Who is this for?

Composing at home with headphones

You want to listen to ambient chords through a software instrument without using speakers. To do this, you’ll need a working headphone setup.

Playing chords with both hands

You want to play chords with extra notes, so you’re looking at the number of keys and their size.

Making music at a small desk

You want to be able to put your controller away after use, or keep the amount of desk space it takes up to a minimum. Smaller keys may be a trade-off.

What should you look for?

Your choice comes down to audio output, room to play, available desk space and compatibility with your DAW.

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Listening without speakers Check where to plug in your headphones and select the right audio output in your software. Headphones won’t make the physical sound of the keys inaudible, so bear in mind any agreements about noise at home, too. If I’m playing while my flatmates are home, I want to hear the software audio through headphones and set up the audio output properly beforehand. Around 33% of consumers put silent audio output first.
Keys and chord functions Compare the number and size of the keys. Check the manual to find out what the chord mode on the specific model does: playing a chord with one key is not the same as playing all the notes yourself with both hands. If I want to play chords and extra notes with both hands, I need enough room to play and a suitable key size. Around 27% of consumers are mainly looking for room to play and chord functions.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including space for cables. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm and the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as measuring 790 × 240 × 70 mm. If my desk is shared or small, I want to know in advance how much space the controller will take up and whether it’s easy to put away. Around 20% of consumers choose mainly based on desk space.
Software and controls Check that your DAW supports input from the controller and find out which controls or included software will work with your setup. Pre-assigned functions vary by model. If I want to keep using my existing DAW, I need to know whether the keys and controls will fit my workflow. Around 20% of consumers put software control at the top of their list.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a complete headphone setup

    The controller sends MIDI information to a software instrument; you set up the audio output separately. If the output isn’t set up correctly, you may not hear the instrument through the headphones you want to use.

    Before buying, work out which computer and software you’ll use, where you’ll plug in your headphones and how to set up the audio output.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A compact keyboard may have fewer or smaller keys, while a larger model takes up more desk space. The number of keys alone won’t tell you whether a model suits your hands, playing style and workspace.

    Measure your available space and decide whether easy storage or room to play with both hands matters more. Compare the key size, too.

  • Assuming every chord mode works in the same way

    Manufacturers offer different chord functions and settings. Playing a chord with one key is also different from playing all the notes yourself.

    Check the manual for the exact model and make sure the function suits the chord progressions you want to play.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 is an option for playing chords with both hands, with controls for supported DAWs.

  • Novation says this model has 49 semi-weighted keys, several chord modes, eight encoders and nine faders.
  • Check that the stated DAW integration works with your software and setup.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact option, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers more keys and controls.

  • Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as having 25 compact keys and a chord mode; according to the manufacturer, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 keys and a chord mode.
  • Check which included software and controls will suit your DAW. Stated integration doesn’t mean every plug-in you want will be assigned straight away.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus combines 37 mini keys with chord controls.

  • Akai lists chord and scale modes, as well as a sequencer, for this model.
  • If you want larger keys or plenty of room to play, bear the mini keys in mind when making your choice.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is an option if you want to combine 49 keys with chord functions and DAW controls.

  • M-Audio describes Smart Chord as a feature that lets you play a chord with one key or pad.
  • The manufacturer also describes automatic mapping. Check your chosen DAW setup and how it works with your software.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sound come from the MIDI controller itself?

With the keyboard controllers discussed here, you load a software instrument on a MIDI track and select your computer’s or audio interface’s audio output separately. Plug your headphones into the output you’re actually using. Ableton also explains how to set up MIDI input for a software instrument.

Do I need to buy an audio interface as well?

Not necessarily. First, check whether your computer has a suitable headphone socket and whether your software’s audio settings work. Ableton says an audio interface can provide extra connection options; whether you need one depends on your setup.

How do I set up a controller for a software instrument?

Enable the required MIDI input in your DAW and select the controller as the input on a track with a software instrument. For Live, Ableton recommends setting the MIDI input on the MIDI track to all inputs or to the controller’s port. If you can’t hear anything, also check the track’s monitoring setting.

What are my rights if a controller I bought online develops a fault too soon?

If a product develops a fault earlier than you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must provide an appropriate solution free of charge, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. The Dutch Government says that online purchases from a business also often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions. This cooling-off period is separate from the remedy for a faulty product.