Pianist using virtual sounds
Plays piano parts using software and focuses on key range and feel. M-Audio’s Keystation models and Arturia’s KeyLab 88 mk3 show how you can consider the number of keys and the type of action separately.
Who is this buying guide for?
Home musician using two screens
Wants to view piano software and sheet music side by side, for example. Microsoft Support and Apple Support describe screen layouts as a computer setting, so check your screen connections and settings separately from your MIDI and audio connections.
Player who wants to practise straight away
Doesn’t want to launch a virtual piano for every session, so compares a controller with a digital piano that produces its own sound. Roland describes the FP-10 as a model with built-in sounds, speakers and headphone output.
What should you consider when choosing?
61-key controller
Suitable for: parts that fit within a shorter range and a setup where desk space matters. M-Audio describes the Keystation 61 MK3 as a USB MIDI controller with 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys.
Trade-off: you’ll need piano software and a configured audio output. Check that the lowest and highest notes in your parts fit within the 61-key range.
88-key semi-weighted controller
Suitable for: players who want the full key range but aren’t necessarily looking for hammer action. M-Audio describes the Keystation 88 MK3 and Nektar the Impact LX88+ as 88-key controllers.
Trade-off: allow for the space it will take up, and compare the controls, pedal connection and software compatibility of each version. The LX88+ and LX88 mk3 are different versions.
88-key controller with hammer action
Suitable for: players who use a virtual piano and want hammer action. Arturia specifies a fully weighted Fatar TP/110 keyboard with aftertouch for the KeyLab 88 mk3.
Trade-off: try the action for yourself if it’s a deciding factor. The extra DAW controls are only relevant to functions you use in your own software.
Digital piano with built-in sounds
Suitable for: players who also want to play without having piano software open. Roland describes the FP-10 as featuring 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in sounds, speakers and headphone output.
Trade-off: check the MIDI connection and the version of the model on offer before pairing it with your software. Roland notes that Bluetooth availability may vary by country and lists an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Key range and feel | Compare the number of keys and the specified action with the notes in your parts. Velocity-sensitive doesn’t automatically mean hammer action. | If I play piano, I want to be able to play my parts with an action that suits me. Around 36% of consumers prioritise key range and feel. |
| MIDI, audio and latency | Check MIDI and software compatibility, the computer port you need and the audio output. Test latency with your own setup. | If I play a virtual piano, I want the sound to respond well through my software and audio setup. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a working, responsive software setup. |
| Workspace and two screens | Measure the space for your keyboard and cables. Separately check that your computer supports both screens and can handle your preferred screen layout. | If I want to use sheet music and piano software side by side, my workspace needs room for both the instrument and the screens. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this practical setup. |
| Built-in sounds and accessories | Check whether the instrument has built-in sounds and which software, cables and pedals are included with that version. | If I also want to play without a computer, I need an instrument with built-in sounds. I also want to know what else I’ll need. Around 14% of consumers prioritise standalone play and clarity about what’s included. |
What to look out for when buying
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Mistaking a MIDI controller for a standalone piano
MIDI sends control data but doesn’t produce sound itself. To hear a piano, a controller needs a sound source, such as virtual piano software, and a configured audio output.
Choose a controller if you want to use a virtual piano; consider a digital piano with built-in sounds if you also want to play without software.
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Confusing two screens with two MIDI outputs
You configure the screens through your computer. Their number doesn’t determine how many keys or MIDI connections the keyboard has.
Check your computer’s screen support and display settings. Choose your keyboard separately based on playing range, feel and connections.
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Assuming 88 keys always means hammer action
Manufacturers describe different types of action: M-Audio and Nektar specify semi-weighted keys for the models mentioned, while Arturia specifies fully weighted hammer action for the KeyLab 88 mk3.
Compare the number of keys and the action as separate features. Try the feel for yourself if it’s important to your decision.
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Assuming a pedal, software and cables are always included
A pedal input doesn’t tell you what’s in the box. You’ll also need compatible software and an audio setup to use a controller with a virtual piano.
Compare what’s included with the specific version against the items you already have and those you’ll need.
Brands to consider
M-Audio
The Keystation 61 MK3 is aimed at parts that fit within 61 keys; the Keystation 88 MK3 offers 88 keys in a software-focused controller.
- M-Audio specifies USB MIDI for both models; for the 61 MK3, the brand also lists semi-weighted keys and a sustain pedal input.
- The published specifications aren’t an independent test of the key action. Check whether a pedal is included with the version you choose.
Arturia
The KeyLab 88 mk3 is designed for those looking for an 88-key controller with hammer action and controls for music software.
- Arturia specifies a fully weighted Fatar TP/110 keyboard with aftertouch and DAW integration.
- The extra software controls are only useful if you use those features in your own programme. The specifications don’t say what kind of action each player will find comfortable.
Nektar
The Impact LX88+ and the newer Impact LX mk3 range are options to compare if you’re looking for 88-key controllers with DAW controls.
- Nektar specifies 88 semi-weighted keys for the LX88+.
- Nektar describes the LX mk3 series as replacing the LX+ products. Features of the LX88+ don’t automatically apply to the LX88 mk3; DAW integration depends on the programme and version you use.
Roland
The FP-10 is a digital piano option for anyone who wants to play without a computer as well as use virtual piano sounds.
- Roland specifies 88 PHA-4 Standard keys, built-in sounds, speakers and headphone output.
- Roland notes that Bluetooth availability may vary by country and lists an optional DP-10 pedal for half-pedalling. Check the connections and version of the model on offer.
Joybuy product picks
These Joybuy picks include 61-key instruments with USB MIDI for use with piano software, including models with built-in sounds. Check whether 61 keys are enough for your parts; you’ll set up the two-screen layout on your computer.
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Digital Keyboard Piano Kit, 61 keys, with stand, bench and music stand
A good fit if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument with USB MIDI for piano software and want the listed accessories included in the set.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD display and a 3-level learning mode. Check that the range suits your parts.
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Electronic Keyboard Piano, 61 keys, black
Suitable if you want to use USB MIDI with piano software and also have the option of playing the keyboard’s own sounds.
The product information lists built-in sounds, speakers and a metronome; the product name also mentions a recording function. With 61 keys, its range is shorter than that of an 88-key keyboard.
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Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, black
A good fit if you want to combine USB MIDI for piano software with built-in sounds and speakers.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard and USB MIDI; the product information lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD display, speakers and a headphone socket. Check that the 61-key range suits your parts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special MIDI keyboard for two screens?
No, using two screens doesn’t in itself mean you need a special MIDI keyboard. Set up the screens as an extended desktop on your computer if you want to use different windows side by side, and check the MIDI and audio connections separately. Microsoft Support and Apple Support describe screen layouts as a computer setting.
Why can’t I hear a piano when the controller is connected?
MIDI data doesn’t contain sound. Select a virtual instrument in your software and set the audio output you want; also check that the keyboard is set up as a MIDI input. The exact steps depend on your software.
What can I do if a virtual piano sounds delayed?
First, check the audio settings and audio hardware in your software setup. Steinberg explains that, for real-time use of a VST instrument in Cubase Pro 15, latency is partly affected by the audio hardware and ASIO driver. This doesn’t provide a fixed latency figure for a particular keyboard.
Do I need to buy a sustain pedal separately?
That depends on the model and the version being sold. M-Audio lists a pedal input for the Keystation 61 MK3 and says the SP2 is sold separately; for half-pedalling on the FP-10, Roland lists an optional DP-10 pedal. Check what’s included with the specific offer.
What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, when you buy remotely from a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply depending on the situation and product. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose, and the seller is your point of contact if something is faulty. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period covering all products.