Who is this for?

Composers working with melodies and chords

If you’re recording parts for a game soundtrack, you can weigh up the keyboard range and key feel against the space the instrument takes up on your desk.

Producers who mainly work in a DAW

If you want to control instruments, parameters or transport functions from your controller, consider the DAW and version installed on the computer in your music room.

Beatmakers who take their controller with them

If you move between shared workstations, a compact size can be useful for making rhythms, recording short parts and controlling effects.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Playing range and key feel Compare the number and type of keys with the parts you want to play; try the key feel if you can. If I want to record melodies and chords, both the range and the touch response matter to me. Around 33% of consumers put playing range and key feel first.
DAW compatibility Find out which computer, DAW and version the room uses; also check whether installation or registration is allowed. In a shared room, I want to know whether the knobs and faders work with the software available. Around 25% of consumers prioritise DAW compatibility and control.
Portability and desk space Measure the space available and compare the dimensions and weight of the exact model. When I take my controller between workstations, I want it to fit my setup. Around 25% of consumers put portability and saving space first.
Pads and controls Check the number of pads, the touch sensitivity you want and how functions are assigned in the DAW. For rhythm parts, I want to use pads without making a wider playing range my main priority. Around 17% of consumers choose pads and controls as their top buying priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own

    A standard MIDI controller sends control data to a device such as a computer running a software instrument; the controller itself usually produces no audible sound.

    Before choosing a controller, check what the music room already has, including software and audio playback equipment.

  • Assuming every DAW offers the same controls

    Knobs, faders and scripts don’t automatically work in the same way with every DAW or version.

    Compare the manufacturer’s requirements with the installed software, and check whether you’re allowed to install scripts.

  • Assuming a 25-key controller is equivalent to a longer keyboard

    A compact model takes up less space, but has fewer physical keys than versions with 49 or 61 keys.

    Choose the range based on the parts you want to play, and try the size if possible.

  • Assuming included sounds are free to use

    How a controller works technically doesn’t determine the rights that apply to samples or software instruments in a published game.

    Read the licence terms for any sounds you plan to use in your intended publication.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey range includes compact Mini models and larger keyboards with DAW controls.

  • Novation specifies that the Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 pads and nine faders.
  • The Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and no faders. Check the required DAW version; for Ableton Live, Novation lists Live 11.3.26 and later, and Live 12.0.25 and later.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact option for short parts and rhythm work.

  • Akai lists 25 touch-sensitive keys and included instrument software.
  • Check which plug-in format and installation method are compatible with the software you use in the music room.

Arturia

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

  • Arturia specifies 49 touch-sensitive keys, eight pads and nine faders.
  • Arturia describes a revised Native Instruments bundle for units newly registered from 15 May 2025; check which bundle comes with the exact model.

Nektar

The Impact LX mk3 range offers models with different numbers of keys and DAW controls.

  • Nektar lists eight pads and eight faders for the range.
  • Some DAW integrations require minimum software versions; compare these with the software on the computer in the room.

Korg

The nanoKEY Studio is a compact option when desk space is at a premium.

  • Korg specifies 25 keys, eight pads and USB or Bluetooth LE-MIDI.
  • The stated battery life is around ten hours with alkaline batteries under factory settings; also check compatibility with the computer you use.

M-Audio

The Oxygen 49 MKV is a 49-key option with controls for rhythm work and operation.

  • M-Audio specifies eight pads, eight assignable knobs and nine faders.
  • Check that this exact model is available before comparing it with other options.

Joybuy products

This selection focuses on 61-key keyboards with USB MIDI for anyone who needs a wider playing range. Check that the computer and DAW in the music room work with USB MIDI, and that the chosen model’s audio output suits your setup.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys

A good fit if you want to record parts across a wider range and are looking for a keyboard instrument with built-in sounds.

61 touch-sensitive, weighted keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.

USB MIDI, built-in speakers and a headphone socket. Check that the USB MIDI connection works with the computer and DAW in the room.

View at Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, recording function and music rest

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys

A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB MIDI and a recording function.

USB MIDI, recording function, built-in speakers and metronome; 500 sounds and 300 rhythms.

Check the connection with the computer and DAW in the music room, and how you plan to listen to the keyboard there.

View at Joybuy
61-key keyboard set with stand, bench and music rest

61-key keyboard set with stand and bench

A good fit if you’re looking for a keyboard with USB MIDI and want a bench and stands included in the set.

61 keys; USB MIDI; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms.

The set includes a stand, bench and music rest. The description also mentions recording and playback functions; check that the computer and DAW in the room work with USB MIDI.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Will I hear sound as soon as I connect a MIDI controller?

A standard MIDI controller usually doesn’t make sound by itself; it sends data to a device such as a computer running a software instrument. Check whether each keyboard has built-in sounds and speakers, and how you plan to listen to it in the music room.

How do I get started with a controller in the music room’s DAW?

First, check which DAW version is installed and whether installation is allowed. For the Launchkey MK4, Novation lists automatic recognition from Ableton Live 11.3.26 and Live 12.0.25; these requirements don’t automatically apply to other controllers or DAWs.

Do I need to buy extra software with a MIDI controller?

That depends on the exact model and the software already available in the music room. Check which instrument software is included and whether registration is required; for example, Arturia describes a revised bundle for newly registered KeyLab Essential mk3 units from 15 May 2025.

Can I return a controller I bought online?

For an online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the exceptions; also check what applies to any separate digital content or broken seals.

Can I use existing music in a published game soundtrack?

According to the Dutch government, you need permission from the creator to use someone else’s copyrighted music. Also check the licence terms for every sample or software sound you use for your intended game, as buying a MIDI controller doesn’t in itself give you music rights.