IK iRig Keys 2 – 37 Mini-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller for iPhone, iPad, Android & Mac/PC

The iRig Keys 2 is a compact 37-key USB/MIDI keyboard controller with velocity-sensitive mini-keys, made for producers, songwriters, students and travelling musicians who want three full octaves in a keyboard light enough to carry every day. It connects to iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC and most Android devices, and also controls hardware synths through its MIDI ports.

Three Octaves of Mini-Keys

Many portable controllers have only 25 keys. The iRig Keys 2 gives you 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys, so you can play a bass line with your left hand and chords or a melody with your right without constantly shifting octaves. Pitch bend and modulation wheels sit on the left, and octave up/down buttons extend the range when you need it. At 518 x 139mm and 0.87kg it slides into a backpack or laptop bag.

Connect to Phone, Tablet, Computer or Synth

The keyboard uses a micro-USB socket, so one connector covers every device with the right cable. Lightning and USB-A cables come in the box for iPhone/iPad and computers. IK lists it as compatible with most Android devices; Android and USB-C devices need a micro-USB to OTG or micro-USB to USB-C cable.

The 2.5mm MIDI in and out jacks (with a MIDI adapter included) let it control stand-alone gear such as analogue synths and drum machines, and it can run in stand-alone mode for outboard rigs.

Built-in Headphone Output

Newer iPhones and iPads have no headphone jack, which makes mobile practice awkward. The iRig Keys 2 has its own 1/8″ headphone output with a volume knob, so you can hear the app you are playing through headphones or send it to small speakers. Its D/A runs at 16 or 24-bit and up to 96kHz.

Hands-on Control

• 4 assignable knobs with a 5-8 button, giving 8 controllable parameters for filters, effects or mix levels
• Push data encoder for browsing presets and changing values
• Program up/down buttons for switching sounds
• SET button to save and recall custom setups
• 1/4″ pedal input that accepts a sustain or expression pedal

Power Anywhere

It is powered over USB from your computer or mobile device, a USB wall charger or a USB battery pack, and it draws very little current to help your battery last longer. That makes it practical for a phone-based rig on the couch, in a hotel room or in the classroom.

Software

The iRig Keys 2 series has shipped with IK’s SampleTank SE sound and groove workstation for Mac/PC (listed as SampleTank 4 SE, with more than 2,000 sounds), so you can start playing on a computer straight away. It also works with hundreds of music apps that accept MIDI input.

Who Is It For?

• Producers and beatmakers who want a small controller on the desk or on the road
• Songwriters sketching ideas on iPhone or iPad
• Students and beginners learning chords over three octaves
• Synth owners who need a compact MIDI keyboard for a hardware rig

If you are learning piano technique or want a keyboard that feels like a real piano, mini-keys are not ideal. Choose full-size keys instead.

iRig Keys 2 vs iRig Keys 2 Pro and iRig Keys 2 Mini

All three share the headphone output, MIDI I/O and the same controls. The iRig Keys 2 Pro has 37 full-size keys in a larger 605 x 212mm, 1.87kg body. The iRig Keys 2 Mini drops to 25 mini-keys and loses the pitch and mod wheels and the pedal input. The iRig Keys 2 is the middle ground: full three-octave range with wheels and pedal input, at about half the weight of the Pro. For a built-in audio interface, look at the iRig Keys I/O. Compare more options in our MIDI keyboards range, or browse MIDI controllers.

Key Features

• 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys
• Pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Octave and program up/down buttons
• 4 assignable knobs (8 parameters) and push data encoder
• 1/8″ headphone output with volume knob
• 2.5mm MIDI in/out with MIDI adapter included
• 1/4″ sustain/expression pedal input
• Stand-alone mode and SET button for custom setups
• USB bus powered, works with USB chargers and power banks
• 518 x 139mm, 0.87kg

FAQ

Does the iRig Keys 2 work with iPhone without an adapter?

Yes. A Lightning to micro-USB cable is included. For USB-C iPhones and iPads, use a micro-USB to USB-C cable.

Does it make sound on its own?

No. It is a MIDI controller, so it plays the sounds of an app, software instrument or connected synth. The headphone output lets you hear the connected device’s audio.

Can I use it with Android?

It is compatible with most Android devices that support USB MIDI, using a micro-USB to OTG or USB-C cable (available separately).

Can I connect a sustain pedal?

Yes. The 1/4″ pedal input accepts a normally open sustain pedal or an expression pedal.

Can it control a hardware synth without a computer?

Yes. Use the MIDI out with the included adapter and power the keyboard from a USB charger or power bank.

Are the keys full size?

No, they are mini-keys. For full-size keys in the same layout, choose the iRig Keys 2 Pro.