Who is this buying guide for?

Piano player with a dedicated music space

You mainly play virtual piano parts and can make room for a full-size keyboard with key action suited to your playing style. Native Instruments and Studiologic describe models with 88 keys and hammer action.

Home worker sharing a desk

You want to keep room for your computer and work essentials after playing. Compare the number of keys with the keyboard’s dimensions; Arturia, for example, lists 25 slim keys for the MiniLab 3.

Player who also produces music

You may want to control software as well as play the keyboard. Novation describes DAW integration for the Launchkey range, but check that the features of your chosen model work with your software and setup.

What should you look for?

88 keys with hammer action

Choose this if: you mainly play piano and have a dedicated space for a full-size keyboard. Native Instruments specifies hammer action for the Kontrol S88 MK3, as does Studiologic for the SL88 mk2.

The trade-off: a full-size keyboard takes up space; according to Studiologic, the SL88 mk2 is 126,5 cm wide and weighs 13,3 kg.

49 or 61 semi-weighted keys

Choose this if: you want a good playing range alongside music software controls, without having to make room for an 88-key keyboard. Novation specifies semi-weighted keys for these Launchkey MK4 sizes.

The trade-off: you get fewer keys than on an 88-key keyboard and there’s no hammer action; software control depends on the DAW and setup you use.

25 compact keys

Choose this if: desk space is limited and you mainly want to enter notes or short ideas. Arturia specifies 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys for the MiniLab 3.

The trade-off: the limited range isn’t the same as a full piano keyboard; octave switching can’t replace the range of 88 keys.

88 semi-weighted keys

Choose this if: you want the full range but don’t need hammer action. Arturia specifies a semi-weighted keyboard for the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3.

The trade-off: 88 keys don’t automatically mean hammer action; also check that the keyboard will fit in your workspace.

Start with the key action and range that suit your piano playing. Then measure the available space and check the software and pedal connections.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Key feel and range Compare the number of keys and the action separately; 88 semi-weighted keys aren’t the same as 88 keys with hammer action. I mainly play piano parts and want a keyboard suited to my playing style. Around 36% of consumers prioritise key feel and range.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for cables, your screen and any stand. I need my desk to remain usable after playing, so I weigh the keyboard’s dimensions against its range. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping desk space free.
Connections and software Check USB or MIDI, power requirements and compatibility with your computer, operating system and piano software. Make sure the DAW features you want are supported by the model. I want to use my own software and need to know whether it works with the controller. Around 21% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their own software setup.
Extras you’ll need Check what’s included in the box, the software terms and whether a sustain pedal is compatible. I want to know what else I’ll need to use my setup, such as a pedal or software. Around 14% of consumers look at the complete setup first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming 88 keys means 88 keys with hammer action

    The number of keys doesn’t tell you what kind of action the keyboard has. Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 as semi-weighted; Native Instruments specifies hammer action for the Kontrol S88 MK3.

    Check both the range and the key action before choosing a model for piano playing.

  • Choosing a small keyboard as if it were a full-size piano

    Arturia’s MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys. This limits the range immediately available, even though the keyboard fits neatly on a small desk.

    Choose this size mainly if a compact setup matters more to you than playing across a wide range for extended periods.

  • Expecting built-in sounds or software controls to work straight away

    A MIDI controller sends performance data to other equipment or software. DAW controls may also depend on the model, software and setup.

    Before buying, check that the controller supports the piano software, connections and features you want to use.

Brands to compare

Native Instruments

The Kontrol S series includes models with different numbers of keys; the S88 MK3 is aimed at players looking for a keyboard with hammer action.

  • Native Instruments specifies fully weighted keys with hammer action for the S88 MK3.
  • According to the manufacturer, the S49 and S61 have semi-weighted keys. Also check that the software features you want are available in your setup.

Studiologic

The SL88 mk2 is an option for a dedicated piano setup, with 88 keys and hammer action.

  • Studiologic specifies that the SL88 mk2 is 126,5 cm wide and weighs 13,3 kg, which helps you assess where it will fit.
  • These measurements alone don’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to play.

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 is available with 49, 61 or 88 keys, and is designed for playing and controlling music software.

  • Novation specifies semi-weighted keys for these sizes and describes DAW integration.
  • Features vary by model and generation; don’t confuse the Launchkey 88 MK4 with the older 88 MK3.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is designed for a compact workspace; the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 offers a wider range of keys without hammer action.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys and the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 has a semi-weighted keyboard.
  • These models have different key ranges and actions; features of one model don’t automatically apply to the other.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact controller for those short on space who don’t need a full piano range as their main priority.

  • Akai lists USB-C, a MIDI output, wheels and pads for the MPK Mini IV.
  • This product information isn’t an independent assessment of whether it’s suitable for extended piano playing.

Products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller make sound without a computer?

Don’t assume it does: a MIDI controller is generally used to control other equipment, such as a computer running audio software. Check the specific model to see whether it has built-in sounds or audio outputs.

How do I connect a controller for virtual piano?

Use a compatible computer and select the connected controller as the MIDI input in your piano software. The sound will then come through your computer’s audio output or your audio setup. Refer to the manuals for model-specific information about power, pedals and settings.

Does a sustain pedal always come in the box?

No, a pedal connection doesn’t automatically mean a pedal is included. Studiologic lists the box contents and compatible accessories for the SL88 mk2; check what’s included with the version you’re planning to buy.

What are my rights when buying online from a business in the Netherlands?

When you buy from a business at a distance, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. The same rules don’t apply in the same way to online purchases from private individuals. If a product is faulty, contact the seller about your statutory guarantee. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands.

Is CE marking compulsory for every MIDI controller?

The product name alone doesn’t determine this. According to the European Union, CE marking is required when the relevant harmonised EU rules stipulate it. Check which rules apply to the specific product rather than relying solely on a seller’s claim.