Who is this choice relevant to?

Producer working beside a bright window

You make backing tracks at a dedicated workstation and want to be able to see the screen, pads and controls from your usual position. Check visibility for yourself in the light conditions at your workstation.

Player of chords and melodies

You prefer to play parts on keys and choose the keyboard range to suit both your needs and the way you want to control your music software.

Beat and clip creator

You make backing tracks mainly with drum patterns, steps or clips, and prefer pads or a grid to a full-size keyboard.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact keyboard with pads

Choose this if: you have limited desk space and mainly enter short parts into software. Akai lists 25 keys for the MPK Mini IV.

Trade-off: the limited keyboard range may mean switching octaves more often; screen feedback doesn’t prove that the controls will be easy to read beside your window.

Larger keyboard with DAW controls

Choose this if: you play parts with both hands and want to control your music software while arranging. The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 combines 49 keys with pads, encoders and faders.

Trade-off: this type of controller needs more desk space, and how its controls work also depends on your software and setup.

Pad grid for patterns and clips

Choose this if: you mainly build backing tracks with programmed patterns and clips. The Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 manual describes 64 pads and a sequencer.

Trade-off: a grid doesn’t offer the same traditional keyboard feel for playing chord parts; check that clip controls work with your software, too.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Readability in daylight Check the screen and pads from your usual seated position and in similar lighting. Manufacturers describe features, but don’t provide comparable measurements of readability in your particular setup. If I work beside a bright window, I want to see the controls from my usual spot; for around 25% of consumers, visibility is the top purchasing priority.
Music software controls Check compatibility with your DAW, the setup required and which features work straight away. If you want to control your DAW directly while arranging, focus on the features and settings for your software; around 25% of consumers prioritise software controls.
Keyboard range Compare the number of keys with the parts you play, and bear in mind how much desk space you have available. If I play chords and melodies on keys, I want to move my part as little as possible; around 19% of consumers prioritise keyboard range.
Pads and patterns Check which pattern features you need and whether they work with your software or other MIDI equipment. If you mainly programme beats, steps or clips, look for direct controls to suit the way you work; around 19% of consumers prioritise pads and pattern creation.
Space and connections Measure the available space and check the connections on the exact model. If my controller needs to fit alongside my computer and other equipment, I want to know in advance how much space and which connections it needs; around 12% of consumers prioritise desk space.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming a screen or RGB pads will be easy to read

    A product specification may list features such as a screen or illuminated controls, but that doesn’t tell you how easy they’ll be to read in the light from your window.

    Before making a decision based on visibility, check the controls from your usual working position and in similar lighting.

  • Choosing a grid when you mainly play parts on keys

    The Launchpad Pro MK3 is designed for pads and pattern features; a grid doesn’t offer the same traditional keyboard for chord and melody parts.

    Choose based on the action you perform most often, and don’t treat clip controls and keyboard feel as interchangeable features.

  • Assuming the software and controls will work together straight away

    Software bundles and DAW settings can vary depending on the model and the software you use.

    Before buying, check the exact bundle, system requirements, connection and installation instructions for your computer and DAW.

Relevant brands to consider

Novation

Novation offers both keyboard controllers for playing parts and controlling a DAW, and a separate grid option for patterns and clips.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 keys, 16 pads, encoders and faders.
  • The Launchpad Pro MK3 manual describes 64 pads and a sequencer, but no traditional keyboard. None of these features shows how easy the controls will be to read in the light from your window.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact combination of keys and pads, while the MPK Mini Plus adds more mini keys and an internal sequencer.

  • Akai specifies 25 keys for the Mini IV, and 37 mini keys, eight pads and two sequencer tracks for the Mini Plus.
  • Check that the smaller key size suits the parts you play. Screen feedback doesn’t prove that the display will remain easy to read in daylight.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact keyboard controller with pads, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a larger keyboard option.

  • Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 mm wide and the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as 790 mm wide.
  • Compare the dimensions with your workspace and check that the included software suits your computer and the way you work.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is designed for those who want to control transport and mixer functions in their DAW.

  • M-Audio describes assignable controls for features including transport, faders and channels.
  • M-Audio says you need to select the right DAW setup; the manufacturer’s description isn’t an independent comparison of ease of use or visibility.

Native Instruments

The Kontrol S49 is worth considering if playing and controlling compatible software instruments is a priority.

  • Native Instruments lists 49 semi-weighted keys with polyphonic aftertouch, NKS integration and a colour display for the S49.
  • Check that the instruments you use are supported and that you can read the display in your workspace. These features don’t necessarily apply to every controller from the brand.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce audible backing on its own?

Not necessarily; you’ll need a suitable sound source. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a USB MIDI keyboard that sends MIDI messages to computer software rather than producing sound itself. Check whether the exact model has built-in sounds.

What should I set up first if the keys or pads aren’t controlling the instruments I want?

Select the controller as a MIDI input in your music software, then check the assignments for the keys, pads and DAW functions. Akai says that keys and pads in the MPK Mini series can use different MIDI channels; follow the instructions for your exact model and software.

What are my rights when buying online or if a product is faulty in the Netherlands?

When you buy from a business online as a consumer, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, subject to exceptions, according to the Dutch government. You’re also covered by the statutory guarantee: if a product is faulty, contact the seller. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.

Is CE marking automatically required for every MIDI controller?

The requirements aren’t the same for every individual model. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency states that electrical and electronic products may be covered by different EU product rules, and that exceptions exist within product groups. Check which rules and markings apply to the specific product.