I am trying to find a small midi keyboard that I can basically use just as a midi input into my computer, to be used in conjunction with Sibelius 5 (composition software). I have little idea of what is good or bad out there, and am having little success in researching it either, so if anyone has any such experience, or recommendations, that would be gratefully received.

I was going to suggest trying a cheap one to start off with and seeing what you like / don't like about it, as a lot of the decision making will be subjective. However the cheapest I could find was still over £100, which isn't exactly bargain basement.

Could always look at something like that for your birthday if you like?

Also, do you have any way of connecting it to your computer at the moment? If not you'll need to factor in an appropriate soundcard for that (start at about £50 I think for some of the cheaper M-Audio ones).

If it's just for a controller then any of the ones here would be fine. Not full size but perfect for writing sections of music (& start from £40).

Thanks, Saspro, that is the sort of thing. And Jon, from what little I have been able to work out, I think most of them can do USB connections, although I am not sure. Certainly a better soundcard would not be a bad idea.

Most controller keyboards now just use usb as they have the usb-midi converter built in.
Even onboard sound isn't bad with some decent vst instruments

This turned up in a recent Firebox mail out, but I'd be more inclined to go for something from Saspro's post.

What sort of action do you want - Synth action/semi-weighted/graded hammer?
Full-size or mini keys?
Do you need velocity/aftertouch?
Do you want to controllers on the keyboard so you can access other facilities in the software (e.g. volume, panning etc)?
How much do you want to spend?

TBH, I am looking for something relatively inexpensive that will last. I am not to bothered about weighted keys, although full size is good. I was thinking about http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/34472-m-audio-keyrig-25.html from Saspro's page. Thanks all for the input.

If you don't need proper pitchbend and modulation wheels then that should do fine. Otherwise, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 is about the same price and the Behringer UMX250 is about a tenner more - both have proper PB/M wheels.

Ooooh, thanks for that.