A musical instrument similar to a piano keyboard is a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboard. The MIDI portion denotes that the instrument is equipped with a communication protocol that allows it to communicate with a computer or another MIDI-equipped instrument.
Because the MIDI interface is now so simple to use, almost every keyboard sold today is a MIDI keyboard. This can range from a simple $100 MIDI keyboard purchased at a local department store to a $30,000 grand piano with an integrated controller. Any type of musical instrument with a MIDI interface can connect to any other type of musical instrument with a MIDI interface. The 30,000-dollar instrument will sound much better than the $100 instrument, but both can be controlled the same computer or other instrument.
It’s also possible to buy a MIDI keyboard that doesn’t have any sound. This device necessitates the use of another MIDI device capable of deciphering MIDI messages and producing the appropriate sounds. This additional instrument could be a computer or a sound box with a variety of instruments pre-programmed. This strategy allows one company to focus on keyboard manufacturing while another focuses on electronic instrument recreation. It also enables the musician to upgrade the instrument without having to relearn how to play the keyboard.
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a MIDI keyboard. Your budget and your level of comfort with the keyboard are the two most important factors. If you have an unlimited budget, the decision is simple: buy the best MIDI keyboard that you like.
If you’re on a tighter budget, focus on getting the best-feeling keyboard you can. At a later time, you can always improve the sound quality. To improve the feel, you’ll need to purchase a new keyboard and relearn how to use it.
The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard can vary. All 88 keys must be present, according to classical musicians and purists. 76-key keyboards are also very popular. When space is limited or amateurs have a limited budget, keyboards with fewer keys are used.
A variety of different feels are available on MIDI keyboards. Some try to imitate the feel and action of a traditional piano, while others have a more electronic feel. Some are velocity sensitive, meaning that the louder the note sounds, the faster the key is pressed. Some are touch sensitive, so the note changes depending on how hard you press the key. Neither effect is produced a low-cost MIDI keyboard.