MIDI Controllers generally come with 25, 32, 37, 49, 61, or 88 keys. On the other hand, Portable Keyboards and Arrangers have their own built-in Sounds, Styles, Tones, Effects and much more. A MIDI controller only transmits and receives midi data. There are no sounds built into a Midi controller, so you would need an external software or hardware source for sounds like a DAW. What is the difference between a MIDI controller and a Portable keyboard / Arranger Keyboard? They send Digital data to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) which can be used to record/produce or compose music. MIDI keyboards don’t have their own sound. MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
