Who is this for?

DAW user in the rehearsal room

You want to record a short melody or beat as an editable MIDI clip, and you have a computer, sound software and audio output available. Ableton explains how notes you play can be captured as a MIDI clip.

Hardware jammer without a DAW

You want to programme the pattern on the keyboard itself and play it through a connected sound source. A built-in sequencer is an important feature for you; Akai lists one on the MPK Mini Plus, for example.

Keyboard player with limited setup space

You’re weighing portability and desk space against the keyboard’s range and feel. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you want to record the pattern in a DAW or sequence it on the keyboard itself. Then consider the sound source and audio output, and choose a number of keys that suits your part and available space.

What to consider What should you look for? Who should prioritise this?
Recording a pattern in a DAW Check DAW support, the controls available on the exact model and the sound software and audio output you have. If I want to capture and edit a MIDI clip quickly during rehearsals, software controls that suit my setup and the right input are important to me. Around 37% of consumers put a DAW workflow at the top of their list of buying priorities.
Quick setup and portability Compare the dimensions and weight of the model, and check whether the key size suits your part. If I have limited desk space or want to take my controller with me, a compact setup matters more to me than the widest possible key range. Around 27% of consumers give portability and a small setup footprint top priority.
Sequencing without a DAW Look for an explicitly listed built-in step or live sequencer, and check that the connections suit your external sound source. If I want to programme a pattern on the keyboard itself, I also check how the connected sound source sends audio to the rehearsal room. Around 18% of consumers say standalone sequencing is their main buying priority.
Enough keys for your part Try playing the part you have in mind, and compare the key size, response and space required for setup. If I want to play in a part with a wider range as well as a short pattern, I might prefer a larger keyboard to the smallest possible controller. Around 18% of consumers prioritise playing range and key response.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking an arpeggiator or pads for a standalone sequencer

    Akai describes pattern features on the MPK Mini IV and separately lists a built-in two-track step/live sequencer on the MPK Mini Plus. These features aren’t interchangeable.

    If you want to record a pattern without a DAW, look for an explicitly listed step or live sequencer on the exact model.

  • Assuming every MIDI keyboard makes its own sound

    A MIDI controller sends notes or control data; you’ll need a sound source to hear anything. According to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 is a separate model with its own sounds and a speaker.

    Before you buy, map out the whole signal chain: controller or sequencer, sound source and audio output.

  • Choosing a larger keyboard without measuring your space

    A larger keyboard gives you a wider playing range, but it also takes up more room. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide.

    Measure the space available and try playing the part you want to use before choosing the number of keys.

Brands to compare

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is worth considering if a built-in pattern sequencer is a priority; other models from the brand have different features.

  • Akai lists a built-in two-track step/live sequencer and MIDI/CV/Gate connectivity for the MPK Mini Plus.
  • The MPK Mini Play MK3’s built-in sounds and speaker don’t prove that it has a programmable pattern sequencer.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a compact option for a DAW setup, while the Launchkey 49 MK4 has a larger keyboard.

  • Novation lists 16 pads on both models, 37 mini keys on the Mini 37 and 49 semi-weighted keys on the 49 MK4.
  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 is 730 mm wide. Also check that its controls work with the DAW you use.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines controls for software instruments with connections for external MIDI equipment.

  • Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, pads, USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • According to Arturia, the MIDI output can pass MIDI from host software; this doesn’t indicate that the keyboard has a built-in pattern sequencer.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact controller for anyone looking for DAW controls.

  • M-Audio describes this model as a USB-powered controller with transport and fader controls that can be assigned to DAW functions.
  • The manufacturer says you’ll need the right DAW configuration to use these controls; this model isn’t listed here as a keyboard with its own pattern sequencer.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record a short pattern without a built-in keyboard sequencer?

Yes, with a DAW that can record MIDI clips. Ableton explains how Capture MIDI can put notes you play on an armed or monitored MIDI track into a clip; you’ll also need to set up MIDI input, an instrument and audio output.

Why can’t I hear anything when I connect my MIDI keyboard?

A standard MIDI controller doesn’t make its own sound. A MIDI clip controls a software instrument or connected synthesiser, so also check where the sound source’s audio is being played. According to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 is a separate model with its own sounds and a speaker.

What should I check when connecting a MiniLab 3?

Check the USB connection and the MIDI settings on your keyboard and DAW. Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to your computer via USB. If you use a hub, the manufacturer recommends choosing one with its own power supply or Power Delivery, if possible.

What are my rights when buying a MIDI keyboard online in the Netherlands?

For many distance purchases made from a business as a consumer, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period; this doesn’t apply to every online transaction, such as a purchase from a private seller. If a product is faulty, contact the seller. In the Netherlands, the statutory guarantee doesn’t have a fixed legal term of two years.