Choose a MIDI keyboard based on how much desk space you have and whether you mainly want to play short parts or two-handed piano pieces. A compact model takes up less room, while more keys give you a wider playing range at once. You’ll also need suitable software and an audio setup for a piano sound and responsive playing.
Needs enough keys, touch sensitivity and a practical sustain option for virtual piano pieces, while weighing these up against the space the keyboard takes up. Manufacturers such as M-Audio, Novation and Arturia describe touch-sensitive models with different numbers of keys.
Wants to be able to place the instrument next to a laptop or put it away easily after playing. A compact range of keys may be suitable, as long as it covers the parts you want to play.
Wants to practise with headphones using a computer’s audio output, and pays attention to the software’s responsiveness. If you share your living space, remember to take your housemates’ arrangements into account too.
Your choice mainly comes down to playing range, how much room the keyboard takes up, and the computer and audio setup you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to look for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Playing range and keys | Compare the number of keys, their size and their touch sensitivity. Also check whether the exact model has a sustain pedal input; the pedal for the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is sold separately. | If I often play with both hands, I want to be able to use enough keys at once and have a touch response that suits my playing. Consumers who prioritise playing range account for around 31%. |
| Desk and storage space | Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Remember to leave room for cables and any stand. | With a small desk, I want to be able to set up the keyboard without making my workspace unusable, even if that means having fewer keys. Consumers who mainly prioritise space account for around 25%. |
| Quiet listening and responsiveness | Check where to plug in your headphones and select the right MIDI and audio devices in your software. Ableton explains that a smaller audio buffer reduces latency, but can cause dropouts if CPU usage is too high. | When I practise with headphones, I want to hear the notes clearly and play without distracting delays. Consumers who prioritise quiet, responsive playback account for around 25%. |
| Complete playing setup | Check what software and cables are included with each model, whether you need a pedal, and whether your computer and headphones are suitable. | I want to know in advance what I’ll need to actually play, without assuming a particular student budget. Consumers who mainly consider the complete setup account for around 19%. |
The USB-MIDI controllers covered here send playing data to instrument software; the keyboard alone does not produce the virtual piano sound you want.
Before buying, check which computer, piano software and audio output you already have, and what’s included with the model you’ve chosen.
Some setups also require instrument software or audio equipment.
A compact model may not offer enough range to play both hands at once, while a larger keyboard takes up more space in your work or sleeping area.
Compare the music you want to play with both the number of keys and the exact dimensions of the model.
The software, audio buffer, plug-ins and audio connection can all affect responsiveness. Changing your keyboard won’t automatically fix problems with these parts of your setup.
First, adjust your software’s audio settings and test with wired headphones before assuming the keyboard is the cause.
Models can differ in their connections and pedal support. A sustain input doesn’t automatically mean that a keyboard supports other pedal functions too.
Compare the specifications for the exact model with the connection type and functions of the pedal you want to use.
The sustain pedal for the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is sold separately.
The Keystation 61 MK3 is a USB-MIDI controller for anyone who wants to control virtual instruments on a Mac or PC.
The Launchkey range combines keys for piano parts with controls for music software. The 49-key version may be worth considering if desk space is a factor.
The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed for anyone who wants to control software and a DAW as well as play virtual piano.
The SE25 is a compact option. According to Nektar, the Impact GX49 and GX61 offer a wider playing range at once when used with a computer.
The A-88MKII is an 88-key MIDI controller for anyone who values a piano-style key action more than a compact desk setup.
With the USB-MIDI controllers covered here, you’ll need a computer or another suitable device with instrument software to produce the virtual piano sound. Before buying, check the connections, software and audio output in your own setup.
First, check the software’s audio settings and try wired headphones. According to Ableton, a smaller buffer reduces latency, but can cause dropouts if CPU usage is too high. On Windows, a suitable ASIO driver may help. Results depend on your system.
No. Check whether the specific keyboard has a pedal input and what type of pedal it supports. Novation says the sustain input on its keyboards is designed for sustain pedals with a TS connection, not TRS half-damper pedals.
National guidance doesn’t establish a general permission or ban for your room. The Dutch Government advises people dealing with noise nuisance to first agree arrangements with neighbours or housemates; also check the rules that apply to your own accommodation. Headphones won’t eliminate every sound that might be audible.
For many online purchases from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch Government. Separately, if a product is faulty, you’re entitled to a product that works properly. There’s no fixed time limit for statutory guarantees in the Netherlands, and the retailer is your point of contact. Exactly how this applies depends on the purchase and the problem.
