What is a MIDI Keyboard?

A MIDI keyboard is a type of MIDI controller designed in the layout of a traditional piano keyboard. It is used to send MIDI data to computers, synthesizers, or digital audio workstations (DAWs) so that musicians can play and control virtual instruments and other digital music tools.

Unlike a traditional electronic keyboard or synthesizer, a MIDI keyboard usually does not generate sound on its own. Instead, when a key is pressed, it sends MIDI messages that contain information such as the note played, velocity (how hard the key was pressed), and timing. The connected software or hardware instrument then produces the actual sound.

MIDI keyboards often include additional controls such as pitch bend wheels, modulation wheels, pads, knobs, and faders that allow musicians to adjust parameters like filter cutoff, volume, or effects in real time. They are widely used in music production, composition, and live performance to control software synthesizers, samplers, and virtual instruments.