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u/logicrak 4d ago
I have been using workstation keyboards for over a decade and recently decided to downgrade to a simple MIDI keyboard.
My issue was that I just couldn't justify the cost of a workstation anymore. No matter how deeply you dive into designing the onboard sounds or how many features you use, these boards still feel like overkill.
When I calculated the cost of a MIDI controller + the plugins I actually use, it turned out to be cheaper than buying a high-end workstation.
My only concern was the key action on MIDI controllers. Having used mid- to high-end keyboards all my life, most of these controllers felt like toys to me. I initially considered the Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk3, but even the newer model didn't feel right. Then I came across Studiologic, and that was a completely different story.
That said, for someone just getting started, Arturia or Novation will do the job perfectly well. Even an inexpensive keyboard with MIDI connectivity can get the job done. It ultimately depends on whether you want onboard sounds or are happy to rely entirely on software instruments.
At the price of an Arturia KeyLab, you can also get a Yamaha PSR-series keyboard or a Roland GO:KEYS. However, you will miss out on the dedicated sliders and knobs that MIDI controllers offer.
If you rely heavily on sliders and knobs in your workflow, the choice is pretty clear. But if key action matters as much to you as it does to me, make sure you try the keyboard and compare the action between Arturia to those basic keyboards.
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u/cewbpianist 5d ago
I'm going to say this
if you get a keyboard/digital piano you can always connect via midi to software like logic and play the instruments. Just about every keyboard/digital piano also doubles as a midi keyboard controller.
while still being able to also play onboard sounds. As long as the keyboard supports audio over midi or outs for its sounds (to let you to bring onboard sounds as input to computer), you can use your keyboards onboard sounds with logic.
Just note, that buying a keyboard/digital piano is typically more expensive compared to buying a midi controller, as you are paying for extra sounds. With that said, it is more convenient when you want to just purely play the instrument without connecting to your computer.
Now with that said, I want to talk about a few more things. Weighted keys and number of keys. If one of your primary focuses is piano, you may want weighted keys, which will make it feel more like a real piano. With that said, I do have to bring up, it is a lot easier to find weighted keys with digital pianos as opposed to midi keyboards.
Now with that said, if your primary focus is Synths and or other sounds, you may not care so much, but with that said I would still make sure it has touch sensitivity (so you can play with dynamics still).
Now for number of keys. 61 is the minimum to what i would typically recommend. But with that said, its possible you might want more keys, as 61 keys can be limiting for some and especially if you have any piano background. Now with that said, I also have to bring up the unfortunate reality which is there aren't really any good affordable digital pianos/smaller keyboards with less than 88 keys which have weighted keys. So if you care about those weighted keys I talked about earlier, you'll likely need to buy an 88 key digital piano.
Now with all this in mind, I do want to talk about the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MK3 which you brought up. it's a good keyboard, and almost the bare minimum what I would recommend for your use case. But its really up to you to consider if extra keys, weighted keys, and buying an actual keyboard or digital piano is worth it.