If you want to use drawbars and organ controls while playing, an organ-focused controller is better suited to that workflow. For organ parts and DAW control, a general-purpose 61-key controller is an alternative. If desk depth is limited, a narrower keyboard may be a good option, but check the key size and available controls. In all cases, check that your organ software can map the MIDI messages from your chosen model: a MIDI controller does not produce organ sounds by itself.
If you want to use drawbars and organ controls while recording, rather than simply play in notes, look at both the physical controls and how they connect via MIDI to your organ plug-in. Crumar describes the DK61 as a controller for tonewheel organ software.
If you want to record organ parts and control your DAW or other software instruments too, compare the faders and other controls with your workflow. Also check that the keyboard fits on your desk, with room for cables and computer controls. Novation and Arturia describe their models as MIDI and DAW controllers.
If you mainly need a MIDI keyboard for playing in notes, dimensions may matter more than extra organ controls. Korg's microKEY2-61 has mini keys, while the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 has full-size keys.
Choose this option: if you want to use real drawbars and dedicated organ controls while playing. Crumar lists nine drawbars and controls for rotary and percussion, among other features, on the DK61.
Bear in mind: according to Crumar, the DK61 has no built-in sounds and sends fixed MIDI CCs, so check that your plug-in is compatible.
Choose this option: if you want to control recording functions and software instruments as well as organ parts. According to their manufacturers, the Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 and Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 each have nine faders.
Bear in mind: faders are not the same as organ drawbars, and compatibility with your organ plug-in is not guaranteed. The stated depth is 264 mm for Novation and 240 mm for Arturia.
Choose this option: if limited desk depth or full-size keys matter more to you than a row of dedicated drawbar controls. Korg lists a depth of 139 mm and mini keys for the microKEY2-61; M-Audio lists full-size keys for the Keystation 61 MK3.
Bear in mind: check that the key size suits the way you play and that the available controls let you adjust the organ parameters you want to change during a take.
First decide which controls you need while playing, then measure the space available. The percentages below show one main priority for this choice in each row.
| Priority | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Direct organ control | Check the number of physical drawbars, the other organ controls and the MIDI CC mapping to your plug-in. Crumar lists nine drawbars for the DK61, with fixed CC messages. | If I want to shape the organ sound using physical controls during a take, I focus on drawbars and plug-in compatibility. Around 33% of consumers make direct organ control their main priority. |
| Fit and playing position | Measure the available width and depth where you plan to put it, then compare these with the dimensions of the exact model. If possible, try the key size and control height too. | When my desk has limited space, I want to be able to position the keyboard and reach the keys and controls, whether standing or sitting. Around 27% of consumers prioritise fit and playing position. |
| Software compatibility | Check the connection to your computer, along with the MIDI settings and control assignments in your DAW and organ plug-in. Also check which audio output you need. | When I use my own recording set-up, I want to know whether the controller and organ software work together to provide the controls I need. Around 27% of consumers prioritise software compatibility. |
| Simple note entry | Decide whether you need full-size keys, and check which software, cables and other essentials will work with your set-up. | If I mainly want to play in notes, I look for a keyboard that suits the way I play, without needing extra organ controls. Around 13% of consumers make simple note entry and the equipment they need their main priority. |
The Crumar DK61 has nine drawbars and fixed CCs. General-purpose controllers have faders, but this does not confirm that they are mapped to your organ plug-in's drawbars without any set-up.
First decide which parameters you want to control during a take, then check the MIDI mapping for the exact model and plug-in.
According to Korg, the microKEY2-61 is 139 mm deep and has mini keys. These are a different size from the full-size keys listed by M-Audio for the Keystation 61 MK3.
Measure your desk and, if possible, try the key size before basing your choice on depth alone.
USB-MIDI sends performance data, but does not produce organ sounds by itself. Crumar says the DK61 has no built-in sounds, while M-Audio states that the pedal mentioned for the Keystation 61 MK3 is sold separately.
Before buying, check which organ software, audio output and connections you need, as well as what is included in the specific offer.
Crumar describes the DK61 as a MIDI controller for tonewheel organ software, with 61 waterfall keys and nine real drawbars.
Novation describes the Launchkey 61 MK4 as a 61-key controller with DAW controls, nine faders and eight encoders.
Arturia describes the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 as a general-purpose MIDI and DAW controller with 61 keys, nine faders and USB-C.
Korg describes the microKEY2-61 as a compact USB-MIDI keyboard with mini keys.
M-Audio describes the Keystation 61 MK3 as a controller with 61 full-size keys for computer-based instruments.
These models are 61-key keyboards with USB-MIDI or MIDI controller functionality for playing in and recording parts. Check the connection and controls for each model to make sure they meet the needs of your recording set-up.
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Suitable for playing in parts on 61 keys and recording them; the product description lists USB-MIDI and a recording function.
The product name lists weighted, touch-sensitive keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
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Suitable for playing in and recording parts; the product description lists USB-MIDI and a recording and playback function.
The product information lists piano-style keys, built-in speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Not in the case of the Crumar DK61: Crumar states that this model has no built-in sounds. You will need suitable organ software and an audio output; check this for the exact model and set-up.
Not necessarily. According to Crumar, the DK61 sends fixed MIDI CCs. If you use software other than the intended VB3 set-up, check whether your plug-in's parameters can be assigned to those messages.
Measure the available width and depth, then position the keyboard so you can reach the keys and controls. Avoid staying in an uncomfortable position for long periods; the Arboportaal highlights the risk of working often or for long periods in an unhealthy posture. This is not a legal set of measurements for a home studio.
Check the manual and connections for the exact model, and see what is included in the offer. Crumar states that a suitable USB power supply is needed when using MIDI-DIN with the DK61; M-Audio lists a pedal for the Keystation 61 MK3 that is available separately.
