Who is this choice relevant for?

Composer sharing a desk

Wants to play in ideas and move or put away the keyboard after use. Novation publishes dimensions for models including the Launchkey Mini 37 and Launchkey 49 MK4; compare them with the space available on your desk.

Orchestral mock-up creator

Wants to control the dynamics or expression of software instruments while playing. Check whether your instrument library and DAW support the parameter you need and let you assign it to a control.

Player of longer parts

Wants to play melodies or parts with both hands and is weighing a wider range against the desk space required. Novation and Native Instruments describe 49-key keyboards; also check the feel of the keys and whether features such as aftertouch are supported by your instruments.

What should you look for?

First measure the free space on your desk. Then decide how many keys you need to play at once, and check that your software supports the controls you want to use.

Consideration What to look for Who is this important for?
Desk space Compare the width and depth of the exact model with the space available, allowing room for connections too. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 37 as 478 × 177 mm and the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 × 264 mm. If I need to clear my desk after playing, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit. Around 31% of consumers put available desk space first.
Expression for orchestral libraries Check which MIDI parameters your patch supports and whether you can assign them to the controls. Novation lists nine assignable faders on the Launchkey 49 MK4; Spitfire Audio describes CC1 for the dynamic layers of certain long patches in its own libraries. When using orchestral sounds, I want to link a control to the dynamics of the instrument I’m playing. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this kind of expressive control.
Playing range and key size Decide whether you can play your parts on 37 mini keys or would prefer 49 keys. Novation and Native Instruments both describe 49-key models; the exact dimensions and key types vary by model. If I want to play longer melodies or parts with both hands, I weigh up the range against the space the keyboard takes up. Around 25% of consumers put immediate playing range first.
Audio and mechanical noise Set your computer or interface’s audio output separately from MIDI, and check that you have a suitable headphone output. Novation describes MIDI as control data, not audio; assess key and pedal noise separately in your workspace. If I work in a shared space, I want to listen through headphones and know how much noise the keys make when pressed. Around 19% of consumers prioritise their listening set-up.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming headphones mean the keyboard is silent

    Headphones keep the sound from your software out of the room, but they won’t get rid of the mechanical noise from the keys or pedal.

    Assess key and pedal noise separately in the workspace where you plan to use the keyboard.

  • Assuming a sustain socket is an expression pedal input

    Novation states that the pedal input on the Launchkey Mini 37 supports a sustain pedal, but not an expression pedal.

    Check the manual for the exact model and see whether you can control the software parameter you want using another supported control.

  • Assuming assignable controls work straight away with orchestral expression

    Your DAW, instrument library and patch together determine which parameter a control can operate. Faders won’t automatically work with every library or articulation in the way you want.

    Check the specific combination of controller, DAW version and instruments you use beforehand.

    Setting up the assignments may take extra time.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 and Launchkey 49 MK4 offer different trade-offs between desk space and playing range.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys on the Mini 37 and nine assignable faders on the 49 MK4.
  • According to Novation, the Mini 37 does not support an expression pedal through its sustain socket. The listed width and depth of the 49 MK4 are 730 × 264 mm.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller with DAW controls, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has a larger keyboard.

  • Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys on the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.
  • The listed width and depth of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 are 790 × 240 mm. Check that the MiniLab 3 supports your specific DAW.

Korg

The microKEY2 series is designed for anyone looking for a slim keyboard.

  • Korg lists the microKEY2-37 as 565 × 139 mm wide and deep, and the microKEY2-49 as 709 × 139 mm.
  • Check which pedal is supported by the socket on your chosen model; don’t assume that a switch input will work with a continuous expression pedal.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini Plus combines compact input with extra connections and an internal sequencer.

  • Akai Professional lists 37 mini keys, MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock connections and an internal two-track sequencer.
  • These extra features are most relevant if they suit your workflow; on their own, they don’t determine whether the controller works for a software-based orchestral set-up.

Native Instruments

The Kontrol S49 MK3 is worth considering if control of Kontakt or Komplete Kontrol instruments is important to you.

  • Native Instruments describes a semi-weighted Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and controls for Kontakt, Komplete Kontrol and supported DAWs.
  • Check separately whether your instrument libraries and DAW features are supported.

Joybuy product selection

This selection focuses on a larger keyboard for anyone who wants more keys available while composing. Check that its dimensions and connections suit your desk and audio set-up.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller

The listed 61 keys may suit anyone looking for a wider playing range; check how much room the keyboard will take up on your shared desk before you buy.

The product information lists USB-MIDI, a headphone socket, a recording function, speakers and a metronome. Using headphones won’t automatically silence the mechanical noise of the keys.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce orchestral sounds on its own?

MIDI data contains control information and is not audio in itself. Choose an instrument in your music software and set the audio output on your computer or interface. Use headphones if you don’t want sound from speakers in the office.

How do I set up a control for string dynamics?

First, check the patch you’re using. Spitfire Audio describes CC1 for the dynamic layers of certain long patches in its own libraries and explains how to assign a controller to a parameter. Don’t assume the same setting will work for every library or articulation.

Will headphones make the keyboard silent for my colleagues?

Headphones prevent sound from coming through speakers, but they won’t necessarily stop the mechanical noise of the keys or pedal. Assess this noise separately in your workspace.

Are software, a pedal and headphones included?

This varies by exact model and sales package. Check what’s included and whether the software, audio output and any pedal connection suit your set-up; a sustain socket doesn’t automatically mean that an expression pedal is supported.

What warranty and cooling-off period apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

Consumer purchases are covered by a legal guarantee based on what you could reasonably expect from the product. If it breaks too soon under normal use, contact the seller. For distance purchases, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, with some exceptions. Check what applies to your transaction; this information is based on a consumer purchase and may not apply to a business purchase.