Who is this for?

Music maker in a shared office

You’re making tracks alongside colleagues and want to listen through headphones. Bear in mind that the physical sound of the keys and pads may still be audible.

Producer with limited desk space

You record short parts and want to be able to set the keyboard down alongside your usual work setup. Measure the available space before choosing a model.

Drum and clip maker

You build backing tracks from rhythms or clips and want controls that work with the DAW you use.

What should you look for?

First, decide how you want to listen in a shared space. Then compare the desk space available, the playing range you need and the pads or controls you can use in your DAW.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Listening in a shared space Check the headphone output on your computer or audio interface and, if possible, assess the physical noise from the keys and pads. If I work in a shared office, I want to listen to my track through headphones without filling the room with sound from speakers. Around 33% of consumers prioritise keeping things quiet for colleagues.
DAW and rhythm controls Check that your DAW supports the MIDI assignments you want and that the pad layout suits the way you work. If I want to control drums or clips from the controller, the pads and controls need to work with my software. Around 25% of consumers prioritise DAW and rhythm controls.
Desk space Measure the space available and check the dimensions of the exact model. If I want to use the keyboard alongside my laptop and other work essentials, every centimetre of desk space counts. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a compact workspace.
Playing range Decide whether you’ll play parts at the same time or record them layer by layer; also compare the size and feel of the keys. If I want to play chords and melodies with a wider range at the same time, I need to know how many keys I’ll need. Around 17% of consumers put playing range ahead of the other considerations.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Expecting a MIDI controller to make sound by itself

    The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software on a computer; the controller doesn’t generate sounds itself. You’ll also need a suitable software sound source and an audio output that’s been set up.

    Before buying, check that your computer, music software and headphone setup suit the way you want to work.

  • Thinking headphones will block out every sound

    Headphones are for listening to audio; the physical sound of the keys and pads may still be audible.

    Assess the mechanical noise separately, for example by trying the model in a quiet environment if possible.

  • Choosing extra pads or DAW features without checking your software

    How useful the pads and controls are depends on your DAW’s features and settings. Assigning controls to suit your own workflow can take time.

    Compare the actions you perform regularly with the MIDI assignments your software supports.

Relevant brands

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is designed for anyone looking for mini keys, pads and DAW controls in one controller.

  • Novation’s specifications list 37 mini keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for this model.
  • Check how it integrates with your DAW and whether its size suits your desk; these features don’t indicate how quiet the keys or pads are.

Arturia

Arturia presents the MiniLab 3 as a controller for software instruments, with included software and preconfigured DAW integrations.

  • Arturia’s product information lists integrations with several DAWs.
  • Which features work depends on your software and setup, so check compatibility with your DAW.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact MIDI controller with controls for short parts and rhythms.

  • Akai Professional lists 25 keys, MPC pads and assignable knobs.
  • According to Akai Professional, the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t make sound by itself: you need computer software to hear audio.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a USB-powered MIDI controller with 32 mini keys.

  • M-Audio lists 32 keys and USB power for this model.
  • Check the DAW settings and the dimensions of the model to make sure it suits your workspace.

Joybuy product selection

This selection features a keyboard piano with MIDI controls. Check that the features and connection suit your computer and DAW.

Black electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard piano with MIDI controller, 61 keys, black

This may suit you if you’re looking for a keyboard piano with MIDI controls and 61 keys; check the connection and compatibility with your computer and DAW.

The product name lists a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug my headphones directly into a MIDI keyboard?

Don’t assume you can with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3: according to Akai Professional, this model sends MIDI to software and doesn’t generate sound itself. Set up the audio output on your computer or audio interface for your headphones; the keys and pads may also make physical noise.

What should I check if my DAW isn’t receiving notes?

Check the USB connection and make sure the DAW’s MIDI input for notes is enabled. In Ableton Live, you may need to select the correct MIDI port and enable the Track setting; the steps vary between DAWs.

Do I need software as well as a MIDI keyboard?

You’ll need computer software to hear sound from the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3. Check which software is included with the exact model and whether it works with your computer and DAW.

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

For distance purchases from a business, consumers usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions; this is set out by the Dutch government (Rijksoverheid). There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: according to the Dutch government, a product must meet what you can reasonably expect from it. A manufacturer’s guarantee is separate.

What product rules apply to a MIDI keyboard sold in the Netherlands?

Electronic equipment may be subject to EU product rules and CE requirements. The specific requirements that apply depend on the product; the European Union explains the CE rules for the relevant product groups.