If you're looking around at some new usb keyboard midi controllers you could be in for some serious shopping around time. They're not just a two octave keyboard with a volume control anymore. Spend some time researching all the big brands and their models and features. Try reading all the reviews you possibly can. Trying to find the right keyboard might not be as much fun as recording but it's still something you need to do.
Figure out what your requirements need to be and start from there. What you'll be doing most of the time with it will tell you what features you'll need and don't need: Are you laying down a bass line and then some chords or can you take advantage of a full 7 plus octave board as in the full 88 keyboard? Will the keyboard just stay in the home studio or will you use it on stage and take it touring? Will regular light plastic keys suffice or do you need weighted keys? Having a list of features you simply must have and ones that you don't care about will make the process quicker and easier.
Of course the price will come into some consideration when choosing the right midi controller. Spending upwards of $400 is very easy to do but if you opt for a very basic controller they can be had for under $100. Getting the keyboard that's right for you just comes down to what you can afford and what you need. The manufacturers you will be looking at will include:
M-AudioAkaiKorgBehringerNovation
These are some of the top manufacturers most of which have been making instruments or recording equipment for many years so they're all quite reputable and good at what they do. Keep in mind of course they all make several models for you to choose from. The number of keys might very well be the most obvious thing to consider. The most popular choices are the 25 keys, then the 49 keys, then the 61 keys, most also have an 88 key model.
Midi controllers have come a long way from very simple features of not much more than a volume control and mod wheel. Now you can have control over everything in your DAW if that's what you want. And not every virtual instrument really requires too much fiddling so multiple options may not be necessary if you're using these kinds of plugins... and yet, some do.
Johnny Ferreira is a professional musician and editor of http://yourhomerecordingstudio.com/ featuring free articles, tips and reviews on keyboard midi controllers and lots of other great gear for musicians and home studio recording.
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