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MIDI keyboard

A MIDI keyboard or controller keyboard is typically a piano-style electronic musical keyboard, often with other buttons, wheels and sliders, used as a MIDI controller for sending Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) commands over a USB or MIDI 5-pin cable to other musical devices or computers. MIDI keyboards lacking an onboard sound module cannot produce sounds themselves, however some models of MIDI keyboards contain both a MIDI controller and sound module.

For broader coverage of this topic, see MIDI controller.

When used as a MIDI controller, MIDI information on keys or buttons the performer has pressed is sent to a receiving device capable of creating sound through modeling synthesis, sample playback, or an analog hardware instrument. The receiving device could be:


While many digital and analog hardware keyboards in the aforementioned categories of digital piano, stage piano, and synthesizer can be used as MIDI controllers if they have MIDI capability, they often do not offer the same level of software integration and number of MIDI-mappable controls as a dedicated MIDI keyboard. MIDI keyboards are often utilized by individuals who work with DAWs and software instruments, from hobbyists to professional musicians working in recording studios or concert stages.

Signal flow: MIDI keyboard to audio[edit]

Below is an example of possible signal chains for a MIDI keyboard setup, with the goal of producing audio:


MIDI Keyboard → 5-pin MIDI connector OR USB cable (will need a “B” connector, so "USB A to B" or "USB C to B", depending on computer) → computer running a DAW or a standalone VST/AU instrument OR a sound module OR a digital piano, stage piano, or synthesizer with MIDI capability → audio sound device (amplifier and speakers or headphones).


Some MIDI keyboards, generally models marketed for amateur or hobbyist use, bundle together all of the components in one chassis. That is, the instrument contains a MIDI controller keyboard, a sound module, an amplifier and one or more speakers.

Class compliance and power source[edit]

When using a MIDI keyboard with a computer, class compliance must be taken into consideration. Class compliant means, essentially, "plug and play": upon being plugged in (USB or 5-pin) and powered up, MIDI keyboards that are class compliant should be recognized by any computer. MIDI keyboards and MIDI-capable hardware keyboards that are not class compliant require a keyboard-specific software driver to be installed on the computer in order for the keyboard to be recognized.


While most MIDI keyboards produced in the 2010s are bus-powered, meaning their electrical power is supplied through the same USB connection that transfers MIDI data to the computer, some keyboards have the option of, or even require, using external power to operate. If using a traditional 5-pin MIDI connector instead of USB, the MIDI keyboard will likely require external power, as 5-pin MIDI connections cannot send the current needed to power a keyboard. If using a MIDI-capable hardware keyboard as a controller, one will also likely need external power, as most 2010s hardware keyboards rely on external power to function.

Synth action: un-weighted, often spring-loaded— ideal for music that calls for playing quickly, and may be favored by those with no piano or keyboard experience due to less required effort to depress the keys. Synth action is generally less expensive and weighs less than its weighted key counterpart.

Semi-weighted action: similar to synth action, but with slightly increased resistance— also ideal for playing quickly, but allows for more dynamic playing on velocity-sensitive sound patches due to increased feedback from the keys

Waterfall keys: semi-weighted keys with smoothed and rounded edges— meant for emulating organ keys (i.e. Hammond B-3 organ) and ideal for playing organ-specific techniques (i.e. palm glissando/smears)

Hammer action

25-key: generally the smallest MIDI keyboard available— portable and light, but only suitable for playing one-handed piano parts such as .

basslines

49-key: considered the smallest MIDI keyboard size upon which to play two-handed piano parts effectively.

61-key: ideal size for playing two-handed piano parts— same key count as a single manual from a classic organ like the Hammond B-3.

88-key: full key range— same key count as an acoustic piano— the "gold standard" when playing piano and electric piano, but least portable and heaviest of the MIDI keyboards.

Buttons: may be assignable or allow for editing of menus, settings, MIDI CC information, splits, use of DAW transport controls, transpose function, or octave up/down

Knobs: either potentiometers or endless encoders— typically assignable to a function

Sliders/faders: typically assignable— common assignments are as drawbars for an organ, to control channel faders, or to control equalizer (EQ)

Pitch bend and modulation

Touch strips: touch-sensitive strips assignable to several functions— less common on most keyboards

Pads: velocity-sensitive, rubberized pads— can be assigned to trigger events from drum hits to patch changes

Breath controller: A device which involves a mouthpiece which is gripped by the teeth or held in front of the mouth with a holder; by blowing into it, the user can control synth tones. It can be used to give a vocal, singing quality to notes played on a keyboard

Screens: depending on make and model, some keyboards have no touchscreen, such as with 1980s LCD screen— others have touch screens that intuitively interface with companion software

Software integration: A MIDI keyboard offers an automatic configuration option to integrate with a DAW.

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Many MIDI keyboards include control devices (other than the keys), which may allow for manipulation of DAW controls and/or the sound generator (either software or hardware). Provided they are mapped, or mappable, to the correct function, these allow the player to access a DAW or alter the sound of an instrument patch without taking hands off the keyboard.

Piano pedals

Expression pedals: send a continuous MIDI value that can be mapped to control parameters like volume (a "swell pedal"), effects (chorus, reverb, etc.), and patch changes

MIDI stomp boxes: similar in form to a guitar pedal board, but are configurable to send MIDI commands for various actions (i.e. patch changes, looping, or playing chords)

Organ foot pedal keyboards: traditional organ for those used to playing Hammond B3's or church organs. While they are intended to send MIDI values for organ bass notes, if they are hooked up to a DAW, the pedals can trigger chords or play a high-pitched melody. The 12 Step foot controller can be programmed to play a wide range of pitches, from deep-pitched basslines to high-pitched melodies. As well, the 12 Step's individual Keys can be programmed to play chords with up to five notes.

pedal keyboards

MIDI keyboards often have the ability to accept foot controllers, of which there are four main types: piano pedals, expression pedals, stomp boxes, and organ-style foot pedal keyboards.

an interactive animation by Michael Schreiber, The Wolfram Demonstrations Project, 2007.

MIDI Keyboard Limits

Why MIDI matters (midi.org)