Who is this choice relevant to?

Headphone user playing at home

Wants to practise a lead part without loud speakers and needs to check where the synth sound comes from and which audio output the headphones connect to.

Expressive lead player

Wants to control pitch and tone while playing, and is comparing touch strips, sensors and wheels.

Player with an external synth

Wants to play an existing sound module from the keyboard and needs to match the MIDI connection, cabling, power supply and audio output.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the sound source and how you’ll listen at low volume. Then compare the controls, keyboard range and connections with your own setup.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Listening to synth sounds quietly Check whether you have a software synth or external sound source, and where you’ll connect your headphones. If I want to practise quietly, the whole chain from controller to audible synth sound needs to work. Around 33% of consumers give top priority to a quiet setup that lets them hear what they’re playing.
Pitch bend and modulation Check whether the model has touch strips, sensors or separate wheels, and whether your synth supports the controls you want to use. If you want to adjust pitch or tone while playing a lead melody, you can choose controls that suit your playing style. Around 27% of consumers put expressive controls first.
Keyboard range and size Compare the number and size of the keys with your melodies and the space available. The number of keys doesn’t tell you how comfortable a keyboard is to play. If my lead parts need a wider playable range at my fingertips, I want to know how many keys I can use without switching octaves. Around 20% of consumers prioritise keyboard range and key size.
Connecting an external synth Check the MIDI input and output, the TRS type if applicable, the power supply and the synth’s audio output. If you already use an external synth, you’ll need to make sure the controller works with its existing connections. Around 20% of consumers make connecting their hardware their top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI output for a headphone output

    MIDI sends performance data, not an audible audio signal. Without a software synth or external sound source, you won’t hear a synth sound through the controller.

    Map out the whole signal chain before you buy: keys, software or external synth, audio output and headphones.

  • Assuming every small MIDI jack is the same

    The Novation Launchkey Mini 37 has a TRS Type A MIDI output; a differently wired connection won’t necessarily connect in the same way.

    Check the connection and TRS wiring at both ends before choosing a cable or adapter.

  • Treating different Akai models as identical

    The MPK Mini Plus and MPK mini Plus II are separate models; Akai lists differences including their USB connectivity.

    Compare the full model name and the connections on the version you’re considering.

  • Confusing the number of keys with playing comfort

    The controllers reviewed here differ in key size and controls. Specifications can’t tell you which key feel will be comfortable for your hands.

    Compare your melodic range with the space available, and try out the keys and pitch controls yourself if you can.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a compact controller with 37 mini keys.

  • According to Novation, this model has pitch-bend and modulation touch strips, as well as a TRS Type A MIDI output.
  • Check which adapter you need for external hardware and whether the DAW features you want will work with your software.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a 25-key controller with rotary knobs, faders and a 5-pin MIDI output.

  • Arturia specifies two touch-sensitive controls for pitch bend and modulation, eight encoders and four faders.
  • Its 25-key range is smaller than that of the 37- and 49-key models reviewed here. Check software compatibility and what software is included.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys, separate pitch and modulation wheels, and connections for external equipment.

  • Akai specifies MIDI and CV/Gate/Clock connections, as well as a built-in sequencer.
  • Not every software synth player will need these extra features. Don’t confuse the MPK Mini Plus with the separate MPK mini Plus II.

Roland

The A-49 is designed for players who value full-size keys and a wider playable range.

  • Roland lists 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and two knobs.
  • This keyboard needs more space than the compact models reviewed here. Roland’s description of the key feel is a manufacturer’s claim, not an independent playing test.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear a synth lead with just a MIDI controller and headphones?

No, not with a standard MIDI controller alone: MIDI carries performance data. Use a software synth on a computer or an external sound source, then connect your headphones to the appropriate audio output in your setup.

Why does my software synth sound delayed?

Your audio setup may be causing latency. Focusrite describes buffering as a trade-off between responsiveness and uninterrupted sound, so check your system’s audio settings and available outputs before assuming the controller is to blame.

How do I connect a controller to an external synth without a computer?

Check the exact MIDI output and input, and make sure the controller has power. Akai states that the MPK Mini Plus’s 5-pin MIDI output sends standard MIDI when powered via a wall adapter. A Launchkey Mini 37 with TRS Type A MIDI may need a suitable adapter for a different input; the audible sound comes from the synth, not the MIDI cable.

How can I reduce the risks of listening through headphones for long periods?

Keep the volume low and pay attention to how long you listen, too. The World Health Organization gives 80 dB for up to 40 hours a week as an example for adults; this isn’t a measured level or an automatically safe setting for your specific headphones.