Organ player who adjusts stops live
Wants to control drawbars and organ functions while recording, and can make room for them on a desk or stand. Crumar describes the DK61 as having nine drawbars and a waterfall-style keyboard.
Who are these keyboards suitable for?
Producer short on desk space
Wants to play organ parts via a computer, but needs to fit the keyboard on a small desk or put it away after use. Korg lists the microKEY2-61 as having mini keys and dimensions of 850 × 139 × 54 mm.
Student who also makes other tracks
Wants controls for software instruments and a DAW as well as note input. Novation and Arturia describe models with nine faders; check that the functions you need work with your software.
What should you consider when choosing?
First decide which controls matter most for your setup: dedicated organ controls, a compact size, general DAW control or simply keys for playing notes.
Compact keyboard with mini keys
Best for: if you want to fit the keyboard on a small desk or put it away after use; the Korg microKEY2-61 has 61 mini keys and is 850 mm wide.
The trade-off: decide for yourself whether the smaller keys feel comfortable to play; this model doesn’t have the Crumar DK61’s nine physical drawbars.
Versatile 61-key controller with faders
Best for: if you want to play organ parts and use the sliders for software or DAW functions too. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 and Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 each have nine faders.
The trade-off: faders aren’t automatically linked to the drawbars in your organ plugin, so check the MIDI mapping. Arturia lists the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 as measuring 890 × 240 × 70 mm.
Keyboard with full-size keys
Best for: if playing notes matters more than having separate controls for organ stops. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 has 61 full-size keys and USB-MIDI.
The trade-off: M-Audio lists one volume slider, not nine separate organ faders; the SP2 sustain pedal mentioned is sold separately.
Specialist organ controller
Best for: if you want to control physical drawbars and organ functions while playing and have room for them. Crumar lists the DK61 as having a 61-key waterfall-style keyboard and nine drawbars.
The trade-off: according to Crumar, the DK61 has no built-in sounds. Its listed dimensions are 90 × 35,5 cm and it weighs 8 kg; with other software, its fixed MIDI CC messages may need custom input mapping.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Direct organ control | Check the number and type of controls, and whether the MIDI mapping works with your organ plugin. | I want to change stops or control the rotary effect during a take without taking my attention away from playing. Around 33% of consumers put direct control of organ parameters first. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available width and depth, including room for your hands and cables; try mini keys if possible. | If my desk is small, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit and can be put away after use. Around 27% of consumers give available desk space top priority. |
| Connection to your recording workflow | Check the USB connection, DAW support, MIDI port selection and mapping in your organ plugin. | I want to play notes and use the MIDI signal in my own recording software. Around 20% of consumers prioritise having a working DAW setup. |
| Simple setup | Find out what software and pedal function you need, and whether a suitable pedal is included. | If I mainly want to play notes, I want to know in advance what extra controls my setup requires. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a straightforward purchase and setup. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI keyboard is a standalone organ
According to Crumar, the DK61 has no built-in sounds. A MIDI controller sends data; to make an audible recording, you also need a sound source in your setup.
Before buying, check which software provides the organ sound and how you’ll hear and record it in your recording software.
You’ll need suitable organ software and an appropriate audio setup to produce an organ sound.
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Assuming nine faders will work as organ drawbars straight away
General-purpose controllers can use faders for a range of functions. Crumar says the DK61 sends fixed MIDI CC messages, so other software may need suitable input mapping.
Check whether your organ plugin supports MIDI Learn or the required CC mappings before relying on fader control.
Setting up MIDI mappings can take extra time.
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Assuming all pedal inputs are interchangeable
A socket for a switch or sustain pedal doesn’t confirm that a continuous expression pedal will work. Korg lists the microKEY2-61 as having an assignable switch input; Crumar lists the DK61 as having a separate expression pedal input.
First decide whether you need sustain, a switch or continuous volume control, then check that both the input and the pedal are designed for that purpose.
M-Audio lists a sustain pedal for the Keystation 61 MK3 as sold separately.
Brands to consider
Crumar
The DK61 is designed for players who want physical organ controls at their fingertips while playing.
- According to Crumar, the DK61 has nine real drawbars, organ controls and a waterfall-style keyboard.
- The controller has no built-in sounds. According to Crumar, its MIDI CC messages are fixed; other software may need suitable input mapping.
Novation
The Launchkey 61 MK4 combines 61 keys with faders for players who also want to control software and DAW functions.
- According to Novation, this model has nine faders and customisable Custom Modes.
- Check how it works with your organ plugin; faders don’t automatically come with drawbars assigned.
Arturia
The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed for playing notes, controlling software and integrating with a DAW.
- Arturia lists nine faders, USB-C and DAW scripts for a number of programmes.
- The listed dimensions are 890 × 240 × 70 mm. Check the mapping for your organ plugin separately.
Korg
The microKEY2-61 is a slim, 61-key keyboard with mini keys for anyone who needs to make the most of their available space.
- Korg lists dimensions of 850 × 139 × 54 mm and an assignable switch input.
- Mini keys feel different to full-size keys. The switch input doesn’t confirm that a continuous expression pedal will work.
M-Audio
The Keystation 61 MK3 is designed for playing notes, with 61 full-size keys and a limited number of physical controls.
- M-Audio lists USB-MIDI, one volume slider and a sustain pedal input.
- M-Audio says the SP2 pedal is sold separately; this model isn’t listed as having nine separate organ faders.
Joybuy products for MIDI input
This selection includes 61-key instruments with USB-MIDI for playing organ parts. Check that your computer and software support the MIDI connection, and which instrument will provide the organ sound.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
The USB-MIDI connection lets you send notes to a recording setup; check that it works with your computer and software.
61 keys, weighted keyboard, USB-MIDI, built-in speakers and headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard with MIDI controller, 61 keys
This 61-key keyboard lists USB-MIDI for connecting to a recording setup; check in advance that it’s compatible with your computer and software.
61 keys, USB-MIDI, recording function, built-in speakers and headphone socket.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MIDI controller produce organ sounds by itself?
Don’t assume it does. Crumar says the DK61 has no built-in sounds and needs to be used with a connected device and organ software; for any other model, check separately what sound source you’ll need.
How do I get the keys working in my recording software?
Select the right MIDI port in your DAW and add a software instrument to a track. Arturia describes these steps for the KeyLab Essential mk3; for another model, refer to its setup instructions.
Can any connected pedal control the organ volume?
No. First check the function of both the input and the pedal. Korg lists the microKEY2-61 as having an assignable switch input; Crumar also lists a separate expression pedal input for the DK61.
How can I avoid disturbing others in my student accommodation?
Agree some ground rules with housemates or neighbours, and check your landlord’s rules. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try agreeing arrangements together first.
What returns and warranty rights apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, ordinary online consumer purchases generally come with a statutory cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, with some exceptions. Statutory rights also apply if a product doesn’t perform as you could reasonably expect under normal use; a commercial guarantee doesn’t replace those rights.