere. They come with fully-weighted keys, built-in speakers and produce quality sound. Before you make your investment decision, you may want to look at the features, and of course the price.