Leave your email, phone and how you found us. I read every message and listen to every recording myself.
Home / Shop / MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Chosen by a concert pianistA MIDI controller makes no sound of its own; it plays software on your computer or tablet. Pianists who want real touch should choose weighted keys; everyone else can choose 49 keys and a short, clear layout.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links; buying through them costs you nothing extra.
Shopping from the UK, Canada, Australia or Europe? Amazon links open your local Amazon store when available.
Illustrations show the type of product; see the exact item and its photos on Amazon.
If you only read one section, read this: one pick for most people, one for a careful budget, one to grow into.
Best overall
A compact 25-key controller with pads and knobs. It is a tool for playing into a computer or app, so I recommend it only to a learner who already records or composes.
I suggest it for a laptop and a small desk, for making music rather than learning technique.
See it on AmazonBest value
25-key USB controller for apps and DAWs. The Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for making music on a laptop or tablet; it is a tool, not a piano for building technique.
See it on AmazonPremium pick
An 88-key weighted hammer-action controller with no sound of its own. The M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Controller is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a pianist who wants real piano touch for software pianos and notation.
See it on AmazonA MIDI keyboard controller is a keyboard that sends notes to software: a virtual piano, a notation program, a recording program or a learning app. It is a tool, not a replacement for a piano with weighted keys. I recommend one to an adult who already records or composes, or who wants a software piano on a desk. If you are choosing your first piano, start at my digital piano pages instead. I describe each controller by what its listing states.
I recommend this gear because it is what my adult students need to work through my free 41-lesson course and, later, to use with my upcoming method books. I am a concert pianist and a university piano professor, and these are the kinds of tools I look at first when a student asks what to buy.
How this helps you learn: a controller with piano touch lets you practice into notation or a software piano, and seeing your notes on a screen can show you where your rhythm drifts.
25-key USB controller for apps and DAWs. The Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for making music on a laptop or tablet; it is a tool, not a piano for building technique.
See it on Amazon49 keys, plugs into DAW or piano apps. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into.
See it on Amazon32 mini keys, software integration. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into; this one is the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 MIDI Controller.
See it on Amazon37 keys. The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into; this one is the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key Controller.
See it on Amazon25 keys with built-in sounds. The Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 25-Key is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for making music on a laptop or tablet; it is a tool, not a piano for building technique; this one is the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 25-Key.
See it on Amazon61 keys USB MIDI controller. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into; this one is the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Controller.
See it on Amazon49-key controller for DAW work. The Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into; this one is the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Controller.
See it on Amazon88 semi-weighted keys for apps and DAW. Semi-weighted keys are a step below the hammer-action feel I would prefer for serious study, so I suggest it only as a first budget.
I suggest it for a learner who records or composes on a computer and wants keys to play into; this one is the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 MIDI Controller.
See it on AmazonA 49-key USB MIDI controller. The Nektar SE49 49-Key MIDI Controller is one of my careful first-budget picks for this list.
I suggest it for playing virtual pianos on a computer without a large instrument.
See it on AmazonA compact 25-key controller with pads and knobs. It is a tool for playing into a computer or app, so I recommend it only to a learner who already records or composes.
I suggest it for a laptop and a small desk, for making music rather than learning technique.
See it on AmazonA 49-key USB controller with simple software controls. The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKV MIDI Controller is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for a learner who wants a full-size keyboard feel for software pianos.
See it on AmazonA 49-key controller made to work with FL Studio. The Novation FLkey 49 MIDI Controller is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for a musician who writes music in FL Studio.
See it on AmazonA 49-key controller with pads and controls for music software. The Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 MIDI Controller is one of my mid-range picks for this list.
I suggest it for a composer or producer starting with a computer and a keyboard.
See it on AmazonAn 88-key weighted hammer-action controller with no sound of its own. The M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Controller is one of my premium picks for this list.
I suggest it for a pianist who wants real piano touch for software pianos and notation.
See it on AmazonA keyboard that sends note and control messages to a computer or tablet but does not make sound itself. The software turns those notes into piano or any other sound.
Only if it has weighted, piano-style keys and you are also practicing technique. A small synth-action controller is a tool for software, not a piano.
Many controllers include some software; check the listing. Computers and tablets also have free piano sounds and music programs.
49 keys cover most software uses; 88 keys with weighted action suit a pianist who wants the full range.
Yes. The links go to Amazon.com and open your local Amazon store when the model is sold there: the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Singapore. Models, voltages and plugs differ by country, so on your local listing check for the 230-volt or UK-plug version of a digital piano or a suitable mains adapter, and check that the sustain pedal, bench (keyboard stool) or keyboard stand you want is sold in your country. If a model is not sold locally, the page will say so.
Portable keyboards and USB controllers.
USB audio interfaces for recording piano at home.
Cables, adapters and surge protection for a piano corner.
Interface-and-microphone bundles for a first recording corner.
The shop exists to support your learning. The learning itself can start free: all 41 lessons of my beginner course are published, and I give feedback on your playing at no charge. When you want a teacher, I take private students online. I am also preparing a method book series for adults who learn alone.
▶ Start the free 41-lesson course Private online lessons Send me your playing for feedback → Give online piano lessons
Send a message or attach a recording. Email, phone and how you found us help me answer you properly.
The first steps to start the right way — no bad habits to un-learn. Join fellow beginners learning with a real university teacher.
✓ Thank you — check your inbox!
No spam — just piano. Unsubscribe anytime.
Every decade brings its own music and its own obstacles. Find the plan for yours:
Learn piano in your 20s · Learn piano in your 30s · Learn piano in your 40s · Learn piano in your 50s · Learn piano in your 60s · Learn piano in your 70s and beyond
Online Piano University is run by one teacher. I read every message and listen to every recording myself.
Contact
maria@onlinepianouniversity.com
Full contact page
Feedback on your playing
Free 41-lesson course
Piano lessons by age
Free Starter Guide
✓ Thank you — check your inbox!
Follow along