Who is a MIDI controller suitable for?

Producer with limited desk space

Wants to play in ideas without having to put a large keyboard on their home office desk.

Beginner who has chosen a DAW

Already uses music software and wants to rely less on the mouse while learning.

Beginner keyboard player

Wants to practise parts and chords on a full-size keyboard with more keys.

What should you look for when choosing one?

Compact keyboard with pads

Choose this if: you’re short on desk space and mainly want to learn to play in short melodies and beats.

The trade-off: you’ll need to change octaves more often when playing parts with a wider range. Also check that the key size feels comfortable.

Controller for your DAW

Choose this if: you already use FL Studio and want to use its controls as you learn.

The trade-off: dedicated controls matter less if you’re still switching between DAWs. Check that your software version is supported.

Larger keyboard

Choose this if: you mainly want to practise chords, basslines and keyboard parts.

The trade-off: set aside more desk space and check whether a sustain pedal, if required, is sold separately.

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Desk space and key size Measure the available space and check that the key size suits the way you play. If I share my home office desk, I want to know in advance whether there’ll be enough room for the controller and my hands. Around 25% of consumers prioritise space and key size.
DAW controls Check which music software and versions are compatible with the controls. If I’ve already chosen a DAW, I want to use that workflow as I learn. Around 25% of consumers put compatible DAW controls at the top of their list.
Playing in beats with pads Check how the pads are assigned in your DAW and whether that suits what you want to practise. If I want to play in rhythms, I’m looking for physical pads alongside the keys. Around 19% of consumers prioritise this way of entering beats.
Key range and playing feel Compare the key size and number of keys with the parts you want to practise and the space available. If I want to learn to play keyboard parts, I want more keys within easy reach. Around 19% of consumers prioritise a larger keyboard.
Software and accessories Check which software comes with the version on offer, the licence terms and which accessories are actually included. If I still need software or accessories, I want to know what else I’ll need to arrange alongside the controller. Around 12% of consumers prioritise what’s included in the starter pack.

Common buying mistakes

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

    A standard MIDI controller sends performance data but doesn’t make any sound on its own. Without a software instrument or connected sound equipment, you won’t hear the notes you play.

    Before buying, decide how you’ll make the notes audible. Thomann also describes a MIDI keyboard as a device that doesn’t make sound on its own.

  • Assuming all models or generations with the same brand name are interchangeable

    Novation distinguishes the Launchkey range, which offers controls for multiple DAWs, from FLkey, which is designed for FL Studio. Different model generations may also vary in their controls and connections.

    Check the full model name and generation against the DAW and connections you plan to use.

  • Assuming every software bundle or pedal input means the same starter package

    A bundle listing doesn’t mean that software packages are equivalent, and a pedal input doesn’t mean a pedal is included.

    Compare the box contents and licence terms for the version on offer. A sustain pedal may be sold separately, and software terms vary between packages.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with pads and knobs, making it a good option if you want to explore different ways of entering notes.

  • Arturia lists 25 slim keys, two banks of eight pads and, among other things, Analog Lab Intro.
  • A 25-key keyboard offers a more limited range at your fingertips than a 49-key model. Check the software terms for the version on offer.

Novation

Launchkey is designed for controlling multiple DAWs, while FLkey is a separate range with dedicated controls for FL Studio.

  • Novation says the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and 16 pads. The FLkey 37 MK2 has 37 keys and FL Studio controls.
  • Check the model generation and support for your DAW. FLkey’s dedicated controls are most useful if you work with FL Studio.

M-Audio

The Keystation 49 MK3 is designed for anyone looking for a larger keyboard and straightforward software control.

  • M-Audio lists 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal input.
  • Measure the available desk space. The sustain pedal mentioned is sold separately.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV combines keys and pads. Akai describes it as offering DAW controls and bundled instrument software.

  • Akai lists physical pitch and modulation wheels, as well as software in the MPK Mini IV bundle.
  • This product information applies to the MPK Mini IV and doesn’t automatically apply to the older MPK Mini MK3. Check the contents and terms of the version on offer.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 is a compact alternative focused on keys and software.

  • Native Instruments lists 32 compact keys and a software package with Komplete Select and Ableton Live Lite.
  • Check which software comes with the version on offer and what terms apply to its use.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a standard MIDI keyboard make sound without a computer or sound module?

No. A standard MIDI keyboard controller sends performance data but doesn’t make any sound on its own. You’ll need software or connected sound equipment to hear the notes. Also check how you plan to play back the sound.

How do I get started after connecting a MIDI controller?

Select the controller as a MIDI input in your DAW and load a software instrument to play. You may need to make additional settings to use the DAW controls straight away.

Is a software bundle or sustain pedal always included?

No, this varies by model and version on offer. M-Audio lists a pedal input for the Keystation 49 MK3, but the pedal is sold separately. Also check which software is included and the licence terms.

Which product safety requirements apply to products sold in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic equipment covered by the relevant European rules must meet product requirements. Business.gov.nl states that, after checking the technical and administrative requirements, the manufacturer applies the CE marking and draws up an EU declaration of conformity.

What can I do if my MIDI controller develops a fault during normal use?

For a consumer purchase, the seller must provide a solution, according to the Dutch government. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period; what you can expect from a product depends, among other things, on the product itself and the information provided at the time of sale.