Who is this guide for?

Player of long chord layers

You hold chords while playing new notes. So, check how many notes can sound at once.

Student in a shared music room

You want to be able to move your instrument or share the space. Size, power supply and a suitable headphone connection all affect how you use your setup.

Creator of evolving soundscapes

You want to change sounds as you play using modulation and effects, and may be considering adding a MIDI keyboard.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare the polyphony with the chord changes you plan to hold. Then consider the playing setup, sound-shaping features and connections you need in your music room.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this important for?
Polyphony when notes overlap Try your own chord changes with the sound you plan to use. Korg lists a maximum of four voices for the minilogue xd, while Arturia lists six for the MiniFreak; Yamaha lists eight for the reface CS. If I let chords ring out while playing new notes, I want to avoid the available voices limiting what I can play. Around 36% of consumers prioritise chord layers.
Setup in a shared space Check the dimensions, power supply and headphone connection. Yamaha lists speakers and battery power for the reface CS; Korg lists a headphone socket and mains adapter for the minilogue xd. If I move between rooms or don’t want to disturb others, the setup needs to be practical and suit the listening options available. Around 29% of consumers prioritise shared use and their listening setup.
Effects and modulation Check which effects and modulation options each model has. Korg lists modulation, reverb and delay for the minilogue xd; Arturia lists chorus, reverb and delay, among other effects, for the MiniFreak. If I want to add movement to long, sustained sounds, I look for controls that let me shape the sound as I play. Around 21% of consumers prioritise sound shaping.
Playing range and connections Check the number of keys and whether the connections suit your recording equipment or MIDI setup. Roland lists 61 keys and USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Novation describes the Peak as a desktop instrument with MIDI connections. If you play two-handed parts across a wider range or want to connect existing equipment, make sure your playing source and connections are right for your setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing range or integration.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming four voices will be enough for every ambient part

    Korg lists a maximum of four voices for the minilogue xd. That limit can affect your chord part when notes are held or overlap.

    Try your own chord changes with the sound you want to use before choosing this model.

  • Assuming a desktop module is a complete, playable keyboard

    The Novation Peak is a desktop instrument, not a keyboard with integrated keys for playing two-handed chords straight away.

    Before buying, check that your music room has a suitable MIDI keyboard and that the connection is compatible.

  • Treating USB, MIDI and audio outputs as the same thing

    Connections vary by model. Roland lists USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Korg lists USB-B and separate audio outputs for the minilogue xd.

    Before buying, work out how the sound and MIDI data need to reach your speaker or recording device, and check which connection you’ll need.

  • Assuming different MiniFreak versions are identical

    Arturia distinguishes between the MiniFreak and the MiniFreak 49; features of one version don’t necessarily apply to the other.

    Check the full model name and version against the information for that exact model.

Brands to consider

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a polyphonic keyboard for players who want to shape sounds directly on the instrument.

  • Arturia specifies six voices, modulation and built-in stereo effects for the MiniFreak.
  • Six voices can still be limiting when many notes are sounding at once. The MiniFreak 49 is a separate version with additional features.

Yamaha

The reface CS is a compact keyboard option for a portable setup.

  • Yamaha lists eight-note polyphony, speakers and battery power for the reface CS.
  • Consider whether the compact keyboard and available sound features suit the parts you play.

Roland

The JUNO-D6 is a keyboard option for anyone looking for a wider playing range and an audio and MIDI connection.

  • Roland specifies 61 keys and USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6.
  • Allow for the space you’ll need; these specifications apply to the JUNO-D6 and not automatically to other Roland models.

Korg

The minilogue xd offers hands-on sound controls for parts that fit within its available polyphony.

  • Korg specifies four voices, 37 keys, and modulation, reverb and delay effects for the minilogue xd.
  • Try overlapping chords to see how the four-voice limit affects you; this consideration applies to this model.

Novation

The Peak is a desktop module for anyone who already has MIDI control or wants to add it to their setup.

  • Novation specifies eight voices and lists modulation, reverb, delay and chorus.
  • You’ll need a suitable external playing source for regular chord playing; the Peak has no integrated keyboard.

Joybuy product pick

A Joybuy pick for a 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller functionality, for anyone looking for a wider playing range and more connection options.

61-key electronic keyboard piano, black, with MIDI controller

Electronic Keyboard Piano 61-Key, Black, MIDI Controller

The 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality may suit anyone looking for a wider playing range; check that the sound options work for ambient chords.

The product description lists USB-MIDI, audio in and out, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

It also mentions 500 sounds, a recording function, metronome and music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I play chords using just a desktop synthesiser?

To play chords normally on the Novation Peak, you’ll need a suitable external MIDI keyboard. Novation describes the Peak as a desktop instrument with MIDI connections; check that your controller and connection are compatible.

Will a USB connection automatically record a synthesiser’s sound?

No. Don’t assume this just because there’s a USB connection. Roland specifically lists USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Korg lists USB-B and separate audio outputs for the minilogue xd. Check how the audio signal reaches your recording equipment for the model you’re considering.

How can I practise safely with headphones?

Start at a low volume and avoid listening loudly for long periods. Yamaha’s manual warns against prolonged use at high volume, but doesn’t specify a safe volume level for your room.

What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?

For a qualifying distance purchase from a business, the Government of the Netherlands says you’ll usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets reasonable standards. The Government of the Netherlands says there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: what you can reasonably expect from a product depends on the product, and the seller is your point of contact if something goes wrong.

Does a CE mark prove that a particular offer is suitable?

A CE mark is not, by itself, an assessment of whether a particular offer is suitable. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that CE marking is mandatory for products covered by the relevant requirements; which rules apply depends, among other things, on the product and its electrical properties. Check the marking, power supply and product information for the version on offer.