Korg · Updated June 2026
nanoKEY2: price, specs & release date
nanoKEY2, released 2011. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: korg.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for 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).
- Skip if The original nanoKey's CC Mode was removed, so functionality was lost from the first series rather than the feature-set being expanded is a dealbreaker.
Is the nanoKEY2 a good buy?
At $100, the nanoKEY2 is the cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149. On the spec sheet, its keys of 25 is the lowest of the 12, its drum pads of 0 is the lowest of the 12, and its knobs of 0 is the lowest of the 12. By release date, it is the oldest of the 12 we date.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 1 outlet has it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 1 review · 2011-06-01
Tested by MusicRadar
Consistently 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
- Fulfils its intended role well: making music on the move or saving desk space
Commonly 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
Where reviewers disagree Only one source survived verification, so no cross-source disagreement can be assessed. The disagreement is internal to that single review: MusicRadar praises the much-improved key feel and now-consistent velocity response while simultaneously flagging that Korg deleted the CC Mode instead of expanding the existing feature-set, and that the action remains awkward. No claim is made here about coverage by any other outlet, as none was checked.
The sources (1)
One big problem with the original nanoKey was that the velocity response varied wildly if you didn't hit each key dead-centre, but there's none of that with the new version, and it's a lot more playable for it.
The controls are much the same as before, but note that the old nanoKey's CC Mode - which let you use keys to send CCs - has been ditched.
As before, the action is really light, and it takes a little getting used to if you're accustomed to playing on a traditional keyboard.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $99.99 Current retail price (Korg US shop) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Korg |
| Released | 2011 |
| Keys | 25 |
| Key type | synth |
| Drum pads | 0 |
| Knobs | 0 |
| Faders | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Connection | usb |
| Bundled software | Korg Kontrol Editor |
Source: korg.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by korgusshop.com. Verified: $99.99 current Korg US shop price (list $139.99). 25 low-profile velocity-sensitive keys, mini-USB, no MIDI DIN, no pads, no knobs, no faders, no aftertouch. 2011 release. All draft values confirmed.
Is the nanoKEY2 worth it vs cheaper MIDI keyboards?
nanoKEY2 against its closest cheaper and pricier MIDI keyboards on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
| Product | Price | Keys | Key type | Drum pads | Knobs | Faders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nanoKEY2 this | $99.99 | 25 | synth | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MPK Mini MK3 | $119 | 25 | synth | 8 | 8 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. 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; Fulfils its intended role well: making music on the move or saving desk space. 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. (From 1 tester review.)
How much does the nanoKEY2 cost?
The nanoKEY2 has a US price of $99.99 (Current retail price (Korg US shop)), as of 2026-06-19.
How does the nanoKEY2 compare on price?
At $100, the nanoKEY2 is the cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149.
When was the nanoKEY2 released?
The nanoKEY2 was released 2011.
What are the nanoKEY2's key specs?
nanoKEY2 (Korg): keys 25, key type synth, drum pads 0, knobs 0, faders 0. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.
Price of record: $99.99 at korg.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See nanoKEY2 on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar MIDI keyboards
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Compare with
Head-to-head
Step up
- MPK Mini MK3 $119
- Komplete Kontrol M32 $129
- Impact GX61 $129.99
- MiniLab 3 $149
- V49 MKII $149.99
- A-49 $175
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