Who is this suitable for?

Producers short on desk space

You want to record synth melodies and then put the keyboard away easily. So, focus on comparing each model’s width and depth.

Melody players who want a wider range

If 25 keys feel limiting for your melodies, a model with 37 mini keys can give you a wider playable range straight away. Just bear in mind the extra width.

Producers who want to control synths

Want to adjust parameters as you play, or control an external synthesiser? Compare the controls, software integration and MIDI connections on each model.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, measure the space you can free up on your shared desk. Then decide how many keys you need, along with the controls and connections required for your synth setup.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters most to
Desk space and storage Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for the cable. Korg lists the nanoKEY2 as measuring 325 × 83 × 16 mm; Novation gives the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 a width of 339 mm and the Mini 37 MK4 a width of 478 mm. If I want to put the keyboard away after playing, a small footprint is my main concern; around 28% of consumers say space is their top priority.
Playable range for melodies Try playing a representative melody on 25 keys and see whether switching octaves gets in your way. Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4; the Mini 25 MK4 has 25. If I want to switch octaves less often, a wider playable range straight away matters more than a narrower keyboard; around 22% of consumers say playable range is their top priority.
Listening without shared speakers Check that your DAW recognises the keyboard as a MIDI input, that a software instrument is loaded on the track and that you can listen through wired headphones. Ableton notes that wireless audio streaming can add extra latency. If I want to hear my software synth without playing sound through shared speakers, the audio output is decisive for me; around 22% of consumers say private listening is their top priority.
Direct control of synth parameters Choose controls that suit the functions you use and check the software integration. Novation lists eight encoders and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4; Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3. If I want to adjust parameters while playing, physical controls matter more than the smallest possible footprint; around 17% of consumers say direct synth control is their top priority.
Connecting to an external synthesiser Check which connections and power supply your synthesiser requires. Arturia lists a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3, and MIDI-DIN, USB-C and CV/Gate for the KeyStep 37 mk2. If I want to control my external synthesiser from the keyboard, the connection needs to work with my equipment; around 11% of consumers say hardware connectivity is their top priority.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a synthesiser that makes its own sound

    A MIDI controller sends performance data. To hear a synth, you’ll need an instrument in suitable software or an external sound source, as well as a configured audio output.

    Before you buy, check which device or software will generate the sound and where you’ll plug in your headphones.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    A 37-key model gives you a wider playable range straight away than a 25-key model, but it also needs more desk space. The number of keys alone tells you nothing about how they feel to play.

    Measure your workspace and try playing a representative melody to decide whether the extra range is worth the extra width.

  • Treating USB, MIDI-DIN and CV/Gate as interchangeable

    An external synthesiser may need a different connection or power setup from a computer. So, check the connections on both devices before choosing how to link them.

    Compare the connections and power requirements of the exact keyboard model with those of your synthesiser.

    Depending on the equipment you already own, you may need suitable cables or a compatible connection setup.

Brands to compare

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is an option if a shallow footprint matters more to you than extensive physical controls.

  • Korg lists 25 keys, USB power and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm for the nanoKEY2.
  • Check whether 25 keys and the available controls suit your melodies and the way you work.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and Mini 37 MK4 offer a choice between a narrower keyboard and a wider playable range straight away.

  • Novation lists mini keys, pads and encoders on both models; their stated widths are 339 and 478 mm respectively.
  • Check that the features and integration listed by Novation work with your DAW.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a 25-key controller with physical controls and a MIDI output; the KeyStep 37 mk2 is a separate model designed for features including sequencing and hardware connections.

  • Arturia lists encoders, faders and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3. For the KeyStep 37 mk2, Arturia lists MIDI-DIN, USB-C and CV/Gate, among other features.
  • The KeyStep 37 mk2’s sequencer and hardware features aren’t part of the MiniLab 3; compare the models separately.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact controller worth comparing if you’re looking for pads, physical pitch and modulation wheels, or an external MIDI connection.

  • Akai lists USB-C and a MIDI output for the MPK Mini IV.
  • For any included software, check the registration process, system requirements and supported file formats.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce synth sounds itself?

No. A MIDI controller sends performance data; for a software synth, you need an instrument in suitable software and a configured audio output. A MIDI track without an instrument won’t produce synth sounds by itself.

How can I play without sound coming through shared speakers?

Enable MIDI input in your DAW, add a software instrument to the track and listen to the audio through wired headphones connected to the configured output. Ableton describes this workflow for Live; menu names may vary in other DAWs. Headphones won’t stop the keys themselves from making physical noise.

What can I do if the notes sound delayed?

First, check your software’s audio settings and buffer, and try wired audio instead of Bluetooth. Ableton notes that wireless audio streaming can add extra latency; switching to another MIDI controller isn’t, in itself, a proven solution.

What warranty applies to a purchase in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands, and products must be of satisfactory quality. If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact; a manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights.

Do I have a cooling-off period for an online purchase?

According to the Dutch government, many online consumer purchases from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period. The exact terms and any exceptions depend on the purchase; buying from a private seller is a different matter.