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Gear: Lightweight, tough keyboard hits all the right notes

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Apps with virtual pianos for composing music on mobile devices just don’t feel the same as the real thing.

The folks at Keith McMillen Instruments have created an ultra-portable 13-inch USB MIDI keyboard compatible with all USB tablets and laptops. (An Apple USB Connection Kit is required for iPads and other iOS devices and is not included.)

The plug-and-play 13-by-3.3-by-.43-inch K-Board has an LED-backlighted keyboard and touch-sensitive sensors embedded in the fabric under each of the 25 playable keys.

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You can shift octaves with the touch of a button. The K-Board can be used in collaboration with popular music-making apps and software, such as Apple Garage Band, Ableton Live, Animoog and NI Komplete, and is built tough for rough rides in a backpack or other rugged treatment.

The K-Board, which weighs less than a pound, draws its power from the device to which it is connected.

Info: The KMI 13-inch USB MIDI K-Board Keyboard costs $99.

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