From humble home studios to fully fledged production studios, MIDI keyboards can be found everywhere. Combined with a DAW and a bunch of virtual instruments, MIDI keyboards are an essential writing tool for many producers. MIDI keyboards equipped with a DIN output can even control 'real' gear equipped with a DIN port, but chances are you're looking for a MIDI keyboard that you can simply hook up to your computer.
MIDI Keyboards - A Slice of History
Ever since MIDI came into existence at the start of the eighties, synthesizers have come equipped with MIDI functionality. Keyboards soon followed suit, but actual MIDI keyboards - called master keyboards then - were rare during the first couple of years. Things didn’t change much during the nineties, until finally the computing power of the average personal computer reached a level where it could start to replace studio hardware. At that point, synthesizers started to lose their purpose in terms of sound generation, as producers had less of a need for it at the onset of the digital age. All they needed was a keyboard: either a real MIDI keyboard or the keyboard of their synth.
A MIDI Keyboard Is Not A Standard Keyboard
Even though it's a USB device that looks a lot like a keyboard, in combination with a computer, a MIDI keyboard functions kind of like a mouse. Unlike keyboards and synths however, MIDI keyboards don't produce any sound; they're 'simply' used to trigger the sounds and samples that are part your DAW software. In other words, MIDI keyboards do not feature built-in sounds and rhythms or even audio outputs: it's a device made for music software control (or another MIDI device).
A Standard Keyboard Can Be a MIDI Keyboard
MIDI is a protocol (a data format) transferred through cables, which used to be DIN cables but are mostly USB cables these days. MIDI keyboards, as well as 'normal' keyboards, synthesizers and drawbar organs equipped with a USB-MIDI port can be used as alternative method of controlling DAW software - with MIDI keyboards being one of the more cheaper solutions. Other benefits include their compact size (convenient for mobile producers), the software packs that sometimes come included, and dedicated control elements. Some MIDI keyboards, like the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S-Series models, offer extremely tight software integration, which is something many manufacturers have started to really focus on.
MIDI Keyboards Equipped With DIN-MIDI And/Or USB-MIDI Ports
Back before USB played such a prominent role, MIDI keyboards came fitted with DIN-MIDI ports. Later units came with a break-out cable to convert the DIN-MIDI signal to USB. These days, DIN-MIDI ports are usually left out by manufacturers, either to keep the price as low as possible or because there's simply no space to fit any. Various larger MIDI keyboards however may still come with a DIN-MIDI port, supporting a link-up with more old-school gear like rack synths.
The Build of a MIDI Keyboard
MIDI keyboards feature various components, the most obvious of which is the keyboard itself. Compact models will have 25 or 37 keys, while larger models will have 49 or 61 keys. MIDI keyboards equipped with 73, 76 or 88 keys usually feature piano-style keys, which is not to say they come loaded with built-in sounds, as MIDI keyboards never do. It simply means the keys feel a little heavier.
Faders
MIDI keyboards often come fitted with one or more faders/sliders, which are used to control the parameters of virtual instruments and virtual effects. Needless to say, bigger MIDI keyboards typically feature more control elements, so 49 and 61-key models usually have eight or more sliders. If these can be 'mapped' via your DAW software, you can assign different parameters to the sliders for custom control. This can also be a filter, or a number of sliders for an envelope.
Encoders
Just like faders, encoders are used for parameter control. The difference is that encoders are rotary knobs instead of sliders. Bear in mind that there are rotary encoders and endless rotary encoders: the first group has a predetermined, limited range indicated by an LED ring or a value shown on the display, while the second group has an unlimited range.
Pads
Pads are more or less push-buttons that function like a key, yet they're arranged differently and have a different 'touch'. The concept of pads comes from old AKAI MPC samplers made during the '80s and '90s - the same bits of kit plenty of producers still use to weave beats. In addition, pads have been serving a second function for several years now: Ableton Live software control.
Transport Section
Home to a grouping of controls such as 'start', 'stop', 'forward', 'backward' and track selectors, the transport section of any MIDI keyboard is not to be underestimated in terms of added value. To improve your workflow, you can do basic DAW tasks using the transport section of the MIDI keyboard, without having to switch between your keyboard and mouse in between takes.
In short, producers these days are free to pick any kind of workflow. No need to adapt to the gear - the gear adapts to you!
Frequently Asked Questions About MIDI Keyboards
Which USB/MIDI keyboard should I get?
That depends on your demands. Go for an 88-note model with semi-weighted keys if you want to trigger piano or synthesizer sounds with an ultra-realistic feel; pick a 49 or 61-note MIDI keyboard if less keys are fine for you; or grab a model with less than 49 keys if you prefer a more portable MIDI keyboard. Compact USB/MIDI keyboards are a safe pick for anyone who has a laptop and access to DAW software.
Do I need to install a driver to support a MIDI keyboard?
No, almost all MIDI keyboards are basically plug-and-play, save for a couple of high-end models that do actually require drivers.
What's the best MIDI keyboard?
The best MIDI keyboard for you depends on your needs and your budget. The more you're able to spend, the higher the build quality and number of features and options. Cheaper MIDI keyboards usually feature keys that aren't as durable or accurate as the keys of more high-end models, so always think about how much you're willing to invest for that extra bit of comfort, class or convenience.
I'm looking for a MIDI piano. What do I need?
Technically speaking, any 88-note MIDI keyboard can serve as a substitute for a real piano. A digital piano is another alternative as long as it's equipped with MIDI support, since it would also do away with the need for a computer, look better on stage as well as at home, and come with a fixed piano pedal that can't shift around.
Do I need a slim keyboard?
As said, compact MIDI keyboards are a safe pick for anyone who has a laptop and access to DAW software. For digital producers, the great thing about extra thin or slim keyboards is that they can be placed between your computer keyboard and your display monitors to finish a space-saving set-up.
Who makes MIDI keyboards?
Most big synthesizer brands also build MIDI keyboards, which is not to say there aren't various manufacturers who exclusively build MIDI keyboards. The differences between the models made by any of these brands is in the overall build quality of the components and, if included, the software.
Why buy a Komplete Kontrol S MIDI keyboard?
While the Komplete Kontrol MIDI-keyboards by Native Instruments are quite similar to MIDI keyboards made by other brands, what sets the S-Series models apart are the LEDs fitted above the keys. The LEDs correspond with the coloured keys in the Kontakt software, allowing you to see exactly where the keyswitches and other zones of a Kontakt instrument are hiding.
What's the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a MIDI controller?
In addition to a keyboard, MIDI keyboards can feature various controllers, like encoders, sliders/faders and pads. MIDI controllers, on the other hand, only feature controllers and are as such categorised based on the type of controls they're equipped with. There are slider/fader controllers, pad-controllers, encoder-controllers, as well as special Ableton-controllers that have a customised control lay-out to support a streamlined workflow in Ableton Live software.
What kind of software comes included with a MIDI keyboard?
The software that can come with MIDI keyboards can be roughly divided into two groups. The first group includes DAW software: music production software used to play, record and edit audio. If included, the DAW pack is most likely to be an upgradeable entry-level edition of the software, which is essentially a fully-fledged DAW just with a limited amount of instruments, effects or the number of usable tracks. Then again, if you're not interested in software or already have access to a DAW, none of this is important. The other kind of software that may come included with MIDI keyboards are virtual instruments, so DAW plug-ins (like virtual pianos, virtual drum kits).
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