Producer with a small desk
Wants to use a controller alongside study materials and a computer, so pays attention to its dimensions and connections.
Who is a MIDI keyboard suitable for?
Beginner beatmaker
Wants to play drums, clips or samples using pads, while also controlling their DAW. Novation, Akai Professional and Arturia describe pad and DAW control on specific models.
Beginner keyboard player
Primarily wants to practise chords and melodies, and values a wider playing range over maximum compactness. M-Audio lists 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys for the Keystation 49 MK3.
What should you look for?
Compact controller with mini keys and pads
Suitable for: beats, short melodies and DAW control at a limited-size desk.
Trade-off: fewer, smaller keys may be limiting if playing parts with both hands is your priority.
Controller with 49 full-size keys
Suitable for: chords, melodies and parts where you want to be able to use more keys at once.
Trade-off: you’ll need to set aside more desk space; pads are less of a focus with this option.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet listening and getting started | Check the instrument software, audio output and headphone connection. | If I’m practising in a quiet room, I want to listen through headphones without assuming the keys themselves are silent. Around 33% of consumers say quiet listening and getting started are their main buying priorities. |
| Desk space | Measure the available space. Novation lists dimensions of 339 × 177 mm for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4, and Arturia lists 355 × 220 mm for the MiniLab 3 (width × depth). | If you want to place the controller alongside a computer and study materials, measure the available width and depth first. Around 27% of consumers put finding the right size at the top of their list. |
| Making beats and controlling software | Check the pad functions and support for your DAW. Novation lists 16 velocity-sensitive pads on the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Akai Professional lists 8 pads on the MPK Mini MK3. | If I want to play drums or samples and control software features from the keyboard, I look at both the pads and support for my DAW. Around 20% of consumers prioritise making beats and controlling software. |
| Playing range | Compare the key size and number of keys. M-Audio lists 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys for the Keystation 49 MK3. | If you mainly want to practise chords and melodies with both hands, playing range may matter more than compactness. Around 20% of consumers say having enough keys to learn parts is their main buying priority. |
How to avoid common buying mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound on its own
A MIDI controller sends performance data; the software and selected audio output determine what you hear. Novation Support explains that MIDI data itself contains no sound.
Before buying, check that you have the computer, instrument software and listening setup you need, and find out how to connect the whole system.
Depending on your setup, you’ll also need access to suitable software and listening equipment, such as headphones.
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Expecting headphones to make the whole setup silent
Headphones are for listening to the audio output; assess the mechanical noise from the keys and pads separately.
If possible, try the keys and pads in a similarly quiet room. Don’t assume the controls will be silent just because the connection is USB-MIDI.
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Assuming all 25-key models are equally compact
Listed dimensions vary: Novation gives the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 dimensions of 339 × 177 mm, while Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm (width × depth).
Measure your available desk space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model you’re considering.
Brands to consider
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is designed as a compact controller with pads and DAW control.
- Novation lists 25 mini keys and 16 pads for this model.
- The limited range of keys gives you less room to play parts with both hands. Check that it supports the DAW you use.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact option for anyone wanting to learn to make beats with pads.
- Akai Professional lists 8 velocity-sensitive pads for the MPK Mini MK3.
- Check which software and licence terms apply to the version you’re choosing; pad specifications don’t indicate how much mechanical noise they make.
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with pads, rotary controls and faders.
- Arturia lists 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 355 × 220 mm.
- This range of keys isn’t a substitute for having more keys if playing with both hands is your priority.
M-Audio
The Keystation 49 MK3 is designed for playing parts across more full-size keys.
- M-Audio lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys and USB-MIDI for this model.
- Bear in mind the desk space you’ll need; this isn’t the pad-focused option in this comparison.
Joybuy products
This selection features 61-key models with USB-MIDI, for anyone who wants to use music software and have a wider playing range.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
A good fit if you want to use music software via USB-MIDI and listen through headphones.
61 keys; USB-MIDI; headphone socket; built-in speakers.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key model to use with music software and listen through headphones.
61 keys; USB-MIDI; headphone socket; recording and playback functions.
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Digital keyboard set, 61 keys, black, with stand and bench
A good fit if you’re looking for a keyboard with USB-MIDI and want to factor in the included stand and bench.
61 keys; USB-MIDI; headphone socket; stand and bench included.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I hear anything when I connect a MIDI keyboard?
MIDI data doesn’t contain sound. Choose an instrument in your music software and set up the audio output. Connect headphones to a suitable output on your computer or audio equipment, as not every controller has a headphone output.
What should I check if a key doesn’t respond?
First, check that your computer recognises the controller and that it’s selected as the MIDI input in your software. Then consult the manual and support information for the exact model; if you can’t hear a note, the audio settings could also be the cause.
What software and accessories do I need as well as the controller?
Check which software is included with the version you’ve chosen and what you need for your computer, instrument sounds and listening setup. Included software doesn’t automatically mean every instrument or accessory you want is included.
What warranty applies when buying in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that meets the required standards, and there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. A manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty is additional and has its own terms and conditions.
Is there a national noise limit for practising in my home studio?
The Dutch government notes that noise nuisance affecting neighbours may be covered by the General Local Regulation (APV) in many municipalities. The local rules that apply to your home depend on your municipality and situation, so check locally.