Matt's GearspaceHardware & software guide

What's new

Every current model with a known release year, newest first, across all categories.

One email a week: every keyboard, controller, pedal and stand added to the guide, plus anything newly announced or discontinued. No marketing, unsubscribe in one click.

2026

Liquid Stands
3-Tier Keyboard and Synth Stand (MS1141)
Current
Stand type
A-frame rack
Tiers
3
Max load
70 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2026
Novation
FLkey 37 mk2
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£199.992026
Novation
FLkey 49 mk2
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£229.992026
Novation
FLkey 61 mk2
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£279.992026
Novation
FLkey Mini 25 mk2
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£109.992026
Arturia
KeyStep 37 mk2
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2026
Akai Professional
MPC Key 37 G2
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2026
Akai Professional
MPC One G2
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
5
Aftertouch
None
—2026
Akai Professional
MPC Sample
Current
Pads
16
Faders
1
Knobs / encoders
4
Aftertouch
Channel
—2026
Akai Professional
MPC XL
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
25
Aftertouch
None
—2026

2025

Nord
Expression Pedal EP15
Current
Pedal type
Expression
Connector
1/4" TRS
Polarity switch
No
Cable length
—
£1792025
Nord
Expression Pedal EP30
Current
Pedal type
Expression
Connector
1/4" TRS
Polarity switch
No
Cable length
—
£1792025
Liquid Stands
Foldable Z-Style Keyboard Stand (MS1151)
Current
Stand type
Z-frame
Tiers
1
Max load
113 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2025
Nektar
Impact LX25 mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Nektar
Impact LX49 mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Nektar
Impact LX61 mk3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Nektar
Impact LX88 mk3
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Arturia
KeyLab 88 mk3
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
12
—2025
Arturia
KeyStep mk2
Current
Keys
32
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2025
Gravity
KS AKS 01 B Foldable Keyboard Stand
Current
Stand type
Table
Tiers
1
Max load
50 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2025
Novation
Launch Control XL 3
Current
Pads
0
Faders
8
Knobs / encoders
24
Aftertouch
None
£199.992025
Novation
Launchkey 88 mk4
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£389.992025
Arturia
MicroLab mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2025
Arturia
MiniLab 37
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Akai Professional
MPC Live III
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
6
Aftertouch
None
—2025
Akai Professional
MPK Mini mk4
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2025
Gamechanger Audio
Plus Pedal II
Current
Pedal type
Audio sustainer
Connector
1/4" TS
Polarity switch
No
Cable length
—
£3592025
Studiologic
SL73 mk2
Current
Keys
73
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2025
Studiologic
SL88 GT
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2025
Studiologic
SL88 mk2
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2025
Liquid Stands
Table Style Keyboard Stand (MS1156)
Current
Stand type
Table
Tiers
1
Max load
82 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2025
Liquid Stands
V-Style Keyboard Stand (MS1152)
Current
Stand type
Y-frame
Tiers
1
Max load
—
Folds for transport
Yes
—2025

2024

Liquid Stands
Foldable Z-Style Piano Stand (MS1114)
Current
Stand type
Z-frame
Tiers
1
Max load
100 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2024
Arturia
KeyLab 49 mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
12
—2024
Arturia
KeyLab 61 mk3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
12
—2024
Arturia
KeyLab Essential 49 mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2024
Arturia
KeyLab Essential 61 mk3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2024
Arturia
KeyLab Essential 88 mk3
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2024
Arturia
KeyStep Pro Chroma
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2024
Novation
Launchkey 25 mk4
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£154.992024
Novation
Launchkey 37 mk4
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£179.992024
Novation
Launchkey 49 mk4
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£204.992024
Novation
Launchkey 61 mk4
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£254.992024
Novation
Launchkey Mini 25 mk4
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£99.992024
Novation
Launchkey Mini 37 mk4
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£129.992024
Kenton
MIDI USB Host mk3
Current
Type
USB MIDI host
Bluetooth
None
Powered from
USB
Pairs without a computer
No
£78.92024
Akai Professional
MPC Key 37
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2024
Korg
nanoKEY Fold
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1152024

