For playing ambient chords with both hands, a 49-key controller gives you more room to play than a 37-key model. A more compact model may be a better fit for a small workspace or for triggering chords. Next, compare the chord controls, connections and options for shaping your instrument’s sound. As Novation explains, a MIDI controller sends control data and is not a sound source in its own right.
You want to play bass notes and widely spaced chords on the keys yourself, so keyboard range matters more to you than having the smallest possible controller. Novation’s Launchkey 49 MK4 and Arturia’s KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 both have 49 keys.
You create ambient progressions using chord tools and want to see whether keys, pads or a saved chord will bring up the harmonies you’re looking for. Novation describes Chord Map for chord pads, while M-Audio describes Smart Chord for the Oxygen Pro 49.
You hold notes for a long time and want to shape the sound as you play using controls or, if your instrument supports it, key pressure. According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 has polyphonic aftertouch on its pads; Native Instruments specifies polyphonic aftertouch on the Kontrol S49 keyboard.
First, decide whether you want to play chords yourself or bring them up using a chord tool. Then check that the size and connections suit your workspace and existing equipment.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Room to play | Compare the number of keys with the parts you want to play with both hands. The options mentioned include 37 and 49 keys; an octave button doesn’t add any keys to the range you can play at the same time. | If I play bass notes and widely spaced chords myself, I want enough keys within easy reach. Around 33% of consumers say room to play is their top priority. |
| Chord tools | Check how to set chord types, keys and voicings. Novation describes Chord Map as chord sets accessed via pads; M-Audio describes Smart Chord on the Oxygen Pro 49 as chords triggered by a key or pad. | If I want to explore progressions without playing every chord shape myself, I want controls that suit the way I work. Around 27% of consumers put chord tools at the top of their list. |
| Space and connections | Measure the space available and check whether your equipment needs USB-C, MIDI DIN or CV/Gate. Arturia specifies these connections for the KeyStep 37 mk2. | If my studio desk is short on space or I want to connect hardware, the size and connections need to work with my setup. Around 20% of consumers make a compact or hybrid setup their top priority. |
| Sound expression | Check whether your instrument responds to MIDI controls or polyphonic aftertouch. Novation specifies aftertouch for the Launchkey 49 MK4 pads; Native Instruments specifies it for the Kontrol S49 keyboard. | If I want to shape sustained notes individually, my instrument needs to respond to the relevant data. Around 20% of consumers prioritise expressive sound control. |
A MIDI controller sends control data to other equipment or software; it isn’t automatically the source of the sound. Novation describes MIDI controllers as devices that send MIDI data to control instruments or software.
Decide in advance which instrument will make the sound and how you’ll connect it.
Smart Chord and Chord Map offer different ways to trigger chords. M-Audio describes Smart Chord for the Oxygen Pro 49, while Novation describes Chord Map as scale-related chord sets accessed via pads.
Check how to set up the chord changes, key and controls you want on the exact model you’re considering.
Novation specifies polyphonic aftertouch for the Launchkey 49 MK4 pads, while Native Instruments specifies this feature for the Kontrol S49 keys. The instrument being controlled must also be able to use the data.
Check which controls the feature works on, and whether your virtual instrument responds to it.
The Launchkey 49 MK4 is an option if you want to combine 49 keys with chord pads, DAW control and controls for virtual instruments.
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is designed for a 49-key workflow with Analog Lab and DAW control. The KeyStep 37 mk2 is a more compact option for software and synth hardware.
The Oxygen Pro 49 is worth considering if you’re looking for chord controls via a key or pad, as well as DAW controls.
The Kontrol S49 is worth considering if you’re looking for polyphonic aftertouch on the keys and control over compatible virtual instruments.
Yes, you’ll need an instrument to make the sound, such as suitable software or a synthesiser. Novation describes a MIDI controller as a device that sends MIDI data to control other instruments or software. Also check how to connect your equipment and listen to the sound.
Check the physical connection and make sure the correct MIDI input is selected in your software. M-Audio describes the Oxygen Pro as USB-powered and class-compliant, but setting up DAW controls and virtual instruments depends on the software you use.
For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind, according to ACM ConsuWijzer; some exceptions may apply. In addition, if a product doesn’t offer what you could reasonably expect under normal use, the seller must put this right free of charge under the statutory guarantee. Check any terms for included software separately.
Electrical and electronic equipment must meet the applicable technical and administrative requirements. According to Dutch government information, the manufacturer must affix the CE marking when the relevant requirements have been met. This general framework doesn’t prove that a particular controller complies; check the information for the specific product.
