Who is this for?

Producer with limited desk space

You switch between computer work and playing short bass parts at the same sit-stand desk. The keyboard’s dimensions and the space needed for cables determine whether it fits comfortably on your desk.

Bassist playing in parts

You want to play basslines on keys. First decide how many notes you want to reach without switching octaves, before factoring extra pads or knobs into your choice.

Producer with synths or a sequencer

You want to create patterns or control external equipment as well as use software. In that case, the connections and how you get an audible audio signal are important.

What should you look for?

First, measure the space you can give the keyboard and decide how many keys you need. Then check the DAW controls and connections that suit the way you create basslines.

What to consider What should you check? Who might find this more important?
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables. Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3; Korg gives dimensions of 565 × 139 × 54 mm for the microKEY2-37. If I share my desk with a keyboard, mouse and screen, I want to know how much workspace will be left. Around 29% of consumers give having clear desk space their highest priority.
Playing range Compare the number of keys and try playing one of your own bass phrases on the size you’re considering. Arturia lists 25 keys for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. I’d prefer to play my bassline without constantly switching octaves. Around 29% of consumers prioritise having the notes they need within easy reach.
DAW controls Check the controls and setup for your DAW and version. Novation lists pads and encoders for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4; M-Audio says you need to select the right configuration for DAW mapping on the Oxygen Pro Mini. If I want to reach for the mouse less while writing, I want to know whether the controls support the functions in my DAW. Around 21% of consumers give software control their highest priority.
Playing posture Try the keyboard at the height you’ll play it. Arboportaal recommends a relaxed posture with neutral joint angles and varying your working posture. I play standing up and want to keep my shoulders, forearms and wrists relaxed. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing posture.
External equipment Check which connections your instrument needs. Arturia lists a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Akai lists MIDI, CV, Gate and Clock connectivity and an internal two-track sequencer for the MPK Mini Plus. If I want to connect an external synth or create patterns on the device, the connections need to work with my equipment. Around 7% of consumers give connecting to external equipment their highest priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A keyboard with more keys may need more desk width, and the depth also varies between models.

    Measure the available width and depth, including space for cables, and try playing one of your own bass phrases on the size you’re considering.

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

    MIDI notes send performance data to a sound source; on their own, they don’t produce an audible bass sound.

    Check in advance where the bass sound will come from and how you’ll listen to it.

    To hear sound, you need a suitable sound source and audio output. Depending on the equipment you already have, this may also mean using suitable software or additional audio equipment.

  • Assuming USB or pads mean full compatibility

    Entering notes, controlling transport functions and controlling an external synth may require different settings or connections.

    Check that the functions you want work with your DAW version, and find out which connections your external equipment needs.

Brands and models to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is designed for compact, software-focused setups; the KeyStep 37 mk2 adds sequencing features and support for external equipment.

  • Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm, 25 slim keys and a five-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3.
  • The 37 keys and more extensive hardware connections belong to the KeyStep 37 mk2 and don’t automatically apply to the MiniLab 3.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines keys with pads and controls for use at a DAW workstation.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys, 16 pads and eight encoders.
  • Check that the features you want work with your DAW and version; claims about integration don’t guarantee that every feature will be available straight away.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is designed for bass patterns, pads and connecting compatible external equipment.

  • Akai lists 37 mini keys, MIDI, CV, Gate and Clock connectivity, and an internal two-track sequencer.
  • Those extra features offer little benefit if you only play notes into software.

Korg

The microKEY2-37 is an option if you’re looking for a shallow USB keyboard with 37 mini keys.

  • Korg lists dimensions of 565 × 139 × 54 mm and USB Type B for the 37-key version.
  • Consider the microKEY2-37 as a separate version from the microKEY Air; the specifications listed don’t support claims that this model has a built-in sequencer.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini combines a compact keyboard with software controls.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and DAW mapping.
  • According to M-Audio, you need to select the right configuration on the device and in your DAW for the integration described.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard make the bass sound itself?

A standard MIDI controller sends performance data to a sound source. In Ableton Live, an instrument on a MIDI track receives that data and turns it into audio; in other software, check the corresponding signal path and make sure you have a way to hear the sound.

How do I connect a MIDI keyboard to my DAW?

Connect the device as described in its manual, select the MIDI input in your DAW and add a bass instrument to a track. In Ableton Live, MIDI ports for notes and controls can be set up separately; the exact steps depend on your DAW and version.

How do I use a MIDI keyboard at a sit-stand desk?

Position the keyboard so that your shoulders, forearms and wrists stay relaxed, and vary your working posture. Arboportaal recommends a relaxed working posture with neutral joint angles; refer to the manual for your chosen model for cleaning and disconnecting instructions.

Which software and connections should I check in advance?

Check that you have a suitable sound source, audio output and the cables you need. Ableton describes MIDI and audio connections for an external synthesiser; the connections you need depend on your equipment.

What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, many purchases made remotely from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. Separately, you’re entitled to a product that meets reasonable expectations; the Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period. The seller must resolve problems with a faulty product in accordance with the applicable terms.