Who is this suitable for?

Quiet home recorder

Wants to monitor chord progressions through headphones rather than speakers. MIDI itself contains no sound: Novation describes MIDI as control data, while Ableton explains how to route software audio to headphones.

Two-handed chord player

Wants to play chord voicings across several octaves, so compares a larger keyboard with compact keys. Novation, Arturia, Nektar and M-Audio list different key counts and sizes for their models.

Chord creator in a DAW

Wants to use chord-assist features or controls while capturing ideas. Check that the features and software controls you choose are compatible with your DAW and its version.

What should you look for when buying?

When recording chords in a quiet home studio, your choice mainly depends on your audio setup, the playing space you need and how you use chord-assist features and DAW controls.

What to consider What to look for Who is this most important for?
Silent monitoring According to Novation, MIDI contains no sound. Check that your DAW is using a software instrument and that your headphones are connected to the selected audio output, as described by Ableton. If I don’t want sound coming through speakers, the whole signal path from the software instrument to the headphones needs to be set up correctly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise silent monitoring and a working recording setup.
Playing space Decide whether you’ll mainly enter individual chords or play with both hands across several octaves. Compare the key size and dimensions of the exact model. If I want to play chord voicings without constantly changing octaves, I’ll look at a larger keyboard. Compact keys take up less space but offer less immediate range. Around 27% of consumers prioritise playing space.
DAW compatibility Check compatibility with your DAW and software version. Standard MIDI note input doesn’t automatically mean that all the buttons and controls will work with it. If I also want to control software functions while recording, I’ll check which DAW integration is available for my setup. Around 20% of consumers prioritise DAW control.
Chord assistance Check whether the exact model has a chord mode and whether you can set up the chord types you want. If I want to enter chord ideas with fewer actions, a mode that triggers several notes with one key can be useful. Around 20% of consumers prioritise chord assistance.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a standalone keyboard that makes sound

    MIDI data contains no sound of its own. Without a software instrument and a configured audio output, you won’t hear the notes you play.

    Before recording, check that the controller, the instrument in your DAW and the audio output are all set up together.

  • Assuming headphones silence the keys

    Headphones determine where you hear the software audio, not how much noise the physical keys make.

    If key noise matters, assess the exact model separately. Don’t treat headphone monitoring as proof that the keys are quiet.

  • Assuming controllers with almost identical model names are the same

    Akai distinguishes between the MPK Mini Plus and the newer MPK mini Plus II; features can vary by model.

    Check the full model name and compare the features you want on the product page and the manufacturer’s website.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a compact option for working on chord ideas at your desk.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys, chord and scale modes, and 16 velocity-sensitive pads.
  • Mini keys offer less immediate range than a larger keyboard.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is worth considering if you want a compact keyboard with bundled software.

  • Arturia specifies 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, a chord mode and Ableton Live Lite included.
  • Check whether the limited key range suits the chord voicings you want to play.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus combines a compact keyboard with chord assistance and a sequencer.

  • Akai lists 37 mini keys and Chords Mode for the MPK Mini Plus.
  • Akai distinguishes this model from the MPK mini Plus II; check the full model name and the features you want.

Nektar

The Impact LX49 mk3 is designed for those looking for a larger keyboard and control of supported DAWs.

  • Nektar describes chord features and integration with named DAWs for the LX mk3 series.
  • Check the exact DAW version; support for another programme doesn’t automatically mean the same controls will work.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 combines 49 keys with chord assistance and DAW control.

  • M-Audio describes Smart Chord and automatically mapped controls.
  • For DAW integration, M-Audio requires the correct software configuration.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection is aimed at anyone who wants to play chord progressions across a wider range and monitor through headphones.

Black 61-key electronic keyboard with MIDI controller function

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller function

Suited to anyone looking for a wider key range and private monitoring through a headphone socket.

61 keys; MIDI controller function and recording function.

Also listed: built-in speakers, metronome and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I record sound using just the MIDI controller?

No. A MIDI controller sends note and control data, but the data itself contains no sound. Novation describes MIDI as control data. To hear chord progressions, use a software instrument and set up the audio output.

How do I monitor through headphones while recording?

Select the audio output your headphones are connected to in your software. In Ableton Live, the MIDI input and monitoring also need to be set correctly on the track with the software instrument. If monitoring is set to Auto, the track must be armed for recording.

What should I check if I don’t hear any notes after connecting everything?

Check whether your DAW is receiving MIDI from the controller, whether there’s a software instrument on the track, and whether monitoring and the audio output are set up correctly. These are setup steps and don’t prove that a particular controller is faulty.

How can I avoid confusing the Akai MPK Mini Plus models?

Check the full model name: Akai distinguishes between the MPK Mini Plus and the MPK mini Plus II, and describes differences in their features. Compare the features you want with the information for the exact model.

What cancellation period and guarantee apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government says that a 14-day cancellation period applies to many distance purchases, with some exceptions. The seller must also provide a solution if a product is faulty. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.