Which type of controller is right for you?

Beatmaker with a small desk

You mainly make drums, bass and short melodies, and need to fit your controller alongside your computer. A compact model with pads could suit the way you work.

Keyboard-playing arranger

You play in chords or piano parts and prioritise playing range and key feel over having the smallest possible device.

DAW-focused home producer

You want to control DAW or virtual instrument features while making backing tracks. Which features work depends on the controller, software and version.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact keyboard with pads

Best for: limited desk space and mainly drum patterns, bass lines and short melodies. Akai Professional describes the MPK Mini IV as having pads and a compact keyboard; Arturia describes the MiniLab 3 as a controller with 25 slim keys.

The trade-off: a smaller keyboard offers less playing range than a 49- or 88-key model. Also check the DAW mapping and bundled software for the version you choose.

49-key keyboard

Best for: playing in chords and melodies while also using physical controls. Novation lists 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 pads, eight encoders and nine faders for the Launchkey 49 MK4; Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys and DAW scripts for specific software for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.

The trade-off: a 49-key keyboard takes up more space than a mini controller. The available DAW features vary by model, software and version.

88-key keyboard with hammer action

Best for: prioritising piano parts and a full-size, weighted keyboard. Native Instruments specifies 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys for the Kontrol S88 MK3.

The trade-off: check that a controller of this size fits your workspace and that the key feel is right for you.

What to consider What should you check? Who should consider this?
Size and playing range Measure the available desk space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact version. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 × 264 × 93 mm. If my desk also needs to fit my computer, I want to know in advance how much space the keyboard takes up. Around 25% of consumers say size is their main reason for buying.
Drums and rhythms Check how many pads there are and how you can assign them to drums or clips in your DAW. Akai Professional describes pads and DAW mapping for the MPK Mini IV; Novation specifies 16 pads for the Launchkey 49 MK4. If I want to play in rhythms and drum parts directly, I look for pads that suit the way I work. Around 25% of consumers give beat input top priority.
Chords and melodies Compare the number of keys and the key feel of the exact models. Arturia specifies 49 velocity-sensitive keys for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3; Novation lists 49 semi-weighted keys for the Launchkey 49 MK4. If I want to play chords and melodies on the keyboard, I look for enough range for my parts. Around 19% of consumers prioritise keyboard input for backing parts and melodies.
DAW control Find the setup instructions and check which DAW and version are supported by the exact model. Arturia and Nektar list model-specific DAW integration. If I want to control transport, mixing or instrument features from the controller, I check which features work with my software. Around 19% of consumers choose a controller mainly for DAW control.
Piano key feel Check whether you want a fully weighted keyboard with hammer action and whether an 88-key model will fit. Native Instruments specifies these keys for the Kontrol S88 MK3. If I play piano parts, key feel may matter more to me than a compact size or pads. Around 12% of consumers prioritise piano key feel.

Common buying mistakes

  • Choosing a small keyboard without considering the playing range

    A compact controller takes up less space, but may be less suitable for parts you want to play with both hands.

    Decide which parts you want to play yourself, then measure the available space on your desk.

  • Confusing DAW support with full control

    A controller sending MIDI notes does not tell you which transport, mixer or plug-in features work directly. Support depends on the model, DAW and version.

    Check the integration script and supported version for your exact DAW and controller model.

    Setting up the right integration may take extra time before the controls work the way you want them to.

  • Assuming included software is an unrestricted full version

    Arturia lists, among other things, a two-month Loopcloud subscription with the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3, so included software may come with specific conditions or a limited term.

    Before buying, check the licence type, activation terms and duration of the software you want to use.

Brands and relevant models

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is designed for compact keyboard and pad input when making beats.

  • Akai Professional lists MPC pads, pitch and modulation wheels, and mappings for many DAWs.
  • The compact keyboard offers less playing range than a 49-key model; check the mapping for your DAW.

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 combines a larger keyboard with pads and physical controls.

  • Novation specifies 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 pads, eight encoders and nine faders.
  • The listed width is 730 mm, so measure the available desk space.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is compact, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers a larger keyboard and DAW control.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim keys for the MiniLab 3, and 49 velocity-sensitive keys and DAW scripts for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.
  • These are different models with different playing ranges. Check the software terms and DAW support for each model.

Nektar

The Impact LX mk3 series combines keyboard input with DAW control.

  • Nektar lists versions with 25, 49, 61 and 88 keys, as well as integration with specific DAWs.
  • Supported software and versions vary. General MIDI functionality does not automatically mean full control integration.

Native Instruments

The Kontrol S88 MK3 is designed for piano parts and instrument control across a full-size keyboard.

  • Native Instruments specifies 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys and polyphonic aftertouch for this model.
  • These features apply to the S88 MK3 and not automatically to the brand’s smaller controllers; also allow for the space needed by an 88-key model.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce sound by itself?

A MIDI controller sends note and control data; to hear sound, you need a computer with a DAW or another sound source. Nektar describes MIDI data as including note and control information. Check which equipment and software your setup requires.

How do I set up DAW control?

Follow the instructions for your exact controller model and select the right controller and MIDI ports in your DAW. Arturia provides separate steps for the KeyLab Essential mk3; also check that integration is available for your DAW version.

What should I check when updating or troubleshooting?

Use the manuals, downloads and integration instructions for the exact model generation. Before installing, check that the firmware and DAW scripts are compatible with your model.

Who can help if my controller is faulty?

For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the seller must offer a solution if the product does not meet what you can reasonably expect. The Dutch government says an additional warranty is mainly worthwhile if its terms give you more rights than the statutory guarantee.

Can I return a controller bought online?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, consumers who buy online generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change their mind. Check the applicable terms and any exceptions before buying, especially if an offer also includes digital products.