We are going to review the best MIDI keyboards you can find on the market today. Here are the top 10 best MIDI keyboards and controllers in terms of price and quality.
In any self-respecting home studio, there are essential devices for production: monitor speakers, a good external sound card and today’s topic, the MIDI keyboard. But choosing the best cheap MIDI keyboards can be difficult, given the profusion of excellent models on the market today.
If you’re looking to get your hands on a value-for-money MIDI keyboard, you’re in the right place. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to the best MIDI keyboards on the market for every budget.
How do I choose a MIDI keyboard controller?
You must consider some obligatory issues when choosing the MIDI keyboard controller that best fits your needs. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before looking at what’s out there:
What is your budget?
This is the most important question. There are many options for any price range, from less than 100 to 500 dollars or more. Normally, the higher the number of keys, the higher the price. Some include a DAW in its lite version or plugins that, although they do not say it, also influence the last price.
How many keys do you want your controller to have?
There are many options, such as mini-compact 25, 32, 37, 49 (the most popular), 61, or even 88 (the highest and the equivalent of a real piano). Some prefer those that have 88 keys to reproduce the look and feel of a real piano, while others who travel a lot, have little space in the studio, or simply want it to play less complex melodies prefer the option of 25 keys. It all depends on the person.
What kind of keys would you like to have?
Below, I summarize the different keys that are usually found on MIDI keyboards:
Synthesizer Type
Most popular MIDI keyboards come with keys of this type, which means they are made of plastic and use springs (instead of real weights) to return the key to its original position once it is pressed and released. The touch is a little faster and lighter than in other heavy models.
Semi heavy
They are not made of plastic and springs but combine the spring-loaded construction with a built-in lightweight for each key.
Heavy
Most digital pianos have weighted keys because they try to emulate what it feels like to play the piano. They are not like the authentic ones of a piano, but almost. It is rare to find a MIDI keyboard with weight keys, but more expensive models do.
Would you like to transport it easily?
If so, consider the size. As I mentioned earlier, the 25 keys and the “mini MIDI keyboards” are ideal for travel or to easily change places. They are also ideal if you have a small space.
Do you want your controller to have MIDI pads and knobs?
Many of the keyboards on sale today include pads, knobs, or even faders. If you want to control other aspects of your music program and your plugins, such as the effects, volume, or editable parameters of your virtual instruments, decide on one that has these types of functions.
These can lighten the work and make the production process more fun, but they are not strictly necessary since, with the mouse, you can control absolutely everything. Try to consider the way you work, what kind of music you make, or the budget involved in making one of these types.
Do you mind the software package included with MIDI keyboards?
Some come with powerful programs, such as Ableton Live or Cubase (although in reduced versions), while others include FX plugins or VST plugins. I consider this more interesting, but as always, the decision is yours.
The 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers on the market
MIDI keyboards are one of the most important pieces of music production equipment when building a studio. Here is our list of the 10 best MIDI controllers available today. Each of them has different technical specifications or provides additional functions, as well as pads and/or software packages. Check them out and decide which one best suits your budget and general preferences.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
We start the comparison with an economical option. It is ideal for those who want to start producing music at home and do not want something so expensive. It has a compact size and attractive aesthetics, making it excellent to have at home next to your computer without being bulky.
This device has 25 keys with dynamic sensitivity in mini format. Although the keys are somewhat small, they are comfortable and have a pleasant touch. The pads and knobs are infinitely rotatable and work great for making beats. It includes 8 MPC pads with Note Repeat and Full Level functions, an octave button for a 10-octave tonal range, and a connection for a sustain pedal. It also has an OLED screen where you can see each of the adjustments you make. Additionally, it includes an arpeggiator and note repetition.
Pros
- Accessible price
- Does not take up much space
- Ideal for beginners
- It integrates very well with MPC Beats
Cons
- The keys are small
- Made of plastic
Discover more and the price here
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Another economical option that you can consider, especially if you are an Ableton user,. The Novation Launchkey MIDI controller offers a total of 16 pads in such a small space.
As expected, it also offers Novation RGB technology. So you can create any color spectrum and see clips that are loaded, playing, and recording.
The keyboard is optimized for use with Ableton Live (one of the most used DAWs), and we also have an FLKey version available, optimized for FL Studio. You can easily configure the keyboard to control the parameters of any other program.
As is usual with keyboards of this size, the key is smaller than that of a standard synthesizer or keyboard. This innovation or others in the series are a very good option if we give importance to the number of pads, price, and ease of transport.
Pros
- Light, compact and well optimized
- 8 assignable rotary controls
- Instant assignment to other DAWs
- A very complete software package
Cons
- Made with plastic
- The keys are small.
Discover more and the price here
Alesis VI49
This is an ideal model for you if you already have a little experience and are looking for a MIDI keyboard that can keep up with you. It is a cheap keyboard (around $100) with 49 keys that has everything you need for production.
It has 16 dynamic pads that are backlit in color, keys for transport functions, 36 buttons assignable to MIDI commands, and up to 12 potentiometers. You can produce electronic music, R&B, or simply classic music.
It includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition, with which you can make your own music compositions. This keyboard is the perfect instrument for anyone who is enthusiastic about learning or playing the keyboard.
