Aspiring musicians and producers **wanting to make digital music** find MIDI keyboards incredibly useful. These nifty tools provide **awesome benefits** such as **accurate sound playback**, recording MIDI data, and managing virtual instruments. With numerous options, **picking the perfect MIDI keyboard** **feels like finding a needle in a haystack**.
When searching for the best MIDI keyboard, there are several critical factors to consider. First, you’ll want to determine the number of keys you need. MIDI keyboards come in a range of sizes, from compact 25-key models to full 88-key keyboards. You’ll also want to consider the type of keys you prefer, whether weighted or unweighted, and the overall build quality of the keyboard.
Other factors to consider include the number and type of controls available, such as knobs, faders, and pads, as well as the connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and Bluetooth. Additionally, you’ll want to consider any software that comes bundled with the keyboard, as this can greatly enhance your music-making capabilities.
At [publication name], we spent countless hours researching and testing MIDI keyboards to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide detailed reviews of each keyboard, highlighting their unique features and capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect MIDI keyboard for your needs.
Best MIDI Keyboards
We have researched and tested various MIDI keyboards to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you’re a professional musician or an amateur producer, a MIDI keyboard can greatly enhance your music-making experience. These keyboards offer a range of features, including velocity-sensitive keys, drum pads, and assignable knobs and faders, to help you create and control your music with ease. In this roundup, we have compiled a list of the best MIDI keyboards that offer great value for their price.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
If you are a music producer, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a must-have USB MIDI controller. It is perfect for beginners and professionals alike, with its compact size and comprehensive features.
Pros
- The 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys are perfect for studio production, virtual synthesizer control, and beat production.
- The innovative 4-way thumbstick allows for dynamic pitch and modulation control, and the built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes is a game-changer.
- The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-Style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level are perfect for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual synthesizer/DAW controls.
Cons
- The MPK Mini MK3’s 360-degree knobs are not as smooth as some other MIDI controllers.
- The keys are not full-sized, which may take some getting used to if you are used to playing on a full-sized keyboard.
- The included software can be overwhelming for beginners.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a versatile and powerful MIDI controller. It is perfect for music producers who are always on the go, as its compact size makes it easy to carry around. The 4-way thumbstick and built-in arpeggiator are innovative features that make it stand out from other MIDI controllers.
The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-Style MIDI beat pads are perfect for programming drums and triggering samples. The MPK Mini MK3’s 360-degree knobs are assignable to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls, and more.
The Complete Music Production Starter Kit is a great addition to the MPK Mini MK3. It includes MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments, and 2GB of sound content. The setup is simple, with a single install available as a download upon registration on the Akai Professional website.
Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great investment for music producers who want a versatile and portable MIDI controller. It has everything you need to create hit songs, and the Complete Music Production Starter Kit is a great bonus.
M-WAVE Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard Controller
If you’re looking for a powerful and portable MIDI keyboard controller, the M-WAVE Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard Controller is a great option.
Pros
- The wireless feature makes it easy to connect to any device with Bluetooth, and the built-in battery lasts up to 16 hours for on-the-go composing.
- The 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 backlit drum pads are perfect for music production, and the 8 assignable rotary encoders and 2 capacitive touch strips make it easy to tweak synth controls and more.
- The smart chord and smart sound functions are great for quickly choosing keys during performance and practice.
Cons
- The semi-weighted keybed may not be as responsive as some other controllers on the market.
- Some users have reported difficulty setting it up with certain DAWs.
- The design may not be as sleek as other controllers in this price range.
We’ve had the chance to try out the M-WAVE Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard Controller, and we were impressed with its power and portability. The wireless feature makes it easy to connect to any device with Bluetooth, and the built-in battery lasts up to 16 hours for on-the-go composing. The 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 backlit drum pads are perfect for music production, and the 8 assignable rotary encoders and 2 capacitive touch strips make it easy to tweak synth controls and more.
The smart chord and smart sound functions are also great features that we found useful for quickly choosing keys during performance and practice. However, the semi-weighted keybed may not be as responsive as some other controllers on the market, and some users have reported difficulty setting it up with certain DAWs. Additionally, the design may not be as sleek as other controllers in this price range.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and portable MIDI keyboard controller, the M-WAVE Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard Controller is definitely worth considering.
AKAI Professional LPK25 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
If you’re looking for a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller, the AKAI Professional LPK25 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The LPK25 is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The keys are responsive and feel great to play, making it a joy to use for composing and creating on the go.
- The LPK25 is feature-packed, with an arpeggiator, clock, and sustain button, giving you creative control over your sound sources.
Cons
- The LPK25 only has 25 keys, so it may not be suitable for more complex compositions.
- Some users have reported that the keys are a bit too small for their liking.
- The LPK25 doesn’t come with a power supply, so you’ll need to use it with a USB port.
If you’re a musician who needs to be able to create and compose on the go, the AKAI Professional LPK25 is a great choice. Its compact size and responsive keys make it a joy to use, and its feature-packed design gives you plenty of creative control over your sound sources. However, if you need more than 25 keys or prefer larger keys, this keyboard may not be the best choice for you.
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included White
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller, the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 is a great option. With its custom DAW integration and expanded software package, it’s perfect for both beginners and pros alike.
Pros
- The new creative features, including Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator, make composition and beat-making more intuitive than ever.
- The RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, contextual button, and bright 2.5” LCD screen make it easy to control and navigate.
