With an Echo Layla 24 (which has MIDI In,Out,Thru) is it possible to connect a USB Keyboard Controller (such as the MAudio Radium49) directly to the USB Port on the computer, completely bypassing the MIDI Ports on the Layla?

Would the USB Controller still work with the Layla 24 while connected to the USB Port in the Computer, or is it really just redundant?

I hope this is clear enough.