2023

Akai Professional
APC64
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
—2023
Liquid Stands
Collapsible Keyboard Stand (MS1093)
Current
Stand type
Table
Tiers
1
Max load
102 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2023
Liquid Stands
Expandable DJ Table (MS1098)
Current
Stand type
Table
Tiers
1
Max load
70 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
—2023
Novation
FLkey 49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£159.992023
Novation
FLkey 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£189.992023
STAY
Intruder 01 Keyboard Stand
Current
Stand type
Column
Tiers
1
Max load
70 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
£1692023
STAY
Intruder 02 Keyboard Stand
Current
Stand type
Column
Tiers
2
Max load
70 kg
Folds for transport
Yes
£1892023
Korg
Keystage 49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
£3692023
Korg
Keystage 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
£4192023
Native Instruments
Kontrol S49 mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
£5492023
Native Instruments
Kontrol S61 mk3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
£7492023
Native Instruments
Kontrol S88 mk3
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
£1,1292023
Akai Professional
MPC One+
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
5
Aftertouch
None
—2023
Akai Professional
MPC X Special Edition
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
24
Aftertouch
None
—2023
Liquid Stands
Portable Keyboard Workstation (MS1111)
Current
Stand type
Table
Tiers
1
Max load
113 kg
Folds for transport
No
—2023
Ableton
Push 3 (Controller)
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
£8792023
Ableton
Push 3 (Standalone)
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
£1,2992023
Nord
Triple Pedal 2
Current
Pedal type
Sustain
Connector
1/4" TRS
Polarity switch
No
Cable length
—
£2952023

2022

Akai Professional
APC Key 25 mk2
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
40
—2022
Akai Professional
APC Mini mk2
Current
Pads
64
Faders
9
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
None
—2022
Boss
BT-DUAL
Current
Type
Bluetooth (proprietary port)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
Host device
Pairs without a computer
No
£392022
Novation
FLkey 37
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£129.992022
Novation
FLkey Mini
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£74.992022
Akai Professional
LPK25 mk2
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2022
Arturia
MiniLab 3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2022
Akai Professional
MPC Key 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2022
Akai Professional
MPK Mini Plus
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2022
ROLI
Seaboard Rise 2
Current
Keys
49
Key action
MPE surface
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Pads
0
—2022
CME
U2MIDI Pro
Current
Type
USB MIDI interface
Bluetooth
None
Powered from
Host device
Pairs without a computer
No
—2022
CME
WIDI Thru6 BT
Current
Type
Bluetooth thru box
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
USB
Pairs without a computer
Yes
£592022

2021

Nektar
Impact LX Mini
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
Akai Professional
LPD8 mk2
Current
Pads
8
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
None
—2021
Akai Professional
MPK Mini Play mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
M-Audio
Oxygen 25 (MKV)
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
M-Audio
Oxygen 49 (MKV)
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
M-Audio
Oxygen 61 (MKV)
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
Alesis
Q Mini
Current
Keys
32
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2021
Alesis
Q49 mk2
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2021
Alesis
Q88 mk2
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2021
Alesis
V25 mk2
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
Alesis
V49 mk2
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
Alesis
V61 mk2
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2021
CME
WIDI Bud Pro
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (USB dongle)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
Host device
Pairs without a computer
No
£592021
CME
WIDI Uhost
Current
Type
Bluetooth USB host
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
USB
Pairs without a computer
Yes
£592021

