Original price: 239,-

Xkey37

Just like its little brother, the new “Xkey37” is only 16 mm thick, and weighing 880 g with a width of just under 56 cm, it remains an extremely portable USB controller keyboard. The ‘Xport’ on the Xkey37 represents a significant enhancement. When you connect the supplied breakout cable to it, you have access to three useful sockets: two appropriately labelled 6.3 mm jack sockets for connecting a standard sustain pedal and expression pedal respectively, as well as a standard five-pin MIDI output. Thanks to this, the Xkey37 can also easily control hardware sound modules and other external MIDI devices.

The all-metal brushed aluminium casing remains unchanged, as do the innovative keyboard keys, which can be triggered along their entire length – similar to a laptop’s space bar – allowing for entirely new playing techniques and, where required, ultra-fast repetition. The keyboard is velocity-sensitive and offers polyphonic aftertouch. On the left-hand side are seven buttons that allow you to transpose the keyboard up or down by an octave, as well as to generate pitch bend and modulation commands.

The new CME Xkey37 is recognised seamlessly by iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices without the need for driver installation. Users can update the firmware themselves to keep the keyboard up to date with future manufacturer updates and, where applicable, to add new features.

Features of the USB-C controller keyboard

• ultra-slim, elegant aluminium casing
• 37 keys with velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch
• 2 pitch bend buttons
• Modulation button
• 2 octave buttons (+/-)
• Sustain button
• Class Compliant – recognised immediately without the need to install drivers
• Dimensions: 553 x 135 x 16 mm
• Weight: 966 g
• Colour: Silver
• Includes USB-C cable and cable splitter for sustain pedal and MIDI

See review at amazona.de/test-cme-xkey-37/

Conclusion: With the XKey 37, manufacturer CME now has an enhanced version of its keyboard in its range. It offers one extra octave whilst retaining its extremely compact dimensions and excellent build quality. It also features a MIDI output and sockets for sustain and expression pedals. The keyboard (still) takes some getting used to, but is very playable after a bit of practice. Thanks to the accompanying app/software, detailed customisation is also possible. All in all, a very good update that moves the XKey keyboard further towards professional use. Only the price is set a little high and could put off some potential customers.

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