Join Bild Expo 2025 - Presented by B&H
USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (49 Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 49 Semiweighted Waterfall Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Alpine White)
- 49 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key MIDI Controller
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Pads from Flagship MPC X
- OLED Display Offers Useful Feedback
- 8 Assignable Rotary Knobs
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller (Original)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Upgraded Keybed over MK2
- 8 Pads from Flagship MPC
- OLED Display Offers Useful Feedback
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller (Grey)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Upgraded Keybed over MK2
- 8 Pads from Flagship MPC
- OLED Display Offers Useful Feedback
Arturia MiniLab 3 Orange Compact MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller (Special Edition Orange and Black)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- 2 Banks of 8 Backlit Performance Pads
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 4 Sliders
- Mini Display, Clickable Browsing Knob
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-Key USB-Powered MIDI Controller
- 49 Full-Size Keys
- Velocity-Sensitive Feel
- Transport and Directional Buttons
- Volume Fader and Pitch Bend Controls
Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Compact Keyboard and Pad Controller with Speaker
- Built-In Sound Module with 128 Sounds
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Real MPC Drum Pads
- 4 Knobs for Sound Edit or MIDI Controls
Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (25 Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 61-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (White)
- 61 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (61 Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 61 Semiweighted Waterfall Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
StudioLogic SL88 Studio 88-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 88-Key, Fatar Hammer-Action Controller
- Lightweight, Portable Design for Gigs
- Programmable Piano-Like Keyboard Feel
- Three Contacts per Key and Aftertouch
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (Black)
- 61-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (White)
- 61-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
Nektar Technology SE25 Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Three Velocity Curves
- Six Programmable Buttons
- Octave Up/Down, PB1/PB2, Sustain, Part 2
Nektar Technology SE49 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 49 Full-Sized Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Four Velocity Curves + 3 Fixed
- Large Pitch-Bend and Modulation Wheels
- Four Buttons and One Assignable Fader
Akai Professional APC Key 25 MK2 Ableton Controller Keyboard
- Complete Integration with Ableton Live
- 5x8 Clip-Launch Matrix
- 40 RGB Backlit Pads
- 25-Key Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller (Black)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Upgraded Keybed over MK2
- 8 Pads from Flagship MPC
- OLED Display Offers Useful Feedback
Nektar Technology GX49 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 4 Velocity Curves + 3 Fixed
- Modulation and Pitch Bend Wheels
- Transpose and Octave Shift Buttons
Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board-C Mini MPE MIDI Keyboard Controller (Lime)
- 25 Velocity Sensitive, LED-Backlit Keys
- Pressure and Tilt Sensitivity
- Pitch Bend Pad
- Octave Up/Down Buttons
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini 32-Mini-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 32 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weighted Keys
- 8 Assignable, Velocity-Sensitive Pads
- Built-In Arpeggiator and Note Repeat
- Automapped DAW Instruments and Plug-Ins
Nektar Technology GX61 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 4 Velocity Curves + 3 Fixed
- Modulation and Pitch Bend Wheels
- Transpose and Octave Shift Buttons
Nektar Technology Impact LX49+ 49-Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 4 Velocity Curves and 3 Fixed Velocities
- 8 Velocity-Sensitive Trigger Pads
- 8 Control Pots and 9 Faders
Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (37 Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-Key Semi-Weighted USB-Powered MIDI Controller
- 88 Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Semi-Weighted Keys for Natural Feel
- Transport and Directional Buttons
- Volume Fader and Pitch-Bend Controls
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weighted Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Assignable Pads
- Built-In Arpeggiator and Note Repeat
- Automapped DAW Instruments and Plug-Ins
Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (Black)
- 49-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 49-Key Smart Keyboard Controller
- Semiweighted Keybed with Poly Aftertouch
- Software Integration + Next Gen NKS Tech
- Control any MIDI Software or Hardware
- Pitch and Mod Wheels + Touch Strip
Learning About USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Connecting a keyboard controller to your computer is a convenient way to record and play music. USB/MIDI keyboard controllers provide excellent connectivity for a home studio setup.
Choosing USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
There are many different types of USB/MIDI keyboard controllers. The right option for you depends on what kind of music you wish to create, your playing style, and the features you're looking for.
Key Count
First, you'll need to decide how many keys you'd like. Keyboards range from 25 up to 88 keys. If you're looking for highly-portable USB/MIDI controllers, choose models with fewer keys that are smaller in size. If you want to replicate the experience of a full piano, choose those with 88 keys.
Keyboard Action
Hammer-action keyboards replicate the feel of acoustic pianos even further, as these models feature weighted keys. Semi-weighted versions of these music keyboards, on the other hand, have light weights connected to the keys along with spring-loaded functions. When you use the instrument, you experience less resistance than with hammer-action keyboards.
Smart-sensor keys and similar versions offer a complete departure from traditional synthesizers and keyboards. These models focus on providing a range of synthesizer effects for more versatility. Smart-sensor keys pick up on the velocity, tilt, and pressure of your finger for more comfortable use. Many keyboards come bundled with music software to provide even more functionality and usability.
Faders, Buttons, and Knobs
Choosing USB/MIDI controllers with a variety of faders, buttons, and knobs gives you much more control over your musical creations. A modulation wheel helps you create effects such as vibrato, tremolo, LFO sweeps, and much more. Various buttons and knobs allow you to customize the cutoff and resonance of synths, as well as the amp envelope and more. All of these features give you a 'hands-on' analog feel as you create music. With these faders, buttons, and knobs, you can make real-time adjustments to your music as you experiment and create new sounds.
Head to B&H Photo and Video to check out its selection of USB/MIDI keyboard controllers along with MIDI/USB controller accessories to complete your setup.