Who is this for?

Players with limited desk space

You want to connect a virtual piano and put the keyboard away after use. The width, depth and key size determine how much space you’ll need.

Pianists who care about key feel

You want to play with touch sensitivity and weigh up whether full-size keys or hammer action are worth the extra space.

Players in a shared space

You want to connect the MIDI controller, piano software and audio output so you don’t have to rely on speakers.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact keyboard with mini keys

Best for: a shared desk where depth is particularly limited. Korg lists the microKEY2-49 as measuring 709 × 139 × 54 mm.

Trade-off: the microKEY2-49 has mini keys, so don’t assume they’ll feel the same as full-size keys.

49 or 61 keys

Best for: when you have more space and want full-size keys or extra controls. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 has 49 full-size, touch-sensitive keys; the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 semi-weighted keys.

Trade-off: key action and dimensions vary by model, so check the exact version and measure your workspace.

73 or 88 keys with hammer action

Best for: piano-focused playing, with plenty of room for the keyboard. Studiologic specifies TP/110 hammer action for the SL73 mk2 and SL88 mk2.

Trade-off: the SL73 mk2 is 105,2 cm wide and the SL88 mk2 is 126,5 cm wide. Check that an instrument of this size will fit in your shared workspace.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who this matters to
Desk space and storage Measure the available width and depth, allowing room for cables and the rest of your workspace. Compare the dimensions of the exact version. If I want to put the keyboard away after use, every centimetre of desk space counts. Around 33% of consumers prioritise space and storage.
Key feel and range Check the key size, touch sensitivity, key action and number of keys. Try the key feel for yourself if possible. If I want to play piano parts without frequently changing octave, I look at the range and key feel. Around 27% of consumers put these factors first.
Quiet computer setup Check that the controller and software work with your computer, and decide where the audio output, such as headphones, will be connected. If I play in a shared space, I want to know how I’ll hear the piano sound without relying on shared speakers. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this setup.
Pedal and software Check the pedal input, compatibility, box contents and any terms for included software for the exact version. If I need a sustain pedal or piano software, I want to assess the complete purchase rather than just the controller. Around 13% of consumers focus mainly on these extras.

Avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming all 49-key keyboards are the same size or feel the same to play

    The Korg microKEY2-49 has mini keys and is 139 mm deep according to Korg; the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has semi-weighted keys and is 264 mm deep according to Novation.

    Compare the depth and key size of the exact models with your desk and playing preferences.

  • Assuming a pedal connection means a pedal is included

    M-Audio lists a sustain pedal input for the Keystation 49 MK3 and states that the SP2 pedal is sold separately.

    Check what’s included in the box and whether the pedal is compatible with the version you’ve chosen.

    If you want to use sustain, you may need to buy a separate pedal.

  • Expecting the USB MIDI controller to handle the piano sound too

    A MIDI controller sends performance data to the software; your computer setup must also play the sound through an audio output.

    Check how your piano software connects and where you want to hear the sound before choosing any extra equipment.

    Depending on your existing computer setup, you may also need suitable audio hardware or software.

Brands to compare

Korg

The microKEY2 range includes compact MIDI keyboards; the 49-key version is designed for players with limited depth available.

  • Korg lists the microKEY2-49 as 139 mm deep and specifies a switch/pedal connection.
  • The 49-key version has mini keys. The listed measurement is a product specification, not an assessment of playing comfort.

M-Audio

The Keystation 49 MK3 is an option if you’re looking for 49 full-size, touch-sensitive keys and a sustain pedal input.

  • M-Audio describes it as offering USB MIDI for use with virtual instruments.
  • According to M-Audio, the SP2 pedal mentioned is sold separately. The Keystation 49 MK3 is not the same model as the 61 MK3.

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 combines a 49-key keyboard with controls for players who also work with a DAW.

  • Novation specifies 49 semi-weighted, touch-sensitive keys and faders.
  • Novation lists dimensions of 730 × 264 mm (width × depth). Extra controls take up space and aren’t necessarily needed for a virtual piano alone.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines 49 touch-sensitive keys with controls and software that Arturia lists as part of the bundle.

  • Arturia lists the Essential 49 mk3 as measuring 790 × 240 × 70 mm.
  • Check the software and contents of the current bundle. The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a different product line from the KeyLab 49 mk3.

Studiologic

The SL73 mk2 and SL88 mk2 are options for pianists who value hammer action and have enough space.

  • Studiologic specifies TP/110 hammer action for the SL73 mk2 and SL88 mk2.
  • The SL73 mk2 is 105,2 cm wide and the SL88 mk2 is 126,5 cm wide. Measure the available space before choosing either version.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a MIDI keyboard all you need to hear a virtual piano?

No. You also need compatible virtual piano software and an audio output on your computer setup. Modartt describes the MIDI keyboard and audio hardware as separate components when connecting to Pianoteq.

How do I set up a virtual piano at a shared desk?

First, measure the available space and set the controller as the MIDI input in your piano software. Then check where the audio will play and whether you can connect your headphones there. The exact steps depend on your computer and software.

What should I check if sustain isn’t working?

Check whether your version has a pedal input, whether the pedal is compatible with it and whether the software is receiving the pedal signal. For the Keystation 49 MK3, M-Audio lists a 6,3mm input and an SP2 pedal sold separately.

What warranty applies when buying from a Dutch retailer?

When you buy as a consumer, you’re entitled to a product that conforms to the contract. The Dutch government says that if there’s a problem, the seller must provide a solution. A manufacturer’s warranty or an additional warranty does not replace this statutory right.

Can I return a keyboard bought online?

According to the Dutch government, consumers buying from a business at a distance are often entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period. Check whether this applies to your purchase and read the returns terms. A purchase from a private individual is not covered by the same definition of distance selling.