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M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - Synth Action 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included?
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I have both a launchkey mini (25 keys) and this larger one by m-audio (61 keys). I honestly end up using the m-audio one 99% of the time bc of the larger layout so I'd personally recommend it. This is probably one of the closest things to just plugging in a piano to your computer without any other special controls (other than pitch/mod wheels and octave changing buttons).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDN4PYD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You may not even need to go with something as expensive as the NI keyboards. I also have an M-Audio 61-key MIDI keyboard, that is just a basic MIDI keyboard with nothing special about it. I just plug it in via USB, choose a piano sound I like in my DAW, and play it. And it's less than $200: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDN4PYD
The NI keyboards are designed to be deeply integrated with the whole NI Komplete ecosystem, and to control much of it from the extra buttons and screens on the keyboard itself. This makes the keyboard very large (especially deep), and take up a lot of desk space.
That's why I also have the M-Audio keyboard... it isn't much deeper than a regular computer (typing) keyboard, but has full-sized weighted keys for a 'real piano' kind of feel. It ain't fancy, but it works great.
There are lots of semi weighted and hammer action MIDI keyboards available. The specs on that Amazon page say it's semi weighted, but I'm quite sure that particular keyboard is synth action, or spring loaded as you call it. So yes, this would not be a good choice for learning to play the piano; much better (and still not too expensive) would be this: https://www.amazon.ca/M-Audio-Keystation-Semi-Weighted-USB-Powered-Controller/dp/B07DDN4PYD/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=m-audio+keystation+88&qid=1647216357&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=m-audio+keys%2Cmi%2C157&sr=1-4
USB and MIDI are friends. So all you need is a MIDI keyboard with a USB port. When you open GarageBand, you will be able to pick that as your input device and control the built-in synths in GarageBand.
HOWEVER...
There are keyboards that are just "MIDI controllers". These devices have no internal sounds at all. They just send MIDI data to your software synth in GB, and trigger that synths' sounds.
There are also keyboards that have their own built in synth capabilities, AS WELL AS MIDI. So you can use the keyboard to create its own sounds, as well as control the software synths in GB.
I personally have the M-Audio Keystation 61-key MIDI controller which is nice because it is so narrow it easily fits on the desk.
I also use a Novation Bass Station II as both its own synth and as a MIDI controller.
A lot of people start out with something like the Akai MPK because it has keys, drum pads, and other controls you can use throughout your GB life. It is insanely well priced, and a great place to start off. It's also a really good size, if you buy the MPK mini.
As far as the key feel goes, almost all of the keyboards you see on the market today use the same keybed from Fatar. These people have really nailed down a good, low-price, reasonable feel keyboard feel that appeals to most people. So keyboard and synth manufacturers just buy a Fatar keybed and build the box and brains around it.
Because of that, there really isn't much difference between most of the MIDI keyboard controllers out there. It's honestly just looking at the form factor and deciding of that works for you.
Personally, I use the M-Audio 61-key: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DDN4PYD
I chose this one because is takes up less desk space than pretty much any other MIDI controller I have found. It's a workhorse, too. Built sturdy.
All of my other synths (Waldorf Blofeld, Native Instruments S49 MKII, and Bass Station II) came with their own keyboard, so I use this one when I want to strip down to basics and give myself some room on my desk! :-)
And, it's like $200, so it is super inexpensive, too.
yea i play piano through midi for yousician, i could play with the piano making zero noise and yousician will pick it up, this is what i use:
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