USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 61-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Aquamarine)
- 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
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weighted Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Assignable Pads
- Built-In Arpeggiator and Note Repeat
- Automapped DAW Instruments and Plug-Ins
Novation FLkey 61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (61-Key)
- Seamless Integration with FL Studio
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Mixer and Channel Rack Controls, Scales
- Step Sequencer, Channel Rack Playability
Nektar Technology Panorama T6 61-Key USB MIDI Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
- Multiple Velocity Curves for Keys & Pads
- 9 Faders, 8 Encoders, 8 LED Buttons
Nektar Technology IMPACT GXP88 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard (88 Keys)
- 88 Semi-Weighted Full-Size Keys
- Velocity-Sensitivity with Aftertouch
- Modulation and Pitch-Bend Wheels
- Nektarine 2.0 Plug-In Control Software
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O - Controller/Audio Interface for iPhone, iPad, and Mac/Windows (49-Keys)
- All-In-One Controller / Audio Interface
- 24-Bit / 96 kHz
- 49-Note Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard
- Combo Input with Mic Pre
Nektar Technology Impact LX88 mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 88 Semi-Weighted Keys
- Advanced Performance Tools
- Scale Mode, Chord Mode, Hold Mode
- Deep DAW Integration
Roland A-49 - MIDI Keyboard Controller (White)
- 49 Velocity Sensitive Keys
- D-BEAM Controller
- MIDI Out
- Control Pedal Inputs
Roland A-49 - MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black)
- 49 Velocity Sensitive Keys
- D-BEAM Controller
- MIDI Out
- Control Pedal Inputs
Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 USB / MIDI Keytar Controller
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Keys w/ Aftertouch
- 8 Backlit Velocity-Sensitive Pads
- 8 Assignable Backlit Faders
- MIDI-Assignable Tilt Sensor
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 88-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Black)
- 88 Semiweighted Keys with Velocity
- 8 Transport Switches, 4 Command Switches
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
- 8 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 88-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (White)
- 88 Semiweighted Keys with Velocity
- 8 Transport Switches, 4 Command Switches
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
- 8 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
Novation Launchkey 88 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (88-Key)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 88 Velocity-Sensitive/Semi-Weighted Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs + Pitch and Mod Wheels
Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (White)
- 49-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
Arturia KeyStep Pro Chroma Multifunctional Sequencing and Performance Controller (Dark Gray)
- Special-Edition Dark Gray Finish
- Blue LEDs, Metallic Knobs, New Firmware
- 37-Note Slim Keys with Vel & Aftertouch
- 4-Track Sequencer, Up to 64 Steps Each
Nektar Technology Panorama P4 - Keyboard Controller
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 12 Pads
- 9 x 45mm Faders
- 16 Encoders
M-Audio Hammer 88 88-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 88 Fully Weighted, Hammer-Action Keys
- Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
- Multiple Keyboard Zones
- Pedal Inputs
Korg Keystage MIDI 2.0 Controller with Polyphonic Aftertouch (49 Keys)
- Features MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange
- Unparalleled Integration and Control
- Keybed with Outstanding Touch Response
- Polyphonic / Channel Aftertouch + MPE
Muse Kinetics K-Board Pro 4 - 48-Key USB/MIDI MPE Keyboard Controller
- 48-Key Keyboard Controller
- Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression
- Patented Smart Fabric Technology
- 4 x Touch-Sensitive Sliders
StudioLogic SL88 MK2 88-Key MIDI Controller with Hammer Action
- For Pianists and Studio Creators
- 88-Key Hammer Action Keybed
- Fatar TP/110 Keys with Aftertouch
- MIDI 2.0 for High Resolution
Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV Keyboard Controller with Sequencer (49-Note Keyboard)
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weight Keys
- Internal 8-Track Pattern-Based Sequencer
- 8 Per-Part Arpeggiators
- Two Sets of CV, Gate & Mod Outputs
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
Novation SL MkIII MIDI and CV Keyboard Controller with Sequencer (61-Note Keyboard)
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Semi-Weight Keys
- Internal 8-Track Pattern-Based Sequencer
- 8 Per-Part Arpeggiators
- Two Sets of CV, Gate & Mod Outputs
Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 61-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
M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro 88-Key Graded Hammer-Action USB MIDI Controller with Smart Control and Auto-Mapping
- 88-Keys with Aftertouch and Zones
- 16 RGB Backlit, Velocity-Sensitive Pads
- 8 Assignable Knobs and Buttons
- 9 Assignable Faders
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 88-Key Hammer-Action Universal MIDI Controller (White)
- 88 Hammer-Action Keys with Aftertouch
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Pots and Faders
- 12 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
- 4 Selectable Pad Banks
StudioLogic SL88 GT 88-Note Controller Keyboard with TP/400 Wooden-Touch Keys
- For Pianists and Studio Professionals
- Graded Wooden-Hammer Keybed
- Fatar TP/400 Wood Mechanism
- Aftertouch for Added Expression
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.