Which keyboard is right for you?

Pianist playing virtual grand pianos

You’re looking for a good playing range and a piano-style feel, and have room for a full-size keyboard.

Player in a shared, quiet space

You want to listen to the software piano through headphones, but bear in mind that others may still hear the mechanical sound of the keys.

Pianist with a small desk

You’re weighing up the space you have against the number of keys and the feel you want.

What should you look for?

88 keys with hammer action

A good fit if: you want to play virtual piano across the full range with a piano-style feel. Studiologic lists the SL88 mk2 as having 88 TP/110 hammer-action keys.

Bear in mind: according to Studiologic, the SL88 mk2 is 126.5 cm wide and weighs 13.3 kg. You may also still hear the mechanical sound of the keys.

A lighter or more compact MIDI keyboard

A good fit if: you have limited space or want a keyboard that’s easier to move. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is 890 mm wide, while the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 retains all 88 keys.

Bear in mind: 61 keys limit your playing range, and semi-weighted keys are not the same as hammer action.

A digital piano with a computer connection

A good fit if: you want to play without a computer as well as control virtual instruments. Roland lists the FP-30X as having built-in sounds, an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard and USB audio/MIDI.

Bear in mind: built-in sounds matter less if you only play software pianos; a digital piano can also make mechanical key noise.

What to consider What to look for Who is it important for?
Noise for others Check the audio output and bear in mind that mechanical keys may still be audible; headphones mute the software sound, but don’t automatically silence the keys. If I’m playing with headphones in a shared space, I want others to hear as little of my playing as possible. Around 33% of consumers give top priority to limiting noise for others.
Piano feel and range Compare the number of keys and the stated action type; 88 keys don’t automatically mean hammer action. I want a piano-style feel and enough range for the way I play. Around 27% of consumers prioritise piano feel and playing range.
Available space Measure the space available for width and depth. Arturia lists the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 as 890 mm wide; Studiologic gives the SL88 mk2 a width of 126.5 cm. If my desk is short on space, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit, even if that means I may have to give up some keys. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the space available.
Software, audio and pedal Check USB-MIDI, your software’s audio output and the connection for the pedal you want to use. Ableton says a smaller audio buffer can reduce latency, but one that’s too small can cause crackling or dropouts. I want the software piano to play through my chosen audio output and any sustain pedal I want to use to be compatible. Around 20% of consumers make a working software and audio setup their top priority.

Things to watch out for

  • Assuming a headphone socket means a silent keyboard

    According to Yamaha, piano keys can make audible noise because of their mechanical construction. This may be noticeable when you’re listening to the software sound through headphones, particularly in a shared space.

    Assess the mechanical key noise separately from the software sound and, where possible, listen to the instrument on a similar surface.

  • Assuming a MIDI controller plays piano sounds on its own

    A MIDI controller sends information to other equipment or software; it doesn’t produce an audible virtual piano by itself. Audio features also vary by model.

    Before buying, check how the keyboard, computer or other host, virtual piano software and headphones will connect.

  • Assuming ‘88 keys’ means hammer action

    According to the manufacturer, the Studiologic SL88 mk2 has TP/110 hammer action, while M-Audio lists the Keystation 88 MK3 as having semi-weighted keys.

    As well as checking the number of keys, check the exact action type on the model you’re considering.

  • Assuming a sustain pedal is included

    M-Audio lists a pedal input on the Keystation 88 MK3, but the SP2 pedal is sold separately.

    Check what’s included in the box and whether the pedal you want to use is compatible with the exact model.

    Bear in mind that the SP2 pedal mentioned is a separate purchase.

Brands to consider

Studiologic

The SL88 mk2 is an 88-key controller designed for piano playing and a permanent software setup.

  • Studiologic lists TP/110 hammer action, USB-C audio and a headphone output for the SL88 mk2.
  • The manufacturer gives its width as 126.5 cm and its weight as 13.3 kg. Don’t confuse this model with the older SL88 Studio.

M-Audio

The Keystation 88 MK3 is designed to control virtual instruments using an 88-key keyboard.

  • M-Audio lists touch-sensitive, semi-weighted keys, USB-MIDI and an input for a sustain pedal.
  • Semi-weighted keys are not hammer action; the SP2 pedal mentioned is sold separately.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 combines a 61-key keyboard with controls for software instruments.

  • Arturia lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, USB-C and an input that can be used for sustain, expression or a footswitch.
  • The stated width is 890 mm and this model has 61 keys, so bear that in mind if you’re looking for the full piano range.

Novation

The Launchkey 88 MK4 combines an 88-key keyboard with controls for music software.

  • Novation lists 88 semi-weighted keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and nine faders.
  • The manufacturer gives its width as 1274 mm. Extra controls don’t replace hammer action.

Roland

The FP-30X is a digital piano for anyone who wants to play without a computer as well as use virtual piano.

  • Roland lists the FP-30X as having an 88-key PHA-4 keyboard, built-in sounds, two headphone outputs and USB audio/MIDI.
  • This is a digital piano with its own sounds, making it a different type of purchase from a controller without built-in sounds.

Joybuy products for a more compact keyboard setup

These Joybuy products have 61 keys and are suited to anyone looking for a shorter keyboard for a desk setup and to control virtual instruments. Check the connections and audio output you need for each model.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

A 61-key model for anyone looking for a shorter keyboard to control virtual instruments.

The product name lists weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand. With 61 keys, it offers a more limited playing range than an 88-key keyboard.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with MIDI controller, 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard with MIDI controller, 61 keys, black

A shorter keyboard for anyone looking for a 61-key setup to use with music software.

The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand. With 61 keys, it offers a more limited playing range than an 88-key keyboard; check the connections on the exact model.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need anything else to hear the piano when using a MIDI controller?

Yes. With a controller that has no built-in sounds, you’ll need a device running virtual piano software and a configured audio output. Check the exact model name: Studiologic lists USB audio and a headphone output for the SL88 mk2, while the manufacturer says the older SL88 Studio has no internal sounds or audio output.

What can I do if the virtual piano sounds delayed or crackles?

Check your software’s audio settings and test the buffer on your own computer. Ableton recommends using a smaller buffer in Live to reduce latency, but warns that one that’s too small can cause crackling or dropouts. For this setup, Ableton also recommends wired audio rather than Bluetooth audio.

What maintenance does my setup need?

Have the instrument checked if the keys start making unusually loud clicking noises over time; don’t automatically assume the software is to blame. If you have software problems, also check that your software, drivers and firmware are supported and up to date. This is troubleshooting advice, not a fixed maintenance schedule.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period; under this definition, an online purchase from a private seller is not covered by the rules on distance selling. The Dutch government also explains that if a product breaks within the first year, the seller has the burden of proof and, subject to the stated conditions, you may be entitled to a free repair or replacement.

Does a MIDI keyboard sold in the Netherlands need to have a CE marking?

A CE marking is only required if the specific product falls under applicable harmonised EU rules that require it. It is not an independent quality certificate. Check which rules and product documentation apply to the specific listing.