Choose a MIDI keyboard based on the number of keys, the space available on your desk and the controls you’ll actually use. To hear the sound from your software, connect headphones to your computer or audio interface. Headphones won’t tell you anything about the mechanical noise made by the keys or pads.
You want to play a melody and listen to the sound from your software through headphones. Ableton explains that an audio interface may have a headphone output; check which output your own setup uses. This doesn’t automatically make the mechanical noise from the keys or pads inaudible.
You share your desk with other equipment, so you’ll want to compare both the keyboard’s width and depth with the space available. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 mm.
You want to play melodies, chords or rhythms directly, so you’ll need to balance the keyboard range against the pads and controls for your DAW. Ableton explains how MIDI controllers can operate software instruments and functions.
A good fit if: desk space matters more to you than having a wide playing range within easy reach.
Bear in mind: you may need to change octaves to play parts in a different register. Compare the model’s depth, too.
A good fit if: you want more keys within easy reach than on a 25-key keyboard, but have limited space.
Bear in mind: models vary in their pads, controls and connections. Extra features are only useful if they suit the way you work.
A good fit if: you want to play melodies and chords across a wider range, and can leave the keyboard in a fixed spot.
Bear in mind: Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide, so measure the space available before you choose.
First, work out which controls you need and how many keys you want to be able to reach at once. A MIDI controller usually operates software; Ableton explains how to use headphones via the audio output of a computer or audio interface. Noise from the keys is a separate consideration.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without speakers | Check where you plug in your headphones and how your DAW uses that audio output. A MIDI connection isn’t automatically a headphone output. | If I want to listen to the sound from my software in a shared home without monitor speakers, I look at the audio output on my setup; around 26% of consumers put quiet audio playback first. |
| Desk space | Measure the available width and depth and compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as having a footprint of 355 × 220 mm. | If my desk also needs to fit a computer and other equipment, I prioritise the dimensions; around 21% of consumers put desk space first. |
| Playing melodies and chords | Decide whether 25, 37 or 49 keys suit the parts you want to play. Also check whether mini keys feel comfortable for the way you play. | If I want to play melodies or chords directly without constantly changing octaves, playing range matters more to me; around 21% of consumers put having a melody range readily available first. |
| Creating rhythms with pads | Check whether the exact model has pads and whether you can assign them in the software you use. | If I want to play rhythms on pads as well as melodies, I look for controls to suit; around 16% of consumers put pad controls first. |
| Controlling your DAW | Check the manual and settings for the exact model and your DAW before relying on specific assignments. | If I want to control functions in my music software from the keyboard, I check that my DAW is supported; around 16% of consumers put DAW control first. |
A MIDI controller sends notes or control signals to software or a suitable external sound source. The controller and your audio setup therefore serve different purposes.
Before buying, check how you’ll control a software instrument and where you’ll plug in your headphones.
Headphones let you listen to the sound from your software without monitor speakers. They don’t make mechanical noise from the keys, pads or desk disappear.
Consider audio playback and mechanical playing noise separately. Don’t assume the keys are quiet unless you’ve been able to assess them for yourself.
The overall width and depth, key size, and room for your computer and mouse also determine whether the keyboard will fit your workspace.
Measure your desk and compare its dimensions with those of the exact model and the parts you want to play.
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 and Launchkey 49 MK4 offer different sizes and numbers of keys.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact model with 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, pads and controls.
The MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini Plus are compact models with different numbers of keys and connection options.
According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys and controls that can be configured for DAW functions.
The SE25 is designed as a small keyboard with 25 mini keys and control buttons.
This Joybuy selection includes an electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality, designed for playing melodies and listening to music through headphones.
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The 61 keys and the listed headphone output make it suitable for playing melodies and listening through headphones. Headphones won’t change any mechanical noise from the keys.
The product description lists USB-MIDI, a recording function and 500 sounds. The keyboard also has speakers; use headphones if you want to listen to the sound from your software without monitor speakers.
A standard MIDI controller sends notes or control signals to software or a suitable external sound source. In Ableton Live, a MIDI track with a software instrument needs to receive input from the controller; you listen to the audio through the output selected on your computer or audio interface. Check whether the keyboard you choose also has its own sound functions.
In Ableton Live, check that the controller is enabled as a MIDI input, the track contains a software instrument and the correct input is selected. Then check whether the track is being monitored or is armed for recording, and confirm which audio output and headphone connection you’re using.
Listen to the sound from your software through headphones connected to your computer or audio interface, rather than through monitor speakers. This won’t eliminate any mechanical noise from the keys, pads or desk; if needed, agree on a suitable time to use it with your housemates.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business remotely, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period; check whether an exception applies to your purchase. You’re also entitled to a product that’s of satisfactory quality. If it’s faulty, contact the seller; the cooling-off period for a purchase you change your mind about is separate from your rights if a product is faulty.
