USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
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
Nektar Technology Impact LX61 mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 61 Synth-Action Keys
- Advanced Performance Tools
- Scale Mode, Chord Mode, Hold Mode
- Deep DAW Integration
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (White, 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
Novation FLkey 2 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (49 Keys)
- Made for FL Studio Workflow
- 49-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard
- 16 Pads with Poly Aftertouch
- Eight Encoders and Nine 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
Icon Pro Audio iKeyboard 3 mini MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Compact Design with USB-B Port
- Combined Pitch and Modulation Joystick
- Transpose and Octave Up/Down Buttons
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
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (White)
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
Korg nanoKEY2 Slim-Line USB MIDI Controller (Black)
- 25 Keys
- Velocity Sensitive
- Octave Up/Down Keys
- Pitch Switch
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (Orange)
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
Arturia Keystep mk2 32-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard and Sequencer
- For Musicians and Producers
- 32 Slim Keys with Velocity & Aftertouch
- 64-Step Sequencer with 8-Note Polyphony
- Arpeggiator with 9 Patterns, 16 Modes
Muse Kinetics K-Board-C Ultracompact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Lime)
- Portable and Expressive Control
- 25 Touch-Sensitive Smart Keys
- Velocity and Pressure Response
- Tilt and Sustain Functionality
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
Keith McMillen Instruments K-Board-C Ultracompact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Aqua)
- Portable and Expressive Control
- 25 Touch-Sensitive Smart Keys
- Velocity and Pressure Response
- Tilt and Sustain Functionality
Novation Impulse 25 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25 Semi-Weighted Keys with Aftertouch
- 8 Rotary Encoders and a Single Fader
- 8 Backlit Trigger Pads
- Arpeggiator
Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (White, 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
Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2 Controller and Sequencer
- 37-Note Slimkey with Aftertouch
- Polyphonic 64-Step Sequencer
- 16-Mode Generative Arpeggiator
- Mutate, Spice, and Dice Tools
Reloop Keypad Pro Compact USB-MIDI 4-In-1 DAW Workstation Controller
- Mini Keyboard, Drum Pads, Mixer, DAW
- Essential Music Production Tools
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity
- Plug and Play with Bitwig Studio
Novation FLkey 2 37 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (37 Keys)
- Made for FL Studio Workflow
- 37-Key Synth-Action Keyboard
- 16 Pads with Poly Aftertouch
- Eight Endless Encoder Knobs
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Aquamarine)
- 49 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
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
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
Novation FLkey 2 61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (61 Keys)
- Made for FL Studio Workflow
- 61-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard
- 16 Pads with Poly Aftertouch
- Eight Encoders and Nine Faders
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 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 88-Key DAW Controller
- Semi-Weighted Waterfall Keybed
- 16 Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch
- Eight Encoders and Nine Faders
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 (Black)
- 49-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
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.