USB/MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2 Controller and Sequencer
Shipping Restriction:
- 37-Note Slimkey with Aftertouch
- Polyphonic 64-Step Sequencer
- 16-Mode Generative Arpeggiator
- Mutate, Spice, and Dice Tools
Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Compact Keyboard and Pad Controller with Speaker
Shipping Restriction:
- Built-In Sound Module with 128 Sounds
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 8 Real MPC Drum Pads
- 4 Knobs for Sound Edit or MIDI Controls
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 25 Mini Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Strips
Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Controller (Gray)
Shipping Restriction:
- 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 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 KeyLab 61 mk3 Professional MIDI Controller and Software (White)
Shipping Restriction:
- 61-Note Keybed, Velocity & Aftertouch
- Includes Analog Lab Software
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Knobs
- 9 Faders
Akai Professional LPK25 MK2 USB Laptop Performance Keyboard
Shipping Restriction:
- 25-Key Dynamic Keybed with Velocity
- Built-In Arpeggiator
- Internal/External Clock Sync Control
- Sturdy, Standard-Size USB Port
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
Arturia Keystep mk2 32-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard and Sequencer
Shipping Restriction:
- For Musicians and Producers
- 32 Slim Keys with Velocity & Aftertouch
- 64-Step Sequencer with 8-Note Polyphony
- Arpeggiator with 9 Patterns, 16 Modes
Arturia MiniLab 37 mk3 Compact MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller (White)
Shipping Restriction:
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- 2 Banks of 8 Backlit Performance Pads
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 4 Sliders
- Mini Display, Clickable Browsing Knob
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 61 Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 61 Semiweighted Waterfall Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
Novation Launchkey 88 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Shipping Restriction:
- 88-Key DAW Controller
- Semi-Weighted Waterfall Keybed
- 16 Pads with Polyphonic Aftertouch
- Eight Encoders and Nine Faders
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 88-Key Hammer-Action Universal MIDI Controller (Black)
Shipping Restriction:
- 88 Hammer-Action Keys with Aftertouch
- 9 Touch-Sensitive 360° Pots and Faders
- 12 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive Pads
- 4 Selectable Pad Banks
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (Orange)
Shipping Restriction:
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
Arturia MiniLab 3 Compact MIDI Keyboard and Pad Controller (Special-Edition Orange and Black)
Shipping Restriction:
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- 2 Banks of 8 Backlit Performance Pads
- 8 Rotary Encoders and 4 Sliders
- Mini Display, Clickable Browsing Knob
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
Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (25 Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
Arturia MicroLab mk3 25-Key USB-C MIDI Control Keyboard (Black)
Shipping Restriction:
- Compact MIDI Keyboard
- 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys
- Durable and Lightweight Chassis
- Dual Touch Strips, Four Control Buttons
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (Beige)
Shipping Restriction:
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
Korg nanoKEY Fold Slimline Foldable MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black)
Shipping Restriction:
- Foldable Design for Ultra-Portability
- 25 Quiet Membrane Keys
- Silent Keybed
- 15 Built-In Scale Guides
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
Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (White, 37 Mini Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 37 Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Strips
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 61-Key USB-Powered MIDI Controller
Shipping Restriction:
- 61 Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive Keys
- Semi-Weighted Keys for Realistic Feel
- Transport & Directional Buttons
- Volume Fader & Pitch Bend Controls
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (White, 49 Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- Seamless Integration with Ableton Live
- 49 Semiweighted Waterfall Keys
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive Backlit Color Pads
- 8 Control Knobs and Pitch and Mod Wheels
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black, 49 Keys)
Shipping Restriction:
- 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 Essential mk3 61-Key Universal MIDI Controller and Software (White)
Shipping Restriction:
- 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)
Shipping Restriction:
- 61 Synth-Action Keys with Velocity
- Includes Analog Lab V Software
- Over 2000 Presets
- 9 Faders and 9 Encoders
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
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.