Who is this for?

Producer with limited desk space

You build parts alongside your screen, mouse and keyboard, and want the keyboard to fit within your usable desk space.

Producer who plays in parts

You want to record melodies, chords and beats with enough range to play and controls that suit your DAW.

Producer with external synths

You want to control hardware as well as software, and need connections that match your setup.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space and posture Measure the available space and leave room for your hands and computer controls. Arturia gives the MiniLab 3’s dimensions as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; Novation specifies 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. If I want to keep using my mouse and keyboard alongside the keys, available space comes first. Around 31% of consumers give desk space top priority.
DAW controls and beats Check which pads, transport buttons and controls work with your DAW and software version. Novation specifies 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4; check the functions of the exact model. If you want to enter drum, bass and other parts, controls that work with your DAW are especially useful. Around 31% of consumers prioritise DAW and beat controls.
Playing range and key size Work out which passages you want to play without changing octaves, then compare the dimensions and key size. Novation lists 49 semi-weighted keys and a width of 730 mm for the Launchkey 49 MK4; Arturia gives the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3’s dimensions as 790 × 240 × 70 mm. If I play longer melodies or chords, I want more notes within reach, even if the keyboard takes up more desk space. Around 25% of consumers prioritise playing range.
Connections for equipment Make a note of the connections your equipment needs and compare them with those on the exact controller. Arturia specifies a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; according to Arturia, the KeyStep 37 mk2 also has sync and CV/Gate. If I want to control an external synth, the connection needs to match that equipment; if you don’t have a hardware setup, extra connections may not be necessary. Around 13% of consumers give hardware connections top priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own

    MIDI data doesn’t contain any sound itself. Without a software instrument or a suitable connected sound source, you won’t hear your backing track through the controller.

    Check in advance which software or external sound source you’ll use, and how the sound will reach your headphones or speakers.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    A larger keyboard can take up more desk space. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3’s width as 355 mm.

    Compare the dimensions of the exact model with your available workspace, and leave room for your other controls.

  • Assuming features carry over from another model generation

    According to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV differ in areas including their transport controls and type of USB connection.

    Check the full model name and the features of the exact version you’re considering.

  • Choosing a connection without checking your equipment

    The Arturia MiniLab 3 and KeyStep 37 mk2 have different connection options for external equipment.

    Compare the inputs and outputs on your equipment with those on the exact controller. USB, MIDI DIN, sync and CV/Gate are not interchangeable.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 offers compact control with mini keys and pads, while the Launchkey 49 MK4 gives you more keys and faders.

  • Novation says the Mini 37 has 37 mini keys and 16 pads.
  • The Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys and is 730 mm wide; the models differ in size and controls.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller for software, while the KeyStep 37 mk2 is designed for sequencing and connecting to external equipment. The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers a wider playing range.

  • Arturia specifies a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3, and sync and CV/Gate for the KeyStep 37 mk2.
  • The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is 790 mm wide. These features apply to individual models, not every product from the brand.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV combines a compact keyboard with beat pads and controls.

  • Akai lists mechanical pitch and modulation wheels and transport controls for the MPK Mini IV.
  • Akai describes differences between the MPK Mini IV and the older MPK Mini MK3; don’t assume both generations have the same features.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini combines 25 mini keys with pads and transport controls.

  • Nektar specifies eight pads, eight knobs and DAW integration.
  • Check that it supports your DAW. With 25 mini keys, this model offers a more limited playing range at your fingertips than the 37- or 49-key models discussed here.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard make sound by itself when I play in my backing track?

No. A standard MIDI controller sends control data and doesn’t produce sound by itself. Choose a software instrument in your DAW or use a suitable connected external instrument; also check the audio output.

What should I check if the keys work but the pads or transport buttons don’t?

Check the MIDI and DAW settings for your full model and software. Akai describes differences between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV, so don’t assume they have the same default controls.

What should I look for in the included software?

Before buying, check the computer requirements and current software terms for the exact model. For software supplied with the MPK Mini IV, Akai Professional lists macOS 13+ or Windows 10+, among other requirements; these are not general system requirements for all MIDI keyboards.

What can I do in the Netherlands if I’m unhappy with or my online-bought MIDI keyboard breaks?

For distance purchases, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions; the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets explains this period. Separately, the legal guarantee applies if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect under normal use. The seller must then offer an appropriate solution, as ConsuWijzer explains.

What product rules apply to electrical equipment sold in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic equipment must comply with the relevant European product rules. Dutch government information lists requirements covering safety, electromagnetic compatibility, CE marking and the EU declaration of conformity, among others; a product description alone doesn’t confirm that an individual item has been checked.