USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
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
Korg microKEY 25-Key USB-MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Arpeggiator Feature
- Sustain/Tap Button
- Expressive Joystick
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
Gemini PianoProdigy 24-Key Wireless MIDI Keyboard with Light-Up Keys
- 24 Light-Up Keys for Enhanced Learning
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity
- Expandable to 48 or 72 Keys
- 9-Voice Max Polyphony
Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Controller (Gray)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Improved Akai/Moog Keybed Design
- Full-Color Screen with VST Feedback
- 8 RGB MPC Pads with Note Repeat
Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Controller (Black)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Improved Akai/Moog Keybed Design
- Full-Color Screen with VST Feedback
- 8 RGB MPC Pads with Note Repeat
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
Arturia MiniLab 3 Compact MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller (Special-Edition Rose Quartz)
- 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 (Special-Edition Aquamarine)
- 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 (Special-Edition Champagne)
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- 2 Banks of 8 Backlit Performance Pads
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 4 Sliders
- Mini Display, Clickable Browsing Knob
Behringer Swing 32-Key USB MIDI Controller with Sequencer and Arpeggiator
- 32-Note Compact-Sized Keys
- Velocity and Aftertouch
- 64-Step Sequencer with 8-Note Polyphony
- Arpeggiator with 8 Patterns
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
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
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Compact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- Custom 32-Key Synth-Action NI Keybed
- Single-Handed 4-Direction Push Encoder
- Control Any MIDI Software or Hardware
- Dual Vertical Touch Strips
Nektar Technology Impact LX Mini 25-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- 4 Velocity Curves and 3 Fixed Velocities
- 8 Velocity-Sensitive LED Trigger Pads
- 8 Control Pots and Single Fader
Novation FLkey 2 Mini 25 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (25 Mini Keys)
- Made for FL Studio Workflow
- 25 Mini Synth-Action Keys
- 16 Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch
- Eight Endless Encoder Knobs
Nektar Technology Impact LX25 mk3 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 25 Synth-Action Keys
- Advanced Performance Tools
- Scale Mode, Chord Mode, Hold Mode
- Deep DAW Integration
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Mini 25-Mini-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25-Mini-Key Controller
- Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Volume/Data Knob
- Octave Shifting
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
Muse Kinetics K-Board-C Ultracompact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Orchid)
- Portable and Expressive Control
- 25 Touch-Sensitive Smart Keys
- Velocity and Pressure Response
- Tilt and Sustain Functionality
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
Muse Kinetics 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
Muse Kinetics K-Board-C Ultracompact USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Snow)
- 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 (Orchid)
- 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 (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 (Aqua)
- 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 (White)
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
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
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.