The ESI Xkey Air 25 represents the evolution of the popular ultra-portable keyboard design, now rebranded under ESI with significant improvements including a more durable USB-C connection. As of its June 2025 release, this updated version addresses one of the primary weaknesses of the original CME models while maintaining the slim profile that made the series famous. For iPad producers seeking a genuinely travel-friendly keyboard that doesn’t compromise on key size or expressive control, the Xkey Air 25 presents a compelling option.
Engineered for True Mobility
The Xkey Air 25 excels in its core mission of portable playability. Its defining feature is the combination of full-size keys with polyphonic aftertouch in a chassis just 16mm thin—a remarkable achievement that allows for nuanced, professional expression anywhere. The battery-powered design (10+ hours of wireless operation) and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity free you from cables entirely, making it effortless to pull from a backpack and pair instantly with an iPad for spontaneous creation. The robust, anodized aluminum body provides a premium, rigid feel despite its featherlight 610g weight. A welcome upgrade is the switch to a more durable USB-C port, replacing the fragile micro-USB connectors of the past. The Xkey Plus app allows customization of velocity curves and aftertouch thresholds to match personal style. It also comes bundled with Steinberg Cubasis LE.
Compromises in a Slim Format
The ultra-slim design necessitates significant trade-offs. The key travel is extremely short (approximately 2mm), creating a completely different playing feel that requires adjustment — it’s closer to typing on a laptop keyboard than playing a traditional piano. Some users report the connection ports can feel fragile despite the USB-C upgrade, and the keys themselves have been known to fall off if the keyboard is transported in a packed bag without proper protection. Bluetooth connectivity, while liberating, can sometimes experience dropped connections or noticeable lag depending on the device and environment. The keys produce audible mechanical noise during play, which may be distracting in quiet settings. Finally, the limited physical controls—just six pressure-sensitive buttons for pitch bend, modulation, sustain, and octave shifts — lack the knobs, faders, or wheels found on larger controllers, relying instead on the free Xkey Plus editor app for deeper configuration.
Key features include:
- 25 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch
- Ultra-slim design: 388 x 135 x 16 mm, weight: 610g
- Aluminum body with anodized finish for durability
- Bluetooth MIDI and USB-C connectivity (class-compliant with iPad)
- Built-in rechargeable battery with 10+ hours of wireless operation
- Pressure-sensitive Smart Buttons for Pitch Bend, Modulation, Sustain, and Octave
- Free Xkey Plus editor app for macOS, Windows, and iPadOS
- Includes Bitwig Studio 8-Track, Cubasis LE, and WaveLab LE software
- Optional Xcable adapter adds 5-pin DIN MIDI and pedal inputs (not included with Air 25)
Product price: $249 USD / €249 EUR (street prices may vary by retailer)
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