Who is this guide for?

Pianist who needs space

You play with both hands and want to weigh up the playing range and key action against your desk’s available space and weight capacity.

Player using a shared desk

You switch between making music and working on your computer, and want a keyboard that fits on your desk without compromising your playing range or posture.

Player with existing piano software

You already use a virtual piano or DAW and want to make sure your keys, sustain pedal and audio settings work well together.

What should you look for when buying?

First measure the available space and decide how many notes you want to be able to reach at once. Then consider the key action, pedal connection and software controls.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Key action and sustain Check the key construction, pedal input and the type of pedal required for the exact model. If I play piano parts, I want to know how the keys feel and how to connect sustain. Around 27% of consumers put key action and sustain first.
Desk space and posture Measure the available width and depth, and allow for cables, weight capacity, pedal space and reach. If I also use my desk for work, I want to leave some space free and assess the playing position both sitting and standing. Around 27% of consumers prioritise desk space and posture.
Playing range at your fingertips Compare your piano parts with the number of keys on the exact model, then measure the model itself. If I want to switch octaves less often, I look at how many keys I can reach at once. Around 26% of consumers make playing range their main priority.
Software compatibility Check the computer connection, MIDI settings and audio output. Check separately whether DAW controls work with your software. If I want to use my existing virtual piano, I want to know in advance which connections and settings I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise software compatibility.

Things to watch out for

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A 61- or 88-key controller may need a different desk setup because of its size and weight.

    Compare the dimensions and weight of the exact model with the available space and weight capacity of your setup.

  • Assuming a pedal or DAW controls will work automatically

    A pedal input, MIDI notes and pre-configured DAW controls are different features and may each need separate settings.

    Check the required pedal type, any included accessories and the settings for your software separately.

    A compatible pedal may need to be bought separately.

  • Assuming a digital piano with USB-MIDI is the same as a controller

    USB-MIDI and built-in sounds don’t automatically make a digital piano equivalent to a MIDI controller for your playing and software needs.

    Compare the brand, model and key features, and check that the product type suits your setup.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey range includes models with different numbers and sizes of keys.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 and 49 keys for the Launchkey 49 MK4.
  • The manufacturer specifies a width of 730 mm for the Launchkey 49 MK4. Mini keys and full-size keys don’t feel the same to play.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 combines 61 keys with controls for software instruments.

  • Arturia specifies velocity-sensitive keys and a pedal input.
  • Arturia describes the key action as hybrid synth-piano; this doesn’t mean it has a hammer action. The manufacturer lists a width of 890 mm.

Studiologic

The SL88 mk2 is an 88-key controller with hammer action, designed for players with room for a larger setup.

  • Studiologic specifies a TP/110 hammer action for the SL88 mk2.
  • The manufacturer lists a width of 126.5 cm and a weight of 13.3 kg. These specifications don’t tell you whether the key action will suit you.

Roland

The A-49 is a controller with 49 full-size keys.

  • Roland specifies 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and USB power.
  • If a sustain pedal is important to you, check the connections on this exact model.

Nektar

The Impact GX49 and GX61 are controllers with 49 and 61 keys respectively, for use with computer software.

  • Nektar lists a footswitch connection and additional DAW controls.
  • Check that the controls work with your software. Their presence doesn’t guarantee an advantage with every virtual piano.

Joybuy products

This selection includes two 61-key models: a digital piano with USB-MIDI and an electronic keyboard whose product title mentions a MIDI controller function. Check that the connections and features on each model suit your virtual piano. A digital piano isn’t automatically the same as a standalone MIDI controller.

MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

For anyone looking for a digital piano with built-in sounds who also wants to use USB-MIDI. Check that this product type suits your software and playing needs.

The product title lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller function, black

Electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller function, black

The product title describes a keyboard with a MIDI controller function. Check its connection and software compatibility with your computer and virtual piano.

The title also lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Will a MIDI controller produce sound without any extra settings?

Don’t assume it will: MIDI sends notes to software, but you also need a sound source and audio output to hear them. Arturia describes separate MIDI and audio settings for the KeyLab Essential mk3. Check which settings your controller and piano software need.

How should I set up my playing space if I also work standing up?

Measure your setup and allow for reach and foot space. Arboportaal recommends alternating between sitting and standing; this is workplace guidance, not proof that one keyboard height suits every player.

What can I do if a controller I bought online isn’t suitable or develops a fault?

For many distance purchases from a business, you have 14 days to change your mind; check which exceptions apply. According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period, but this doesn’t affect your legal rights if a product is faulty.

Does a MIDI controller need CE marking in the Netherlands?

CE marking is required when a product falls under harmonised EU rules that require it. The applicable rules must be determined for each specific model; CE marking is not a centrally issued quality certificate.