Two-handed chord player
You want to play chords alongside a separate bass or melody part, so you’re first considering what keyboard range will feel comfortable.
Who is this for?
Ambient producer using a DAW
You want to control sound layers, parameters or recordings without constantly reaching for the mouse. How useful the controls are will depend partly on how well they work with your software and workflow.
Player with limited workspace
You want to fit the keyboard into your existing loft setup and are weighing up the size and feel of smaller keys against the playing range.
What should you look for?
For ambient chords in a loft, your choice mainly depends on how many notes you want to play at once, which controls you’ll use while playing and how much space you have.
49 keys with software controls
Choose this if: you want to play in chords and control DAW functions as you play.
The trade-off: these models don’t all take up the same amount of space. Arturia lists the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as 790 mm wide; Novation gives the Launchkey 49 MK4 dimensions of 730 × 264 mm. Remember to allow room for your hands and cables, too.
37 mini keys
Choose this if: space is limited and you’re happy to record parts separately if needed.
The trade-off: the Akai MPK Mini Plus II has 37 mini keys. Check that the smaller playing range and key size feel comfortable for the parts you want to play.
61 keys for a wider playing range
Choose this if: you want to play more expansive parts with both hands without constantly switching octaves.
The trade-off: the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 focuses on 61 keys and straightforward controls. Compare its built-in controls with what you need in your DAW.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing range | Try playing a chord alongside the lowest bass note or highest melody note. Compare the range and key size of the exact models you’re considering. | I want to play chords and a bass or melody note at the same time without constantly switching octaves. That’s why around 33% of consumers put playing range first. |
| Hands-on controls | Check that your DAW supports the functions and that you’ll actually use chord modes, faders or pads. | If I want to adjust sound layers or effects while playing, I don’t want to keep reaching for the mouse. Around 27% of consumers give hands-on control of sound and software top priority. |
| Workspace | Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for cables and your hands. | My keyboard needs to fit into a loft setup alongside my computer and other equipment, so I’m weighing up space against playing range. Around 20% of consumers put fitting into their workspace first. |
| Connections and sound | Check how it connects to your computer and software, which sound source and audio output you’ll use, and whether the pedal you want is included. | I want to know how I’ll hear the MIDI part and whether my equipment and any sustain pedal will connect. Around 20% of consumers give a complete connection setup and ready-to-use arrangement top priority. |
Avoiding common buying mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound like a keyboard
MIDI contains performance data, but you can’t hear it on its own. You won’t hear the part you play without a suitable sound source and audio output.
Before you buy, check how you’ll use the controller with a software instrument or another suitable sound source and audio output.
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Comparing only the number of keys
The Akai MPK Mini Plus II has mini keys, while the 49- and 61-key models mentioned offer a different playing range. The number of keys alone doesn’t tell you whether a keyboard will feel comfortable to play.
Try playing your own two-handed chords and compare key size, feel and available range.
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Assuming a pedal input means a pedal is included
M-Audio lists a sustain pedal input for the Keystation 61 MK3 and states that the SP2 pedal is sold separately.
Check what’s included in the exact offer and which type of pedal the model supports.
You may need to buy a sustain pedal separately; check whether one is included with the version you’ve chosen.
Relevant brands to consider
Arturia
Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as a 49-key controller with chord and scale modes, as well as controls.
- Arturia specifies a pedal input; this model is listed as 790 mm wide.
- Check that the included software works on your system. The specifications won’t tell you whether the keyboard will feel right for you.
Novation
Novation positions the Launchkey 49 MK4 as a controller for playing and working in a DAW, with 49 keys, chord features and faders.
- Novation lists dimensions of 730 × 264 mm and a sustain pedal input.
- Which DAW features work, and how much the extra controls add, depends on your software and workflow.
Akai Professional
Akai Professional describes the MPK Mini Plus II as a controller with 37 mini keys and pads.
- The product information also mentions a chord mode and a sustain pedal input.
- Mini keys and a smaller immediate playing range may be a compromise for larger two-handed parts. The MPK Mini Plus and MPK Mini Plus II are different model names.
M-Audio
For the Keystation 61 MK3, M-Audio focuses on 61 keys, MIDI connectivity and straightforward controls.
- M-Audio lists a 6.3 mm sustain pedal input.
- M-Audio says the SP2 pedal is sold separately. If you want to adjust lots of software parameters directly, compare the controls with those on controllers that have more faders and pads.
Nektar
Nektar describes the Impact LX mk3 series as offering chord, scale and DAW features; the series is available with different numbers of keys.
- Nektar lists a footswitch connection for the series.
- Some DAW integrations have software version requirements. Check the specifications for the exact LX49 mk3 version; information about an older LX49+ model doesn’t automatically apply to this one.
Joybuy products for a wider playing range
These models are for anyone looking for a 61-key keyboard with MIDI connectivity. Check which built-in features suit your setup for each model.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI connectivity for chords and separate parts.
Weighted keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; built-in speakers; USB-MIDI.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller function
A good fit if you’re looking for 61 keys and a MIDI controller function for playing chords and parts.
500 sounds; recording function; built-in speakers.
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Digital keyboard set, 61 keys, black, with stand and bench
A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI, plus a stand and bench included in the set.
300 tones and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI; stand and bench included.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I hear anything when I connect only the MIDI keyboard?
MIDI describes details such as which note is played and how hard a key is pressed, but it isn’t an audio signal itself. Set up a suitable sound source, such as a software instrument, and an audio output. The MIDI Association describes MIDI as messages that transmit performance data.
How can I check whether a sustain pedal will work with my keyboard?
Check that the exact model has a suitable pedal input and find out which type of pedal it supports. Novation specifies a 6.35 mm input for sustain pedals and momentary footswitches on the Launchkey 49 MK4. For other models, check their own specifications.
What should I check when buying online and looking at included accessories?
Check whether the software and any pedal you want are actually included with the version you’ve chosen; M-Audio says the SP2 sustain pedal is sold separately. For eligible online purchases from a business, the Dutch government generally allows a 14-day cooling-off period. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory time limit for the legal guarantee.
What product safety rules apply to electrical equipment in the Netherlands?
According to Business.gov.nl, sellers of electrical and electronic equipment must ensure that products comply with the applicable European rules. Which rules apply, and whether CE marking is required, depends on the specific device; a CE mark alone doesn’t show that a particular offer has been independently assessed.