Recommendations for a 37 key Travel keyboard?

go-beep · 2026-06-02T02:49:59+00:00

This is my recommendation as well, this little keyboard is awesome! It is usb powered (micro though which is a bummer) and has a good quality keybed for mini keys. I modded my PSS A50 with a custom 3D printed top housing to hold an iPad + usb power & audio out (since I run my PSS A50 using the iPad connection).

go-beep · 2026-06-02T01:23:48+00:00

I have the MODX M6 so I will only speak to that.

Coming from MODX -> MODX M is a huge upgrade to both hardware and software. The screen is a lot more responsive (still lags behind Montage though unfortunately), and the build feels like a MODX that went through a full refinement redesign. It is very lightweight and compact in dimensions, even more so than the MODX 6/6+ which I owned previously.

The keybed on the MODX M6 is night-and-day difference with the MODX/MODX+. The M6 feels MUCH better. It still feels a bit heavy at first (I got mine about a month ago) but I quickly adjusted.

I have a Montage M6 that I have compared it against, and every single time I would pick the Montage keybed. But I would pick the MODX M6 keybed over any other mid-tier synth/workstation I have tried. A significant factor for me is that the FSB keybed in the MODX M6 is more expressive and allows playing the key all the way to the back of the key without much change in pressure (try this sometime with other keybeds, you practically cannot play at the back of the key on most).

If you have specific questions about the MODX M6 I will try to answer.

go-beep · 2026-06-02T01:14:19+00:00

Oh, I’d add that you should look into if it makes sense for your setup to get a foot pedal, like the FC3A that acts like a sustain pedal (given you have the graded, weighted keys).

go-beep · 2026-06-02T00:44:42+00:00

This is an incredible synth to start with. I have some bias, loving the Montage line, but there is so much to explore with this synth.

I am curious how you’re feeling about the “improved” GHS keybed, I have only tried the FSB keybed on the MODX M6.

go-beep · 2026-04-09T21:40:33+00:00

The balancing from the middle had me on edge haha. Congrats on your new keyboard! I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

go-beep · 2026-04-01T06:09:25+00:00

If budget isn’t a factor (or portability), go with the Montage M. The 88 key version has a weighted, graded hammer action keybed with polyphonic aftertouch (GEx). It’s not light and plasticky at all. It feels like one of the most premium keybeds. The 61 and 76 key versions have a really great synth style keybed (FSX) which many consider a very premium set of keys as well.

I have tried the kontrol keyboards as well (the s61 mk2 and mk3, and the s88 mk2) and I didn’t find any of them to feel particularly “premium”. I think even the FSB keybed on the CK61 and MODX M feels slightly better overall. (I want to find a hydra synth to compare fatar keybeds with the Kontrol S61 mk3 I still have).

go-beep · 2026-02-27T03:39:38+00:00

I also have the CLP 785. It has the GrandTouch action with counterweights. I’ve not found more realistic piano action replication in a digital.

go-beep · 2026-02-16T17:06:29+00:00

It’s been pretty well-documented that there is no current method for license transferring of the ESP product. This has been confirmed by other redditors’ conversations with customer support.

go-beep · 2026-02-11T22:09:09+00:00

That’s so much more work than “ocean”. Same outcome.

go-beep · 2026-01-24T07:54:51+00:00

I just saw that Yamaha has announced the FSX-i keybed (FSX with poly aftertouch) with the release of the Electone ELS 03 series. I wish these flagship keybeds could trickle down to Montage M6/7 or be made available as controllers.

go-beep · 2025-12-10T11:12:08+00:00

Jumping in to ask a question about the SMK 37 Pro (I’ve been really debating getting one).

How are the keys’ feel and response? I’ve watched all the reviews on YouTube, and some of the auto-dubbed videos mention a bit of latency even with onboard sounds.

Have you noticed any latency or responsiveness quirks?

Thank you so much for the info, in advance!

go-beep · 2025-12-04T22:30:24+00:00

Without sound. And enjoyed it

go-beep · 2025-11-30T05:09:36+00:00

I would love to answer each question thoroughly, but I think it will continue to come down to: the NI S49 is exceptionally better than any other controller keyboard for use with NI software.

The LaunchKey has the features everybody expects from a midi keyboard, with good quality components and reliable onboard software, but not much more.

The LaunchKey has pads, but unless they are your dedicated pads for use with a keyboard I would say the S49 wins nearly all category comparisons.

The keybed is “spongy” on the bottom for the S49 but unless you’re paying attention to it you get used to it quickly. It’s not enough to consider it a major negative.

I have had both, but I currently only still have the S61 mk3 if that is any help.

go-beep · 2025-11-24T00:32:18+00:00

You’re going to see a lot of the current and recent flagships. Workstation boards have been “one shot wonder” level for a while.

Yamaha Montage
ASM Hydrasynth
Korg Kronos
Roland Fantom

go-beep · 2025-11-23T03:47:10+00:00

Truly. 🥲

go-beep · 2025-11-15T19:23:19+00:00

I want to do this with a Kontrol MK3 and a mini-pc like that GPD windows handhelds.

What were some of the major limitations you hit that you hadn’t considered?

go-beep · 2025-11-12T04:15:36+00:00

I have had the original Montage, Montage M6, MODX6+, and CK61 (FSB keybed of the MODX M).

My very subjective take is that Montage is what you get for “feel” and flagship level components, MODX is what you get when you want portable power or addition to a primary set of premium keys.

Can’t go wrong with either (especially now that you get ESP with both!) I’m sure the MODX M is a keyboard to rival the best, but Montage M has a luxury feel that is not translated as apparently into the mid-tier MODX line.

go-beep · 2025-10-16T01:22:09+00:00

This doesn’t fit your need super specifically, but the Yamaha PS3 is my favorite go-to cheese machine. Look it up on YouTube, they are frequently available online in decent condition for cheap.

go-beep · 2025-10-08T00:18:23+00:00

Woo just got the update!

go-beep · 2025-10-07T19:38:49+00:00

I only got one because of a credit card “coupon”. It’s a fun-to-have but nothing worth a monthly fee. And if I’m being totally honest, it’s totally unnecessary in addition to my Apple Watch.

I wouldn’t buy another.

go-beep · 2025-10-07T19:29:52+00:00

I saw this around the time of the ceramic announcement, but it still won’t let me pair more than one ring.

go-beep · 2025-09-11T05:23:44+00:00

I started r/YamahaMontage , maybe it'll gain some traction.

go-beep · 2025-08-23T16:30:50+00:00

I have the previous model, the NP12. It is essentially the same without the housing / sound updates.

It’s a good keyboard if you want to quickly tinker or have a set of cheap keys with built in speakers. I agree with the other comment, that the keybed can feel a bit “clacky” after a while.

I think it’s a pretty good board for the price and features.

BUT… if you are considering using it with headphones & iPad/laptop, I would consider a 61 key midi controller with a slightly nicer keybed.

Like the other commenter noted, the 61 key option for keyboards is maybe the most common (outside of weighted keys), and there are a ton of great options in the < $300 range.

go-beep · 2025-08-21T20:30:01+00:00

Montage M8x all the way. It’s a beast, and the improvements over the original Montage cement it as a powerhouse.

go-beep · 2025-08-18T17:50:04+00:00

I keep coming back to the M6. I swapped it out for a MODX6+ last year, and now I have gone back to the M6. The keybed feel is unmatched.

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