Beginner with few power sockets
You have a computer for making music and don’t want a separate power supply for your MIDI keyboard. Arturia and M-Audio describe USB-powered models; also check that your computer has a suitable free port.
Who is this suitable for?
Beatmaker who wants hands-on controls
You want to use pads and controls alongside the keys to make beats and control your software. Arturia and Novation list these controls on specific models; features vary between versions.
Beginner who wants more keys
You want to practise melodies or chords across a wider playable range and compare compact models with 32 or 37 mini keys. M-Audio and Novation list these key counts for the Oxygen Pro Mini and Launchkey Mini 37 respectively.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact controller with 25 mini keys
Ideal for: short parts, beats and limited desk space; Arturia lists USB power and 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the MiniLab 3.
Trade-off: fewer keys are immediately available for playing across a wider range, and the controller does not produce sound on its own.
Controller with more mini keys
Ideal for: practising melodies and chords across a wider range more often; the Novation and M-Audio models mentioned have 37 and 32 mini keys respectively.
Trade-off: this option generally takes up more desk space. Also check the power requirements of the exact version and whether its controls work with your DAW.
Keyboard with built-in sounds
Ideal for: if you also want to hear sound from the instrument itself without a computer.
Trade-off: having a built-in sound source doesn’t automatically mean the instrument works without an extra power socket; check the power requirements of the specific model.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Power and connections | Check USB power, connector type, included cable and available computer ports for the exact version. | If I don’t want to free up a power socket for the keyboard, I’ll focus on power via a suitable computer port. Around 33% of consumers give avoiding an extra power socket top priority. |
| Pads, controls and DAW operation | Compare the pads and controls with the features you want to operate in your DAW. | If I want to use pads and controls while making music, I’ll check that the layout suits the way I work. Around 27% of consumers prioritise DAW control. |
| Number and size of keys | Compare 25, 32 and 37 mini keys with your playing needs and available space; mini keys are not the same as full-width piano keys. | If I want to practise melodies or chords across a wider range, I’ll check how many keys are immediately available. Around 20% of consumers put playing range first. |
| Software and sound | Check which DAW or software instruments you can use and how you’ll listen to the sound. | If I want to get started with music software straight away, I’ll want to know which software I need and whether the controller produces sound itself. Around 20% of consumers consider clarity about software and sound sources most important. |
Common buying mistakes
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Mistaking a MIDI controller for a keyboard with built-in sounds
A standard controller sends MIDI messages to software or another sound source, but doesn’t produce sound by itself. Akai explains this for the MPK Mini MK3.
Before you buy, decide whether you mainly want to make music in a DAW or also want to hear sound from the instrument without a computer.
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Assuming USB power means no other connection is needed
A USB-powered controller still needs a suitable USB port and a compatible connection to the computer.
Compare the connection and included cable for the exact version with the available ports on your computer.
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Confusing a manufacturer’s warranty with your statutory rights
A manufacturer’s warranty does not replace the seller’s statutory responsibility if a product, under normal use, fails to meet what you could reasonably expect from it. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that there is no fixed general period for the statutory guarantee.
Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if the product is faulty.
Brands to consider
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 is a compact, USB-powered controller for anyone who wants to use keys, pads and controls.
- Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, software and a USB cable for the MiniLab 3.
- With 25 keys, its immediately playable range is smaller than that of the 32- or 37-key models mentioned here; this does not apply to other Arturia models.
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 37 is designed to offer a wider playable range in a compact format and to control music software.
- Novation lists 37 mini keys, 16 pads and eight rotary controls for this version.
- Check the connection and power requirements of the exact version, and make sure its DAW controls suit your software.
M-Audio
The Oxygen Pro Mini offers a compact option with 32 mini keys.
- M-Audio lists USB power and describes the Oxygen Pro series as class-compliant.
- Check that the controls work directly with the DAW you use; a series specification does not automatically confirm compatibility with every combination you might want.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact USB MIDI controller for use with computer software.
- Akai lists eight pads for this model.
- According to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 does not produce sound itself; it sends MIDI messages to software on a computer.
Nektar
The Impact LX Mini is a compact controller with keys, pads and DAW controls.
- Nektar lists 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight pads and a sustain pedal connection for this model.
- These connections are specifications for the LX Mini and do not automatically apply to all Nektar controllers.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy products are electronic keyboards with built-in sounds and USB MIDI, for anyone who wants to hear sound from the instrument itself as well as use music software.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys
Ideal if you’re looking for a keyboard with built-in sounds and want to use USB MIDI with music software too.
The product description lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, stereo speakers and a headphone socket. A mains adaptor is included; AA battery power is optional.
Before buying, check that the specific version has the required CE marking. The Dutch government states that electronic products in the EU must have the required CE marking.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, with MIDI and recording function
Ideal if you want to combine built-in sounds and speakers with a USB MIDI connection to music software.
The product description lists 500 sounds, built-in stereo speakers, a headphone socket and a recording function. If you want to avoid using a free power socket, check the power requirements of this version.
Before buying, check that the specific version has the required CE marking. The Dutch government states that electronic products in the EU must have the required CE marking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate power socket for a USB-powered MIDI controller?
Not for the controller itself, if you connect it to a suitable computer port as instructed by the manufacturer. The computer and any other equipment still need their own power; check the connection and cable for the exact version.
Why can’t I hear a piano sound after connecting it?
A standard MIDI controller does not produce sound itself. Set up a sound source and audio output in your music software; Akai explains this for the MPK Mini MK3.
Do I need to install or register for extra software?
This depends on the controller and the software you use. Akai says access to the software included with the MPK Mini MK3 is available after product registration; check the terms for the exact package.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
For a qualifying distance purchase from a business, you will often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to information from the Dutch government. The seller also remains legally responsible if, under normal use, a product fails to meet what you could reasonably expect from it. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that there is no fixed general warranty period for this.
What should I look for when it comes to product safety?
Check the required CE marking and product information for the specific electrical version. A USB connection or a specification on a manufacturer’s website does not, by itself, confirm which marking the product you’re buying carries.