Korg
nanoKEY2
$99.99Cheaper
Released 2011
Best MIDI Keyboards · head-to-head
nanoKEY2 vs A-49
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. nanoKEY2 is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Roland
A-49
$175
Released 2012-10
Which is better: the nanoKEY2 or A-49?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The nanoKEY2 is the cheaper at $99.99.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | nanoKEY2 | A-49 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $99.99 | $175 Current street price per Thomann |
| 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 |
| Release | 2011 | 2012 |
Sources — nanoKEY2: korg.com (verified 2026-06-19). A-49: roland.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the nanoKEY2 and A-49?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: Velocity response is far more consistent than the original nanoKey, and keys no longer stick against the edge of the casing; Improved design and build with notably better key feel, at a highly affordable price (listed at £48 / $65); Class-compliant USB-powered operation across the nanoSeries 2 — no drivers or external power supply needed.
Flagged: The original nanoKey's CC Mode was removed, so functionality was lost from the first series rather than the feature-set being expanded; Very light, non-traditional key action still feels a little awkward and takes getting used to; Deeper settings such as velocity curve and pitch/mod button timing still require the separate Kontrol Editor software.
A-49
No sourced tester review yet.