Choose a MIDI controller for a synth lead based on your sound source and the controls you need while playing. Pitch bend and modulation can be controlled using wheels, strips or a joystick. A larger keyboard gives you more range at your fingertips, but takes up more space. If you’re using an external synthesiser, the controller’s outputs must match the synth’s inputs; a MIDI controller generally doesn’t produce sound itself.
You want to shape pitch and sound directly as you play. Compare how pitch bend and modulation are controlled, and check whether the sound source responds to them. Novation, Arturia and Akai Professional describe these controls for specific models.
You want to play a melody without changing octaves too often, and have room for a larger keyboard on a desk or stand. Novation lists 37 full-size keys for the Launchkey 37 MK4; Nektar lists 25 mini keys and octave buttons for the Impact LX Mini.
You don’t play solely through a laptop, so the controller’s output needs to connect to the synthesiser’s input in your music room. Arturia lists MIDI DIN, USB-C and CV/Gate among the connections on the KeyStep 37 mk2; check which connections your sound source uses.
Start by deciding whether your sound comes from software or an external synth. Then compare the playing controls, key range and the space you have in your music room.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Expressive controls | Compare wheels, strips or a joystick, and check whether the sound source responds to the controls. | If I want to use pitch bend and modulation during a lead without awkwardly moving my playing hand, I look at how easy the controls are to reach and what type they are. Around 40% of consumers say expressive controls are their top priority. |
| Key range at your fingertips | Compare the number and size of the keys with the part you want to play. | If you want to play a melody with fewer octave changes, check in advance whether the keyboard offers enough range. Around 30% of consumers name key range at your fingertips as their main buying priority. |
| Connection to the sound source | Check the inputs and outputs on both devices, as well as the cables, power supply and MIDI settings required. | If I want to control an external synth in my music room, the connection needs to work with the specific equipment. Around 20% of consumers prioritise connecting to an external synth. |
| Space and portability | Measure the space available and compare the dimensions and key size. | If you have limited space, a compact keyboard may fit your setup better, as long as its key range suits the part you’re playing. Around 10% of consumers say taking up as little space as possible is their top priority. |
A MIDI controller sends performance data, but generally doesn’t produce sound itself. So without a suitable sound source, you won’t hear a synth part.
Decide in advance whether your sound will come from instrument software on a computer or an external synthesiser, and check how you’ll hear that sound.
The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4’s polyphonic aftertouch is on the pads; Arturia lists aftertouch on the KeyStep 37 mk2’s keys. These are different controls.
Check where the aftertouch is on the exact model, and whether the sound source you’re controlling responds to it.
Akai distinguishes between features such as pitch and modulation wheels and the MIDI output on the MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini MK3.
Check the full model name and generation against the manufacturer’s specifications before ordering.
USB, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate are different types of connection. Whether they work depends on the inputs, outputs and settings of the specific equipment.
Compare the connections on the controller and sound source, and check which cables, power supply and settings your setup requires.
The Launchkey 37 MK4 is worth considering for a software synth if you want full-size keys and hands-on DAW control.
The KeyStep 37 mk2 is worth considering for a lead with an external synth, or if you want to use aftertouch on the keys.
The MPK Mini IV is a compact option for a one-handed lead part if you want separate pitch and modulation wheels.
The Impact LX Mini is worth considering if you have limited space and want a joystick for pitch bend and modulation.
A Joybuy pick featuring a keyboard instrument with USB-MIDI for a synth lead setup.
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Could be suitable if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI; check in advance that the connection is compatible with your intended sound source.
The product information lists 61 keys, USB-MIDI, speakers, a music stand and a headphone socket.
Generally not: a MIDI controller sends performance data to instrument software on a computer or to a suitable external sound source. Also check how you can hear the sound from that source.
That depends on the connections on the specific synthesiser. Compare them with the controller’s output: the Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2 has USB-C, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate, among other connections, while the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 has USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output.
Before you use it, check that the controller is selected as the MIDI input, that you can hear the synth sound you want, and that pitch bend and modulation work as expected. For the MPK Mini IV, Akai lists minimum computer requirements for the included instrument software; check that your computer meets them.
According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period; check the applicable terms and exceptions. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands.
