Who is this choice for?

Producer by a bright window

You make backing tracks in a bright workspace and want to be able to read the controls without assuming that the display or pad lighting will be easy to see there.

DAW arranger

You record parts and also want to use transport, track or mixing controls while arranging. What’s available depends on the DAW you use; Novation and Arturia describe controls that vary by model and software.

Compact beatmaker

You have limited desk space and mainly enter rhythms and short ideas using keys and pads. Akai Professional and Novation offer models with 25 mini keys for this purpose.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the parts you want to record and the controls you’ll need while arranging. Then check that the keyboard fits your available space and is easy to read in the light.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Visibility in your workspace Assess the controls in similar lighting and check the manual for the exact model if it will be in direct sunlight. If light from the window falls on the display or controls, I want to assess them properly in my usual workspace rather than rely on a screen specification. Around 31% of consumers give visibility in their workspace top priority.
DAW and arranging controls Check support for your DAW version and which model functions work directly. If you want to control transport, tracks or mixing functions from the keyboard while building up multiple parts, look for integration that suits your setup. Around 31% of consumers prioritise DAW controls.
Key range and space Measure the space available and decide whether you’ll mainly play short ideas or two-handed parts. A compact keyboard may suit you if you play short parts and have limited space; for longer parts, a wider key range matters. Around 23% of consumers prioritise the trade-off between range and desk space.
Rhythms and clips with pads Check the number of pads and what they do in your DAW; illuminated pads alone don’t tell you how easy they’ll be to see in your lighting. If I want to enter drum parts or clips using pads, I want to know what actions the pads perform in my software. Around 15% of consumers prioritise pad-based rhythms.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a display or illuminated pads will be easy to see in sunlight

    A display or pad specification doesn’t tell you how easy the controls will be to read in your workspace beside the window.

    Assess the controls in similar lighting and check the manual for the exact model.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A compact keyboard with pads and a 49-key controller are designed for different playing and arranging needs.

    First decide which parts you want to record and which DAW functions you need to control from the keyboard. Then measure the space available.

  • Assuming the included software and DAW integration will work straight away

    Hardware functions may depend on the DAW, software version and required settings.

    Before buying, check the system requirements and instructions for your operating system, DAW version and exact model.

    Installing or setting up scripts and ports may take extra time.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 range offers different key ranges and DAW controls for making backing tracks.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys, nine faders and 16 pads; the Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and 16 pads.
  • DAW functions vary by programme. These specifications don’t tell you how easy a display or pads will be to read beside a bright window.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a 49-key controller with knobs, pads and software integration.

  • Arturia specifies nine faders, eight pads and a 2.5-inch LCD.
  • Separate scripts are relevant for more in-depth DAW control; Arturia lists version 11.3.3 or later for the Ableton Live script. The display size doesn’t measure how easy it is to read in daylight.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact option for short parts, rhythms and keyboard-based controls.

  • Akai Professional lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys and transport controls.
  • The more compact key range and visibility in your own workspace are worth considering. Check the software requirements too.

M-Audio

The Keystation 49 MK3 is a 49-key option for playing software instruments.

  • M-Audio specifies 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, USB-MIDI and transport buttons.
  • Compare the control layout with your workflow if you want to use pads or dedicated mixer controls from the keyboard.

Nektar

The Impact LX49+ is a 49-key controller with pads and DAW integration for specific programmes.

  • Nektar lists nine faders, eight pads and DAW integration for the programmes named.
  • Check that the integration works with your DAW version. This model information doesn’t tell you how easy the controls are to read in bright light from a window.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard need to make its own sound to record backing tracks?

No. A MIDI controller sends MIDI notes and control data. To hear a result, you’ll also need a sound source set up, such as a software instrument, and an audio output.

Will the faders and pads work straight away in my DAW?

It depends on the model, DAW and version. Arturia describes separate DAW scripts for the KeyLab Essential mk3 and lists version 11.3.3 or later for the Ableton Live script. Check the instructions for your setup.

How can I use a MIDI keyboard beside a bright window?

Check how easy it is to read the controls in the spot where you plan to use the keyboard, and follow the manual for the exact model. A Monoprice manual warns against direct sunlight for that specific product; this warning isn’t a measured assessment of the MIDI keyboards discussed here.

What are my rights in the Netherlands if I buy online or receive a faulty product?

Many online consumer purchases come with a 14-day cooling-off period; when it applies and whether any exceptions apply depends on the purchase. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period and that you should contact the seller about a faulty product.