Pianist in a shared workspace
You want to hear the virtual piano through headphones without disturbing colleagues with the sound it plays. Bear in mind that the physical noise made by the keys and pedal needs to be assessed separately.
Who might want a MIDI keyboard for the office?
Player with limited desk space
You want to place the keyboard beside your work or put it away when you’re finished. Compare its dimensions and number of keys with the space available on and around your desk.
Pianist looking for a wider playing range
You want to play longer pieces without frequently switching octaves. Weigh up the number of keys and key action you want against the space the keyboard will take up.
What should you look for in a MIDI keyboard for a shared office?
Compact keyboard with small keys
Choose this if: you have little permanent desk space and mainly play short phrases.
Bear in mind: you’ll have a smaller playing range at your fingertips, and the keys will be a different size from those on a larger piano keyboard.
Medium-sized keyboard with standard keys
Choose this if: you want larger keys but don’t have room for 88 keys.
Bear in mind: it offers a narrower range than an 88-key keyboard; synth-action is not the same as hammer action.
88 keys for a wider piano range
Choose this if: playing range is your priority and you have a permanent space for the keyboard.
Bear in mind: key action varies between models; semi-weighted keys are not the same as hammer action.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening with headphones | Check where your computer outputs the piano software’s audio; assess key and pedal noise separately. | If I want to listen to my piano playing discreetly, I also need to consider the physical noise in the room. Around 31% of consumers prioritise listening without sound playing into the room. |
| Space on and around your desk | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions; leave room to play. | If I want to put the keyboard away after use or keep my workspace clear, the space it needs is a major factor. Around 25% of consumers say desk space is their top priority. |
| Playing range and key feel | Compare the number of keys with your repertoire, and check whether the specific model has mini, synth-action, semi-weighted or hammer-action keys. | If I want to play longer piano pieces, I consider both the range and the type of key action. Around 25% of consumers prioritise playing range or key feel. |
| Software connection and response | Check USB and software compatibility, and make sure your computer’s audio settings work as needed. | If I mainly want the controller, piano software and audio to work together on my computer, I check the whole signal path. Around 19% of consumers prioritise setup and response. |
Common pitfalls when playing in a shared workspace
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Assuming headphones mean silent playing
Headphones route the software’s sound to you, but the keys and pedal can still make physical noise. The product specifications listed don’t provide comparable measurements of this noise.
Check the audio output and assess the mechanical noise in a workspace that’s similar to the one you plan to use.
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Treating a MIDI controller as a standalone piano
A MIDI controller sends key information to software; your computer and chosen audio output produce the sound. M-Audio describes the Keystation 49 MK3 as a controller for virtual instruments on Mac or PC.
Before you buy, map out the route from the controller through the software to your headphones, and check which software and audio connection you’ll need.
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Assuming semi-weighted keys are the same as hammer action
According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 has semi-weighted keys; Roland and M-Audio describe the A-88MKII and Hammer 88 Pro respectively as having hammer action. These specifications are not interchangeable.
Compare the key action on the exact model and, if possible, try the feel for yourself. Don’t draw unsupported conclusions about mechanical noise from the specification.
MIDI keyboard brands to consider
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 is a compact option, while the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 is a separate 88-key model.
- Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as having 25 slim keys, USB-C and a configurable pedal input.
- According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 has 88 semi-weighted keys.
- Semi-weighted keys are not the same as hammer action; these specifications are not independent measurements of playing feel or sound.
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with controls for music production software.
- Novation lists 37 mini keys, encoders and pads.
- If you mainly play piano pieces, check that the small keys and extra controls suit your needs; manufacturer specifications are not a sound test.
M-Audio
The Keystation 49 MK3 is a mid-sized option with standard keys, while the Hammer 88 Pro is a separate 88-key model.
- M-Audio specifies USB-MIDI, 49 synth-action keys and a sustain pedal input for the Keystation 49 MK3.
- M-Audio lists graded hammer action for the Hammer 88 Pro.
- The pedal for the Keystation 49 MK3 is sold separately; don’t confuse this model’s key action with that of the Hammer 88 Pro.
Roland
The A-88MKII is an 88-key MIDI controller for anyone specifically looking for a keyboard Roland describes as having hammer action.
- Roland lists USB-C, a sustain pedal input and two assignable pedal inputs.
- The manufacturer’s description does not provide a comparative measurement of mechanical noise in a shared office workspace.
Studiologic
According to Studiologic, the SL88 Studio and SL73 Studio have 88 and 73 hammer-action keys respectively.
- Studiologic lists the SL88 Studio as 126 cm wide and the SL73 Studio as 104 cm wide.
- The width and stated weight of 13,7 kg for the SL88 Studio are practical considerations when deciding where it will fit; the manufacturer’s description of its piano feel is not an independent comparison.
MIDI keyboards for a virtual piano on Joybuy
These 61-key models have USB-MIDI, making them suitable for controlling virtual pianos; both product descriptions also list a headphone socket.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
USB-MIDI and the listed headphone socket are useful if you want to use the keys with piano software and listen through headphones.
The product information lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and USB-MIDI. Check which audio output will work with your computer and headphones.
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Electronic keyboard with MIDI controller, 61 keys, black
The listed USB-MIDI connection makes this model a useful option if you want to send key input to virtual piano software.
The product information lists 61 keys and a headphone socket. Check that your computer’s audio output connects to the headphones you want to use.
Frequently asked questions about MIDI keyboards in the office
Can I plug headphones directly into the MIDI controller?
Don’t assume you can without checking first. M-Audio describes the Keystation 49 MK3 as a USB-MIDI controller for virtual instruments on a computer. Check where your piano software outputs audio and plug your headphones into a suitable audio output. Headphones won’t automatically prevent audible key presses.
What should I check if a key moves but I can’t hear anything?
Check that the controller is selected as the MIDI input in your piano software, that a virtual instrument is loaded and that audio is routed to the right output. If the sound is noticeably delayed, check your audio hardware and driver settings; Steinberg lists these as factors in the delay between pressing a key and hearing the instrument.
Can I use the same sustain pedal with any MIDI keyboard?
Not without checking the connection and supported functions of the model you’ve chosen. M-Audio lists a 6,3 mm sustain pedal input for the Keystation 49 MK3 and says the pedal is sold separately. Check the specifications for the exact model before choosing a pedal.
Do I always get exactly two years’ statutory warranty in the Netherlands?
No. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that works properly, with reasonable expectations for the product taken into account. If something goes wrong, contact the seller; a manufacturer’s warranty is additional.
Can I return a controller bought online within 14 days?
According to the Dutch government, a 14-day cooling-off period applies to many distance purchases, but there are exceptions. Check which terms apply to your specific purchase and any separate digital content.