Choose a control surface without keys if you can already enter notes and mainly want to control sound parameters; choose a MIDI keyboard if you also want to play parts. Then compare the space available and check that your DAW and instruments support the controls you want to use. A MIDI controller does not produce sound itself: Novation describes MIDI as control data, not an audio signal.
Wants to control filters, envelopes and effects directly, to hear what changes to the parameters do. Useful controls and how to assign them in software matter more than piano-style playing; Novation and Korg describe controls for these kinds of parameters.
Wants to create notes and sounds on a limited work surface, and choose how to hear them through an audio output. Compact models such as the Native Instruments M32 and Akai MPK Mini IV offer different layouts to compare.
Wants to play parts and control virtual instruments or the DAW while playing. Novation and Arturia’s 49-key models combine a keyboard with physical controls; check which features work with your software.
A good fit if: you want to play notes on a small work surface and experiment with knobs or pads too.
Bear in mind: a smaller keyboard gives you less room to play; also check that it works with your DAW.
A good fit if: you want to play parts while using physical controls for software functions.
Bear in mind: according to their manufacturers, Novation and Arturia’s 49-key models are 730 mm and 790 mm wide respectively, so measure your work surface first.
A good fit if: you can already enter notes and mainly want to adjust filters, envelopes, effects or mix parameters by hand.
Bear in mind: you can’t play notes on it; check which assignments and connections your setup needs.
| Consideration | What to look for | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Controlling sound parameters | Check how many assignable controls there are and whether your DAW and plug-in support MIDI assignments. | If I want to learn how to shape filters and effects as I adjust them, I’m looking for controls I can assign to those functions. Around 36% of consumers prioritise direct control over sound parameters. |
| Space and listening | Measure the available work surface and check how your computer or audio interface sends sound to headphones. | If my workspace is limited, I want to fit the controller, computer and other equipment together and choose how I listen. Around 29% of consumers prioritise workspace and a suitable listening setup. |
| Software compatibility | Check support for your DAW and plug-ins, available integration scripts and the connections you need. | If I want to keep using my existing DAW and instruments, I want to check in advance that they work with the controls. Around 21% of consumers prioritise software compatibility. |
| Playing range | Decide whether you mainly enter individual notes or play longer parts, then compare the keyboard with the space available. | If I want to play parts across a wider range, that matters more than having the smallest possible setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing range. |
MIDI sends control data; the software and selected audio output provide the sound you hear.
Before buying, check which sound source you’ll use and how to connect headphones to it.
Controls are only useful for your learning goals if you can assign them to the parameters you want. DAW features vary between models and programmes.
Check the integration for your DAW and find out how to assign filters, envelopes and effects to the controls.
According to their manufacturers, the Novation and Arturia 49-key models reviewed are 730 mm and 790 mm wide.
Measure the available desk space, then decide whether a wider playing range matters more than a more compact setup.
The Dutch Government explains that a manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to consumers’ statutory rights.
Check what extra cover the additional warranty offers. If there’s a fault, contact the seller.
The Launchkey 49 MK4 combines a keyboard with physical controls, while the Launch Control XL 3 is designed for hands-on control without a keyboard.
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines a larger keyboard with DAW controls, while the MiniLab 3 is a more compact model for controlling software instruments.
The MPK Mini IV is a compact keyboard model with pads and physical pitch and modulation wheels.
The Komplete Kontrol M32 combines a compact keyboard with controls for software instruments.
The nanoKONTROL2 is a control surface without a keyboard, for anyone who already enters notes another way.
This Joybuy selection is for anyone who wants to play notes via MIDI and practise with headphones.
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Suitable for anyone who wants to play notes via MIDI and use headphones while practising.
61 keys and USB-MIDI.
The product description mentions built-in sounds, a recording function and a headphone socket.
Also listed: speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Not to hear sounds from software: MIDI data doesn’t contain sound itself. Select the audio output you want to use from your computer or audio interface in your audio software, then connect your headphones to a suitable output.
Check that the controller is selected as the MIDI input, a software instrument is loaded and the audio output is set correctly in the software. Arturia describes these separate MIDI and audio settings for the MiniLab 3; the exact steps vary by product and programme.
First, check the manual and DAW support for the model you’ve chosen. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia recommends a direct USB connection; if you need a hub, Arturia recommends one with its own power supply or Power Delivery.
Don’t assume there’s one nationwide time or sound level that’s automatically allowed everywhere. The Dutch Government says that in many municipalities, noise nuisance between neighbours is covered by the local by-laws (APV), and advises agreeing arrangements with your neighbours first. Also check your local council’s rules and any building regulations.
According to the Dutch Government, many distance purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period, but this doesn’t apply to every purchase. Before buying, check the terms that apply to your order and keep any software licences or registrations separate from your assessment of the device.
