Who is this for?

Expressive lead player

You want to control pitch bend and modulation directly as you play. Wheels, a joystick and touch strips each require a different hand movement; Novation, Arturia, Nektar and Akai offer different configurations.

Player who wants more range at their fingertips

You want to change octaves less often, so you’re comparing both the number and size of the keys. Novation describes its 37-key model as having full-size keys, while Arturia and Korg also offer more compact key options.

Student sharing a music room

You take your controller with you and need to match its connections, software, sound source and audio output to the setup in each room. Manufacturers list different connections and controls for each model.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether playing range or expressive controls matter more for your part. Then check that the size, available space and connections will work in the room.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Expression while playing a lead Compare the pitch and modulation controls, and check that you can assign the controls you want to your synth. Arturia describes touch strips, while Novation and Akai describe physical wheels. If I want to adjust pitch bend or modulation while playing a lead, I choose controls I can reach easily; around 33% of consumers put expression first.
Playing range and key size Try playing your part on a model with the exact number and size of keys. Novation, Arturia and Korg specifications distinguish between full-size, slim and mini keys, among other options. If my part doesn’t require many octave changes, I want to know how many notes I can play without switching octaves and how the keys feel; around 27% of consumers prioritise playing range at their fingertips.
Portability and placement Measure the available desk space and compare the dimensions of the exact model, allowing room for connected cables. If I take my controller between rooms and have little desk space, I want to know in advance whether it will fit; around 20% of consumers put portability first.
Connections and audio setup Make a note of the computer ports, software, available sound source and audio output. Also check that any external synth has the right MIDI connection. If I’m using a shared computer or an external synth, I want to know in advance how the whole audio setup works; around 20% of consumers prioritise connections and compatibility.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Buying a MIDI controller as if it were a standalone synthesiser

    A standard MIDI controller sends MIDI messages; you also need a sound source, such as suitable software or an external synthesiser. Akai explains this for the MPK Mini MK3.

    Before you buy, map out the full signal path from the keys to your software or synthesiser, and then to your speakers or headphones.

  • Expecting a new keyboard to fix audio latency by itself

    According to Ableton, a smaller audio buffer can reduce latency, but it needs more processing power and may cause audio dropouts if your computer can’t handle the load.

    Test the audio settings with the computer, interface, software and output you’ll actually use in the room.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    37 keys don’t always give you the same playing area. Novation describes the Launchkey 37 MK4 as having full-size keys, while Korg describes the microKEY2-37 as having mini keys.

    Check both the number and size of the keys, and if possible, try playing your own part on the model.

  • Assuming every pedal input supports every expression pedal

    Novation describes the Launchkey 37 MK4 input as a sustain input and states that expression, soft and sostenuto pedals aren’t supported.

    Check which pedal function the connection supports on the exact model, and whether the required software is available and set up.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey 37 MK4 is worth comparing if you’re looking for 37 full-size keys and wheel controls.

  • Novation lists pitch and modulation wheels, USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • The manual describes the pedal input as a sustain input; expression, soft and sostenuto pedals aren’t supported.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines 25 slim keys with extra controls for anyone who also wants to adjust synth parameters.

  • Arturia specifies pitch and modulation touch strips, eight encoders, four sliders and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • With 25 keys, you have less range at your fingertips than with a 37-key model; software features depend on the software and configuration you use.

Korg

The microKEY2-37 is a compact model with 37 mini keys and physical wheels.

  • Korg lists pitch and modulation wheels and an assignable switch input.
  • The keys are mini and the connection is USB-B; check that the computer port and cable are compatible.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is a model with 25 mini keys and joystick controls.

  • Nektar lists velocity-sensitive mini keys, octave buttons and a joystick for pitch bend and modulation.
  • Try the joystick for yourself and check that the controls are set up as you want in your software.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact model with separate pitch and modulation wheels.

  • Akai describes mechanical wheels for pitch and modulation.
  • Don’t confuse the MPK Mini IV with the earlier MPK Mini MK3; also check the software and computer requirements for the exact model.

Product at Joybuy

The product shown is an electronic keyboard with 61 keys, built-in sounds and speakers. Check that the available sounds and connections are right for your synth lead and the setup in the room.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard with MIDI controller, 61 keys, black

Could suit you if you want keys, built-in sounds and speakers in one setup, rather than relying solely on computer software.

The title lists 61 keys. The product description mentions 500 sounds, built-in stereo speakers, vibrato, USB-MIDI, an audio output and a headphone socket.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce the sound of my synth lead by itself?

A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound on its own: it sends data to software or an external sound source. Akai explains this for the MPK Mini MK3; check which sound source and audio output are available for your setup.

How can I reduce latency when playing through Ableton Live?

Check the audio buffer and driver: according to Ableton, a smaller buffer can reduce latency, but it needs more processing power and may cause audio dropouts. Test the setting with the computer, interface, software synth and audio output you use.

Can I connect any expression pedal to the Novation Launchkey 37 MK4?

No. Novation describes the connection as a sustain input and states that expression, soft and sostenuto pedals aren’t supported. For other models, check the specifications for the exact version.

What cancellation period and statutory guarantee apply 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 exceptions apply. There’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: what matters is what you can reasonably expect from the product. If there’s a fault covered by the statutory guarantee, contact the seller.

Does musical equipment sold in the Netherlands have to meet product safety requirements?

According to Business.gov.nl, sellers must comply with the applicable European rules for electrical or electronic equipment. After assessing the requirements that apply to the product, the manufacturer affixes a CE mark and draws up an EU declaration of conformity; this doesn’t confirm that an individual listing or model has been checked.