Producer with a crowded desk
You’re learning to produce music by a bright window and want to leave room for your computer and mouse. Compare the keyboard’s dimensions and controls with your workspace and the light coming in.
Who is this relevant to?
Beginner who wants to play in parts
You want to practise melodies or parts with both hands. First decide how many physical keys you need to reach at once, then see which pads or buttons might be useful to you.
Beginner with a preferred DAW
You want to record and control your music software from the keyboard. Check which functions are already assigned for your DAW and which ones you’ll need to set up yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compact 25-key controller
Best for: inputting short melodies or beats and keeping space free next to your computer and mouse.
Trade-off: you can reach fewer notes at once than on a keyboard with more physical keys.
Keyboard with more physical keys
Best for: practising longer parts with both hands, if the keyboard fits on your desk.
Trade-off: a larger keyboard takes up more desk space than a 25-key model.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Desk space and light from the window | Measure the available width and depth, including space for your mouse and cable. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 at 339 × 177 mm; Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 at 355 × 220 mm. If possible, check displays and labels in the light where you work. | If you want to keep your computer and mouse next to the keyboard, consider how much space the device takes up and whether you can see its controls clearly at your desk. Around 31% of consumers prioritise desk space and usability by a window. |
| Playing range and key size | Compare the number of physical keys and their size. An octave button doesn’t increase the number of physical keys you can reach at once. | If you want to practise parts with both hands, the physical playing range matters more than compact size alone. Around 25% of consumers give playing range top priority. |
| DAW control and beats | Check the exact model generation and its integration with your DAW. See which pads and buttons are assigned and which ones you can set up yourself. | If you want to control recording or beats without opening an on-screen menu for every action, check how the controls work with your software. Around 25% of consumers prioritise DAW control. |
| A complete audio setup | Check your computer, connections, required software and how you’ll listen. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound by itself; the Akai MPK Mini Play MK3 is a separate version with built-in sounds. | If you don’t yet have a suitable sound source or software, find out in advance what your setup needs so you can play and listen. Around 19% of consumers give a complete audio and software setup top priority. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own
A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound by itself. You’ll need a suitable sound source, such as software or compatible external equipment.
Make a note in advance of the computer, software, connections and listening setup you want to use. Check the full model name, as some specific versions may have built-in sounds.
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Assuming a display or illuminated pads will be easy to read by a window
The presence of a display or lighting doesn’t tell you how easy the controls will be to see in your lighting conditions.
If possible, view the device in similar lighting and work out whether you can position it out of direct sunlight.
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Choosing based only on compactness or the number of keys
An octave button doesn’t change how many physical keys you can reach at once, while a larger keyboard does need more room on your desk.
Measure your available space and compare it with the model’s width and depth. Also decide which parts you want to practise with both hands.
Brands to consider
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with pads and controls for music software.
- Novation specifies 25 mini keys, 16 pads and dimensions of 339 × 177 mm.
- Check that it integrates with your DAW. An OLED display doesn’t guarantee that it will be easy to read in bright light from a window.
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller with a software bundle and a MIDI output for compatible external MIDI equipment.
- Arturia lists 25 slim keys, a 5-pin MIDI output and dimensions of 355 × 220 mm.
- Check that the software licences and DAW integration suit your setup. A mini display doesn’t guarantee that it will be easy to read by a bright window.
Akai Professional
Akai describes the MPK Mini IV as a compact controller for keys, pads and transport functions. The MPK Mini Play MK3 is a separate version.
- For the MPK Mini IV, Akai lists features including pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, USB-C and a MIDI output.
- Akai specifies built-in sounds and a speaker for the MPK Mini Play MK3 only; don’t assume these features are available on other versions.
Nektar
The Impact LX Mini focuses on physical transport controls, rotary knobs and pads.
- Nektar specifies 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight pads, eight knobs and a footswitch connection.
- Check that the preset DAW functions work with your software.
Joybuy product selection
This Joybuy selection is aimed at practising with a wider physical range of keys.
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61-key electronic keyboard, black
For anyone who wants to practise with a wider physical range: the product name specifies 61 keys.
The product name describes a black electronic keyboard with a MIDI controller.
Frequently asked questions
Does a MIDI keyboard make sound on its own?
A standard MIDI controller doesn’t make sound by itself: it sends performance data to software or compatible external equipment. Check whether the specific version has built-in sounds. This is the case with the Akai MPK Mini Play MK3, for example, but not automatically with other versions.
How do I use the keyboard with my music software?
First check that the connection and exact model are compatible with your computer and DAW. Inputting notes is different from controlling recording or mixer functions; you may need to assign some buttons yourself. If software is included, check the registration terms too.
How do I assess a keyboard by a bright window?
If possible, view the display and labels in the lighting you’ll be working in. No comparative daylight readability has been established for the models mentioned, so trying one in your own setup is a practical check, not a model feature.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands if the product doesn’t work properly?
According to the Dutch government, when buying remotely from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that conforms to the contract; there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products. Report any fault to the seller.
What rules apply to electronic MIDI keyboards in the Netherlands?
Dutch government information on electrical and electronic equipment states that products sold in the Netherlands must meet the applicable European requirements. For equipment covered by these requirements, this information includes CE marking and an EU declaration of conformity. This doesn’t mean that a specific model has been individually checked.