Gearank Recommended
The Nektar SE25 was on our recommended list for 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards from May 2020 until July 2022.
But it remains one of our recommendations in The Best Cheap MIDI Keyboards Under $100.
Website | Source | *Rating Value |
YouTube | John Mike | 90/100 |
Overview
The Nektar SE25 is a minimalist MIDI Keyboard controller, with a width of 13.18″, nearly as wide as laptops.
This size makes it compatible with conventional laptop bags and backpacks, making it a good portable solution for musicians on the go.
Since it doesn’t have extra knobs and buttons, Nektar is able to focus on the keys, resulting in playing feel that is as good as more expensive controllers. You can choose from 3 velocity curves that fit to your playing style.
At 0.88lbs, its also one of the lightest controllers we recommend.
The downside to its minimalist design is the lack of extra controls for parameter tweaking.
If you are looking for a simple, key-focused MIDI controller with a pedigree, then this is the best budget MIDI keyboard for you.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Compact and portable
- 3 Velocity sensitivity options
- Fast and responsive synth action keys
Cons
- No extra controls
Specifications
- Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Synth Mini-keys with 3 velocity curves
- Pads: none
- Buttons & Knobs: PB1, PB2 (assignable to Pitchbend, Pan, Transpose), S Buttons (sustain, modulation)
- Octaves: +/- 4
- Bundled Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- Connectivity: USB
- Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or Later, Windows 7 or later
- Dimensions: 13.18″ x 0.82″ x 3.93″
- Weight 0.88 lbs.