Stop Wasting Money On MIDI Controllers (Complete Guide)

Summary of Key Points (MIDI Keyboard Buyer Guide)

Main focus / message

• The video argues that many producers waste money on flashy MIDI controller features they won’t use.
• Instead of getting distracted by “spec sheet gibberish,” the goal is to understand what matters:
  • Key type
  • Aftertouch
  • MIDI implementation/connectivity
  • Which “extras” are often not worth paying for

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Product/Feature breakdown

1) Key types (most important purchase factor)

The presenter describes three keybeds and how they feel:

• Synth action
  • Lightest and bounciest
  • Best for compact/light travel setups; less resistance
• Semi-weighted
  • Middle resistance
  • Typically found on lower-budget controllers
  • More resistance than synth action, but not like piano
• Fully weighted
  • Most resistance, closest to a real piano feel
  • Best if you play piano parts or want the most authentic feel

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2) Number of keys (size/travel vs range)

Common sizes and their use cases:

• 25 keys
  • Example: Launchkey Mini (mini keys, and also 25s in full-size)
  • Good for simple melodies
  • Cheap and fits backpacks
• 37 keys
  • Another octave; still compact
• 49 keys
  • More capable for two-hand playing
  • Presenter says many producers gravitate here (space still reasonable)
• 61 keys
  • Helpful if you’re constantly using octave buttons
  • Presenter’s favorite size for travel
  • Hard to find fully weighted options at 61 and below
• 73 keys
  • Presenter’s #1 favorite
  • A great piano-like compromise without needing 88 keys
  • Example: Studiologic SL73 (noted as a “great controller for the price”)
  • Presenter says they often don’t need another octave across many genres
• 88 keys
  • Full piano range, best for classical or anyone who expects to use all keys
  • Likely more expensive

Key comparison takeaway:

• Go smaller for travel/space (25–49)
• Go balanced for realism without full size (61–73, especially 73)
• Go full (88) for piano/classical needs

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3) Aftertouch (polarizing feature)

• Definition: aftertouch is pressing down beyond the trigger point to send additional MIDI control data that affects the sound.
• Types:
  • Monophonic aftertouch (most common)
    • Sends one pressure value for the whole keyboard
  • Polyphonic aftertouch (growing)
    • Sends separate pressure values per individual note
• Presenter view:
  • Can be a gimmick, but can also be cool/usable depending on your needs

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4) Connectivity & MIDI implementation (often overlooked)

What to look for:

• USB MIDI
  • Usually sufficient if connecting to a computer only
• DIN MIDI ports
  • Matter if you want to trigger hardware
  • At minimum, you may need a DIN MIDI output
• Using your audio interface’s MIDI ports
  • If your interface has MIDI ports, adding MIDI ports on the keyboard can help you avoid using extra USB ports
• Pedals
  • Sustain input (common)
  • Expression pedal inputs are highlighted as useful for dynamic articulation (e.g., ramping string dynamics without editing in the DAW)
• Bluetooth MIDI
  • Can work for some tasks (presenter has recorded MIDI successfully)
  • Often unreliable and can have lag
  • Best for less time-critical uses (like wireless transport controls)
  • Not recommended if the purpose is reliable wireless recording

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“Wasted money” extras (pros/cons / practical value)

5) Drum pads

• Some keyboards include 0, 8, or 16 drum pads
• Presenter’s opinion:
  • They doesn’t like using drum pads more than the keys themselves
  • Pads are often a low value purchase for many users

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6) Faders and knobs (mixed opinion)

• Can control DAW parameters, but:
  • Setup can be a pain
  • Faders usually aren’t motorized, so the presenter doesn’t use them much for level adjustments
• Exception:
  • When controllers have deep plugin/software integration, they become more worthwhile

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7) Chord/arp modes

• Examples of “additional features” that can distract buyers from more important fundamentals
• No detailed pro/cons beyond the overall theme: don’t overspend for features you’re unlikely to use

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Specific comparisons / product examples mentioned

• Arturia KeyLab 61 (~$600)
  • Has many features
  • Presenter calls out lightweight keybed
• Studiologic SL73 (and “SL73 or 88” referenced)
  • Presented as better value if you care about:
    • fully weighted keys
    • simpler layout
    • still includes aftertouch and transport controls
• Native Instruments / Arturia / software integration concept
  • Presenter notes that some brands (notably Native Instruments, via “Complete Control” software) can provide a more immersive DAW/plugin control experience than standard MIDI mapping
  • Note: this can encourage buying more of their plugin bundles

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Overall recommendation / verdict

• Prioritize key feel (key type) and key count, plus the connectivity you truly need (USB vs DIN, sustain/expression pedals).
• Aftertouch is optional and may matter most if you plan to use it.
• Be skeptical about paying extra for:
  • Drum pads
  • Faders/knobs
  • Mode features
• Especially if the controller lacks strong software integration.

Bottom line: Choose a keyboard with the right keybed (often fully weighted) and the necessary MIDI I/O, rather than one packed with “shiny” features you won’t use.

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Unique points mentioned (consolidated list)

• Keybed types: synth action, semi-weighted, fully weighted (feel + ideal use cases)
• Key count guide: 25, 37, 49, 61, 73, 88 (tradeoffs in space/range)
• 61 difficulty for finding fully weighted options; 73 recommended as best compromise
• Aftertouch types: monophonic vs polyphonic; may be gimmicky but can be useful
• Connectivity priorities: USB vs DIN (need output for hardware); interface MIDI can reduce USB needs
• Expression pedal inputs for dynamic control without DAW editing
• Bluetooth MIDI: may work but often unreliable/laggy; not ideal for reliable wireless recording
• Drum pads: common configurations (0/8/16); presenter rarely prefers them over the keys
• Faders/knobs: DAW control potential, but often annoying/not motorized; value increases with deep software integration
• Software ecosystem example: Native Instruments Complete Control integration
• Advice: compare controllers at similar price by checking plugin bundles and overlap
• Decision-process note: use review/comparison playlists (not a feature, but part of the buying process)

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Speakers / perspectives

• Single primary speaker (no separate speakers indicated in the subtitles).