Roland GO:KEYS 5 review innovative portable keyboard with Bluetooth and built-in speakers

Description

Unboxing the Roland GO:KEYS 5 Music Creation Keyboard

As someone who loves experimenting with music but doesn’t consider myself a professional, the Roland GO:KEYS 5 caught my attention immediately. This 61-note modern keyboard is designed to make music creation accessible, even for beginners. Straight out of the box, I noticed how lightweight and compact it was, weighing just 10.78 pounds. It fits perfectly on a desk or small table, making it ideal for those of us with limited space. The graphite finish gives it a sleek, modern aesthetic that blends nicely with most room setups.

The inclusion of built-in stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack means you don’t need extra gear to get started. Whether you’re jamming out loud or working late at night with headphones, the options are there. And let me tell you, the Bluetooth audio/MIDI support is a game-changer for connecting to devices like phones or tablets.

Ease of Use and Features for Beginners

I’ll admit, I’m not a classically trained musician, but this keyboard made it feel like I didn’t need to be. The ZEN-Core engine offers over 1,000 Roland sounds, ranging from piano to synths, and they’re all incredibly rich and layered. The expressive touch-sensitive keys respond beautifully to dynamic playing, making even simple melodies sound more professional.

Exploring the auto-accompaniment feature was a lot of fun. With over 200 onboard music styles and a chord sequencer, it felt like having a virtual band at my fingertips. The presets are versatile, covering everything from pop to jazz, and you can even edit them to suit your style.

One feature that stood out was the microphone input with onboard vocal effects. I tested it out by plugging in a basic mic and was surprised by how polished my voice sounded. It’s a great addition for singers or those who want to experiment with vocal loops.

Key Benefits

• Intuitive design that’s accessible for all skill levels
• Over 1,000 high-quality sounds powered by the ZEN-Core engine
• Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with modern devices
• Compact and lightweight build that’s easy to carry and store
• Built-in vocal effects for singers and creators

Shortcomings

Despite loving the overall experience, there are a few areas where the keyboard could improve:

• The built-in speakers, though powerful, lack some bass depth, which might be noticeable for certain genres.
• While the auto-accompaniment feature is extensive, the lack of a detailed manual made some advanced functions a bit tricky to figure out.
• The battery life could be better when using it wirelessly, so I found myself relying on the corded electric option more often than I expected.

Competing Products

In comparison to other products like the Yamaha PSS-F30 or the Casio CT-S1, the Roland GO:KEYS 5 holds its own in unique ways. The Bluetooth and USB audio/MIDI support sets it apart, as many competitors still rely solely on wired connections. However, the Yamaha model offers a slightly better portability advantage due to its even more compact size.

Casio’s CT-S1, on the other hand, delivers deeper bass in its built-in speakers, but it lacks the vocal effects and microphone input that the Roland keyboard features. Overall, for someone like me who wants versatility without sacrificing modern connectivity, this keyboard hits the sweet spot.

Smart Spending

For the price, this product offers exceptional value for its features. The combination of high-quality sound, versatility, and connectivity options makes it a worthy investment for both beginners and intermediate players. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the added features like vocal effects, Bluetooth, and auto-accompaniment make it worth considering over more basic models.

This keyboard bridges the gap between a beginner’s instrument and a professional tool. If you’re looking for a product that grows with your skills, this one is a solid choice. As long as you’re okay with a few minor trade-offs, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Additional information