Who is this buying guide for?

Bassline writer with limited desk space

You play short bass parts in music software and are weighing up immediate access to the keys against the space available beside your window.

Producer who wants hands-on control

You want to record quickly or adjust settings as you write, without relying on a small screen in bright light from a window. So, assess the controls and screen display where you’ll be using the keyboard.

Creator using an external sound source

You want to send bass notes to a synthesiser or another MIDI device, so you’ll need to compare its inputs with the keyboard’s outputs.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Playing range and desk space Measure the available space and compare the number of keys and octave controls. KORG specifies 25 keys for the nanoKEY2; Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37. If I write basslines at a small desk, I want enough keys for my parts without taking up workspace unnecessarily. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing range and desk space.
Controls in bright window light Try the buttons and any screen display at your intended workspace. A display alone doesn’t tell you how easy it is to read there. If bright light makes the screen hard to read, I want to be able to control key functions directly. Around 25% of consumers prioritise controls that work well in bright window light.
DAW and sound software Check compatibility with your DAW and version, the settings you’ll need and which sound source you use. Novation describes the Launchkey Mini 37 as integrating with the DAWs it lists; check that your software is supported. I want to use my own DAW and sound software, so I check in advance how the controls and sound source work with them. Around 25% of consumers prioritise their software workflow.
External connections Compare the inputs and outputs on your equipment with those on the keyboard. Arturia specifies a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai lists MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock for the MPK Mini Plus. If I want to control an external synthesiser or another sound source, I first check which connection it needs. Around 17% of consumers prioritise connecting to external equipment.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard with built-in bass sounds

    A MIDI controller sends MIDI messages. Akai specifically confirms that the MPK mini mk3 relies on the computer’s software to produce the sound.

    Check how you’ll hear the notes on the exact model, and whether you have a suitable computer, software or other sound source.

  • Assuming a display will be easy to read beside a window

    A listed display specification doesn’t prove that information will remain easy to read in bright light from a window.

    Assess the screen display where you’ll be playing, and check which functions you can also use via physical controls.

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with a connection for every external synthesiser

    Connections vary by model. Arturia specifies a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai also lists MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock for the MPK Mini Plus.

    Compare the exact inputs and outputs on the keyboard with the requirements of your external sound source.

  • Ordering an older model generation because the name looks similar

    Akai’s comparison of the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV highlights differences including the display and transport controls.

    Check the full model name and generation before choosing.

Brands to consider

The features listed apply to specific product lines and models; they aren’t an assessment of an entire brand.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 is a compact option with 37 mini keys and controls for supported DAWs.

  • Novation says the Launchkey Mini 37 has 37 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and integration with the DAWs it lists.
  • These specifications don’t tell you how easy the display is to read beside a bright window.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a 25-key keyboard and physical controls with a MIDI output for external equipment.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • Compare the playing range with your bass parts and check the DAW setup for your software.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini Plus offer different control and connection options.

  • Akai specifies 37 mini keys, a sequencer and MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock connections for the MPK Mini Plus.
  • Don’t treat the MPK Mini IV, MPK Mini Plus and older MK3 as interchangeable generations; check the features of the exact model.

KORG

The nanoKEY2 is a flat, narrow USB-MIDI option for anyone short on desk space.

  • KORG specifies 25 velocity-sensitive keys, octave buttons and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • Its controls and playing style differ from those of controllers with pads and rotary knobs.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if you want to compare 32 mini keys and DAW controls.

  • M-Audio lists USB power and assigned controls for features including transport functions and faders.
  • DAW controls may need configuring; check how they work with your software.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection features a black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and a MIDI controller.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller

Electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller, black

The product title lists 61 keys and a MIDI controller; check that the playing range suits your bass parts and the desk space you have available.

The title also mentions a recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. Check which connections and DAW settings will work with your equipment.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce sound by itself when I play a bassline?

Not always. Akai says the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI messages and that the computer’s software produces the sound. For another model, check how you’ll hear the notes and whether you have a suitable sound source.

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

Before choosing, check whether you can use the main buttons and any screen information from your intended playing position. A display listed in the specifications doesn’t, by itself, tell you how easy it is to read in bright light from a window.

What should I check when setting up a MIDI keyboard?

Check that the connection and settings work with your computer and DAW, and make sure you have a suitable sound source. A MIDI controller doesn’t necessarily produce sound by itself; how it works depends on the exact model and your equipment.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy at a distance you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions apply. The Dutch government also states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands; what you can expect depends in part on the product.

Does a MIDI keyboard need a CE marking?

This depends on the product rules that apply to the specific device. The European Commission states that CE marking is only compulsory when harmonised EU rules require it for that product category. So check the relevant information for the exact model.