Two-handed chord player
Wants to play bass notes and widely spread chords at the same time. The number of keys and the space available to play are therefore key considerations.
Who is this for?
Ambient producer using software
Wants to play chords and control sounds or effects while playing. Look at the controls and how well they work with your DAW.
Player with limited space
Needs a keyboard that fits on a small piece of furniture and is happy to switch octaves more often if the range is smaller.
What should you look for?
Compact keyboard with mini keys
Choose this if: a small playing area matters more to you than a wide range. The Arturia MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys; the Akai MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys.
Bear in mind: it may be harder to play widely spread chords with both hands on a short keyboard.
Mid-sized keyboard with software controls
Choose this if: you want to play chords while controlling software instruments or effects. Both the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 and Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 have 49 keys.
Bear in mind: measure your furniture and check DAW integration with your software. Specifications don’t tell you which keyboard will feel more comfortable to play.
Larger keyboard for a wider playing range
Choose this if: you like playing bass notes and spread-out chords without switching octaves, and have enough space. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 has 61 keys.
Bear in mind: a larger keyboard needs more space, so check that it will fit in your loft.
Sound from software or an external synthesiser
Choose this approach if: you want to use virtual sounds with a computer and music software, or control an external synthesiser.
Bear in mind: a MIDI controller doesn’t produce audible sound on its own. Connect your headphones to the audio output of the sound source.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range | Compare the number and size of the keys with the bass notes and chord voicings you usually play. An octave button shifts the range, but doesn’t increase the number of keys available at once. | If I want to play bass and higher chord notes at the same time, I need enough keys for my chord shapes. That’s why around 30% of consumers prioritise keyboard range. |
| Chord features and sound controls | Check what the chord and scale modes on the exact model do, and whether the controls work with your DAW. How they work can vary between models and software. | If I want to adjust chords, layers or parameters while playing, I look at how the controls work with my software. Around 30% of consumers prioritise these features. |
| Space required | Measure the available surface and leave room for cables. A compact keyboard may offer a narrower range of keys available at once. | If my playing area is small, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit with the cables connected. Around 20% of consumers give space serious consideration. |
| Connections and listening | Check the USB and any MIDI connections on both devices, the software settings and the audio output you want to use for listening. | If I want to use my existing equipment, I want to know in advance how the controller will work with the sound source and headphones. Around 20% of consumers prioritise how everything connects. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI keyboard makes sound on its own
MIDI data isn’t audio. To hear sound, the controller needs to operate a software instrument or external sound source.
Before buying, decide which computer, music software or synthesiser will produce the sound, and where you’ll connect your headphones.
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Assuming all chord modes work in the same way
Manufacturers describe different keys, pads, modes and controls for each version. The name of a feature doesn’t automatically tell you how it will work with your playing style.
Check how the exact model handles the chords and chord changes you want to play.
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Choosing a compact model without comparing its chord range
A keyboard with 25 slim keys has a narrower range of keys available at once than the 49- or 61-key models mentioned here.
Compare the number and size of the keys with the bass notes and chord shapes you usually play, and measure the space where the keyboard will go.
Brands to compare
Novation
The Launchkey MK4 is worth considering if you want to play chords while controlling a DAW. The 49- and 61-key versions offer different ranges.
- Novation says the Launchkey 49 MK4 has chord and scale modes, eight encoders and nine faders.
- The 61-key version needs more space. Manufacturer specifications aren’t an independent assessment of key feel or suitability for your DAW.
Arturia
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 keys; the MiniLab 3 is a separate, more compact option.
- Arturia lists chord and scale modes and a 5-pin MIDI output for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia lists 25 slim keys and a chord mode.
- The features of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and MiniLab 3 aren’t interchangeable.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini Plus is a 37-mini-key option for anyone looking into chord tools and connections to other MIDI equipment.
- Akai lists chord and scale modes, a sequencer and MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock connections.
- The mini keys and three octaves are worth weighing up if you want to play spread-out chords with both hands.
M-Audio
According to its product description, the Oxygen Pro 49 combines chord and scale features with software controls.
- M-Audio describes Smart Chord, Smart Scale and automatically mapped DAW controls for this model.
- These are the manufacturer’s descriptions. Check the specific set-up for your DAW, and don’t confuse the Oxygen Pro 49 with other Oxygen versions.
Joybuy products
The products below are digital pianos and keyboards with 61 keys and USB-MIDI. They’re different from MIDI controllers without their own sound function: check how each version produces sound, which audio connections it has and whether those connections suit your equipment. Also check the applicable EU safety requirements and documentation for the exact version.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI; check how the connections work with your software or equipment.
The product title mentions weighted keys and USB-MIDI. The product information lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, built-in stereo speakers and a headphone socket.
Check the applicable EU safety requirements and documentation for this exact version.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
Could suit you if you want 61 keys and a USB-MIDI connection; check compatibility with your music software.
The product information lists 500 sounds, 300 rhythms, recording and playback functions, built-in stereo speakers and a headphone socket.
Check the applicable EU safety requirements and documentation for this exact version.
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Digital keyboard piano, 61 keys, with stand and bench
Could suit you if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI; check which devices and music applications it works with.
The product information lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, a three-step learning system, and a stand and bench included. USB-MIDI is listed for connecting to smart devices and educational apps.
Check the applicable EU safety requirements and documentation for this exact version.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MIDI controller make its own sound when I want to play in my loft?
A MIDI controller sends MIDI data, but that isn’t sound in itself. Use a software instrument or external sound source to produce the sound, and connect your headphones to its audio output.
Do I have to choose 61 keys for ambient chords?
No. Choose based on the chords you want to play at the same time and the space you have. A 49-key model or a more compact keyboard may be suitable if space or controls matter more. If possible, try the size and key feel for yourself.
What can I do if my music disturbs the neighbours?
The Dutch government advises speaking to your neighbours first and agreeing things such as what time music can be played. Depending on where you live, your landlord, local council or residents’ association may also have a role. This doesn’t give general permission to play at a particular volume or time.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period from the day after delivery, although there may be exceptions. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the legal guarantee. The appropriate solution may be repair, replacement or, in some cases, a refund.
How can I check whether an electric MIDI controller meets the regulations?
For the exact version, check which EU product safety requirements apply and whether CE marking is required. The Dutch government explains that many consumer products placed on the EU market must have CE marking. On its own, this doesn’t confirm that an individual item meets all the applicable requirements.