Beginner with limited desk space
Wants to use a MIDI keyboard alongside a two-screen workstation and is weighing up a smaller device against the number of keys available.
Which type of MIDI controller is right for you?
Beginner practising DAW controls
Wants to control tracks, instruments or clips from the controller while learning. How this works depends on the DAW and the setup you choose.
Beginner practising keyboard parts
Prioritises room for chords and parts played with both hands over having the smallest controller possible.
Which factors matter most when choosing?
Compact keyboard with pads
A good fit if: you mainly want to enter short melodies and beats and have little space to spare. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as having 25 slim keys and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm.
Bear in mind: the limited number of keys if you want to play longer parts across several octaves.
Compact keyboard with DAW controls
A good fit if: you use a supported DAW and want to control clips, drums or transport functions as well as play keys. Novation lists the Launchkey 25 MK4 as having 25 keys and 16 pads.
Bear in mind: its width of 461 mm and the setup required by your DAW; direct control varies depending on the combination.
Larger keyboard for a wider range
A good fit if: you mainly want to practise chords and parts played with both hands, and have room for a larger instrument. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as having 49 semi-weighted keys.
Bear in mind: its width of 730 mm and whether the extra keys and controls suit what you want to learn.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space alongside two screens | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. | If I want to position my controller alongside my screens, I need enough room left on my desk; around 29% of consumers put desk space first. |
| Controlling your DAW | Check compatibility with your DAW and version, as well as the MIDI ports and setup required. | If I want to control features in my DAW, I need to know which buttons and scripts work with my software; around 29% of consumers give DAW control top priority. |
| Beats and clips | Compare the number and sensitivity of the pads with the features supported by your DAW. | If I want to enter beats or clips, I need pads that I can use for the tasks I’m practising; beats and clips come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Key range | Decide which parts you want to play, then compare the number and size of the keys and the overall dimensions. | If I want to practise chords and parts with both hands, I need a wide enough range without losing sight of my workspace; around 21% of consumers prioritise key range. |
Which buying mistakes can you avoid?
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Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own
According to Akai, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software and doesn’t produce sound itself. You’ll therefore need suitable software to hear any sound.
Before buying, check which software and sounds you can use, and whether you need to register to redeem any bundled software licences.
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Choosing more keys without measuring your workspace
A larger keyboard may be impractical alongside two screens. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide and the Launchkey 25 MK4 as 461 mm wide.
Measure the space you need for your keyboard, mouse and controller together, then decide how many keys you need.
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Assuming DAW compatibility means direct control
The controls available depend on the controller, DAW and setup. Ableton, for example, distinguishes between control surface scripts and manual MIDI mapping.
Check the instructions for your model, DAW and software version. Setting up the right connection may take extra time.
Which brands are worth considering?
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 is a compact range with slim keys and pads; the KeyLab Essential mk3 range also focuses on software and DAW control.
- For the MiniLab 3, Arturia lists details including its dimensions, USB-C and a MIDI output.
- These specifications don’t mean that DAW integration will work without setup in every software version; Arturia provides separate instructions for this.
Novation
The Launchkey MK4 range includes a 25-key model for smaller spaces and a 49-key model for a wider playing range.
- Novation lists 16 pads and integration with named DAWs for the Launchkey 25 MK4. The Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys.
- According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 is 730 mm wide. The integration details provided are from the manufacturer, not an independent performance test.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini MK3 combines a compact keyboard with pads.
- Akai lists 25 keys, eight pads and downloads for the MPK Mini MK3.
- According to Akai, this USB MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound without connected software. You need to register to redeem bundled software licences.
M-Audio
The Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys and controls for software functions.
- M-Audio describes automatic function mapping.
- According to M-Audio, you need to select the DAW on the controller and set the correct configuration in the DAW; this doesn’t guarantee that every function will work straight away.
Nektar
The Impact LX49+ and LX61+ are larger USB MIDI keyboards with DAW controls.
- Nektar lists these models as having 49 or 61 velocity-sensitive keys, nine faders and eight encoders.
- The range is most relevant if you have enough space and use a supported DAW; the integration details are provided by the manufacturer.
Joybuy products with 61 keys and USB MIDI
These product picks are 61-key keyboards with USB MIDI, for anyone who wants to connect to music software while practising. Compare the model, what’s included and how much space the instrument takes up.
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Black 61-key keyboard with MIDI and metronome
A good fit if you want to practise on a 61-key keyboard and send MIDI data to music software.
USB MIDI; recording function and metronome. The product name also mentions speakers and a music stand.
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Black 61-key keyboard kit with USB MIDI
A good fit if you want to practise on a 61-key keyboard and need a USB MIDI connection to music software.
The product name mentions a three-level teaching mode, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and USB MIDI. The kit includes a stand, bench and music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need two screen connections on a MIDI controller to use it with two screens?
No. A MIDI controller sends performance and control data to music software; you connect your screens to your computer. Do check which USB connection the controller uses and whether your computer has a spare port for it.
Why don’t the controls work as expected in my DAW straight away?
The default controls vary between controllers and DAWs. Check the MIDI ports and any model-specific scripts; Ableton explains how to use manual MIDI mapping for functions without a suitable control surface script.
Does a MIDI keyboard make sound by itself?
Not necessarily. Akai specifically states that the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software rather than producing sound itself. Check which software and sounds you can use, and whether you need to register to redeem any bundled licences.
What returns and warranty rights apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online product purchases generally come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. ACM also states that the seller is responsible for the legal guarantee; there is no standard statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands.
What should I look out for with a CE marking?
For electrical and electronic equipment covered by the applicable EMC rules, Dutch and EU sources describe requirements relating to conformity assessment, an EU declaration of conformity and CE marking. Check which rules apply to the specific model and whether it meets them; a CE marking is not a quality mark.