Who is this for?

Listening quietly in a shared home

You want to make short patterns and listen through headphones. Check where the audio comes from and whether you can connect your headphones to it.

Using a DAW on a small desk

You want to record or edit short MIDI clips in a workspace that serves other purposes too. Compare the keyboard’s dimensions and controls with your music software.

Programming steps on the keyboard

You want to enter patterns on the controller itself rather than only in a DAW editor. Check that the exact model has a built-in sequencer and consider which sound source you’ll connect.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Listening through headphones Check which audio output you’ll use and where your headphones can be plugged in. MIDI control on its own isn’t a headphone output. If I want to work with headphones in a shared home, I need to know where the sound comes out; around 36% of consumers prioritise quiet listening.
Making patterns in a DAW Check your DAW’s features and version. For the Launchkey MK4 integration described, Novation specifies Live 11.3.26 or later and Live 12.0.25 or later. If I want to record and edit a short pattern on my computer, the most important thing is whether the controls work with my software; around 29% of consumers prioritise smooth DAW input.
Desk space Measure both the available width and depth. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 × 177 mm; Korg lists the microKEY2-25 as 395 × 131 mm. If my desk is used for other things too, I need to know whether the keyboard will fit in the available space; around 21% of consumers prioritise desk space.
A sequencer in the keyboard Look for details of a built-in sequencer and the number of tracks for the exact model. Also work out which connected sound source will make the pattern audible. If I want to programme steps on the device itself, I need to see this feature listed for the model; around 14% of consumers consider hardware sequencing their top priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing an arpeggiator or drum pads with a step sequencer

    These features don’t automatically mean you can enter and save steps on the keyboard. Akai describes the MPK Mini Plus as having a built-in sequencer; check the specifications of every other model separately.

    Look specifically for an internal sequencer and decide where you want to programme the pattern.

  • Assuming a MIDI or USB connection also carries audio

    MIDI control and audible audio take different routes. To listen through headphones, you need to know which connected equipment produces the sound and which output you’ll use.

    Before buying, map out the connections between the controller, sound source, audio output and headphones.

  • Comparing compact keyboards by width alone

    A narrower model may need more depth. The listed dimensions of Novation’s Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 and Korg’s microKEY2-25 differ in both directions.

    Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for cables and your computer.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is designed for compact DAW workflows. Novation lists 25 mini keys and pads.

  • The controls are designed for use with music software; check that your DAW version is supported.
  • An arpeggiator or clip control isn’t the same as a built-in step sequencer.

Arturia

Arturia says the MiniLab 3 combines 25 keys with pads, knobs and bundled software for use with a computer.

  • Arturia lists USB-C and a five-pin MIDI output.
  • The listed dimensions are 355 × 220 × 50 mm, so measure your desk’s depth too. A MIDI output doesn’t mean the device produces sound on its own.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is worth considering if you want to programme steps on the keyboard itself. Akai specifies 37 mini keys and an internal two-track sequencer.

  • Akai lists MIDI and CV/Gate/Clock connections for linking to external equipment.
  • The connections don’t tell you which sound source you need or where to plug in your headphones. Don’t assume the MPK Mini MK3 has this sequencer feature without checking the model.

Korg

The microKEY2-25 is designed as a straightforward keyboard; Korg lists 25 keys and dimensions of 395 × 131 × 52 mm.

  • Korg lists USB power and octave buttons.
  • Its controls don’t focus on pads or a built-in step sequencer. If it suits your workflow, plan to use compatible software to programme patterns.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection is an electronic keyboard with 61 keys and a MIDI controller function. Check that its connections work with your computer, music software and headphone setup.

61-key electronic keyboard, black, with MIDI controller and recording function

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller and recording function

The listed MIDI controller function may be useful if you want to use the keys with music software. Check which audio output is available for your headphones.

The product name lists 61 keys, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music rest.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect a MIDI keyboard directly to headphones?

Not with just a USB-MIDI connection. Work out which connected sound source produces audio and which audio output your headphones can plug into.

What should I check if my DAW detects the keys but I can’t hear anything?

In your DAW, check the MIDI input, that there’s a track with a software instrument, the monitoring or recording setting, and the selected audio output. Ableton describes these settings for Live; the controls may differ in other DAWs.

Do I need a keyboard with a built-in sequencer to make a short pattern?

No, not if you record or edit the pattern in suitable music software. If you want to enter steps on the controller itself, check that this feature is listed for the exact model; Akai specifies it for the MPK Mini Plus.

What extra equipment or registration might I need?

It depends on your existing setup: check whether you already have suitable software, a sound source and an appropriate audio output. Akai states that you need to register to redeem the software licences included with the MPK Mini Plus through inMusic Software Center.

What are my rights when buying a keyboard online?

According to the Rijksoverheid, when you buy at a distance you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets legal standards; there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.