First, measure the free space on your desk, then decide how many keys you want to be able to play at once. A model with 25 or 32 mini keys takes up less space; 37 keys give you a wider playing range at your fingertips, but need more room. Also choose between a sustain button and a pedal input, and check that the controller and your piano software work with your computer.
Wants to play a virtual piano from their desk and needs to balance the available space against the number of keys within easy reach. Korg, Nektar and M-Audio models show how compact versions differ in the number of keys and sustain controls.
Wants to keep their hands on the keys while playing piano parts, so is looking for a version with a suitable pedal input. Korg specifies this input for microKEY2 versions with 37 keys or more; the 25-key version has a sustain button.
Wants to control software, pads or other instruments from the same controller as well as playing a virtual piano. Novation and Akai Professional offer models with additional controls; these extra features are most relevant if you also produce music.
First, measure the available width and depth, then choose the playing range you need at your fingertips. The percentages give a general indication of priorities among consumers looking for a MIDI keyboard to play a virtual piano on a small desk.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Will the keyboard fit on the desk? | Measure the available width and depth, allowing space for cables, and compare these with the dimensions of the exact version. | If my desk has little free space, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit before I consider extra keys. Around 31% of consumers prioritise space. |
| Key range and sustain | Decide which passages you want to play and check whether the exact model has a sustain button or an input for the pedal you want to use. | If I want more notes under my hands at once and want to control sustain with my foot, I also check that the model and pedal meet those needs. Around 31% of consumers prioritise playing range and sustain. |
| Touch response | Check whether the keys are velocity-sensitive; try the specific keyboard if the feel of the keys is a deciding factor. | If I want to play expressively, I pay attention to the touch response and how my piano software responds. Around 23% of consumers prioritise velocity sensitivity. |
| Connectivity and software | Check the USB connection, computer compatibility and system requirements for your piano software. | If I want to use my keyboard with a particular computer and virtual piano, I first check that the connection and software work with my equipment. Around 15% of consumers prioritise connectivity and software. |
An octave button shifts the note range, but it doesn’t increase the number of keys you can play at once. This matters if you want to play passages with both hands.
First choose the playing range you need for your own parts, then weigh that against the space available on your desk.
Sustain controls vary between versions. A button on the keyboard works differently from a separate pedal operated with your foot.
If you want to control sustain with your foot, check whether the exact model has a pedal input.
A compatible pedal may need to be bought separately; also check that it works with the version you’ve chosen.
Software supplied with a controller may not include the virtual piano you want to use.
Check the software included and its system requirements separately, and compare them with the piano sound and computer you plan to use.
The microKEY2 range includes compact versions with 25 and 37 mini keys.
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines 37 mini keys with controls that may be useful for music software.
The MPK Mini Plus is a controller with 37 mini keys for anyone who wants to control other equipment or sequencing as well as playing piano parts.
The SE25 is a compact controller with 25 mini keys.
The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 has 32 mini keys for controlling virtual instruments.
Yes. You’ll need a suitable computer or other supported device, plus software that converts MIDI input into piano sounds. Check the software’s connections and system requirements in advance; don’t assume it includes a particular piano sound just because software is supplied.
Measure the available space and leave room for cables before choosing a version. Compare these measurements with the exact model and decide in advance whether a sustain button will do or whether you want to control sustain with a separate pedal.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, with some exceptions. In the Netherlands, statutory guarantee means you’re entitled to a product that works as it should; there is no fixed statutory guarantee period, and the seller is your point of contact if a product is faulty.
EU rules on CE marking apply only to product groups for which harmonised EU rules require that marking. Electrical and electronic equipment may also be subject to electromagnetic compatibility rules, with some exceptions. Your Europe and EUR-Lex explain these rules; check the applicable conformity information for the exact product.
