Who are these controllers for?

Keyboard lead player

You want to play melodic lines on a keyboard and control pitch and modulation as you perform. Novation and Akai specify different key layouts and sizes, so key range and controls are both worth considering.

Player with limited studio space

You’re looking for a compact playing surface, possibly to control an external synth. Akai and Arturia offer models with 37 keys; check that the key size and connections suit the way you play and the equipment you use.

Expressive lead player

You want to shape notes with movement or pressure. Ableton describes this per-pad control for Push 3; how useful it is will also depend on the instruments and settings you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the playing surface you want to use for your lead, then work out which controls and connections your setup needs.

What to consider What should you check? Who should prioritise this?
Playability and key range Compare the number of keys, velocity sensitivity and size with the space available on your desk. Novation specifies 49 semi-weighted keys for the Launchkey 49 MK4; Akai lists 37 mini keys for the MPK Mini Plus. If you want to play leads on keys, range and a comfortable key size are essential. Around 36% of consumers rank playability as their top buying priority.
Pitch and tonal expression Check whether the controller has pitch and modulation controls, and whether any aftertouch is available on the playing surface you want to use. Aftertouch on pads doesn’t automatically mean aftertouch on keys. If you want to change pitch or tone as you play a phrase, check which controls you can use per note or with wheels. Around 29% of consumers give real-time expression their highest priority.
Software and DAW workflow Check support for your DAW and instrument, any installation requirements, and the audio output. A MIDI controller sends control data; you need a sound source to hear the notes. If you play through your computer, you’ll want your controller, DAW and software instrument to work together. Around 21% of consumers put their software workflow first.
Connecting to an external synth Compare the connections on both devices, such as MIDI DIN or CV/Gate, and check the power and settings required. If you want to control an external synthesiser, the available connections need to be compatible. Around 14% of consumers give this connection their top buying priority.

Things to watch out for when buying

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a synthesiser that produces sound

    MIDI contains control data, not an audio signal. You won’t hear the notes you play without a software instrument or an external sound source.

    Decide in advance which instrument will produce the sound and how you’ll hear it through your audio output.

  • Confusing aftertouch on pads with aftertouch on keys

    The feature may be available on a different playing surface from the one you use for your lead. Novation specifies polyphonic aftertouch for the pads on the Launchkey 49 MK4, not the keyboard.

    Read the specifications for the keys and pads separately, and check which surface supports the expression you want.

  • Assuming USB, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate all do the same thing

    The connection and control options need to match the inputs on your external synthesiser.

    Compare the connections on both devices and check which MIDI or CV/Gate signal your synth requires.

  • Assuming a software bundle or MPE listing guarantees a seamless workflow

    DAW control may require configuration. Ableton says certain Push 3 features require compatible software versions, settings and instruments.

    Check the configuration of your DAW and instrument and, if you’re using MPE, the required software version and settings.

Brands worth considering

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 is worth considering if you’re looking for a keyboard with direct DAW and parameter control.

  • Novation specifies 49 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys, wheels, encoders and faders for the Launchkey 49 MK4.
  • The listed polyphonic aftertouch applies to the pads, not the keys.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and KeyStep 37 mk2 suit different needs: software and DAW control versus a more compact setup with external equipment.

  • Arturia specifies 49 velocity-sensitive keys, DAW scripts and a MIDI DIN output for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. For the KeyStep 37 mk2, Arturia lists 37 Slimkey keys with aftertouch and CV/Gate.
  • The features of these models aren’t interchangeable; check the specifications of the version you’re considering.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is a compact option for lead playing if you want wheels and connections for external equipment.

  • Akai lists 37 mini keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and MIDI/CV/Gate connectivity.
  • The smaller key size may be a compromise if you prefer playing on larger keys.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is an alternative with 49 keys and controls for a DAW and software instruments.

  • M-Audio describes automatic control mapping for supported workflows.
  • According to M-Audio, you also need to select the correct configuration in your DAW. Automatic mapping doesn’t guarantee that every workflow will work without additional settings.

Ableton

Push 3 is worth considering if a pad grid and integration with Ableton Live suit the way you play better than a traditional keyboard.

  • According to Ableton, the MPE pads register movement and pressure on each pad.
  • Some features or instruments require compatible software versions, settings or a separate licence.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need anything else to hear a synth lead when using a MIDI controller?

Yes. MIDI data doesn’t contain sound. According to Novation, you need a software instrument to play and a correctly configured audio output; with an external synth, you’ll also need to make sure its sound is audible.

Does polyphonic aftertouch work on the keys of a Launchkey 49 MK4?

Novation specifies polyphonic aftertouch for the pads, not the keys, on the Launchkey 49 MK4. So don’t assume the keys have this feature based on the pad specification.

How do I set up Push 3 for expression on individual notes?

According to Ableton, go to the Push settings, set Expression Mode to MPE, then choose an MPE-compatible instrument or preset. Also check which Live and Push software versions are required for the feature you want to use.

What rights do I have when buying a controller online?

For eligible consumer distance purchases, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government (Rijksoverheid). You’re also entitled to a product that meets reasonable expectations; in the Netherlands, there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.

Does an electric MIDI controller sold in the Netherlands have to comply with product regulations?

Yes. The market participant placing the electrical or electronic device on the market must comply with the applicable rules. Ondernemersplein explains that the exact requirements depend on the device; features such as Bluetooth may bring additional rules. A product listing on its own doesn’t prove that a particular model meets all applicable requirements.