# nanoKEY2 vs A-49: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the nanoKEY2 (Korg) and A-49 (Roland) among midi keyboards. nanoKEY2 is the cheaper of the two at $99.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | nanoKEY2 | A-49 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $99.99 | $175 |
| Brand | Korg | Roland |
| Released | 2011 | 2012-10 |
| Keys | 25 | 49 |
| Key type | synth | synth |
| Drum pads | 0 | 0 |
| Knobs | 0 | 2 |
| Faders | 0 | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No | No |
| Connection | usb | usb_midi_din |
| Bundled software | Korg Kontrol Editor | Ableton Live Lite |

## Key differences

- Keys: nanoKEY2 25 vs A-49 49
- Knobs: nanoKEY2 0 vs A-49 2
- Connection: nanoKEY2 usb vs A-49 usb_midi_din
- Bundled software: nanoKEY2 Korg Kontrol Editor vs A-49 Ableton Live Lite

## What reviewers say

**nanoKEY2** — One verified review of this exact model survives: MusicRadar (by Computer Music), 1 June 2011. It rates the nanoKey2 a clear improvement on the original nanoKey — velocity response is now consistent regardless of where you strike the key, the keys no longer catch on the casing, and the overall feel is much better — while noting the action stays very light and a little awkward, and that the original's CC Mode was removed. The verdict is 'The new hardware looks and feels better, though some may be disappointed that certain features have been left behind.' All judgements are subjective; no measurements are published. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- nanoKEY2: https://www.korg.com/us/products/computergear/nanokey2/ (korg.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- A-49: https://www.roland.com/us/products/a-49/specifications/ (roland.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/korg-nanokey2-vs-roland-a-49/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, nanoKEY2 ($99.99) vs A-49 ($175) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/midi-keyboards/korg-nanokey2-vs-roland-a-49/
License: CC BY 4.0.