Who is this choice for?

Two-handed chord player

You want to play bass notes and wider chord voicings yourself. Look at the keyboard’s range, key size and the space it takes up on your desk.

Producer with a small desk

You want to record ambient chords without letting the controller take over your spare-room setup. Consider whether a more compact keyboard offers enough range for the chords you play.

Live sound designer

You want to adjust sound parameters while holding chords, so you’re comparing the onboard controls and how well the controller works with your software.

What should you look for when buying?

Compact 37-key keyboard

Choose this if: you want to keep desk space free and your chord shapes fit within three octaves.

Bear in mind: you’ll have less of the keyboard within easy reach than with a 49-key model. Novation and Akai describe different versions, so don’t assume they have the same key size or feel.

49 keys with sound controls

Choose this if: you want more room for chord voicings and to adjust parameters as you play.

Bear in mind: the space required. Novation lists dimensions of 730 × 264 mm for the Launchkey 49 MK4, while Arturia lists 790 × 240 mm for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. These are manufacturer measurements and don’t include any extra space needed for cables.

Basic 49-key keyboard

Choose this if: you mainly want to play chords yourself and don’t need many onboard controls.

Bear in mind: it has fewer built-in controls than the Launchkey and KeyLab models mentioned. According to M-Audio, the Keystation 49 MK3 has velocity-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal input.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Keyboard range Play your usual bass note and chord voicing at the same time. Compare the range and key size of the exact version you’re considering; 37- and 49-key models offer different ranges within easy reach. If I want to play bass notes and wider chord voicings with both hands, I need to know whether I can reach the notes without awkward octave shifts. Around 33% of consumers prioritise having enough keyboard range for the chords they play.
Desk space Measure the available space, including the room taken up by your computer and cables. Check the dimensions of the exact version; manufacturer measurements don’t include the space needed for cables. In a spare room with limited desk space, I need to know whether the controller will fit alongside my other equipment. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the space available on their desk.
Sound controls Check whether the encoders, knobs or faders suit the parameters you want to adjust as you play, and whether the DAW integration works with your software. Novation and Arturia describe these controls for specific models. If I want to combine sustained chords with sound adjustments, I need to be able to reach those parameters while playing. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sound controls.
Sound and setup Check which sound software, connection and audio output you’ll need. As Novation explains, MIDI data doesn’t produce sound by itself. To get started without confusion, I need to know where the sound comes from and how I can listen to it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise an easy setup with sound software and audio output.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that plays ambient sounds on its own

    MIDI doesn’t produce sound by itself. You’ll also need a sound source and a way to listen to it.

    Before you buy, check which software sounds you can use and how you’ll hear them through your audio setup.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    Keyboard range, key size, dimensions and controls vary by model. The keyboard also needs to fit the space available on your desk.

    Measure the available space and consider whether you want to play your bass notes and chord voicings at the same time.

  • Assuming a pedal input means the pedal is included

    A sustain pedal input doesn’t automatically mean a pedal is in the box. M-Audio says that the SP2 pedal mentioned is sold separately.

    If you want to play with a pedal, you may need to buy one separately. Check what’s in the box and the connection on the version you’re buying.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 versions reviewed combine chord features with DAW controls; the models in this comparison have 37 or 49 keys.

  • Novation says the Launchkey 49 MK4 has encoders, faders and chord modes.
  • Check whether you’ll use those controls and whether the manufacturer’s dimensions will fit your desk; they don’t tell you how comfortable the keyboard is to play.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 reviewed combines a 49-key keyboard with onboard controls and included software instruments.

  • Arturia lists a chord mode, knobs, faders and Analog Lab.
  • Whether the software suite and DAW scripts work with your computer and software depends on the programmes you use. Arturia lists a width of 790 mm.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus reviewed is a 37-key alternative with chord modes and a built-in sequencer.

  • Akai describes the chord features and sequencer for this model.
  • A sequencer isn’t a built-in source of ambient sounds. Try the keys and range to see whether they suit the chords you play.

M-Audio

The Keystation 49 MK3 reviewed is designed as a straightforward 49-key keyboard for virtual instruments.

  • M-Audio lists velocity-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal input.
  • The pedal mentioned by M-Audio is sold separately. Compare this model’s controls with those on the specific Launchkey and KeyLab versions.

Nektar

The Impact LX49+ and LX61+ reviewed offer 49 and 61 keys respectively, along with DAW controls.

  • Nektar lists integration with a range of specific DAWs.
  • Check whether your programme and version are supported; the available information doesn’t establish a performance advantage over other brands.

Joybuy products

This Joybuy pick is a 61-key keyboard with a MIDI controller, for anyone looking for a wider range of keys within easy reach.

61-key electronic keyboard piano with MIDI controller

61-Key Electronic Keyboard Piano with MIDI Controller – Black

With 61 keys, this keyboard gives you a wider range within easy reach for playing chords than a 37- or 49-key model. Check that the connection and software work with your DAW and audio setup.

The product name also lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I hear anything when I play the MIDI controller?

MIDI data doesn’t produce sound by itself. Select an instrument in your sound software and check that the audio output is set up correctly there.

How do I connect a Launchkey 49 MK4 for the first time?

According to Novation, this model is powered via USB. Novation recommends updating the firmware through Novation Components the first time you connect it; follow the manufacturer’s registration instructions for the included software.

Should I order a sustain pedal as well?

Only if you want to use a pedal while playing. According to M-Audio, the Keystation 49 MK3 has a 6.3 mm input, and the SP2 pedal mentioned is sold separately. Check the connection and box contents for your exact model.

What are my rights regarding returns and guarantees when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, many distance sales agreements come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. If a product is faulty, the retailer is responsible for the statutory guarantee; a manufacturer’s guarantee doesn’t replace those rights.

Is CE marking required for every MIDI controller?

That depends on the EU product rules that apply to the specific model. The European Commission says CE marking is only required when harmonised rules specify it for the product in question. For a specific purchase, check the relevant conformity information.