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25 keys is good for one handed playing, bass, and percussion. 37 is as small as you want to go for two hands, but it is limiting. 49 is great compromise between size and playability. 61 is perfect for nearly all synth playing. 73 means you pretty much never have to hit a button to get any note. 88 keys is like a full size piano and it means you never have to hit an octave key as they are all in front of you.
Personally I'd recommend just getting a 49 (good for most synth) or 61 (better for piano) to start. You may never outgrow it. If this deal one gets you learning music, it is worth every penny, but I super don't recommend it. Almost everyone will outgrow this nearly immediately. Even if you love it, you are going to want more keys or full size keys that also let you learn how to play a piano by muscle memory.
I don't like mini keys, but I'd take 37 mini keys over 25 full size keys if space is a constraint. Buy used off local market if you can.
Last edited by Selman February 23, 2026 at 11:46 AM.
Which of these would be good for someone just dabbling in music creation, not professional?
The other answer is good. I'll add that if you get a KeyStep Pro, you'll be able to grow into that. In addition to using with something like Ableton, it can also be used in a DAW-less setup and handle its own sequencing for mutliple devices. It's a remarkable controller. Low-cost 25-key controllers are usually toys and easily outgrown, I'd apply that money to a KeyStep Pro, even if it is on the used market.
An Ableton Lite license can be had for cheap if whatever you buy doesn't come with a license. There's at least one iOS synth app that come with an Ableton Lite license, so you buy that and get Ableton even if you don't use the iOS app. Pair that with a used KeyStep Pro and countless good quality free VSTs (virtual instruments and effect plugins) and you'll be able to produce pretty much anything you want with just that, just depends on the amount of time you want to put in to learning everything.
Which of these would be good for someone just dabbling in music creation, not professional?
In addition to the other good posts, if the keyboard has MIDI functionality, you can control & select sounds in the plugins/VSTs. (Some keyboards don't come with built-in sounds.)
Many good plug-ins can be found for free/cheap. Ableton & others as mentioned.
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If you intend to use Ableton as your DAW and want a conpact setup: https://us.novationmusi
If you intend to use Ableton and have a bigger budget and space : https://us.novationmusi
25 keys is good for one handed playing, bass, and percussion. 37 is as small as you want to go for two hands, but it is limiting. 49 is great compromise between size and playability. 61 is perfect for nearly all synth playing. 73 means you pretty much never have to hit a button to get any note. 88 keys is like a full size piano and it means you never have to hit an octave key as they are all in front of you.
Personally I'd recommend just getting a 49 (good for most synth) or 61 (better for piano) to start. You may never outgrow it. If this deal one gets you learning music, it is worth every penny, but I super don't recommend it. Almost everyone will outgrow this nearly immediately. Even if you love it, you are going to want more keys or full size keys that also let you learn how to play a piano by muscle memory.
I don't like mini keys, but I'd take 37 mini keys over 25 full size keys if space is a constraint. Buy used off local market if you can.
An Ableton Lite license can be had for cheap if whatever you buy doesn't come with a license. There's at least one iOS synth app that come with an Ableton Lite license, so you buy that and get Ableton even if you don't use the iOS app. Pair that with a used KeyStep Pro and countless good quality free VSTs (virtual instruments and effect plugins) and you'll be able to produce pretty much anything you want with just that, just depends on the amount of time you want to put in to learning everything.
Many good plug-ins can be found for free/cheap. Ableton & others as mentioned.
Leave a Comment