2020

Roland
A-88MKII
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2020
M-Audio
Hammer 88 Pro
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2020
Nektar
Impact GX Mini
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2020
Nektar
Impact GXP61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2020
Nektar
Impact GXP88
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2020
Arturia
KeyStep Pro
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
0
—2020
Novation
Launchkey 25 mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£119.992020
Novation
Launchpad Pro mk3
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
£319.992020
Native Instruments
Maschine+
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
None
£8392020
Akai Professional
MPC Live II
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
5
Aftertouch
None
—2020
Akai Professional
MPK Mini mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2020
M-Audio
Oxygen Pro 25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2020
M-Audio
Oxygen Pro 49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2020
M-Audio
Oxygen Pro 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2020
M-Audio
Oxygen Pro Mini
Current
Keys
32
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2020
CME
WIDI Jack
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (DIN)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
MIDI out (bus) or USB
Pairs without a computer
Yes
£492020
CME
WIDI Master
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (DIN)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
MIDI out (bus)
Pairs without a computer
Yes
£492020
Roland
WM-1
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (DIN)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
MIDI out (bus)
Pairs without a computer
Yes
£502020
Roland
WM-1D
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (USB dongle)
Bluetooth
5.0
Powered from
Host device
Pairs without a computer
No
—2020

2019

M-Audio
Keystation 88 mk3
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2019
Native Instruments
Kontrol M32
Current
Keys
32
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1092019
Novation
Launchkey Mini mk3
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
16
£79.992019
Novation
Launchpad Mini mk3
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
None
£84.992019
Novation
Launchpad X
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
£154.992019

2018

Novation
49SL mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
£629.992018
Novation
61SL mk3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
£729.992018
Akai Professional
Fire
Current
Pads
64
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
4
Aftertouch
None
—2018
M-Audio
Keystation 49 mk3
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2018
M-Audio
Keystation 61 MK3
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2018
M-Audio
Keystation Mini 32 MK3
Current
Keys
32
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2018
Native Instruments
Kontrol A25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1292018
Native Instruments
Kontrol A49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1792018
Native Instruments
Kontrol A61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£2192018
Native Instruments
Maschine Mikro mk3
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
1
Aftertouch
None
£2192018
Nektar
Panorama T6
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
8
—2018
Nektar
SE25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2018
Alesis
Vmini
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
4
—2018
Alesis
Vortex Wireless 2
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
8
—2018

2017

M-Audio
Hammer 88
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2017
Native Instruments
Maschine mk3
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
None
£4192017

2016

Yamaha
FC4A
Current
Pedal type
Sustain
Connector
1/4" TS
Polarity switch
No
Cable length
1.5 m
£772016
Korg
microKEY2 25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£582016
Korg
microKEY2 37
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£792016
Korg
microKEY2 49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1002016
Korg
microKEY2 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1262016
Korg
microKEY2 Air 25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£792016
Korg
microKEY2 Air 37
Current
Keys
37
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1262016
Korg
microKEY2 Air 49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1372016
Korg
microKEY2 Air 61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£1532016
Korg
nanoKEY Studio
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
£1252016
Korg
nanoKONTROL Studio
Current
Pads
0
Faders
8
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
None
£1262016
Nektar
NP-1
Current
Pedal type
Footswitch
Connector
1/4" TS
Polarity switch
Yes
Cable length
1.8 m
£10.492016
Nektar
NX-P
Current
Pedal type
Expression
Connector
1/4" TRS
Polarity switch
Yes
Cable length
1.8 m
£15.492016

2015

Arturia
BeatStep Pro
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
16
Aftertouch
None
—2015
Yamaha
MD-BT01
Current
Type
Bluetooth MIDI (DIN)
Bluetooth
4.0 LE
Powered from
MIDI out (bus)
Pairs without a computer
No
£452015
Akai Professional
MPD218
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
6
Aftertouch
None
—2015
Yamaha
UD-BT01
Current
Type
Bluetooth USB host
Bluetooth
4.0 LE
Powered from
USB
Pairs without a computer
No
—2015

