The keyboard is portable and slick. It matches Mac book design colors and size. However, the keys sensitivity varies. I actually tried this keyboard and also Air (the bluetooth version). Both have the same issues. Some keys are less sensitive to the point that if you press it gently all the way down and it will not produce any sound at all. I guess it is ok for writing your music ideas in your DAW. I contacted tech support asking for help with sensitivity issue but have got no reply yet.

06/23/17 Edit: I ended up getting an Xkey 37 and it is amazing. I've used and traveled with it for a few days now and have had no issues whatsoever. These keyboards are amazing; just make sure you test yours thoroughly.
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I was looking for a portable keyboard that could be used in both the studio and on the road. At $100, I initially felt there was no way this 25-key keyboard could be worth it, but after seeing some stellar reviews and recommendations I took the plunge. I gotta say that I absolutely see what the hype is about now. The build quality is really nothing short of phenomenal, and not only did I have zero buyer's remorse, but I am even considering replacing the big full-sized 49-key midi keyboard I use in my bedroom studio with the 37-key version they sell for the extra space I'd get on my desk. It's that good.

So, why two stars? Well, one of my F keys started malfunctioning after no more than a couple days of use. No drops, no close-calls; it just decided to stop working normally. Basically the problem is that the slightest touch or graze will trigger it, and I can't play on the keyboard now without putting serious effort into avoiding it until necessary. Check out the video and take note of how the E key only triggers when pressed while the F key triggers with any slight touch.

It's a serious shame that I have to return this keyboard. I am considering getting a replacement to see if I have better luck with another unit, but I also might just go all out and grab the 37-key. Either way, I only feel this merits two stars at the moment. The actual product is incredible, but malfunctioning after six hours of serious use is really unacceptable. Believe the hype, but test your unit thoroughly once you receive it.

This is a 5-star-designed device if there ever was one. It's excellent, beautiful, and works well. Unfortunately, mine was left unused for a considerable time period (about a year) beginning shortly after I purchased it due to me being in the hospital, and when I pulled it out again the keys have become somewhat sticky and have a very long return time. This has affected my ability to use the keyboard and customer service has not responded to my email, which is understandable considering it's out of warranty, but I was hoping for some kind of response.

This is the best small keyboard!!!

This thing is amazing. Was looking for a small MIDI keyboard to place in front of the monitor, as well as to throw in a laptop bag for travel. This is the only compact keyboard that I could find with FULL SIZE KEYS that fits in both places.

I noted a few comments about click noise from the keys. It's not any louder than the clack or clunk from any plastic synth keyboard, and I have several synth action keyboards to compare this with. No bother at all.

If you download the Xkey Plus app, you can configure the key velocity response to your liking. It is very easy to play and responds well. I don't have any issue with the minimum key travel depth.

Maybe not for your main keyboard, but for actually playing a virtual instrument on your computer, you need one of these. I think it's a bit more fun to play than a real keyboard. The fast action makes it easy to glide across the keys in a way that would be difficult with real keys. For more on keyboard instrument evolution, visit the Roli website and take a look at the Roli Seaboard. Continuous touch and fingertip expression. Very cool, but they don't come cheap.

The Xkey 25 is less than $100, the frame is made from aluminum, not cheap plastic. It's well designed and feels solid.

If you just want to trigger drum beats or loops, maybe one of the mini-key controllers with trigger pads and mixer knobs would suit you better. I tried one of those, but returned it and got this instead. Couldn't stand the small size of the mini-keys. Overall very satisfied with the CME Xkey 25 and highly recommend it!!!

There are compact MIDI trigger and mixer controllers without keys that would pair up nicely with this if you need the additional functions for Ableton Live or something like that.

Oh yeah, about that orange USB cable. It's loud. But on the positive side, it helps you find it fast in the back of your computer or gear rack. And it's also long ... very, very, long.

Barely wider than a standard iPad, this is a perfect portable 2-octave controller that still manages to incorporate pitch bend and mod functions as well as sustain and octave up/down for the full range of notes. The nearly-flush key profiles are a slight adjustment over other key beds, but pressure sensitivity and aftertouch more than make up for that. Plus the keys are full-size, not mini.

It is MIDI over USB only, but no separate powered hub is required for use with iOS devices.

One caveat for those purchasing the blue model: the product image is misleading. The housing is not the solid blue shown, but rather a much lighter blue with a shimmery sheen to it. For me, that was a little disappointing, but not a deal breaker. This is a great controller for sketching out ideas or just perusing the sound banks of your synth apps.