Which input method is right for you?

Notation exercise creator

You mainly put together short, precise examples of notes and rhythms, and want to find out whether physical keys help you work faster than the input method you already use.

Creator who plays in parts

You try out longer melodies or examples for both hands, and weigh the playing range against the space available in your home workspace.

Creator who plays without a computer

You want to hear your examples directly on the instrument, too. A controller without its own sound source is not the same as a keyboard that produces sound on its own.

What should you look for?

Computer keyboard and mouse

Choose this if: you mainly create short examples and want to use the input devices you already have. MuseScore Studio supports this input and can export notation as a PDF.

Bear in mind: you won’t be playing pitches on physical piano keys.

Compact USB MIDI controller

Choose this if: you want to enter pitches using physical keys and have limited desk space. Novation specifies that the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and measures 339 × 177 mm.

Bear in mind: the immediately accessible playing range is smaller than on a larger keyboard. Pads and DAW controls aren’t necessarily needed for entering notation.

USB MIDI controller with a larger keyboard

Choose this if: you want to try out longer examples or parts for both hands on the keys. M-Audio specifies that the Keystation 49 MK3 has 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and USB MIDI.

Bear in mind: measure the space available and make sure you have a suitable sound source if you want to hear the sound.

Keyboard with built-in sounds

Choose this if: you also want to play without a computer. Yamaha lists the PSR-E383 as having 61 keys, built-in sounds and USB audio/MIDI.

Bear in mind: built-in sounds don’t replace notation software or the layout of your worksheet.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Precise note entry Check whether your notation software supports MIDI input and whether your current keyboard can already do the job. I want to enter note duration and pitch deliberately, rather than assume that playing in will get the rhythm right straight away. Around 40% of consumers prioritise precise note entry.
Playing range Compare the number and size of the keys with the passages you want to play. For longer melodies or examples for both hands, I want enough keys within easy reach. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this playing range.
Desk space Measure the actual available width and depth, leaving room for connections. If my desk also needs to accommodate my computer and work materials, I measure the available space first. Around 20% of consumers prioritise desk space.
Playing without a computer Check whether the exact model has built-in sounds and can be heard on its own. I want to hear an example for a worksheet without using the computer. Around 10% of consumers prioritise being able to play without a computer.

Common buying pitfalls

  • Confusing a MIDI controller with a keyboard that produces its own sound

    A MIDI controller can send messages to software without producing sound itself. Akai confirms this for the MPK mini mk3.

    Choose a keyboard with built-in sounds if you want to play without a computer. If you choose a controller, check what computer and sound setup you’ll need.

  • Expecting playing in to create a finished worksheet automatically

    Entering notes, checking rhythms and laying out the page are separate steps. A keyboard won’t automatically take care of the notation or PDF layout.

    Try your workflow with a single bar first, then check both the note values and the page layout.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    Models with the same number of keys can have different overall dimensions. So the number of keys alone won’t tell you whether an instrument will fit on your desk.

    Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the version you’re considering.

Brands to compare

M-Audio

The Keystation 49 MK3 is a USB MIDI controller with a larger keyboard for trying out parts in computer software.

  • M-Audio specifies that this model has 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and USB MIDI.
  • These specifications don’t mean that the model produces sound on its own.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is a compact controller for a workspace with limited room.

  • Novation specifies that it has 25 mini keys and measures 339 × 177 mm.
  • Pads and DAW controls aren’t necessarily needed for entering notation; their usefulness depends on your software.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller with 25 keys and extra controls.

  • Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm, velocity-sensitive slim keys, USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output for this model.
  • Extra controls don’t automatically mean you’ll work faster on notation.

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 is a keyboard with built-in sounds that can also connect to a computer.

  • Yamaha Nederland lists 61 keys, built-in sounds and USB audio/MIDI for this model.
  • Built-in accompaniments don’t replace software for laying out music worksheets.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini mk3 is a compact USB MIDI controller for use with computer software.

  • Akai confirms that the model sends MIDI messages to control software on a computer.
  • According to Akai, the controller doesn’t produce sound itself; the included music production software isn’t necessarily notation software.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy a MIDI keyboard to create music worksheets?

No, a MIDI keyboard isn’t essential. MuseScore Studio also supports input via a computer keyboard, mouse or virtual piano keyboard. If you mainly place individual notes and rhythms, try the input method you already use first.

How do I turn entered notes into a printable worksheet?

MuseScore Studio can export a score as a PDF. Check the note values and layout before exporting; a MIDI keyboard won’t take care of the page layout.

What should I check if my connected keys don’t enter any notes?

In MuseScore Studio, check that MIDI input is enabled and the intended MIDI device is selected. Also make sure you’re in a note input mode.

Do I need separate software to create music worksheets?

Yes, you need suitable notation software to enter and lay out notation. Compare it with the software you already use; included DAW software isn’t necessarily designed for laying out worksheets.

What regulations apply to an electric keyboard in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic devices placed on the market must comply with the relevant product safety regulations. According to Ondernemersplein, CE marking is required when a product belongs to a product group for which this marking is mandatory; this alone says nothing about whether an individual listing is compliant.