Pros
- Good quality and price ratio
- Includes 49 keys
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition
- USB and MIDI connections
Cons
- Simple design
- Key speed differences
Discover more and the price here
Nektar Impact LX49+
The Impact LX49+ MIDI controller keyboard is for those who want a premium-quality product. With a good variety of features, this model is ideal for those seeking sophistication and freedom in music production. It integrates everything, from responsive pads to dedicated transport buttons.
Its 49 velocity-sensitive keys can handle any type of production! In addition, the USB connection is self-configurable and does not require any drivers to be used on Mac, iOS, Windows, or Linux operating systems. Your Nektar DAW integration does all the hard work for you!
Pros
- Good quality for the price range.
- Easy to setup; no plug-ins or wrappers.
- Decent, responsive pads.
- The knobs and sliders feel solid.
- Easy DAW integration
Cons
- Not so portable
- Not ideal for absolute beginners
Discover more and the price here
Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 BE
Taking into account its features, this MIDI keyboard is perhaps one of the best in terms of quality and price. It has 88 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys and good-quality construction that ensures excellent results for use in a home studio.
It has a great software package with mass synthesizer sounds, a grand piano, electronic pianos, and even a DAW for beginners, making it very complete. This device also has 8 velocity-sensitive pads with aftertouch, 13 control buttons, chord mode, and 9 faders. This is a great device for those who want to start their journey in music production.
Although it is a little heavier and larger than the rest, it is still compact in size and can easily be placed under a table at home.
Pros
- The keys have good sensitivity
- It has many control options
- Good quality and price ratio
- It is compatible with Mackie/HUI control
Cons
- The integration with Cuba is not very good
- It’s a bit heavy
Discover more and the price here
AKAI Professional MPK261
This is a model that many musicians and producers dream of. This Akai Professional stands out for the high quality of its sounds and effects, not to mention how easy it will be to control the production process directly from its controls.
As we say, this Midi keyboard is coffee for very coffee lovers. Its price is not the cheapest, but we assure you that this instrument will accompany you throughout your life. And that translates into greater quality in your compositions.
In fact, its semi-weighted keys give it a sensitivity to touch that will add nuances to your pieces that they could not have otherwise. It is advisable to have some basic knowledge of the piano, but it is not essential either.
Pros
- The pads are sensitive and respond very well
- Good construction
- Includes software pack (downloadable)
- It can be configured according to your needs.
Cons
- The keys are small
- The AC adapter is not included.
Discover more and the price here
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
For those looking for a MIDI keyboard whose buttons are touch-sensitive, we recommend this M-Audio Keystation. Its semi-weighted keys will allow us to add nuances to our pieces. But don’t worry; even if you’ve never faced a piano, you can get used to the sensitivity of its keys. You’ll just need a little practice.
Beyond having access to a large number of octaves thanks to its 61 keys, you will have a wide variety of sounds and effects at your disposal thanks to its pitch, timbre, and volume controllers.
And if we add all this to a very economical price, we have a Midi keyboard with a great quality-price ratio. Furthermore, even though it has 61 keys, the design of this instrument is especially compact, so it won’t cost you much to transport it if you need it.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Wide variety of sounds and effects
- Transportable
Cons
- It will take you a little while to get used to the sensitivity of the keys.
Discover more and the price here
Samson Carbon 61 USB MIDI Controller
With a compact and elegant design in white, we have this Samson Carbon. It is a particularly economical option that does not compromise on a series of high-level features. Therefore, we could say that this midi keyboard stands out for its great quality-price ratio.
The set is made up of a USB input that will allow us to connect it to any type of device. In fact, it has a small slot at the top of the keyboard in which we can place a tablet. It is very useful since we can control all the production processes from there, saving a lot of space.
Therefore, this 61-button Midi keyboard will be ideal for those who do not know very well how to arrange the different elements of their studio. Furthermore, even though it has several octaves, its compact design will allow us to take it to any friend’s house.
Pros
- Compact design
- Tablet stand
- Great value for money
Cons
- It does not have as many drivers as other models.
Discover more and the price here
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2
If you want to invest in a professional midi keyboard for your studio, you should seriously consider the Komplete Kontrol 88 from Native Instruments. Here you will find all the features that have made the German brand famous, namely the two-color screens, quick control of parameters through the controls, as well as high-quality NI sound banks.
Plus, the weighted keyboard reproduces real playing sensations that will allow you to fully express your musical potential. The keyboard is set up for integration with the Mashine 2 DAW, but you can also use it with other DAWs like Logic Pro or Ableton.
You might cringe a little when you see the price. But that’s because the Komplete Kontrol 88 is not just a midi keyboard. In fact, the purchase of the product includes full access to all sounds in the Komplete series. The price includes an impressive library of sounds that will keep you busy for a long time.
Pros
- A high-quality 88-key keyboard
- NI sounds as good as ever
- The two color screens
Cons
- The price
Discover more and the price here
Conclusion of the top 10 best MIDI keyboards
These are the keyboards that I have considered the best after doing a lot of research on the web. They are the ones that are selling the most and the ones that have the best reviews.
Have I left any that you consider better or essential? Well, don’t cut yourself, and leave me a comment right here below.
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