2014

Akai Professional
APC40 mkII
Current
Pads
40
Faders
9
Knobs / encoders
16
Aftertouch
None
—2014
Arturia
BeatStep
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
16
Aftertouch
None
—2014
Akai Professional
MPK225
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
8
—2014
Akai Professional
MPK249
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2014
Akai Professional
MPK261
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2014
M-Audio
Oxygen 25 (MKIV)
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2014
M-Audio
Oxygen 49 (MKIV)
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2014
M-Audio
Oxygen 61 (MKIV)
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
8
—2014
Nektar
SE49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2014
Nektar
SE61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2014
Alesis
VI25
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2014
Alesis
VI49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2014
Alesis
VI61
Current
Keys
61
Key action
Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
Channel
Pads
16
—2014

2013

Kawai
VPC1
Current
Keys
88
Key action
Hammer-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2013

2012

Roland
A-49
Current
Keys
49
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
—2012

2011

Korg
nanoKEY2
Current
Keys
25
Key action
Synth-action
Aftertouch
None
Pads
0
£522011
Korg
nanoKONTROL2
Current
Pads
0
Faders
8
Knobs / encoders
8
Aftertouch
None
£522011
Korg
nanoPAD2
Current
Pads
16
Faders
0
Knobs / encoders
0
Aftertouch
None
£522011

Glossary

48 terms

Hover a highlighted word on the page to jump to it here.

Basics

MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface – the 1983 standard for sending notes, knob movements and timing between instruments and computers. A MIDI controller makes no sound of its own; it sends MIDI to software or hardware that does.
MIDI 2.0: The 2020 update to MIDI: two-way communication, far higher resolution for velocity and controllers, and Property Exchange so a controller can ask a synth or DAW what its parameters are and label its knobs automatically.
DAW: Digital Audio Workstation – recording and production software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio or Cubase. Most controllers ship with scripts that map their controls to popular DAWs.
DAW transport: Dedicated play, stop, record and loop buttons that drive your DAW, so you can punch in without reaching for the mouse.
HUI: Human User Interface – an old Mackie control-surface protocol that almost every DAW still understands. Controllers fall back to it for DAWs they have no custom script for.
list price: The manufacturer's published recommended price (RRP in the UK, MSRP in the US). Shops usually sell for less, and it excludes any tax or shipping differences between regions.

Keys

keybed: The mechanical keyboard assembly itself – the keys, their pivots and the sensors under them. Two controllers with the same key count can feel completely different because of the keybed.
synth-action: Light, springy keys with no added weight – fast for synth lines and drums, less piano-like. The most common action on controllers under 61 keys.
semi-weighted: Synth-style keys with extra weighting or damping so they feel a little more substantial than plain synth-action, without the full mechanics of a piano action.
hammer-action: A piano-style mechanism with small hammers that give the keys real inertia. "Graded" means heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, like an acoustic piano.
full-size keys: Keys the same width as a piano's (about 23.5 mm per white key). Most 49-key-and-up controllers use them.
mini keys: Narrower keys (roughly 80% of piano width) that let a 25- or 37-key controller fit in a laptop bag. Fine for melodies and bass; awkward for two-handed piano playing.
slim keys: In-between keys – full length but slightly narrower than piano keys – used on some compact synths and controllers.
velocity: How hard you hit a key or pad, measured by how fast it travels. Nearly every controller sends velocity; the quality of the curve is what varies.
aftertouch: Pressure applied to a key after it's already down, sent as a continuous control. Great for adding vibrato or swelling a filter while holding a note.
channel aftertouch: The common kind of aftertouch: one pressure value for the whole keyboard, so pressing harder on any key affects every note that's sounding.
polyphonic aftertouch: Aftertouch measured separately for each key (or pad), so you can lean into one note of a chord without affecting the others. Still rare on keyboards, common on pad grids.
MPE: MIDI Polyphonic Expression – a way of using MIDI so each note gets its own pitch bend, pressure and slide. It's what lets the ROLI Seaboard bend individual notes. Needs an MPE-aware synth.
octave buttons: Shift the whole keyboard up or down in octaves so a small controller can still reach the full note range.
zones / splits: Dividing the keyboard so different ranges (splits) or the same range (layers) play different sounds or MIDI channels – bass in the left hand, piano in the right.

