Who is a MIDI keyboard for recording chords suited to?

Chord player with limited desk space

You want to record parts while keeping your laptop, mouse or other equipment on your sit-stand desk. Compare the available space with the model’s dimensions and playing range.

Two-handed chord player

You want to play bass notes and chords, or wider voicings, directly on the keyboard. You’d rather have enough keys than the smallest possible controller.

Quick MIDI sketcher

You want to capture chord ideas using chord functions or DAW controls. Check how the selected mode sends notes to the recording track.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact: 25 keys

Choose this if: you have limited desk space and want to capture short parts or individual chords.

Bear in mind: you’ll have a smaller playing range at your fingertips, so check that it accommodates the voicings you want to play.

Mid-sized: 37 keys

Choose this if: you want a wider playing range at your fingertips without needing to make room for a 49-key model.

Bear in mind: key sizes vary between models. With chord modes, MIDI channel settings may also be important.

More keys: 49

Choose this if: you want to play chords and other parts across a larger keyboard and have enough dedicated space.

Bear in mind: the extra width leaves less room for your laptop, mouse or other equipment.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Playing range at your fingertips Compare the number and size of the keys with the voicings you want to play at the same time. The Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 has 37 keys; the Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 keys, according to Novation User Guides. I want to play bass notes and chords without constantly changing octaves. Around 29% of consumers prioritise having a wider playing range at their fingertips.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables and other equipment. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 mm; Novation User Guides gives the Launchkey 37 MK4 dimensions as 557 × 251 mm. My desk is already full of work equipment, so the keyboard needs to fit alongside my laptop and mouse. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the desk space available.
DAW controls and recording Check that your DAW and its version support the controls you want, and find out which MIDI channel the recording track receives. Novation User Guides notes that the Launchkey 37 MK4’s chord modes can transmit on MIDI channel 3 by default, unlike the keys. I want to record without unnecessarily interrupting the way I work in my DAW. Around 24% of consumers prioritise recording controls.
Chord functions Check whether you play chords yourself, assign them to pads or trigger them using a chord mode. Novation User Guides describes assignable User Chords on the Launchkey 37 MK4; Akai describes a mode on the MPK Mini IV in which the keys play chords. I want to trigger or sketch chords quickly without playing each note individually. Around 18% of consumers prioritise chord assistance.

MIDI keyboard buying pitfalls

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    Dimensions and key sizes vary between models. A keyboard may offer more keys, but that could make it a poorer fit for a desk that also needs to hold other equipment.

    Measure the available width and depth. If you can, try playing the chords you want to use across the intended range of keys.

  • Assuming every chord mode works in the same way

    Modes can vary. For the Launchkey 37 MK4, Novation User Guides describes assignable User Chords on pads and Fixed Chord on the keys. Akai describes its own chord modes for MPK Mini models.

    Check the manual for the exact version to see whether you can assign individual chords, transpose a chord shape or select chords using pads.

  • Relying on the manufacturer’s warranty alone

    A manufacturer’s warranty does not replace your statutory rights. The Dutch government states that the statutory guarantee entitles you to a product that works properly, and that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands.

    Compare any additional terms with your statutory rights. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey range includes 37-key and 49-key options, with differences in playing range and controls.

  • Novation User Guides describes chord modes, including assignable User Chords, for the Launchkey 37 MK4.
  • The Launchkey 49 MK4 has nine faders and is 730 mm wide, according to Novation User Guides.
  • When using chord pads, check the MIDI channel and your DAW settings.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact 25-key option, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers 49 keys and control features.

  • Arturia specifies dimensions of 355 × 220 mm and a chord mode for the MiniLab 3.
  • Arturia lists 49 velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 790 × 240 mm for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.
  • Arturia describes deeper DAW integration for the MiniLab 3 through settings that depend on the software you use.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact option for sketching ideas, while the MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys and extra features for compatible external equipment.

  • Akai describes chord assistance for both models mentioned.
  • According to Akai, the MPK Mini Plus has a built-in two-track sequencer and MIDI, CV and Gate connections.
  • The extra connections are most useful if you have compatible external equipment. Don’t confuse the MPK Mini IV with the older MPK Mini MK3; Akai describes different chord functions.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key option for anyone looking for chord assistance and DAW controls on the keyboard.

  • M-Audio describes Smart Chord as offering an adjustable chord structure and DAW controls.
  • The controls depend on the correct configuration in the DAW you use. The manufacturer’s description is not an independent comparison with other keyboards.

Nektar

The Impact LX mk3 is available in versions with 25, 49, 61 and 88 keys.

  • Nektar lists Scale, Chord and Hold functions, as well as DAW integration for a specified list of software.
  • Check the exact version and supported software version. The product range alone does not tell you whether a particular size will fit your desk.

MIDI keyboards at Joybuy

This product selection includes a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI and a listed recording function, for anyone looking for a MIDI keyboard to record chords.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

The product information lists USB-MIDI and a recording function. Check that the MIDI output and recording function suit the way you work with your DAW.

  • 61 keys
  • USB-MIDI
  • Recording function
Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Will a MIDI controller make sound for my recording without a computer?

Don’t assume it will: check which software or other sound source you need, and what audio output is required. Novation describes the Launchkey 49 MK4’s USB connection as being for data and power; Arturia describes the MiniLab 3 as communicating with software via MIDI.

Why aren’t my chord pads being recorded when the keys work?

According to Novation User Guides, the Launchkey 37 MK4’s chord modes can transmit on MIDI channel 3 by default, unlike the keys. Check the track’s input channel and recording settings; other models may use different settings.

How do I connect a MIDI keyboard to my computer?

Check the connections and power supply for the exact version. Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to a USB port on your computer rather than to a USB hub.

What cooling-off period and guarantee apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?

When you buy from a business at a distance, you often have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands; the statutory guarantee entitles you to a product that works properly. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.