MidiplusX3 mini USB MIDI keyboard Controller

I've been using the midiplus X3 mini and X4 mini for about three years now. You will not find a better MIDI controller for the price. The keyboard is solid, level, and well-built. The keys themselves are satisfying to play, with a nice resistance -- neither too stiff, nor too giving. The keys don't feel quite as nice as the Arturia KeyStep, but then the KeyStep is more expensive and has many features I don't need.For those of you using external hardware synths with 5-pin DIN inputs (i.e. the old-fashioned MIDI ports ubiquitous until about 2009), you'll be relieved to finally find a decent and affordable MIDI controller that can send MIDI to your gear. That's right: this midiplus MIDI controller is useful for DAW-less (i.e. non-computer) workflows. I personally use the midiplus X4 to control an Elektron Digitone and a Roland MC-707, and it excels at this task.These mini midiplus keyboards are a great size and form factor, virtually ideal. The X3 mini fits nicely in the slide-out tray of a corner computer desk, while the X4 mini fits nicely on a 31" folding table on which I like to improvise melodies and chord progressions with external hardware synthesizers.One nice thing about the midiplus mini keyboards is their horizontal span. On normal-sized keyboards, it's a stretch for me to play 10ths, and 11ths are impossible. But on the midiplus mini keyboards, I can easily play 10ths, and 11ths are possible with only slight discomfort. This is a important for me because I'm a composer who often likes to use 9ths, 10ths, and 11ths in my chords and riffs.It's also super convenient to be able to quickly change MIDI channels and velocity settings: the midiplus keyboards allow this, and more. You can also reassign the MIDI CC messages that each knob and button use. For instance, knob 1 uses CC 7 by default, but you can reassign it to any value, such as 92. In practice, this means you can use these 4 knobs to actually control a dozen or more MIDI CC parameters. (But you'll have to change the CC assignment on the fly, which is a somewhat awkward process made easier by repetition and memorization.)I only rarely use the 4 knobs at top to control filter cutoff, resonance, volume, etc, but it is nice to have that ability. Though smallish, these 4 knobs have a really nice feel and resistance, too, with a non-slip coating.The capacitive touchstrips on the far left, for controlling pitch and modulation, are better and more responsive that I'd hoped for. Yes, they're a little bit imprecise and coarse-grained, but they are useful for trying out ideas, and good enough for improvisation.Caveat: I'm not a pianist or even a particularly good keyboard player. I use my midiplus keyboard to compose music and try out various ideas/riffs/phrases/chords. For my purposes, these midiplus controllers are close to ideal.For my uses, there are only two defects with this midiplus keyboard. It lacks an expression pedal input, and it lacks a dedicated power supply (DC-input). So I have to power the keyboard using a USB cable connected to a USB power brick. Kind of annoying, but certainly not a deal breaker.

I was looking for a small, simple keyboard that would connect to my laptop. I wanted three octaves and a pedal input. The X3 fit the bill and was quite affordable, so I decided to give it a try. I was amazed at how solidly built it feels. I've owned more expensive keyboards that had very flimsy-feeling keys. The mini keys take a little getting used to, but overall, I'm quite impressed with the playability. Having an actual 5-pin MIDI output is an added bonus, as I can also use the X3 to control synth modules. The encoders and buttons seem to work fine, though I don't make much use of them. The only downside for me is that the unit has pitch and modulation strips instead of actual wheels. I would have preferred wheels. Nevertheless, I am quite pleased with the unit. It's very impressive for its price range.

This controller felt very weighty and sturdy. The all white casing looks nice. It does it’s job somewhat, only problem is getting it to work with Ableton. The keys work and you can play melodies and adjust the nobs but getting the record/stop/playback functions to work with Ableton are a pain and I’ve yet to find a workaround. So one star knocked off for that lack of functionality. I could see that being a bigger issue for others but, I feel durability and look to be slightly higher than having the ability to record/stop.

This keyboard is built like a tank and seems of good quality (hence 2-stars instead of 1). However, like most midi keyboard manufacturers the User Manual/Guide is skimpy/lean/inadequate if you are looking to use more than the basic functions--e.g. like MIDI features. MIDI functionality is technical and the 11-page English version of the manual, is sorely lacking details (like step-by-step keystroke/workflow instructions). When I sent the seller/manufacturer questions (Taiwan) multiple times, I was completely ignored. If they are on holiday for Lunar New Year, etc. they could be more professional by at least returning an "Out of Office" message with the date of when they will reply--they did not. Days, weeks or never, don't go very far for the customer experience for technical products, even if the hardware is built well. And I now question that, since one of my issues was about the keyboard not sending Program Changes, MSB, LSB content as it is supposed to. Overall recommendation: Do Not Buy if you want to dig into the MIDI functionality, because "MIDIPLUS" will let you down. Written Feb 2025.

For the price, this thing is great. The build quality feels sturdy slightly heavy. Keys feel good (but i know nothing about how keys should feel, so take my opinion with a grain of salt). I got this thing so i could play with my Korg Radias, and with plugins in Ableton Live. It has done both jobs better than expected. I highly recommend this keyboard if you are a beginner looking for a more budget minded setup.

It worked immediately with logic x. Keys are decent size and controls are logical. Works well for playing strings, pads, horn and bass parts. Seems sturdy enough-time will tell.

I have used many keyboards and my old Midiplus X4 becomes the most frequently used Midi keyboard. This year I need a 37-key one.I tried Korg Microkey Air first because it has simple style and Bluetooth connection. But I returned it. I didn’t really like the keys on Korg Microkey. I couldn’t feel any resistance.I then purchase a Midiplus X3. It has some minor quality control issues. The quality of my old X4 looks superior but problems on X3 are not huge or unacceptable (the last C key is not aligned properly). The color of X3 is not as pure white as X4 either. However, I do feel like pressing keys on X3 more than on Korg Microkey.I hope in the future Midiplus could make 37 keys lighter and more portable, but it is my personal need. The size is perfect. Now I can move the mouse while I play with the keyboard.