Who is this choice relevant to?

Player with very little desk space

Wants to play short piano parts and easily put the controller away. The more limited range of 25 mini keys may be an acceptable compromise.

Two-handed player at a small desk

Wants to keep more keys within reach at once and is able to make extra desk width available.

Player who values sustain and dynamics

Looks for velocity-sensitive keys, the right pedal connection and a piano software setup that responds as expected to those controls.

What should you look for when choosing?

First measure the available space, then decide how many keys you need at your fingertips and finally check the controls and software you’ll use across your entire setup.

Dimensions can vary considerably between models: Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 at 355 × 220 × 50 mm, while Novation gives the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 dimensions of 478 × 177 × 49 mm. Compare the measurements of the exact version with the space available on your desk, and allow room for connections and cables.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Will it fit on the desk? Measure the available width and depth, including room for connections, and compare these with the dimensions of the exact version. If I use my laptop, mouse and controller on the same small desk, I want to avoid the keyboard taking up the rest of my workspace. Around 33% of consumers are mainly looking for a setup that fits.
Keys within reach Compare 25 or 37 mini keys with a larger keyboard and think about the parts you want to play. Also consider whether you’re happy to switch octaves. If I often play with both hands, I want to keep more notes within reach at once. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having more keys at their fingertips.
Touch sensitivity and sustain Check whether the keys are velocity-sensitive and what type of pedal the input supports. Also check how the controls work with your piano software. If I want to play expressively and sustain notes with a pedal, the controls need to suit the way I play. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on touch sensitivity and sustain.
Will the whole setup work? Check your computer, USB connection, audio output and piano software. If software is bundled, also check the system requirements and whether registration is needed. If I want to get started without a complicated setup, I need to know how the controller, computer and virtual piano work together. Around 20% of consumers place the greatest importance on getting their software setup working.

Common buying mistakes

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    A controller may fit across your desk, but its depth or the space needed for cables could still take up too much room on a small desk.

    Measure both the available width and depth, and leave room for connections and your computer setup.

  • Confusing a sustain button with pedal control

    The Nektar SE25 has a sustain button. The sustain input on the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is designed for a TS on/off pedal and does not support a TRS half-damper pedal.

    Decide which type of control you need, then check the exact model, connection and how it works with your piano software.

  • Expecting the controller to produce piano sounds itself

    A MIDI controller sends performance information. You’ll also need a suitable sound source to hear anything.

    Check the entire signal chain, from the keys and piano software to the audio output and speakers or headphones.

Brands to consider

Nektar

The SE25 is designed for anyone who values a simple 25-key controller over a wide range of controls.

  • According to Nektar, the SE25 has velocity-sensitive mini keys, octave controls and a sustain button.
  • Its 25-key range is limited for two-handed parts, and the sustain button is not a physical pedal.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines 25 slim keys with a pedal input, while the MiniLab 37 offers 37 slim keys.

  • Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 dimensions as 355 × 220 × 50 mm and says software is included.
  • Check that your desk is deep enough and that the software bundle is compatible with your computer and virtual piano.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 offers 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys and controls for music software.

  • Novation lists its dimensions as 478 × 177 × 49 mm.
  • The sustain input is designed for a TS on/off pedal, not a TRS half-damper pedal.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV combines a compact keyboard with production controls, while the MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys.

  • Akai lists features such as wheels, pads and included software for the Mini IV.
  • Production features won’t necessarily add anything if you only play piano parts. Check the software requirements for each bundle.

Roland

The A-49 is an option if you have room for 49 full-size keys once you’ve measured your desk.

  • Roland specifies full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and USB power.
  • The manufacturer does not specify a hammer action, so don’t expect it to feel like an acoustic piano. Its larger keyboard may not suit a small desk.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller make sound without a computer or piano software?

Don’t assume it will: MIDI sends performance information, and you need a suitable sound source to produce piano sounds. Also check how the sound will come out of your setup.

Which sustain pedal works with the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4?

According to Novation, the sustain input is suitable for a pedal with a TS connection, not a TRS half-damper pedal. Also check the polarity when you switch it on.

What should I check about software and connections?

Check that you have a suitable computer, USB connection, audio output and compatible piano software. For included software, check the system requirements and whether registration is needed; don’t rely on the bundle name alone.

Can I return a controller bought online in the Netherlands?

For eligible online purchases from a business, you generally have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the day after delivery. Check the terms for your specific purchase and any exceptions, for example for digital content supplied separately; the ACM explains these exceptions.

What should I check if an electronic device may come from outside the EU?

The Dutch government advises checking the seller’s identity and any possible import charges. It also states that electronic devices offered for sale in the EU must carry a CE marking. A Dutch-language shop page does not, by itself, tell you where the seller or delivery is based.

What does the statutory guarantee mean for a MIDI controller?

In the Netherlands, the statutory guarantee is separate from any manufacturer’s warranty. If a product breaks sooner than you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution, according to ACM ConsuWijzer.