dore_m Every time I buy a mini controller, I end up not using it, and I travel a lot.
navindra A MIDI keyboard requires too much fussing around with multiple devices/software which just ends up being a motivation killer.
I understand this and that's why I don't have it in my home. After discovering a few apps on the phone which are very "immediate" my hope is that now that is not so much of an issue. The alternative is not playing when travelling 🤔
dore_m ts easier and lighter to just use the computer keyboard map to play notes if I want to trigger. For me, a mini kb is not much different than triggering my computer keyboard.
When I go camping, I go without a computer. When I go visiting my parents, I bring an old, large/heavy laptop (out of fear to get it lost, damaged or stolen), and I pull it out only for a short time every other day. On the other hand I have a phone (sometimes two phones, and occasionally three 😮) constantly in my pockets. I tried the "virtual keyboard" apps, but those don't cut it. Given your feedback I may give them a second try on my kids' tablets (I don't have one myself), but I doubt I'd like them. My hope is that with a sufficiently small/light/nimble keyboard with an immediate phone-setup, I could do more.
navindra A fun standalone keyboard provides instant gratification.
Yes, I totally agree with that. But as you can see, I'm very picky and perfectionist, and I'm already having trouble finding a controller, the standalone keyboard with the additional requirements (*) seems impossible. But I'd love to be proven wrong, and the Yamaha Reface came close.
If you can think (or stumble on) anything that seems to be close to my need/wishes, let me know!
Thanks.
(*): on top of the "right" compass, decent action, smallest size, i.e. no additional clutter with too many knobs, which are the same either for a controller or for a standalone, the latter will need also decent sounds, decent speakers or at least decent headphone amplifier, while still remaining small, etc
