Unleash Your Creativity on the Go

Top Portable Keyboards for Songwriting Travelers

5/18/20243 min read

3. Roland GO: KEYS GO-61K: All-in-One Songwriting Companion for Beginners 

Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg) Battery Life: Up to 7 hours (on battery) Sounds: Built-in sounds + automatic loop and backing tracks 

The Roland GO:KEYS GO-61K caters to beginner songwriters with its user-friendly interface and intuitive features. This keyboard boasts a whopping 61 keys, offering a familiar playing experience for those accustomed to traditional pianos. But the true magic lies in its built-in loop and backing track functionality. Simply choose a loop style that matches your desired musical genre, and the GO:KEYS GO-61K will automatically generate a rhythmic backdrop for your songwriting. This removes the technical hurdle of creating drum beats and allows you to focus on crafting melodies and lyrics. Plus, with a respectable battery life of up to 7 hours, you can jam for extended periods without needing an outlet. 

4. Arturia MiniLab MKII: Feature-Packed Powerhouse for Experienced Songwriters  

Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg) Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (on AA batteries) Sounds: Software instruments only (requires computer connection) 

The Arturia MiniLab MKII caters to more experienced songwriters who crave a wider range of creative tools. This portable keyboard features a robust selection of 16 pads for triggering samples and drum sounds, along with eight knobs and faders for manipulating sounds and effects in real-time. While it doesn't have built-in sounds, it shines in its seamless integration with popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, unlocking a vast universe of virtual instruments and sound libraries. The long battery life and plethora of controls make the MiniLab MKII a powerful on-the-go songwriting companion. 

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Songwriters, do you ever get struck by inspiration while you're miles away from your home studio? Maybe you're on a train journey, relaxing on a beach, or exploring a new city. With the right portable keyboard, you can capture those fleeting musical ideas and turn them into full-fledged songs, no matter where you roam! 

This guide explores some of the best portable keyboards for songwriting on the go, focusing on crucial features like battery life, weight, and the breadth of sounds they offer. 

1. Korg microKEY Air 37: Wireless Freedom for the Minimalist Songwriter 

Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg) Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (on AAA batteries) Sounds: Built-in sounds + compatibility with software instruments 

Calling all minimalist musicians! The Korg microKEY Air 37 is a featherweight champion, weighing in at a mere 2.3 lbs. Its sleek, ultra-portable design makes it easy to slip into a backpack or even a large purse. Plus, it boasts wireless Bluetooth connectivity, freeing you from the restraints of cables. While the microKEY Air 37 has a limited set of built-in sounds, it shines in its seamless integration with music production software like GarageBand or Ableton Live, allowing you to access a vast library of virtual instruments for endless sonic possibilities. 

2. Alesis V Mini: Budget-Friendly Powerhouse for Aspiring Songwriters 

Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) Battery Life: Up to 4 hours (on USB power bank) Sounds: Built-in sounds + drum machine 

The Alesis V Mini is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious songwriters. Despite its affordable price tag, it packs a punch with a generous selection of high-quality built-in sounds, including pianos, organs, strings, and even a basic drum machine. This versatile keyboard allows you to quickly sketch out melodies, chords, and rhythms, making it perfect for capturing those initial songwriting sparks. While the battery life isn't the longest, you can easily extend it with a portable USB power bank, keeping the creative flow going. 

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