Which type is right for you?

Beginner practising independently

You want to learn a blues progression with both hands, without a computer, and hear what you’re playing straight away. Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as a keyboard with practice features.

Blues player with a DAW

You want to record, repeat and edit parts using software instruments in your home studio. A MIDI controller is particularly suitable if your computer and software provide the sounds.

Player who wants to improvise

You want a chord progression to keep playing while you try out melodies. Check how the accompaniment is controlled; Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as letting you create your own chord progressions.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Practising without a computer Check whether the model has built-in sounds and speakers, velocity-sensitive keys and enough keys for the way you play. Yamaha lists 61 velocity-sensitive keys for the PSR-E383. If I want to hear chords and melodies straight away without first connecting software, independent practice comes first. Around 36% of consumers say this is their top priority.
Recording and editing Decide whether you want to record MIDI, audio or both, and check the connections on the exact model. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; Korg lists USB-MIDI for the EK-50. If I want to record and edit parts in my DAW, compatibility with my software matters. Around 29% of consumers prioritise recording on a computer.
Accompaniment for improvising Check whether the accompaniment responds to the chords you play or lets you set a chord progression. Korg describes chord-controlled Styles for the EK-50; Roland describes custom chord progressions for the GO:KEYS 3. If I want a blues pattern to repeat while I play melodies over it, I pay particular attention to how I control the accompaniment. Around 21% of consumers give this top priority.
Space and key range Compare the dimensions and number of keys with the way you play. The Arturia MiniLab 3 has 25 keys; the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 keys. If I have limited desk space, a compact keyboard may suit me, as long as its playable range is enough for my parts. Around 14% of consumers prioritise having a small workspace.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming USB-MIDI means USB audio

    MIDI sends performance data; it doesn’t automatically mean that the keyboard’s sound is recorded through the same USB connection. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383, while Korg lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs for the EK-50.

    Decide which signal you want to record and check the connections on the exact model.

  • Buying a controller as if it produces sound on its own

    The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a MIDI controller. Novation describes the sound software supplied with the Launchkey as software that runs on a computer.

    For independent practice, choose a keyboard with built-in sounds. Choose a controller if you want to use a connected computer or another sound source.

  • Looking only at the number of accompaniment options

    A wide choice of accompaniments doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether you can practise chord changes the way you want. Korg describes chord-controlled Styles for the EK-50; Roland describes custom chord progressions for the GO:KEYS 3.

    Check how you control the accompaniment and choose a way of working that suits practising your blues progression.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a standalone beginner’s keyboard for practice, with USB audio/MIDI functionality as described by Yamaha.

  • Yamaha lists 61 velocity-sensitive keys, 260 accompaniment Styles and built-in practice songs for the PSR-E383.
  • These features apply to the PSR-E383; check that they suit the way you want to practise.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a portable, standalone Casiotone keyboard.

  • Casio lists touch response, speakers and a USB-to-host micro-B port.
  • Check which cable you need and what connection your recording setup requires.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is designed for playing with sounds and accompaniment, and for creating your own chord progressions.

  • Roland lists 61 keys and automatic accompaniment for this model.
  • According to Roland support, the GO:KEYS 3 receives MIDI on channel 4 and is not a multitimbral sound generator.

Korg

The EK-50 is a standalone accompaniment keyboard for playing chords and improvising.

  • Korg lists 61 velocity-sensitive keys, automatic Styles, speakers, separate audio outputs and USB-MIDI.
  • Its extensive range of accompaniment options may offer more features than you need for a simple blues progression.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact MIDI controller for a home studio with a computer or another connected sound source.

  • Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys, USB-C and included software.
  • The limited number of keys reduces the range you can play at once; also check that the software is compatible with your computer.

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 is a MIDI controller with 49 keys and controls for software.

  • According to Novation, this model offers a wider playable range at once than a 25-key controller.
  • The sound software runs on your computer; the controller itself doesn’t produce sound independently.

Products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get started with a blues progression on a keyboard?

First, practise the chord changes in your chosen blues form slowly, then play a melody over the repeating progression. Berklee uses the 12-bar blues as a teaching format. If you have automatic accompaniment, check how you control the chord changes yourself.

How do you connect a keyboard or controller to your home studio?

First decide whether you want to capture MIDI notes, record the keyboard’s own sound or do both. Yamaha lists USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383; Korg lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs for the EK-50. Also check the ports, cable and software for the exact version.

What should you set up after buying a Launchkey 49 MK4?

Follow Novation’s setup instructions and check the firmware when you first connect it. Novation recommends updating the firmware for the Launchkey 49 MK4, as some features may not work otherwise.

What return and warranty rights apply to a consumer purchase in the Netherlands?

For an online purchase from a professional seller, you generally have 14 days to cancel from the date you receive the item, subject to possible exceptions and conditions. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; contact the seller if a product doesn’t meet expectations. Check the terms and any return costs before buying.

What should you look for in a keyboard’s CE marking?

CE marking is required for products covered by harmonised EU rules that require it. According to the European Union, the manufacturer uses it to declare that the product complies with the applicable rules; it isn’t a general quality certification from a central EU body. Check the information for the exact version and any power adapter.