Electronic (piano) keyboard that plugs into MacBook

[SSOYS]

DS has asked for one of these. I know nothing about them.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? He’s 16 so not looking for a child’s one but equally it’s just something he’s keen to try out so doesn’t need top of the range.

Presumably he needs some software too?

Hi, music teacher here. I am guessing that what he wants is a Midi controller; these are keyboards that you use with composition software like Garageband and Logic. You can't usually use them to play the keyboard independently of the computer (ie they don't have any sound output).
I can't recommend a specific one (mine is a really crap 2-octave thing that cost £20 off Amazon) but I would recommend looking for one with decent sized keys and 3 or 4 octaves worth of keys (the range will be higher, as you can press a button to switch octaves.) There are lots on Amazon at varying price points but I would expect the decent ones to start at around £80.
If he has a Macbook it should have Garageband installed already so he can just plug and go. If he gets really into composition then Logic is the software to go for; I think it costs £200 so maybe let him play around on Garageband first! (it's just a light/free version of Logic with less functionality.)
Happy to answer any more questions :)

That is incredibly helpful- thank you.

Does he mean something like this?

www.amazon.co.uk/AKAI-Professional-MPK-Mini-MK3/dp/B0886ZPWC8?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I wanted that one after seeing chloe bailey with one but I don't think I'd be that good 😂

Ooh, I was just looking at that one. If it's been on SM then it's probably exactly the one he wants, thank you!

Ah it might be. Chloe makes it look great, I have to keep reminding myself I have no musical talent!