- The expanded software package, including Analog Lab V and subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics, offers a wide range of sounds and tools for both beginners and pros.
Cons
- The controls and interface may be overwhelming for beginners.
- The included USB-C to USB-A cable may be a bit short for some setups.
- The product software may be outdated and difficult to register.
We’ve been using the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its versatility and ease of use. The new creative features are a game-changer, making it easy to come up with new ideas and sounds. The RGB-backlit pads are a nice touch, and the bright LCD screen is a welcome addition.
One thing to note is that the controls and interface may be overwhelming for beginners. While this is a powerful tool for pros, it may take some time to get used to for those just starting out. Additionally, the included USB-C to USB-A cable may be a bit short for some setups, so you may need to purchase a longer cable separately.
Overall, we think the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. With its expanded software package and custom DAW integration, it’s a great value for both beginners and pros alike.
Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller 25 Keys with Drum Pads
If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard that offers a lot of creative possibilities, then the Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller 25 Keys with Drum Pads might be worth considering.
Pros
- The 25 keys span 10 octaves, giving you plenty of range to play with.
- The backlit beat pads are a nice touch, making it easy to control your instruments.
- The clear OLED display paired with a 360° endless rotary knob delivers immediate parameter feedback and grants instant editing prowess, making music composition effortlessly immersive.
Cons
- While the semi-transparent casing looks sleek, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- The software might not be as beginner-friendly as some other MIDI keyboards.
- There is no software to make easy use of it. Using it with other software is somewhat of a hassle.
We had a lot of fun experimenting with the Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller 25 Keys with Drum Pads. The keys feel good and sturdy, while the pads are responsive and easy to use. We also appreciated the added allure of 8 rotary knobs, 6 transport buttons, and pitch bend, modulation touch strips. The USB-C data connection, midi out, sustain jack, and Synido’s dedicated control software make it easy to manage parameters in a visualized, user-friendly interface.
However, we did find that the software might not be as beginner-friendly as some other MIDI keyboards we’ve used. Additionally, the semi-transparent casing might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But overall, we think the Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller 25 Keys with Drum Pads is a great option for anyone looking to unlock their creativity and elevate their music control.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best MIDI keyboard, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some features to look out for when choosing a MIDI keyboard:
Number of Keys
The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard is an essential factor to consider. The number of keys ranges from 25 to 88, with 49 and 61 keys being the most common. If you are a beginner, a 25-key MIDI keyboard may be sufficient, but if you are a professional musician, you may need a keyboard with 61 or 88 keys.
Key Weight
Key weight is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a MIDI keyboard. The weight of the keys determines the feel of the keyboard. If you are used to playing on an acoustic piano, you may prefer a keyboard with weighted keys. If you are a beginner, you may prefer a keyboard with unweighted keys.
Connectivity
The connectivity options of a MIDI keyboard are also essential. Some keyboards come with USB connectivity, while others come with MIDI ports. If you plan on connecting your keyboard to a computer, a USB connection may be more convenient. If you plan on connecting your keyboard to other MIDI devices, a MIDI port may be more suitable.
Additional Features
MIDI keyboards come with several additional features that can enhance your playing experience. These features include:
-
Aftertouch: This feature allows you to control the sound of a note after it has been played.
-
Pads: Pads are useful for triggering samples and loops.
-
Faders and Knobs: These features allow you to control various parameters of your music software.
-
LCD Display: An LCD display provides visual feedback on your settings and configurations.
By considering these features, you can choose a MIDI keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a MIDI keyboard for beginners?
When looking for a MIDI keyboard for beginners, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of keys, the quality of the keybed, and the availability of features like drum pads and assignable knobs. Additionally, ease of use and affordability are key considerations for those just starting out.
Which MIDI keyboards are recommended for live performances?
MIDI keyboards that are recommended for live performances are those that are portable, rugged, and easy to use. Additionally, features like split and layer modes, as well as the ability to control external hardware, are useful for live performances. Some popular options include the Akai MPK Mini, Novation Launchkey, and Roland A-49.
How do MIDI keyboard brands like Akai, M-Audio, and others compare?
When comparing MIDI keyboard brands like Akai and M-Audio, it’s important to consider factors such as build quality, keybed feel, and the availability of features like drum pads and assignable knobs. Additionally, brand reputation and customer support are important considerations. Ultimately, the best brand for a particular user depends on their individual needs and preferences.
What are the advantages of investing in a higher-priced MIDI keyboard?
Investing in a higher-priced MIDI keyboard can offer advantages such as higher-quality keybeds, more extensive feature sets, and better build quality. Additionally, higher-priced MIDI keyboards may offer more advanced connectivity options and better integration with popular software platforms.
What size MIDI keyboard is most preferred by users for portability and functionality?
When it comes to portability and functionality, users typically prefer MIDI keyboards with 25-49 keys. These keyboards strike a good balance between portability and functionality, offering enough keys for basic playing and composition while remaining compact and easy to transport.
Which MIDI keyboards integrate best with software like FL Studio and Ableton?
Many MIDI keyboards are designed to integrate seamlessly with popular software platforms like FL Studio and Ableton. Some popular options include the Akai MPK Mini, Novation Launchkey, and M-Audio Oxygen series. When choosing a MIDI keyboard for use with software, it’s important to ensure that the keyboard is compatible with the specific software platform being used.