Pianist at a shared desk
If you play a virtual piano, you can listen to the software’s sound through headphones rather than office speakers. The mechanical sound of the keys needs to be assessed separately.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Player with limited desk space
If you need to position the keyboard alongside work equipment or put it away after use, weigh its dimensions against the number of keys and the range you can play without changing position. For example, KORG publishes the dimensions of the microKEY-49.
Pianist who prioritises key feel
If you’re looking for a wider range or hammer action, consider models with more keys and allow for the permanent space they require. M-Audio specifies graded hammer action for the Hammer 88 Pro.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact mini-keyboard
Suitable if: you have limited desk space or want to put the keyboard away after use, and a shorter playing range is enough.
The trade-off: mini keys and a shorter keyboard aren’t the same as a full piano range or hammer action.
Mid-sized keyboard with software controls
Suitable if: you want more keys and controls for music software, and have enough desk space.
The trade-off: key mechanisms vary between models; a hybrid or semi-weighted action doesn’t, by itself, mean the keyboard has hammer action or quiet keys.
88 keys with hammer action
Suitable if: a full piano range and hammer action matter more than being able to put the keyboard away easily.
The trade-off: check that the dimensions and actual mechanical key noise are suitable for your shared workspace.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping things quiet for colleagues | Check for a headphone output and assess the sound of the keys separately in the intended workspace. | If you play in a shared space, you’ll want to avoid the software sound coming through speakers. Around 28% of consumers prioritise keeping things quiet for colleagues. |
| Piano range and key action | Compare the number and size of the keys, and the specified mechanism, with the pieces you want to play. | If you play pieces across a wider range, you’ll want enough notes readily at your fingertips and a suitable key feel. Around 28% of consumers prioritise piano range and key action. |
| Space and storage | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. | If your desk also needs to accommodate work equipment, you’ll want to know whether the keyboard will fit and can be put away after use. Around 22% of consumers prioritise limited desk space. |
| Software and audio set-up | Check the connection to your computer, compatible piano software, headphone output and audio settings. | If you play using your own computer, you’ll want to know whether the software and headphone set-up work together. Around 22% of consumers prioritise having a working software and audio set-up. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming headphones mean the whole keyboard is silent
Headphones keep the software sound with the player, but they don’t tell you how loud the keys are in the same room.
Assess the sound of the keys separately in your workspace and agree how you’ll use the keyboard with others sharing the space.
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Buying a MIDI controller as if it produces piano sounds on its own
Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller that sends MIDI data to computer software rather than producing sound itself.
Check how to play the MIDI data using a virtual piano instrument and which device you’ll listen through.
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Comparing only the number of keys
A compact mini-keyboard and a larger model with a different mechanism meet different playing and space requirements.
Also compare the key size, mechanism, and the width and depth of the exact model.
Relevant brands to consider
KORG
The microKEY2 range is worth considering if a compact mini-keyboard and USB connection are important to you.
- KORG specifies 49 mini keys, USB power and a connection for a switch or damper pedal on the microKEY-49.
- Mini keys are different from hammer action; these features don’t tell you whether the mechanical key noise will be quiet in a shared office.
Arturia
The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is worth considering if you want keys and controls for music software.
- Arturia specifies 49 velocity-sensitive keys, a hybrid synth-piano action, a pedal input and dimensions of 790 × 240 × 70 mm.
- The specified action isn’t hammer action; compare the dimensions with the space available and check that it offers the software integration you want.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini MK3 is a 25-key controller for short parts and a compact keyboard set-up.
- Akai describes this model as a USB MIDI controller that sends MIDI data to computer software.
- Its immediate playing range is limited for piano pieces spanning a wider range; the information given says nothing about mechanical key noise.
Novation
The Launchkey 61 MK4 is worth considering if you want a wider playing range at your fingertips and controls for music software.
- Novation specifies 61 semi-weighted keys and integration with specific music software for this model.
- These features apply to this model and don’t confirm hammer action or quiet mechanical key noise; allow for the space needed by a longer keyboard.
M-Audio
The Hammer 88 Pro is worth considering if a full range of keys and hammer action are your top priorities.
- M-Audio specifies 88 keys with graded hammer action and USB power.
- The specifications don’t tell you whether the dimensions and mechanical key noise will be acceptable in your office.
Joybuy products for this set-up
These product picks are 61-key keyboards with USB MIDI, suited to a set-up with virtual piano software; check each model for a headphone connection and the software it requires.
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MLS-931, 61 keys, black
The listed USB MIDI and headphone connections suit a set-up with a software instrument and private listening.
The product name specifies weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, speakers and a headphone connection.
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61-key keyboard, black, MIDI controller
The listed USB MIDI connection and headphone socket are suited to using software and listening through headphones.
The product information lists speakers, a recording function, a metronome and a music stand; check the connection for your intended use.
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61-key keyboard kit with stand and bench
The listed USB MIDI connection and headphone socket are useful for a software instrument and private listening.
The product name lists a stand, bench, music stand, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen and a USB MIDI connection.
Frequently asked questions
Will I hear the virtual piano as soon as I connect the MIDI keyboard?
Not with a controller such as the Akai MPK Mini MK3: according to Akai, it sends MIDI data to computer software rather than making sound itself. Set up a compatible software instrument and audio output. In the office, use headphones if you don’t want the software sound to play through speakers.
What can I do if the piano sound lags behind when I play a key?
Check the audio settings in the software and equipment you’re using. Steinberg explains that in Cubase, a smaller audio buffer reduces delay but puts more strain on the computer and can cause glitches. Try a setting that works reliably on your system.
Can I connect a sustain pedal?
It depends on the model. KORG lists an assignable connection on microKEY models with 37, 49 or 61 keys, but a sustain button on the 25-key version. Check the connection and pedal compatibility for the exact model.
What noise should I expect at a shared desk?
Headphones keep the virtual piano sound with the player, but they don’t rule out audible mechanical key noise. Arboportaal notes that disruptive workplace noise is a concern if, for example, it causes stress, difficulty concentrating or reduced speech intelligibility. Assess the sound of the keys separately in your workspace.
What are my rights if an online keyboard purchase isn’t right for me or the keyboard is faulty?
For an online consumer purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cancellation period from delivery; check whether an exception applies. A fault is covered by statutory consumer rights, which are separate from any manufacturer’s warranty. ACM ConsuWijzer explains the difference between the cancellation period and the warranty.