Who is this a good choice for?

Beginner sound designer

You want to tweak software sounds using physical knobs and see how those controls can be assigned to your instrument. Ableton explains that MIDI controls can be assigned to functions.

Producer with limited desk space

You work in a shared home, want to listen through headphones using a suitable audio output and need a controller that fits your workspace. Ableton explains how to connect headphones to an interface’s audio output.

Player who also designs sounds

You want to play a wider range of notes directly while experimenting, and are weighing up extra keys against the space you have available. Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how you’ll listen, then work out how much hands-on control and playing range you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Listening with headphones Check whether your computer or audio interface has a suitable audio output. A MIDI controller sends MIDI, so don’t assume you can plug your headphones into the keyboard. If I’m practising in a shared flat, I want to listen to the software sound through headphones rather than speakers. Around 24% of consumers prioritise a quiet way to listen.
Hands-on sound control Compare the number and type of controls, and check whether your plugin supports MIDI mapping or the DAW integration you want. I want to adjust sound parameters using physical controls instead of doing everything with a mouse. Around 24% of consumers give hands-on sound control top priority.
Desk space Measure the space available and compare it with the dimensions of the exact version; remember to allow room for cables too. With limited desk space, I want to know in advance whether the keyboard will fit alongside my other equipment. Around 19% of consumers prioritise a suitable size.
Software compatibility Check compatibility with your DAW version and plugins, and whether the controls need to be assigned manually. I want the controls to work with my DAW and plugins, without assuming everything will work automatically. Around 19% of consumers give software compatibility top priority.
Playing range at your fingertips Compare the number and size of keys on the exact version with the parts you want to play. If I also want to play melodies or chords, I need enough notes within easy reach. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing range.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own

    A controller such as the Akai MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce software sounds itself. You’ll need a software instrument and a configured audio output to hear them.

    Before buying, work out how MIDI notes will make sound in your software and which output you’ll listen through.

    If you don’t have the software or listening setup you need, you’ll need to arrange them separately.

  • Expecting every knob to control every plugin straight away

    A controller can send notes while its extra knobs still need to be assigned to functions. How they work also depends on your DAW and plugin.

    Check the support and mapping options in the software you want to learn to use.

    Assigning MIDI controls may take extra time to set up.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    You may value playing range, but hands-on controls and the space available on your desk matter too.

    Measure your workspace and compare the exact keyboard with the controls you actually want to use.

Brands to compare

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is worth considering if you want several physical controls on a compact keyboard.

  • Arturia specifies 25 keys, eight encoders, four faders, USB-C and a five-pin MIDI output.
  • The stated software integration is information from the manufacturer. Check that it works with your computer, DAW and plugin.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is one to compare if you want a wider playing range at your fingertips and DAW controls.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys, eight encoders and 16 pads.
  • The stated integration doesn’t guarantee that every plugin parameter will work without mapping; check compatibility with your software.

M-Audio

According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro Mini combines a compact keyboard with controls for DAW functions.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and automatic assignment of controls including transport and fader functions, once configured appropriately.
  • This assignment hasn’t been independently tested with every software combination; check the settings for your DAW.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is worth comparing if you’re looking for knobs, pads and a footswitch input.

  • Nektar specifies 25 mini keys, eight knobs, eight pads and a footswitch input.
  • DAW integration depends on the software you use; the product information comes from the manufacturer.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact option to compare if pads alongside keys and knobs are important to you.

  • Akai Professional lists pads and assignable knobs, and describes the MK3 as a controller that needs software on a computer to make sound.
  • Akai Professional describes a registration and redemption process for the bundled software. This information about the MK3 doesn’t automatically apply to the MPK Mini IV.

Joybuy product pick

This pick is for anyone looking for a keyboard with MIDI controls and a headphone socket.

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

The combination of 61 keys and MIDI controls is useful if you want to play notes as well as control software via MIDI.

The product description lists built-in sounds, USB-MIDI, a headphone socket, speakers, a metronome, a music stand and a recording function.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug headphones straight into a standard MIDI keyboard?

Don’t assume you can. A controller such as the Akai MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI data to software that produces the sound. Set up the audio output on your computer or, if you use one, your audio interface. Check the connections on the exact version before buying.

What should I check if the keys send MIDI but I can’t hear anything?

Check that the controller is selected as the MIDI input, that the track contains a software instrument, and that monitoring or record enable is set correctly. Ableton describes this workflow for Live; other DAWs may use different menus.

Do I need to buy an audio interface straight away for sound design?

Not just because you have a MIDI keyboard. First check whether the audio output you already have is suitable for your listening setup. Ableton describes an audio interface as a way to add more inputs and outputs and potentially reduce latency; that doesn’t mean an interface is essential for every beginner.

How do I access the software that comes with a controller?

Check the terms for the exact bundle. For the MPK Mini MK3, Akai Professional describes a registration and redemption process through the inMusic Software Center. Don’t assume other brands or bundles work the same way.