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
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 61-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (Rose Quartz)
- 61 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 (Aquamarine)
- 61 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
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 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 Launchkey 61 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (White, 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
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
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
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 49 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (Black)
- 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
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
Nektar Technology Panorama P4 - Keyboard Controller
- 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 12 Pads
- 9 x 45mm Faders
- 16 Encoders
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
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
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
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
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
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software Kit with Akai APC64 Controller
- 61-Note Keybed, Velocity and Aftertouch
- APC64 Next-Gen Controller/Sequencer
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software Kit with Akai APC64 Controller
- 61-Note Keybed, Velocity, and Aftertouch
- APC64 Next-Gen Controller/Sequencer
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- Nine Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
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
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
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
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose CE 61 Advanced MPE MIDI Controller (61-Key)
- Expressive Keybed
- Ctrl-e Dedicated Sound Ecosystem
- 900+ Expresseive Presets
- 7 Gestural Controls
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.


