Who is this guide for?

Composer with a small desk

You write music alongside a laptop and want to put your keyboard away when you’ve finished. Compare the dimensions and key range of each model; Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 as 478 mm wide.

Orchestral mock-up creator

You play sample instruments and want to control dynamics and articulations as you write. Check the MIDI assignments for your own library, as described by Spitfire Audio for its libraries.

Pianist recording film music

You want to play parts and chords across a larger keyboard and have the space for it. Compare a 49-key model with more compact versions, and check the specified key action.

What should you look for in a MIDI controller?

Compact keyboard with 37 mini-keys

Choose this if: you have limited desk space and mainly record melodies or individual parts. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 as measuring 478 × 177 mm.

The trade-off: fewer keys are directly under your hands than on a 49-key keyboard.

49 keys with DAW controls

Choose this if: you want to reach more notes at once and have space for a larger keyboard. Arturia lists the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as 790 mm wide and equipped with nine faders.

The trade-off: the larger keyboard takes up more desk and storage space. Check which controls work with your DAW.

49 keys with software integration

Choose this if: you mainly work with compatible Kontakt or Komplete Kontrol instruments and want to use their integrated controls.

The trade-off: Native Instruments lists the Kontrol S49 MK3 as having semi-weighted keys with polyphonic aftertouch; more extensive DAW integration depends on the software and version.

Measure the available space on your desk and compare it with the dimensions of the exact version. With orchestral libraries, it’s also important to know which MIDI messages control the dynamics and articulations you want: Spitfire Audio describes libraries in which sustained articulations respond to a dynamics controller, not to the velocity of the keys.

Point to consider What should you check? Who should give this more weight?
Desk space and storage Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the controller’s dimensions. If I need to use my controller next to a laptop and put it away afterwards, the available space matters a lot. Around 31% of consumers put space at the top of their list.
Dynamics and articulations Check which MIDI CC messages your library expects and how to control them on the controller or in your DAW. If I’m recording orchestral sounds, I want to adjust the required expression as I write. Around 25% of consumers mainly need controls for dynamics and articulations.
Key range and playing feel Compare 37 mini-keys with 49 keys, and check the dimensions and key action of the exact version. If I want to record parts and chords without constantly changing octaves, the range under my hands is crucial. Around 25% of consumers mainly want to be able to play more keys straight away.
Software and equipment needed Check what’s included with the version, the computer requirements and whether your DAW supports the controls you want. As a student, I want to know which music software and sounds I already have, and what else my current setup needs. Around 19% of consumers want to find this out first.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming velocity-sensitive keys control all string dynamics

    Spitfire Audio describes libraries in which sustained articulations respond to a dynamics controller, not to the velocity of the keys.

    Check which MIDI CC assignment your library uses and whether you can control it with a knob on the controller or in your DAW.

  • Choosing a compact keyboard without checking how articulations work

    Keyswitches may be less easy to reach on a small keyboard.

    Before choosing extra keys solely for keyswitches, check whether your library and DAW support expression maps or separate articulation tracks.

  • Assuming a software bundle includes everything you need

    The included programmes, computer requirements and DAW settings vary by model.

    Compare what’s included with the exact version and check the system requirements against your existing computer, DAW and instruments.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a compact option for a laptop setup; the range also includes versions with more keys.

  • Novation says the Mini 37 has 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys, 16 pads and eight encoders.
  • The mini-keys offer less immediate range than a larger keyboard. Check that its DAW support and expression controls suit your needs.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines a 49-key keyboard with faders and DAW controls.

  • Arturia lists nine faders, a modulation wheel and a width of 790 mm for this model.
  • The extra keys and controls take up space. Check the software included and the compatibility of the version on offer.

AKAI Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is a compact controller with 37 mini-keys.

  • AKAI Professional lists pitch and modulation wheels, pads and a two-track sequencer.
  • Having a sequencer doesn’t automatically mean you need it for film music or that orchestral libraries will respond without configuration.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is designed for 49 keys and control of DAW functions.

  • M-Audio describes control assignments for transport, faders and channels.
  • To get the integration you want, you’ll need to select the right DAW and configuration. M-Audio lists USB power and a class-compliant connection for the Oxygen Pro range.

Native Instruments

The Kontrol S49 MK3 is worth considering if you work with compatible Kontakt or Komplete Kontrol instruments.

  • Native Instruments specifies 49 semi-weighted keys with polyphonic aftertouch for this model.
  • More extensive DAW integration depends on the software and version you use; these features aren’t automatically available across all Kontrol models.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a sound using just the controller?

For the USB MIDI setup described here, you’ll need a connected computer with suitable music software and a sound source. Check what you already have and what’s included with the exact version.

How do I set up a knob or fader for orchestral dynamics?

First, check which MIDI CC your library uses. Spitfire Audio lists CC1 for dynamics and CC11 for expression as the defaults in its libraries, and describes a MIDI Learn feature for assigning a control. These settings don’t automatically apply to all libraries.

What can I do if my small keyboard can’t reach the keyswitches?

For the Berlin Free Orchestra templates, Orchestral Tools describes expression maps, articulation sets and separate articulation tracks as alternatives to playing keyswitches directly. Check whether your library and DAW support a similar approach.

What cooling-off period and guarantee apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online consumer purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to statutory exceptions. The Dutch government says there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that meets what you can reasonably expect, and the seller is your point of contact if something goes wrong. Check the terms for any software included in a bundle separately.