How to Choose a MIDI Keyboard for XR Piano | 3 Things to Consider — Key Count, Ports, and Portability
Tomo
XR Piano
How to Choose a Portable Keyboard for XR Piano | Comparing Foldable Pianos and MIDI Keyboards
Tomo
“I want to practice XR piano more freely by carrying a keyboard around with me.”
In this article, we’ll explain the types of portable keyboards well suited to XR piano practice, how to choose between them, and real-world scenarios for using them.
Contents
How Well Portable Keyboards Pair with XR Piano
Sigure is used by connecting the Meta Quest 3 / 3s to a MIDI-compatible digital piano with a USB cable.
While practicing on a large digital piano at home is the standard setup, combining this with a compact, portable keyboard greatly expands the range of places you can practice.
Types of Portable Keyboards Compared
| Item | Foldable Piano | MIDI Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Key feel | Close to a digital piano | Lighter touch |
| Portability | Compact when folded | Some models fit in a backpack |
| Connection to Sigure | Possible with MIDI-compatible models | Possible with MIDI-compatible models |
| Recommended key count | 61 or more keys recommended | 61 or more keys recommended |
| Best suited for | Those who prioritize key feel | Those who want maximum lightness |
KEY POINT
Either type can be connected to Sigure as long as it supports MIDI output. If key feel matters most, a foldable piano is the better fit; if portability comes first, a MIDI keyboard is better suited.
The Cable You’ll Need to Connect
To connect a portable keyboard to the Meta Quest 3 / 3s, you’ll need a MIDI cable that matches the keyboard’s port. The Meta Quest 3 / 3s side uses USB-C.
| Digital Piano Port | Meta Quest 3 / 3s Port | Common Models |
|---|---|---|
| USB Type-B | USB Type-C | Standard type used by Yamaha, Roland, etc. |
| USB Type-C | USB Type-C | Common on relatively newer models |
| USB Micro-B | USB Type-C | Some Casio models, among others |
| Round (5-pin DIN) | USB Type-C | Common on many Yamaha models |
Scenarios for Using a Portable Keyboard
SCENE 01
Your hometown or a friend’s house
By packing a foldable piano and a Meta Quest 3 into a case, you can recreate the exact same practice environment as home. Ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to interrupt their practice routine.
SCENE 02
A hotel during a business trip or vacation
Many MIDI keyboards are small enough to fit in a suitcase, letting you keep practicing even in a hotel room. You can maintain your practice habit even during a long trip.
SCENE 03
Space-saving practice in a small room
Even in a small studio apartment, a foldable piano or MIDI keyboard can be unfolded just when you need it. They can be stored compactly when not in use.
SCENE 04
Use at demo events
At Sigure’s hands-on demo events, we bring along a foldable piano and a Meta Quest 3. Even with compact equipment, we can still provide a fully satisfying experience.
Hands-On Advice from the Sigure Development Team
At Sigure’s hands-on demo events, we use a foldable piano made by TERENCE. Feel free to use it as a reference when shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. How many keys should I look for in a keyboard?
-
A. We recommend a model with 61 or more keys to cover the range of notes used in most songs you’ll practice. While 25- or 49-key models are highly portable, they limit the range of songs you can play.
Q
- Q. Should I buy a foldable piano or a MIDI keyboard?
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A. If key feel matters most, a foldable piano is the better choice. If you just want something as light and compact as possible, a MIDI keyboard is recommended. Either type can be connected to Sigure as long as it supports MIDI output.
Q
- Q. Is it fine to use a different keyboard at home versus when traveling?
-
A. That’s perfectly fine. As long as both support MIDI, they can both connect to Sigure.
Q
If you want to start XR piano in a setup that’s easy to carry around, check out the details on Sigure first.
A Message from the Sigure Development Team
At Sigure’s demo events too, we bring along a foldable piano and a Meta Quest 3.
We’ve found firsthand that even with compact equipment, we can provide an XR piano experience just as good as at home.
Pairing this with a portable keyboard greatly expands the possibilities for where you can practice.
ABOUT ME
子どもの頃に挫折したピアノを大人になってから再開したとき、最初にぶつかったのが「楽譜が読めない」という壁でした。
「もっと気軽に、楽しく練習できる方法はないか」と考え続けた結果、XRピアノゲーム『Sigure』を作ることになりました。
このブログでは、同じように大人からピアノを始めた方・再開した方に向けて、XR・ARを使った新しい練習スタイルを発信しています。難しい音楽理論よりも「まず1曲弾ける」を大切に。一緒に楽しみながら上達しましょう。
このブログでは、同じように大人からピアノを始めた方・再開した方に向けて、XR・ARを使った新しい練習スタイルを発信しています。難しい音楽理論よりも「まず1曲弾ける」を大切に。一緒に楽しみながら上達しましょう。
