Who is this choice relevant to?

Composer with limited desk space

You make tracks at your computer and want a keyboard that fits your workspace, without automatically prioritising pads or playing range over its size.

Player of melodies and chords

You prefer to play parts in directly, so you’re comparing key size and playing range with the space taken up by a larger keyboard.

Maker of expressive instrument parts

You want to adjust parameters on compatible software instruments as you play, so you’re checking which controls you can assign to them.

What should you look for?

Compact controller with mini keys

A good fit if: you have limited space and mainly record short melodies, basslines or rhythms one part at a time.

The trade-off: for parts with a wider range, you’ll need to change octaves more often. Check that smaller keys suit your playing style, too.

Compact controller with full-size keys

A good fit if: you want a small controller but don’t want mini keys.

The trade-off: a 25-key controller covers two octaves at a time. Check whether that’s enough for the parts you play.

49-key controller

A good fit if: you often play parts with a wider range directly on the keyboard and have room for a larger one.

The trade-off: you’ll give up desk space. Faders and pre-mapped controls are most useful when they work with your software.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Desk space and key size Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. Also consider whether mini keys suit your playing style. If I have limited space next to my computer, I want to know what will fit on my desk without giving up more key range than necessary. Desk space is a top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Range for playing parts directly Compare 25 and 49 keys, and check the key size and touch sensitivity of the exact model. According to Novation, the Launchkey 25 MK4 has 25 full-size keys; Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. If I’d rather play melodies and chords than enter notes one by one, I want enough range under my hands. Around 27% of consumers prioritise playing parts directly.
Expression controls Check which MIDI CCs your instrument uses and whether you can assign them to a wheel, knob or fader. Spitfire Audio lists CC1 for dynamics and CC11 for expression among the controls used by its libraries; settings vary by instrument. If I want to control expression as I play, the controls need to work with my software instrument. Around 20% of consumers put expression controls at the top of their list.
Connections and DAW workflow Check compatibility with your computer, operating system and DAW version, as well as any scripts and audio output options. Akai describes the MPK mini mk3 as a controller that sends MIDI messages to computer software, not as a standalone sound source. If I want to keep using my existing DAW and connections, I want to know in advance what setup is needed. Compatibility with existing software is a top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a keyboard that produces sound on its own

    According to Akai, the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI messages to computer software rather than producing sound itself.

    Decide in advance which software or other sound source you’ll use and how you want to play the sound.

  • Choosing based on the number of keys alone

    A 49-key model gives you a wider playing range at once than a 25-key model, but it also takes up more space. Arturia lists the dimensions of the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as 790 × 240 × 70 mm.

    Measure the space available and work out how many keys you need to have within reach while playing.

  • Assuming knobs will automatically control the instrument parameter you want

    MIDI CCs and control assignments can vary between instruments and libraries. For example, Spitfire Audio describes MIDI CCs and manual assignments that are specific to each model and library.

    Check the settings in your plug-in and DAW in advance, and see which controls on the exact keyboard you can assign to them.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey 25 MK4 is worth considering if you want full-size keys and pads on a 25-key controller.

  • Novation describes it as having 25 full-size keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and integration with the DAWs listed.
  • You still have only two octaves at a time. Check that the integration works with your DAW and version.

Arturia

Compare the compact MiniLab 3 with the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 if you’re deciding between a smaller controller and more keys with hands-on controls.

  • Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 as having 49 keys, nine faders and DAW scripts; its listed dimensions are 790 × 240 × 70 mm. Arturia presents the MiniLab 3 as a compact controller with DAW controls.
  • Controls and scripts vary by model and software, so check compatibility with your DAW.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini mk3 is worth considering if you want a small keyboard with pads for rhythm parts.

  • Akai lists eight velocity-sensitive pads.
  • Akai describes the controller as a USB-MIDI device that needs software to produce sound; a compact model is not a larger playing keyboard.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key option if you want to control transport, mixer and instrument functions from your controller.

  • M-Audio describes automatic mapping once you’ve selected and configured your DAW, and lists chord and scale functions.
  • Check what setup is required and whether the features you want work with your DAW.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol A49 is worth considering if you want 49 keys and use Komplete or NKS plug-ins.

  • Native Instruments describes pre-mapped controls for the Komplete and NKS environments, and lists support for other VSTs.
  • Pre-mapped controls won’t necessarily work in the same way with every instrument outside that environment.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce sound by itself?

Not necessarily. Akai says the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI messages to computer software rather than producing sound itself. Check which software or other sound source and audio output you’ll need for the model you’re considering.

How do I use a control to adjust dynamics in an orchestral part?

In Spitfire Audio libraries, CC1 controls dynamics by default and CC11 controls expression. Spitfire Audio also describes MIDI Learn, which lets you assign a suitable knob or fader. Check the settings for other instruments.

What can I do if my Launchkey MK4 doesn’t work properly with my DAW?

Novation recommends checking the firmware when you receive the keyboard and explains how to update it using Components. Also follow the setup instructions for your DAW. This advice applies to the Launchkey MK4 and isn’t a general requirement for all MIDI keyboards.

What warranty and cooling-off period apply when buying from a Dutch online retailer?

According to the Dutch government, consumers are entitled to a product that works as it should, and the retailer is your point of contact if something is wrong. There is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. For eligible online distance sales, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, with some exceptions.

Is a CE logo enough to consider a MIDI keyboard compliant?

A logo alone doesn’t confirm that a specific product has been assessed. According to Dutch government information, businesses placing products on the market must meet the applicable product requirements and, where the rules require it, apply a CE marking and draw up an EU declaration of conformity. The obligations depend on the product’s design.