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USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 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
Join Bild Expo 2025 - Presented by B&H
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
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
Arturia MiniLab 3 Compact MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller (White)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- 2 Banks of 8 Backlit Performance Pads
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 4 Sliders
- Mini Display, Clickable Browsing Knob
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
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
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
Akai Professional LPK25 MK2 USB Laptop Performance Keyboard
- 25-Key Dynamic Keybed with Velocity
- Built-In Arpeggiator
- Internal/External Clock Sync Control
- Sturdy, Standard-Size USB Port
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 Portable Mini-USB MIDI Controller
- 32 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Size Keys
- MIDI over USB
- Pitch Bend, Modulation & Octave Controls
- Volume Knob and Sustain Button
Nektar Technology Impact LX25+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 4 Velocity Curves and 3 Fixed Velocities
- 8 Velocity-Sensitive Trigger Pads
- 8 Control Pots and Single Fader
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 25 Mini Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Strips
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
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
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose 49-Key Synthesizer and MPE Controller
- 49 Full-Size Keys with 3D Control
- Standalone Synthesizer
- MPE MIDI Controller
- Classic MIDI Controller
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
Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board-C Ultracompact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Galaxy)
- Portable and Expressive Control
- 25 Touch-Sensitive Smart Keys
- Velocity and Pressure Response
- Tilt and Sustain Functionality
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black)
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 37 Mini Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Strips
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weighted Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Assignable Pads
- Built-In Arpeggiator and Note Repeat
- Automapped DAW Instruments and Plug-Ins
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
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 61-Key USB-Powered MIDI Controller
- 61 Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Semi-Weighted Keys for Realistic Feel
- Transport & Directional Buttons
- Volume Fader & Pitch Bend Controls
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
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
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 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
Arturia KeyStep Pro Multifunctional Sequencing and Performance Controller (White)
- 37-Note Slim Keys with Vel & Aftertouch
- 4-Track Sequencer, Up to 64 Steps Each
- Melodic Sequencer - Realtime & Step
- Pitch, Vel, Gate, Time, & Probability
Korg Keystage MIDI 2.0 Controller with Polyphonic Aftertouch (61 Keys)
- Features MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange
- Unparalleled Integration and Control
- Keybed with Outstanding Touch Response
- Polyphonic / Channel Aftertouch + MPE
Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 88-Key Smart Keyboard Controller
- Weighted Hammer Action + Poly Aftertouch
- Software Integration + Next Gen NKS Tech
- Control any MIDI Software or Hardware
- Pitch and Mod Wheels + Touch Strip
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
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.