Who is a MIDI controller suitable for?

Composer sharing a desk

You want to play in musical ideas without a large keyboard taking over your workspace. Compare the dimensions and key layout, and try out the key action if you can. A compact model isn’t necessarily quiet.

Orchestral composer

You want to control the dynamics of your sound library. Spitfire Audio explains that long and short articulations in the relevant libraries respond differently to key velocity and dynamic controls.

Producer who works in a DAW

You want to control instruments or mixing functions from the keyboard as you write. Compare the controls on the exact model and check the settings in your DAW.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the space you can spare and the range of keys you need. Then check how dynamics are controlled and whether the controller works with your existing software and audio setup.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this more important for?
Desk space and key noise Measure the available width and depth, and try the key action if possible. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 at 730 × 264 mm; Arturia gives the dimensions of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as 790 × 240 mm. If I’m sharing a desk, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit and whether the physical key action will disturb others. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers who are most concerned about space and potential noise.
Playing range and orchestral expression Compare the key size and available dynamic controls with the articulations in your library. Spitfire Audio describes CC1 for Dynamics and CC11 for Expression; long articulations in the libraries mentioned don’t respond to key velocity. For orchestral parts, I want enough range and useful controls to achieve the sound I’m after. Around 27% of consumers prioritise playing range and dynamic control.
DAW control Check the controls, the exact model and the correct configuration for your DAW. Features that manufacturers describe for their own software environment aren’t guaranteed to work automatically elsewhere. If I want to control my software from the keyboard while composing, the mapping needs to suit the way I work. Around 20% of consumers prioritise DAW control.
Complete computer setup Check which computer, DAW, instruments and audio output you already have, and what’s included with the version you’ve chosen. A controller that sends MIDI won’t produce audible instrument sounds on its own. I want to know in advance whether my software and audio output will work with the controller as a complete setup. Around 20% of consumers prioritise having a complete setup.

Common points to consider

  • Assuming key sensitivity gives you full control over orchestral dynamics

    In the libraries described by Spitfire Audio, long and short articulations don’t always respond in the same way. Playing harder won’t control every long note.

    Check which MIDI control your instrument expects for dynamics and expression, and whether you can use it comfortably from the controller.

  • Buying a MIDI controller as if it produces sound on its own

    Akai explains that the MPK Mini Plus sends MIDI messages to software, which produces the sound on your computer.

    Before buying, check which DAW, sound library and audio output you already have, and what else you’ll need.

  • Assuming a compact design or headphones mean a quiet workspace

    Dimensions and key sizes don’t tell you how much physical noise the keys or pads make. Listening through headphones won’t eliminate that noise.

    Measure the available space and try the keys and controls if possible. Assess the sound from the software separately from the physical key action.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is an option with mini keys, while the Launchkey 49 MK4 gives you a wider playing range straight away, along with physical controls.

  • Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 with 49 semi-weighted keys, nine faders and eight encoders.
  • The stated dimensions are 730 × 264 mm. Check that its DAW integration suits your software.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines keys with physical controls and DAW scripts described by Arturia.

  • Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys, nine faders and nine encoders.
  • The stated width is 790 mm. This specification doesn’t tell you how much noise the physical key action makes.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is a compact model with 37 mini keys, a modulation wheel and an internal sequencer.

  • Akai lists MIDI, CV and Gate connections, as well as sequencer functions, for this model.
  • Mini keys give you a different playing layout from a 49-key keyboard. The controller sends MIDI to software to produce sound.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol A49 may suit a workflow based around Komplete and NKS instruments.

  • Native Instruments describes 49 semi-weighted keys and eight pre-mapped knobs for its own Komplete and NKS environment.
  • These mappings don’t prove that every function will work automatically with other libraries or DAWs.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key option if you’re looking for physical DAW controls.

  • M-Audio describes DAW presets and controls that can be assigned to software functions.
  • You’ll need to select the right configuration in your DAW. Also check the requirements for the exact version.

Joybuy products

A Joybuy pick for anyone looking for a keyboard with MIDI controller functionality.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

This could be a good choice if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller functionality for a computer setup.

Before buying, check that the MIDI connection, DAW compatibility and audio output are right for your setup.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I compose quietly with a MIDI controller and headphones?

You can send the software sound to headphones via your computer’s audio output or a sound interface, but that won’t tell you how much physical noise the keys or pads make. Akai explains that the MPK Mini Plus sends MIDI messages to software rather than producing sound itself. If possible, try the physical controls separately.

Why doesn’t a long string note change when I press the keys harder?

In the libraries described by Spitfire Audio, long articulations respond to the Dynamics control, not to the controller’s key velocity. Check the settings for your specific library and, if needed, assign the relevant MIDI control.

Do I need a separate power supply or special installation?

It varies by model. M-Audio describes the Oxygen Pro range as USB-powered, while Akai says the MPK Mini Plus requires a firmware update before use. Follow the manual for your exact version and set up the MIDI input in your DAW.

Can I return a controller bought online?

According to the Dutch government, many eligible distance purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period. Check who the seller is and which terms apply to your specific order. A purchase from a private seller isn’t necessarily covered by the same rules.

What warranty applies when buying in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, consumer purchases must be of satisfactory quality, but there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands for all products. Contact the seller if there’s a problem; a manufacturer’s warranty is separate from your statutory rights.