I think an MIDI would be cool to learn. Just so you can make searching easier: MIDI is a protocol - an agreement that defines how pieces of equipment can talk to each other MIDI files contain instructions to tell other gear what to play. Often, those are songs, so it's digital sheet music. A MIDI controller is anything that can output MIDI, and it's often used for devices that don't have any sounds on board by themselves. That's what you're currently looking at :) otherwise, you're talking about a keyboard or synthesizer that happens to have MIDI. Some modern synths only offer an USB connection, but the MIDI is handled via that. Traditionally, you have 5-pin DIN connectors. General MIDI is a standard of 128 sounds so that you can play MIDI files on various devices and have it sound sort of the same. Is it good for beginners? Well, it's really small - you only get two octaves. It's for people who value portability first and foremost since it'll just fit in a backpack, weighs nothing, and it doesn't take up much space. However, for learning I'd go for something with at the very least 49 full-size keys; 61 is better, 88 weighted keys is for when you are really serious about learning piano. The reason is that 2 octaves isn't enough for two-handed playing. IMO it's better to get a keyboard with 49 keys and no knobs/sliders or drum pads than one with 25 keys and all of that included. Is this MIDI a great price for what it is? All of these things are built to a certain cost and various manufacturers will have similar models, the main difference being the colors and the software you get with it. The keys of the keyboards themselves may or may not be hinged. This is important, since some cheap small keyboards rely on plastic to bend, instead of a spring mechanism. Eventually the plastic will crack; whether the Akai is one of 'm I don't know because I haven't seen it opened up yet. It'd be nice if it lasted for at least a couple years with moderate use Lasting is not so much the issue, but when you become more proficient in playing, it might start to feel cramped pretty soon. Answer from Instatetragrammaton on reddit.com