

Difference Between the MIDI Controller VS Keyboard If you really want to learn the difference between these two, read on.Īnd I have condensed it into an easy to digest format for you. It is important for you to understand the difference between these two instruments and be familiar with all of their features. Without this knowledge, it will be very difficult for you to come up with the perfect idea for your next production due to the role they play in the music creation. With the MIDI controller, you can create MIDI data and trigger the sound from a hardware sampler or synth. On the other hand, a keyboard is just an instrument on its own or part of an instrument and you don’t need additional equipment to make it work. In a simple term: an electronic keyboard works as a standalone device. The best MIDI controller usually comes with a USB Port, where you can connect the device directly to your computer. Most of the modern controllers have this feature and this often eliminates the need for a separate MIDI interface.

In addition, when working with a MIDI controller, you also have to use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), which allows you to produce MIDI data.Įxamples of MIDI controllers are M-Audio Oxygen, Akai MPK 49, while the typical keyboard includes Korg, Roland, Kurzweil.Ī complete tutorial is available here on the MIDI and another one is here for the electronic keyboard. Which of them is the Best to Produce Music?Īt this stage, it is not really important to know which of the two is best to produce music. What is important is to understand yourself, your skill level and experience, and what you intend to use the instrument for. When you do this, selecting the right device becomes easy. It will also enable you to decide quickly and correctly on which of the two you should go for. The ability to bond with the tools you use is very important if you are into music creation. What are the Subtle Differences Between them? Therefore, the tone and feel of any instrument should be a top priority for you. One thing with MIDI controllers is that they allow you to change the tone to something you like. This makes it difficult to be stuck on any particular tone at any point in time.Īnother thing is the feel of the keys on a keyboard. When you are looking at this, you should not just consider how the keys feel, but also how they respond to your touch. If you are used to a piano, you may be more concerned about this, in which case, you may be attracted to an electronic keyboard.įortunately, most modern keyboards are velocity and pressure-sensitive.

This means that the keys have the capability to respond to how fast your pressure on the keys as well as how much pressure you are using. On these kinds of keyboards, the harder you press, the more varied the sound you will get.
