Who is this suitable for?

Beginner sound designer

You want to experiment with software instruments and would get more use from accessible, assignable knobs than from extra keys alone.

Producer with limited desk space

You share your loft desk with a computer or other equipment and need the keyboard and controls to fit the space available.

Keyboard player in a home studio

You want to learn how to create sounds, as well as play chords and melodies, while considering how you listen at home.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to look for Who this suits
Controlling sound parameters Check how many assignable knobs there are and how your DAW and plug-ins let you set up their functions. If you’d rather adjust parameters such as filters with knobs while learning, this suits people who put sound controls first; they make up around 33%.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including the space taken up by cables, and compare the dimensions of the exact model. If you need to position the keyboard alongside a computer or other equipment, people who prioritise desk space will put this first; they make up around 27%.
Keyboard range Compare the number and type of keys with the parts you want to play; pads and knobs don’t replace extra keys. If you mainly want to play chords and melodies, people who prioritise playing range will look for a suitable number of keys; they make up around 20%.
Software and listening setup Check the connection, software requirements and supported DAW version, and consider how you’ll listen. If you practise in a loft and need a working software and listening setup, people who prioritise this will put it first; they make up around 20%.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a standalone instrument

    A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound on its own. Akai describes the MPK mini mk3 as a controller that sends MIDI messages to software to produce sound.

    Decide in advance which computer or other sound source you’ll use and how you want to hear the sound.

  • Focusing only on the number of knobs

    Knobs will only suit your workflow if you can assign the functions you want to your DAW and instruments. Arturia says its KeyLab Essential mk3 script integration with Ableton Live requires version 11.3.3 or later.

    Check the instructions for your model, DAW version and plug-ins before relying on automatic integration.

  • Choosing a keyboard without measuring your workspace

    According to Novation, the Launchkey 37 MK4 is 557 mm wide; according to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is 790 mm wide. The desk space available may therefore help determine which model will fit.

    Measure the space available and compare the dimensions of the exact model, leaving room for connections.

Brands compared

Novation

The Launchkey 37 MK4 is a mid-sized keyboard for comparing keys and controls for software instruments side by side.

  • Novation lists 37 keys, eight encoders, 16 pads and a width of 557 mm.
  • Check DAW integration for your own software; manufacturer descriptions apply to the model specified.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is worth considering if you want to compare a larger number of keys and physical sound controls.

  • Arturia lists 49 keys, nine knobs, nine faders and a width of 790 mm.
  • According to Arturia, the script integration described for Ableton Live is available from version 11.3.3; also allow for the desk space required.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini mk3 is a compact model with keys and assignable controls to compare.

  • Akai lists 25 keys and assignable knobs.
  • According to Akai, the MPK mini mk3 doesn’t produce sound on its own. Included software licences must be activated after registration; the product description doesn’t confirm support for every plug-in.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 is worth considering if you want to compare compact keys and controls within the Komplete or NKS system.

  • Native Instruments lists 32 compact keys and eight knobs pre-mapped to Komplete and NKS plug-ins.
  • That specific mapping doesn’t mean the same controls are available for every other plug-in.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact option for combining keys with DAW controls.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and describes automatic DAW mapping.
  • According to M-Audio, you also need to select the right configuration in your DAW; check that it suits your software.

MIDI keyboards on Joybuy

Explore Joybuy products related to this topic.

Black electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys and MIDI controller

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

This model is worth considering if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard piano with a MIDI controller; check how the MIDI function works with your software and setup.

Product name: 61 keys, black, MIDI controller.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I produce sound with just a MIDI keyboard?

Not with a standard controller such as the MPK mini mk3: according to Akai, it sends MIDI messages to software that produces the sound. Check in advance which computer or other sound source and audio output you’ll use.

Will the knobs work with my DAW straight away?

Not necessarily. For the specific script integration of the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 with Ableton Live, Arturia specifies version 11.3.3 or later and settings for the MIDI ports. Check the installation instructions for your model, software version and plug-ins.

How can I practise in a loft without unnecessarily disturbing the neighbours?

Choose a listening setup that suits your home and be considerate of others; the MIDI keyboard itself doesn’t determine how much sound your audio system carries. The Dutch police advise neighbours to try reaching an agreement with each other first when there’s a noise nuisance, and suggest contacting the landlord, residents’ association or local council afterwards. This doesn’t set a nationwide practice time for every loft.

What are my rights if I buy a MIDI keyboard online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets expectations. The Dutch government explains that there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands, and what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product and the information provided.