Controls

pads: Rubber squares for finger drumming or launching clips, usually velocity-sensitive and often pressure-sensitive with RGB backlighting. 8 or 16 pads on keyboards; 64 on grid controllers.
clip launching: Triggering loops and scenes from a grid, Ableton Live Session View style. Grid controllers like the Launchpad and APC exist mainly for this.
faders: Sliders, typically nine (eight tracks plus a master) mapped to mixer levels or drawbars. 60 mm is the usual travel on controllers.
knobs: Rotary controls with a fixed start and end (about 270° of travel). Cheap and direct, but the position may not match the software value when you switch presets.
encoders: Knobs that turn forever. Because they send relative "up a bit / down a bit" messages, they never jump the software value – ideal for DAW and plug-in control.
pitch bend: A spring-loaded wheel (or strip, joystick or lever) that bends the pitch of held notes up or down. Usually paired with a modulation wheel.
mod wheel: A free-moving wheel that sends a continuous control – conventionally vibrato depth, but assignable to anything.
touch strips: Flat capacitive ribbons standing in for pitch and mod wheels on slim controllers. Lighter and cheaper, with less tactile feedback.
joystick: A single stick doing pitch bend on one axis and modulation on the other. Saves space on mini controllers.
arpeggiator: Holds a chord and plays its notes one at a time in a pattern, synced to tempo. Handy for instant rhythmic parts.
sequencer: Records and plays back a pattern of notes from the controller itself – useful for driving hardware synths without a computer.
scale mode: Restricts the keys or pads to a chosen scale so every note you hit is "in key". A safety net, or a way to play melodically on a pad grid.
chord mode: Plays a full chord from a single key or pad – either a fixed voicing you set, or chords chosen to fit the selected scale.
note repeat: Holding a pad retriggers it in time with the tempo (8ths, 16ths, triplets…) – the MPC trick for hi-hat rolls and trap hats.
display: Screen for parameter names and values. OLED is the small monochrome panel on most mid-range controllers; a colour LCD shows more but costs more.

Connectivity

USB: The cable to your computer, carrying MIDI and usually power. USB-C is current; USB-B (the square printer plug) and Micro-USB are older but work identically with the right cable.
bus powered: Runs entirely from the USB cable, no power supply needed. Big 88-key boards or anything with a bright screen may need a wall adapter.
DIN MIDI: The classic round 5-pin MIDI socket. Lets a controller talk to hardware synths directly, with no computer in the chain.
TRS MIDI: MIDI over a 3.5 mm headphone-style jack, used where a 5-pin socket won't fit. Needs a TRS-to-DIN adapter (Type A is the standard) to reach older gear.
CV / Gate: Analogue control voltages for modular and vintage synths: CV sets pitch, Gate says when a note is on. A controller with CV/Gate outs can play a Eurorack system directly.
Bluetooth MIDI: Wireless MIDI to an iPad, Mac or PC. Latency is a few milliseconds higher than USB – fine for most playing, and it frees you from the cable.
sustain pedal: A ¼" jack for a piano-style on/off foot pedal that holds notes after you release the keys.
expression pedal: A ¼" jack for a continuous (rocking) foot pedal – volume swells, wah, or any parameter you assign.
footswitch: A generic on/off pedal input, assignable to things like start/stop or patch change rather than sustain.
audio interface: Audio in/out built into the controller, so it can also be your soundcard – record a mic or synth and monitor through it.
standalone mode: The controller does something useful with no computer attached – sequencing hardware, or in Push 3 Standalone's case running Ableton Live itself.
NKS: Native Kontrol Standard – Native Instruments' format that lets a controller browse plug-in presets and pre-map their knobs. Supported by most major plug-in makers.
Light Guide: The strip of LEDs above the keys on NI Kontrol keyboards showing scales, drum-kit zones and key splits in colour.