USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
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
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 37-Key, 3-Octave Controller
- Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 4 Assignable Knobs
- Pitchbend and Modulation Wheels
Samson Graphite 49 - USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 49 Semi-Weighted/Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Transmits Aftertouch
- 9 Programmable Faders
- 8 Encoders and 16 Buttons
Samson Carbon 49 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 49-key Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard
- iPad and USB Bus Powered
- Edit Key Adjusts 14 Control Parameters
- 3-digit, 7-Segment LED Display
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
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
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
M-Audio Oxygen 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 49 Full-Size Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Velocity-Sensitive Trigger Pads
- Built-In Arpeggiator
- Auto-Mapped DAW Instruments and Plug-Ins
Korg nanoKEY Studio Mobile MIDI Keyboard
- 25 Backlit Keys
- 8 Trigger Pads
- 8 Assignable Knobs
- USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
Korg microKEY2-37 USB Keyboard Controller
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Supports Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Damper Pedal Jack
- Pitch and Mod Wheels
Samson Carbon 61 - USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Modulation and Pitch Wheels
- LED Display
- Integrated iPad Slot
Korg microKEY AIR-37 Bluetooth Midi Keyboard Controller
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Bluetooth Connections with Mac and iOS
- 30-Hour AA Battery Life
- Supports Mac, Windows, and iOS
Korg microKEY2-49 USB Keyboard Controller
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Supports Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Damper Pedal Jack
- Pitch and Mod Wheels
Novation FLkey 37 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (37-Key)
- Seamless Integration with FL Studio
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Mixer and Channel Rack Controls, Scales
- Step Sequencer, Channel Rack Playability
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
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
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
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O - Controller/Audio Interface for iPhone, iPad, and Mac/Windows (25-Keys)
- All-In-One Controller / Audio Interface
- 24-Bit / 96 kHz
- 25-Note Velocity-Sensitive Keyboard
- Combo Input with Mic Pre
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
Muse Kinetics QuNexus Galaxy 25-Key Touch-Sensitive MPE MIDI/CV Mini Keyboard Controller
- For Live Performances and Studio
- 25 Touch-Sensitive Keys
- Polyphonic Aftertouch
- MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Rose Quartz)
- 49 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
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
Korg microKEY2-61 USB Keyboard Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Supports Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Damper Pedal Jack
- Pitch and Mod Wheels
Novation FLkey 49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio (49-Key)
- Seamless Integration with FL Studio
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Mixer and Channel Rack Controls, Scales
- Step Sequencer, Channel Rack Playability
IK Multimedia SampleTank 3 and iRig Keys Pro Controller for Mac and PC
- IK Multimedia iRIG Keys PRO
- Sample Tank 3 for Mac and PC
- Over 4,000 Virtual Instruments
- AAX, VST, AU, Stand Alone Mode
Akai Professional MPD218 USB Pad Controller with Arturia MiniLab 3 Keyboard Controller and Sustain Pedal Kit
- Complete Set of Controller Options
- Feel of Classic Beat Making
- MPD218 USB Pad Controller
- Arturia MiniLab 3 Key Controller
Korg microKEY AIR-61 Bluetooth Midi Keyboard Controller
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Mini-Keys
- Bluetooth Connections with Mac and iOS
- 30-Hour AA Battery Life
- Supports Mac, Windows, and iOS
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production Controller
- Complete Music Production Package
- 32 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads
- Context-Sensitive Screen Displays
- Eight Endless Rotary Encoders
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.