Who is this choice relevant to?

Expressive lead player

You want to play melodies and control pitch, modulation or synth parameters as you play. Key range and controls you can reach easily are important considerations.

Player short on space

You’re setting up a compact playing space and are considering a smaller keyboard if it offers the range you need for your lead part.

Player with an external synth

You want to control an existing synth or modular setup as well as software. The connections on both the controller and the synth determine how they can be linked.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you’ll be controlling a software synth or external hardware, and how much room you have to play. Then compare the key range, performance controls and connections on the exact model.

49 keys for software

A good fit if: you want a wider range to play straight away and controls for software parameters, and you have enough space.

Consider: a larger keyboard takes up more room. Also check that it works with your DAW and software instrument.

Compact controller for software

A good fit if: saving space matters more to you than having a wide range of keys.

Consider: with 25 mini keys, you’ll need to switch octaves more often to reach a wider range. The sound depends on your software and audio output.

Controller for an external synth

A good fit if: you want to control a synth with a compatible MIDI DIN or CV/Gate connection.

Consider: check the connections and power supply requirements for your entire setup. A controller isn’t a sound source in itself.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Expression and playing range Try out the key size and feel; check the pitch bend, modulation and assignable controls. See whether aftertouch is on the keys, pads or both. If I want to play my lead and change the sound without constantly reaching for my computer, I’ll look at the range and controls; around 33% of consumers prioritise expression and playing range.
Software and audio setup Check your computer, software instrument, MIDI routing and audio output. Test the latency and stability while playing. If I use a software synth, I want to hear that the notes and controls are reaching the instrument I’ve selected and that the response is workable; around 27% of consumers prioritise a working software and audio setup.
Size for your playing space Measure the available width and depth, then consider whether mini, Slimkey or larger keys suit your lead part. According to Arturia, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 measures 790 × 240 × 70 mm. If my playing space is limited, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit without giving up more range than my part allows; around 20% of consumers prioritise the space available.
Connection to hardware Compare the synth’s inputs and outputs with those on the exact controller, including MIDI DIN, USB and any CV/Gate connections. Check cables and power requirements too. If I want to control an existing external synth, I want the connection to match the connections on my equipment; around 20% of consumers prioritise hardware connectivity.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a controller is a synthesiser with its own sound

    A MIDI controller sends control data, not audible sound. So without a software instrument or external sound source, you won’t hear a synth lead.

    Before you buy, decide what will generate the sound and how you’ll hear the audio. According to Novation Support, MIDI itself contains no sound.

  • Assuming aftertouch is on the controls you need

    Polyphonic aftertouch on the pads of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 doesn’t mean the keys have this feature. If you want to add expression by pressing the keys, it’s easy to confuse the two.

    Check the exact model to see whether aftertouch is on the pads, keys or both.

  • Assuming USB means you can connect directly to any synth

    USB, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate are different connection options. A controller and synth won’t automatically work together just because they both have a USB connection.

    Before you buy, compare the exact inputs and outputs on both devices. A hardware setup may require compatible cables or other connection equipment.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 offers a 49-key option for players who want to control a software synth and DAW directly.

  • Novation lists 49 semi-weighted keys, eight encoders, nine faders and 16 pads. The manufacturer specifies polyphonic aftertouch for the pads.
  • Check separately whether the controls work with your software and whether the keyboard fits your playing space. The stated aftertouch on the pads doesn’t mean the keys have aftertouch.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is designed for software control with a larger keyboard, while the KeyStep 37 mk2 is a more compact option with connections for hardware setups.

  • Arturia lists features for the KeyLab including wheels, nine encoders and a MIDI output. The KeyStep 37 mk2 has 37 Slimkey keys and connections including MIDI DIN and CV/Gate.
  • These are different models for different uses. Check the connections and controls on the specific model you’re considering.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact 25-key option, while the MPK Mini Plus is a different model with 37 mini keys and hardware connections.

  • According to Akai Professional, the MPK Mini IV has mechanical pitch and modulation wheels. For the MPK Mini Plus, the manufacturer lists MIDI and CV/Gate connections.
  • Don’t confuse the models: the 37 keys and hardware connections on the Mini Plus aren’t specifications for the Mini IV.

M-Audio

The Oxygen 49 MKV is a 49-key option for anyone looking for assignable controls for software instruments and mixing functions.

  • M-Audio lists eight assignable knobs, nine faders, pads and an arpeggiator.
  • Manufacturer specifications don’t tell you how the keyboard will feel to play or what latency to expect with your software setup. Try the controls with your own software.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI keyboard produce an audible synth lead by itself?

No. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t make sound by itself: MIDI data contains control information only. Set up a software instrument with audio output or connect a suitable external sound source.

What should you check if playing through software feels delayed?

Check your audio settings and see whether a smaller buffer reduces the delay. Focusrite Support explains that a smaller buffer gives the computer less processing time, so also test whether the audio remains stable while you play.

Can you play loud music in a loft without any restrictions?

Not without taking your circumstances and the rules that apply into account. According to the Rijksoverheid, how neighbour nuisance is handled varies depending on the situation, and many local authorities have rules in their General Local Regulations (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening). Agree arrangements with your neighbours and check the rules set by your local authority and, where applicable, your landlord or residents’ association.

What cooling-off period and guarantee apply to online purchases in the Netherlands?

For a typical online product purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery, subject to exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that does what you can reasonably expect it to do; there isn’t one fixed statutory guarantee period for every MIDI keyboard.