Start by choosing a MIDI controller that suits your playing space and the range of keys you need. Bear in mind, though, that the controller itself doesn’t produce any audible sound. Akai Professional describes the MPK Mini Plus as a controller that sends MIDI messages to computer software. For quiet listening, you’ll need to set up your sound source and audio output, such as a headphone output, correctly. A compact model may suit a small desk, while a keyboard with more keys puts a wider range of notes within easy reach. Also check that it works with your DAW.
You want to listen to ambient chords quietly and find out which software produces the sound and where to connect your headphones. Ableton explains how to connect headphones to the designated output on an audio interface, while Akai Professional explains that a MIDI controller can send performance data to software.
You want to play several notes or spread chord voicings directly on the keyboard, and are weighing up the number and size of the keys against the space available. The Akai Professional, Arturia and Novation models we looked at range from compact models with mini keys to keyboards with 49 keys.
You want to control software instruments or effects while you play. Check that the controls work with the features and DAW you use; Ableton explains how to set up a MIDI controller as an input for software.
A MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound by itself. Akai Professional explains how the MPK Mini Plus sends MIDI messages to computer software, while Ableton explains how to set up a controller as an input and configure an audio output.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet listening | Check that your software or external sound source works, and where you can connect your headphones. | I want to listen to ambient chords quietly and know in advance where I can connect my headphones; around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet listening. |
| Key range | Compare the number and size of the keys with the chord voicings you play. Akai Professional lists models with 25 or 37 mini keys, while Novation and Arturia describe the models we looked at as having 49 keys. | If I play chords with spread-out voicings, I want enough keys within easy reach; around 29% of consumers give chord range top priority. |
| Sound control | Check whether your DAW supports the controls you want and whether they’re mapped correctly. | I want to adjust instruments or effects as I play without constantly reaching for other controls; around 21% of consumers prioritise sound control. |
| Desk space | Measure the space available and compare it with the model’s dimensions. Also check that mini keys suit the way you play. | If I have limited desk space, I want to know how much room the keyboard will take up and how much key range I’ll be giving up; around 14% of consumers prioritise ease of placement. |
A controller can send performance data to software, but it won’t produce audible ambient sounds by itself. Without a working sound source and audio output, the keyboard alone won’t meet your need for quiet listening.
Before buying, decide which device or software will produce the sound and where you’ll connect your headphones.
The size of the keys and the space available on your desk matter too. A compact keyboard may put fewer keys within easy reach than a model with 49 keys.
Compare the key size and dimensions of the unit with your playing space and the chord voicings you want to play.
How the controls work depends on the support and configuration in the DAW you use.
Check DAW compatibility and, if necessary, set aside time to map the MIDI controls.
Setting up MIDI mappings can take extra time before the controls work the way you want them to.
The features listed apply to the specific models we looked at. Before choosing, always check that the connections and software controls suit your setup.
The Launchkey 49 MK4 we looked at combines 49 keys with physical controls for music software.
The MiniLab 3 we looked at is a compact model, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 keys.
The MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini Plus we looked at are compact models with 25 and 37 mini keys respectively.
The Oxygen Pro 49 we looked at combines a keyboard with controls for music production software.
Don’t assume you can: the controllers we looked at send performance data to software or compatible equipment. Connect your headphones to the audio output you’ve chosen, such as the one on a suitable audio interface.
Check that the MIDI controller is available as an input, that the MIDI track contains a software instrument and that the audio output is configured correctly. For a MIDI track, Ableton recommends selecting all inputs or the controller’s port as the MIDI input.
Not just because you want to play quietly: first check which audio output and headphone connection your current setup has. An audio interface is an alternative if you need a different audio output.
When you buy as a consumer, you’re entitled to a product that’s of satisfactory quality, and the retailer is your point of contact for a solution. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; a manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights.
According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases when you buy from a business at a distance. Check the relevant terms and exceptions. The Dutch government says that purchases from a private seller aren’t covered by the same rules for distance purchases from a business.
