Which controller is right for you?

Two-handed improviser

You want to record a continuous part without the key range or controls interrupting your playing. Novation, Arturia, M-Audio and Studiologic specify models with 49, 49, 61 and 88 keys respectively.

Piano-focused home player

Keyboard feel and range matter more to you than a small footprint or lots of pads. M-Audio describes its keys as semi-weighted, while Studiologic specifies a hammer-action keyboard for the SL88 MK2.

Producer short on desk space

You mainly record shorter parts and want a controller that fits easily next to your computer. Akai Professional specifies the MPK Mini MK3 as a 25-key controller.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact: 25 keys

Choose this if: you have limited desk space and mainly record short phrases or individual layers. Akai Professional specifies 25 keys for the MPK Mini MK3.

The trade-off: the shorter range may mean you need to switch octaves more often during a longer improvisation; pads are no substitute for extra keys.

A middle ground: 49 or 61 keys

Choose this if: you want to play with both hands and need more range without going straight for an 88-key keyboard. Arturia and Novation specify 49-key models; M-Audio specifies the Keystation 61 MK3.

The trade-off: Arturia and Novation’s 49-key models offer dedicated DAW controls, while M-Audio highlights the longer keyboard and straightforward controls of the Keystation 61 MK3. Check which features suit the way you work.

Piano-focused: 88 keys

Choose this if: you want the full key range and have room for a larger instrument. Studiologic specifies 88 keys with hammer action for the SL88 MK2.

The trade-off: according to Studiologic, the SL88 MK2 is 126,5 cm wide and weighs 13,3 kg, so measure your studio space before choosing.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Key range Play through a typical passage and compare it with 25, 49, 61 or 88 keys. Akai Professional, Arturia, Novation, M-Audio and Studiologic specify these key counts for the models mentioned. If I play a continuous part with both hands, I want to switch octaves as little as possible; around 36% of consumers prioritise key range.
Key response and keyboard feel Compare velocity-sensitive and semi-weighted keys with a hammer-action model. M-Audio and Studiologic describe different key actions for the models mentioned. For piano-focused parts, I want a keyboard feel that suits the way I play; around 29% of consumers prioritise key response and keyboard feel.
DAW integration Check compatibility with your DAW and software version, any scripts, and whether the controls perform the tasks you need. Arturia and Novation describe model-specific controls for the DAWs mentioned. If I want to control recording and software while playing, I look for features that suit the way I work; around 21% of consumers prioritise DAW control.
Size and workspace Measure the available width and consider whether you can work with the range of a compact keyboard. Studiologic lists the SL88 MK2 as 126,5 cm wide. When my workspace is limited, I want to save room without unnecessarily restricting the parts I usually play; around 14% of consumers prioritise a suitable size.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing a MIDI recording with a recording of the finished sound

    MIDI captures performance data; it is not the same as an audible audio recording of an instrument.

    Decide in advance whether you want to keep editable notes, audio or both, and test the process in your DAW.

  • Choosing a small keyboard without trying out your usual improvisation

    The controllers mentioned range from 25 to 88 keys. A shorter range can change how you play a longer part.

    Try playing a representative passage across the key range you’re considering, then weigh it against the space you have available.

  • Assuming every DAW will recognise every control straight away

    Basic MIDI input and more advanced DAW control are not the same thing; support can vary by controller and DAW.

    Check your exact controller, DAW and software version together before factoring in the controls.

    Setting up MIDI ports or a model-specific script may take extra time.

  • Confusing a pedal input with a pedal included in the box

    M-Audio lists a sustain pedal input for the Keystation 61 MK3 and states that the SP2 pedal is sold separately.

    Check what’s included in the box and whether the pedal is compatible with the exact version.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 is designed for anyone looking for 49 keys and direct DAW control.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and nine faders.
  • Custom integration applies to the DAWs mentioned; check whether your DAW is supported. The specifications are not an independent assessment of keyboard feel.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines 49 velocity-sensitive keys with controls for software instruments and certain DAWs.

  • Arturia specifies USB-C, a 5-pin MIDI output, a pedal input and scripts for Ableton Live, FL Studio and Cubase, among others.
  • Deeper control via scripts is not automatically available for every DAW; check compatibility with your setup.

M-Audio

The Keystation 61 MK3 is an option if a longer keyboard matters more to you than a comprehensive panel of pads and faders.

  • M-Audio specifies 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, USB-MIDI, a 5-pin MIDI output and a sustain pedal input.
  • The SP2 pedal mentioned is sold separately.

Studiologic

The SL88 MK2 suits piano-focused improvisation if you have room for an 88-key controller.

  • According to Studiologic, the SL88 MK2 has hammer action, pedal connections and DAW transport controls.
  • Studiologic lists this model as 126,5 cm wide and weighing 13,3 kg; don’t assume features from other SL variants without checking.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact alternative for recording short parts or layers.

  • Akai Professional describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller with 25 keys and MPC pads.
  • Its compact size gives you fewer keys at once than the 49-, 61- and 88-key models mentioned.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a MIDI controller record audible sound straight away?

No, a MIDI recording captures performance data. To create audible sound, you need to trigger an instrument in your recording software and record or export the result as audio. In Ableton Live, enabling the relevant MIDI track input is one step towards recording notes in MIDI clips.

What should I check if my improvisation isn’t appearing as MIDI notes?

Check that your controller is available as a MIDI input, that the correct input is enabled for the instrument track, and that the track is armed for recording. Ableton’s settings apply specifically to Live; for another DAW, consult its relevant guide.

Does every controller come with a sustain pedal?

No. Check that your chosen model has a suitable pedal input and whether a pedal is included. M-Audio lists a sustain pedal input for the Keystation 61 MK3 and states that the SP2 pedal is sold separately.

What rights do I have as a Dutch consumer when buying online or if a product is faulty?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases are often covered by a 14-day cooling-off period; the precise circumstances and any exceptions matter. If a product does not meet requirements, the Dutch government says the seller must provide a solution.

Can I publish a recording that includes someone else’s music?

You may need permission to use and distribute other people’s copyright-protected music. The Dutch government distinguishes between a private copy for personal use and distributing or publishing it. Whether this applies to your recording depends on what you play and record.