Who is this choice relevant to?

Bassline writer working alongside colleagues

You want to enter bass notes and listen through headphones, without playing audio through the office speakers.

Maker at a shared desk

You regularly set up your controller and put it away afterwards, so its size and connections are important considerations.

Producer who wants keys and pads

You play in bass notes and also want to control rhythms, clips or DAW functions from the same controller.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide where the sound will come from and how you’ll listen privately. Then compare the number of keys you need, the desk space available and any extra controls.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Private listening Work out where the sound is produced and where to connect your headphones. Also test how much noise the controls make at your desk. If you use a software bass in the office, you’ll want to know which audio output to use. Around 27% of consumers give private listening top priority.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for the cable, and check the dimensions of the exact model. If you set up and put away a controller on a shared desk, available space could be the deciding factor. Around 27% of consumers put desk space first.
Keys and range Check the number and shape of the keys, their velocity sensitivity and the octave controls. If possible, try how they feel to play. If you mainly want to play bass notes on keys, it’s important that the layout suits the way you play. Around 26% of consumers give keys and bass range top priority.
Pads and DAW controls Check DAW compatibility and any setup required. Distinguish between performance pads and a grid for clips or notes. If you create basslines alongside rhythms, clips or software functions, extra controls can come in handy. Around 20% of consumers put these controls first.

Buying points not to overlook

  • Assuming a MIDI connection is an audio output

    MIDI sends control data, so a standard controller can’t make a bass sound audible on its own.

    Before you buy, map out the whole signal path: controller, sound source, audio output and headphones. Check where your DAW sends the sound.

  • Assuming headphones will silence the keys and pads

    Headphones let you listen to playback privately. They don’t guarantee that colleagues won’t hear the mechanical sound of the keys or pads.

    Try the controls if you can, and discuss using the controller with your colleagues at work.

  • Confusing the MPK mini MK3 with the MPK mini Play MK3

    Akai describes the MPK mini MK3 as a MIDI model that needs software to make sound. The MPK mini Play MK3, by contrast, has built-in sounds and a headphone socket.

    Check the full model name and decide whether you want to use software sounds or built-in sounds.

Relevant brands to consider

Nektar

The SE25 is a compact option for playing bass notes on a keyboard with 25 mini keys.

  • Nektar lists velocity-sensitive mini keys, octave controls and DAW integration for the SE25.
  • Nektar says the integration requires registration and file installation, so check that it works with your DAW.

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is an option if a slim keyboard design is important to you.

  • Korg specifies 25 velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • The low-profile keys feel different from traditional mini keys. The dimensions don’t tell you how much noise the controls make.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a keyboard with pads, controls and a separate MIDI output.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim keys, pads, encoders and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • The stated depth is 220 mm. Check that the software and connections are compatible with your computer and DAW.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini MK3 and MPK mini Play MK3 use different methods to make and listen to sound.

  • Akai describes the MPK mini Play MK3 as having built-in sounds and a headphone socket.
  • According to Akai, the standard MPK mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to computer software to make sound. Don’t confuse the two models.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 offers a larger mini keyboard with pads, while the Launchpad Mini has a pad grid without piano keys.

  • Novation specifies 37 mini keys and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4, and 64 pads for the Launchpad Mini.
  • Novation states that a Launchkey doesn’t produce sound from MIDI data on its own. Check the exact model and the software compatibility you need.

Joybuy products

This selection includes 61-key keyboards whose product names mention MIDI functionality. Check each model to see whether its keys, connections and features suit the way you work and the desk space you have available.

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black

Worth comparing if you’re looking for a larger keyboard with USB-MIDI.

  • 61 keys
  • Weighted keyboard
  • USB-MIDI
  • 300 sounds and 300 rhythms
  • Speakers and headphone socket
View at Joybuy
Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

Worth a look if you want to compare a 61-key keyboard with a MIDI controller.

  • 61 keys
  • MIDI controller
  • Speakers
  • Recording function
  • Metronome and music stand
View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Where do I plug in my headphones to listen to a software bass privately?

Connect them to the appropriate audio output on your computer or audio interface, then select that output in your music software. MIDI data doesn’t contain sound. The headphone socket Akai lists for the MPK mini Play MK3 is for that model’s built-in sounds.

What should I check if my controller is connected but I can’t hear any bass?

Check that MIDI input is active in your DAW, a software instrument is loaded and the correct audio output is selected. Arturia describes separate MIDI and audio settings for the MiniLab 3; MIDI control and sound output are separate steps.

What should I agree with colleagues before using a controller in a shared office?

Discuss how you’ll use and listen to the controller with the people at your workplace, and, if possible, test how audible the keys and pads are. Arboportaal highlights disruptive noise as something to consider at work; headphones don’t automatically prevent mechanical noise from the controls.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For a qualifying distance purchase from a business, you’ll generally have 14 days to change your mind; terms and exceptions may apply. The Dutch government also distinguishes between the cooling-off period and the right to a product that meets the required standards. According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, the seller must resolve the problem.