Who needs a MIDI keyboard for home recording?

Piano improviser

You want to record two-handed passages, so playing range and key feel come first. M-Audio describes the Keystation 61 MK3 as having 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Hammer 88 Pro as having 88 keys with graded hammer action.

DAW-focused creator

You want to record or control software instruments while you play. Novation and Arturia describe controls and integration for selected DAWs; check that the support works with your software and the features you need.

Creator short on desk space

You want to play ideas on a compact keyboard and may be happy with a more limited playing range. Akai lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the MPK Mini IV and 37 mini keys for the MPK Mini Plus.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Playing range and key feel Compare the number of keys and the stated key action. M-Audio describes the Keystation 61 MK3 as having 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Hammer 88 Pro as having 88 keys with graded hammer action. If I want to play two-handed passages in one go, I focus on range and key feel. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this.
DAW control Check the mapping for your DAW and version, and consider which buttons, faders, encoders or pads you need while recording. Novation and Arturia describe integration with selected DAWs. If I want to use recording controls or operate software from the keyboard while playing, I check that the controls suit the way I work. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this.
Compact size and key range Compare the number of keys, key size and the space available in your setup. Decide whether you want to play a part in one go or can record it in sections. When desk space is limited, I can choose a smaller keyboard and play some passages differently. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a compact size.
Pedal and hardware connections Check whether the model has the pedal input or 5-pin MIDI output you need, and whether its connections work with your equipment. Also check whether a pedal or cable is included. If I want to connect a sustain pedal or external MIDI equipment, I check the connections I need and what’s included in the box first. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these connection requirements.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a USB MIDI controller is a complete audio solution

    A DAW can record MIDI notes and controller data, but that data isn’t the audible sound of an instrument. Ableton describes MIDI recording as capturing performance and controller data in the DAW.

    Before you buy, check the whole chain: controller, computer or external sound source, recording software and audio output.

    You may also need suitable instrument software, audio equipment or connecting cables to produce sound.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A 61-key controller with semi-weighted keys and an 88-key controller with hammer action are designed for different playing needs. The wider range also takes up more space.

    Decide which passages you want to play in one take, then compare both the range and the stated key action.

  • Assuming controls work the same way in every DAW

    Manufacturers describe mappings for selected DAWs or specific software versions. That doesn’t automatically mean every feature will work in your setup without configuration.

    Check the documentation for your DAW version and the features you want to control while recording.

    A mapping that doesn’t suit the way you work may take extra time to set up.

Brands worth considering

M-Audio

The Keystation 61 MK3 and Hammer 88 Pro reviewed here offer, respectively, a 61-key option and a piano-focused 88-key option.

  • According to M-Audio, the Keystation 61 MK3 has USB MIDI, a 5-pin MIDI Out and a pedal input.
  • M-Audio says the SP2 pedal is sold separately. The Hammer 88 Pro’s hammer action alone says nothing about audio latency.

Novation

According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 combines keys with controls for use with selected DAWs.

  • Novation specifies 49 semi-weighted keys, faders, encoders and pads.
  • Check that the stated DAW integration and the features you want work with your software.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 reviewed here combines keys with controls for software and external MIDI equipment.

  • Arturia lists a pedal input, a 5-pin MIDI output and mapping scripts for a selection of DAWs.
  • The deeper integration described isn’t automatically available with every DAW.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini Plus reviewed here are compact options with fewer keys than a full-size piano keyboard.

  • According to Akai, the Mini IV has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, while the Mini Plus has 37 mini keys and an internal two-track sequencer.
  • A smaller key range may affect how you play two-handed passages.

Native Instruments

For the Kontrol S series reviewed here, the manufacturer describes models with 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys, as well as an 88-key version with hammer action.

  • Native Instruments lists polyphonic aftertouch and DAW integration for the series.
  • Check the exact model and the software you need; a series description doesn’t confirm that every version has every feature.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard record an audible version of my improvisation by itself?

No. A MIDI keyboard sends performance and controller data to, for example, a DAW; a software instrument or external synthesiser can turn that data into sound. So make sure you also check your instrument and audio routing.

What can I check if playing a software instrument feels delayed?

Check your audio interface, driver, buffer size and effects in your DAW. Ableton explains that larger buffers increase latency; this doesn’t prove that the keyboard is causing the delay.

Do I need to buy a sustain pedal separately?

It depends on the version and what’s included in the box. M-Audio lists a pedal input for the Keystation 61 MK3 and says the SP2 pedal is sold separately; check what’s included with the specific package.

Does DAW control work with every MIDI keyboard and all music software?

Not automatically: manufacturers describe mappings or integration for selected DAWs and versions. Check the documentation for your software and see whether it supports the features you need while recording.

What rights do I have when buying online from a company in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period; check whether your purchase is covered by the rules. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose. The Dutch government says there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; if there’s a fault, contact the seller.