Midi keyboard suggestions for IOS - Suitability of Launchkey?

[SynthWizard]

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Midi keyboard suggestions for IOS - Suitability of Launchkey?

Hello!

I'm looking to buy a 11 year old a midi keyboard for Christmas. He already plays piano. We have a Windows 10 family computer and he has his own iPhone and Ipad.

I was looking at the Luanchkey 25 (Mini or Normal), initially because of the Ableton integration (I used Ableton briefly 10+ years ago, but am effectively a novice at all of this too) attracted me. But given Ableton isn't available on IOS devices, I think realistically the recipient is much more likely to want to be playing via his phone/ipad rather than getting set-up on the family PC.

I was wondering:

- What are the best software choices for IOS? How limiting is it using such a device vs a laptop setup with Ableton (bundled version)?

- How is the Luanchkey with IOS software? Garageband seems popular - but I'm not clear how well the Novation features, designed for Ableton are easy to transfer for use in other apps.

- Given this IOS dynamic, is Launchkey a bad choice? I confess I looked at the MPX, Launchkey and Aturia Minilab/Keystep. Many of the differences seemed to come down to personal preference - I found reviews that variously favoured one over the other - but grateful for more views.

- Finally, if you were to pick one or two pieces of additional software/sample packs beyond the main DAW what would they be? Clearly "free" is good, but so many of the tutorials I've watched talk start with the DAW and Midi keyboard, but then proceed to load all manner of plugins and samples.

I suppose a lot of this might depend on what sort of music he wants to make. To be honest... I have no idea, he listens to all sorts of things and plays a range of styles on the piano.

Very grateful for any advice.

submitted by /u/ReadyJeff
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