Which MIDI keyboard is right for you?

Melody maker with limited desk space

You work by a window and want a keyboard that fits alongside your other equipment. Measure the space available and leave room for cables.

Player looking for more keys

You want to play synth melodies across a wider range and can make room for a wider keyboard.

Producer who tweaks sounds as they play

You want to adjust synth parameters while playing and check whether the controls work with your software.

What should you look for in a MIDI keyboard by a bright window?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space and controls by the window Measure the space available, including room for cables. According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 measures 339 × 177 mm; the MiniLab 3 measures 355 × 220 mm according to Arturia. Check the screens and labels at your own workstation. If my desk by the window is already full, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit and whether I can see the controls clearly there. Around 33% of consumers prioritise desk space and controls by the window.
Key range and feel Compare the key size and dimensions of the exact model. According to Novation, the Launchkey 37 MK4 has 37 standard-size keys and measures 557 × 251 mm; the Korg microKEY2-37 has 37 mini keys and measures 565 × 139 mm, according to Korg Nederland. If I want to play melodies across a wider range, I look at both the number and size of the keys. Around 27% of consumers prioritise playing range.
Adjusting synth sounds as you play Check the type of controls and how they map to your DAW and plug-in. The MiniLab 3 has eight rotary knobs and four sliders, according to Arturia; Novation lists eight encoders for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. If I want to adjust parameters while playing, I want to know whether the controls will do what I need with my software. Around 20% of consumers prioritise hands-on sound control.
Connection to software or a sound source Decide how you’ll produce sound and check which connection your computer or external synth needs. Arturia lists USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists USB-C and a TRS-A MIDI output for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. If I want to hear the notes I play through my existing set-up, I check the connections and software in advance. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a working connection to their sound source and software.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a synth with built-in sounds

    A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound by itself. Akai describes the MPK mini mk3 as a controller that sends MIDI data to computer software to produce sound.

    Decide in advance which software, computer or other sound source you’ll use.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A 37-key keyboard may have mini keys or standard-size keys; dimensions and layout also vary by model.

    Check the exact model, key size, width and depth, and the space needed for connections.

  • Assuming the controls will operate every synth parameter straight away

    Arturia describes deeper integration for the MiniLab 3 through mappings for selected DAWs, so the controls available may depend on your software.

    Before you buy, check whether there’s a suitable mapping for your DAW, version and plug-in.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with encoders and pads, while the Launchkey 37 MK4 has more standard-size keys.

  • Novation says the Mini 25 MK4 has built-in chord and scale modes.
  • The models vary in size and controls; check which features work with your DAW.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with rotary knobs, sliders and an output for external MIDI equipment.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • For deeper DAW integration, Arturia lists separate mappings for selected DAWs; check that yours is supported.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini mk3 is a compact USB MIDI controller with pads, suited to anyone who wants to control samples or rhythms as well as play melodies.

  • Akai lists eight velocity-sensitive pads.
  • According to Akai, the MPK mini mk3 doesn’t produce sound itself; it controls software on a computer.

Korg

The microKEY2 range includes a slim model with 37 mini keys.

  • Korg Nederland lists the microKEY2-37 as measuring 565 × 139 mm and powered via USB.
  • Its controls differ from those of controllers with lots of pads and rotary knobs; check which features you need.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 combines 32 compact keys with controls that Native Instruments describes as designed for Komplete and NKS software.

  • According to Native Instruments, eight touch-sensitive knobs are pre-mapped to control Komplete and NKS plug-ins.
  • Don’t assume the same mapping will work with other software without checking first.

Joybuy product selection

This selection includes a 61-key keyboard with a MIDI controller, for anyone who wants to play melodies across a wider range. Check that the connections and software suit your set-up.

Black 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller

61-key keyboard with MIDI controller, black

A potential option if you’re looking for a wider key range; the product name specifies 61 keys and a MIDI controller.

Check that the MIDI connection and software are compatible with your set-up.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce synth sounds by itself?

Not if it’s a standard MIDI controller without its own sound source. Akai describes the MPK mini mk3 as a controller that sends MIDI data to software on a computer to produce sound. Check whether each model has its own sounds.

How do I get started with recording and adjusting sounds?

Follow the connection and set-up instructions for the exact model, select it as a MIDI input in your music software and load a software instrument. Arturia lists mappings for selected DAWs for deeper integration with the MiniLab 3; check that your DAW and plug-in are supported.

How can I check whether a keyboard is suitable for use by a bright window?

Check the screens, labels and lighting where you plan to use the keyboard. The stated dimensions and controls don’t, by themselves, tell you how easy a screen will be to read in the light from your window. Follow the instructions for your chosen model when positioning and cleaning it.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, in many cases you have 14 days to change your mind when buying at a distance, although there are exceptions. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period, but if a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution. Also check the terms and conditions that apply to your purchase.

Is CE marking a quality mark for a MIDI keyboard?

No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that CE marking is compulsory for electrical consumer products; the rules that apply depend on the model. According to Business.gov.nl, CE marking is not a quality mark. So it doesn’t tell you whether a keyboard is comfortable to play or easy to read in light from a window.