USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose CE 61 Advanced MPE MIDI Controller (61-Key)
- Expressive Keybed
- Ctrl-e Dedicated Sound Ecosystem
- 900+ Expresseive Presets
- 7 Gestural Controls
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
Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Compact Keyboard and Pad Controller with Speaker
- Built-In Sound Module with 128 Sounds
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Real MPC Drum Pads
- 4 Knobs for Sound Edit or MIDI Controls
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
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
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
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose CE 49 Advanced MPE MIDI Controller (49-Key)
- Expressive Keybed
- Ctrl-e Dedicated Sound Ecosystem
- 900+ Expresseive Presets
- 7 Gestural Controls
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key MIDI Controller
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Pads from Flagship MPC X
- OLED Display Offers Useful Feedback
- 8 Assignable Rotary Knobs
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
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
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
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
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 25 Mini Keys)
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Strips
Muse Kinetics 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
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (White)
- 49 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 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
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 88-Key Hammer-Action Universal MIDI Controller (Black)
- 88 Hammer-Action Keys with Aftertouch
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360ยฐ Pots and Faders
- 12 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
- 4 Selectable Pad Banks
EXPRESSIVE E Osmose 61-Key Synthesizer and MPE Controller
- 61 Full-Size Keys with 3D Control
- Standalone Synthesizer
- MPE MIDI Controller
- Classic MIDI Controller
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
Nektar Technology SE25 Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- Three Velocity Curves
- Six Programmable Buttons
- Octave Up/Down, PB1/PB2, Sustain, Part 2
Arturia MicroLab mk3 25-Key USB-C MIDI Control Keyboard (Black)
- Compact MIDI Keyboard
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- Durable and Lightweight Chassis
- Dual Touch Strips, Four Control Buttons
Nektar Technology SE61 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- 61 Full-Sized Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Four Velocity Curves + 3 Fixed
- Large Pitch-Bend and Modulation Wheels
- Four Buttons and One Assignable Fader
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
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
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 61 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 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
Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (Black)
- 49-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360ยฐ Knobs
- 9 Faders
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
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.