Listening to music is one of the easiest and most effective ways to change your mood. Are you feeling low? Just find a new track that is bouncy and has some motivating music, and you will be better off for the day! If listening to music creates such changes in moods, do you ever wonder how creating music can affect?
Well, maybe you do not have to wonder because you are on the path of creating music yourself! But, the way is robust, isn’t it? Creating something is never easy, and you need so much support, patience, and hard work. However, modern technology has made such things easier for you, and the MIDI controller is one such device that can help the path to make music easier for you.
Simply put, it looks a lot like a keyboard but will not make any sound. You have to play your notes, and then this device will transfer it to another device like your computer, where you have to do the real work. Then, you can mix, modify, and do a lot of other things to the music you create and make it extra-ordinary.
Finding the best MIDI controllers is not easy. There are many available, and if you are just a beginner, you probably do not even know what you want. Let us find some help from you by reviewing the best MIDI controllers and a buying guide to guide you.
10 Best MIDI Keyboards Reviewed
In a hurry? Check the bestseller top MIDI Keyboards from Amazon. Just check the product link, the details and price.
Product Name |
Rating & Highlighted Features |
Price |
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Akai Professional LPK25 |
An extremely compact MIDI controller that’s also lightweight- which makes it very mobile. |
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M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
It provides exceptional control over your songs along with all the features it offers. |
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Nektar Midi Controller (IMPACT LX25+) |
It provides you the freedom to experiment with your songs. |
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Arturia MiniLab MkII 25 Slim-Key Controller
|
It enables you to blend the sound of drums and keyboard and expand your audio array. |
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Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII |
It delivers a whole lot of methods to experiment with your songs with its different capabilities. |
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Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live |
It provides forty-nine keys alongside other attributes that provide you outstanding control over your own music. |
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Nektar Impact LX49+ Keyboard Controller |
It’s quite compact and slick in size despite supplying 61 keys. |
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Alesis V61 | 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller |
It provides you a timeless piano texture if that’s what you’re missing. |
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88-Key Hammer-Action USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller |
The audio quality of the controller is superb. |
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2 Keyboard |
The effects it comes with are Beautiful. |
Akai Professional LPK25
One of the main reasons musicians use a keyboard controller instead of an actual piano is portability. The Akai Professional LPK25 offers the best kind of portability, and you will fall in love with this controller. No, it is not just because of the portability it provides that you fall in love with it.
Let’s get the design of it out of the way first anyway. It only has 25 keys, and it has a length of 13 inches. Quite compact, isn’t it? Furthermore, you can carry it around without the need for any cords or other such burdens. Portability in its pure form! It’s lightweight as well.
Now, it does not end there. As for the features, you have the keys and the octave up and down buttons along with arpeggiator steps that let you play with your music quite a bit. When it comes to the keys themselves, you may just love the feeling you get when you press them. They let you feel the press as you go pressing it down (If that makes sense).
However, this is where opinions may vary. You may find that this keyboard controller is not good enough for professionals because it may offer a bit more resistance than you want.
Now those are subjective matters. When it comes to connectivity and ease of use, you cannot beat this controller! It is easy to connect, and it is also entirely compatible with most devices musicians use.
On top of that, it looks great and has a build that will last. The price you get it for is reasonable as well.
Pros:
- A very compact MIDI controller that is also lightweight- making it very portable.
- It produces good sounds and offers quite some variety as well.
- Easy to use buttons along with the keys.
- Connects to most devices easily
- Pressing the keys gives a real feeling.
- It looks great too.
Cons:
- It may offer a bit too much resistance on the keys for professionals (But, that’s entirely subjective).
M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
If you are looking for a 32-key MIDI controller that won’t make your hands ache from carrying it, you may be looking at the right one. This keyboard controller offers you quite a several features that you can use to truly ‘express’ yourself through your music. Let’s get to know what it can do, shall we?
The first thing it features is the 32 velocity keys, of course. While they usually work great, trouble may occur if they get sticky. On the other hand, you also get modulation buttons, volume control, sustain control, and finally, octave up and down buttons. You see, you get a lot on your hands when you are using this controller. Who’s the boss? You are!
Apart from that, this MIDI controller is ‘supposed’ to be compatible with most devices, and it probably is. However, that mainly happens when the connecting cord works. There were quite a few complaints about the cable not working correctly, and thus, the keyboard not connecting to the devices.
Furthermore, if the cord poses such trouble, it could harm the controller itself because of the fluctuation. Apart from that, the modulation button also got a bit sticky at times. But, these are just minor problems that a few customers faced.
As for the price and what the MIDI controller promises to offer, you get great value and experience if you get the right quality without any defects.
Pros:
- It provides quite a several features for you to control to express your music in the best way.
- The device is quite compact, lightweight, and thus, very portable.
- It is compatible with most devices that you may use.
- The price is reasonable for what it offers.
- The sound it produces is excellent.
Cons:
- The keys and buttons may get sticky.
- The cord may be faulty disrupting connectivity.
Nektar Midi Controller (IMPACT LX25+)
If you are looking to have full control over the music he makes, you can consider this Nektar Midi controller that lets you have a reasonable control while not complete. It does not just offer the keys but much more to help you be expressive with your music. And, you are going to love most of it, if not all!
Firstly, it gives you 25 keys to work with. The 25 keys may not take as compact as space as other more portable controllers do. However, that is not much of an issue here because it poses no trouble. What you will love are the features—starting from the performance pads to the DAW integration.
You get eight performance pads, and they have LED lights in them. Imagine working on it in a dim-lit room! On top of that, you get smart controller functionality with the eleven DAWs integration. Of course, there are octave control buttons along with transpose buttons and much more.
So, this is how you get to control the music you make. The thing you may not like about this keyboard is the keys itself. They are a bit stiff, and they do make a bit of noise when you press them down. While that does not disturb performance, it may just be something you do not like.
The controller, on the other hand, has quite a reliable and durable build. You will love it for what it is and the price it comes at.
Pros:
- It provides excellent control over your music with all the features it offers.
- The build is stable and durable.
- It connects to most devices and quickly too.
- The price is reasonable for the performance it offers.
- Quite easy to map.
Cons:
- The keys may be a bit too stiff and noisy.
Arturia MiniLab MkII 25 Slim-Key Controller
Need as much control as you can over your music and the ability to experiment? Then, the Arturia MiniLab MkII controller may be able to provide you with precisely what you need. You will be amazed at what this ‘mini’ thing can give you.
Firstly, there are 25 keys on the controller, and they work great as long as your devices acknowledge them (a point we will get to quite soon). It has sixteen encoders in the form of knobs. The number gives you quite the variety when you are experimenting, but the knobs make it quite sensitive. You will have to be very careful about how much you move the knobs.
Apart from that, this controller allows you to tap, tweak, twist, your music as much as you want. How? It has the modulation, pitch blend, pressure-sensitive pads to help you play with your music. However, if you need more keys, you need more keys- it won’t be enough.
Now, the problem with this unit is mainly the Ableton Live Lite acknowledging the presence of all the keys. Quite some times, all the keys won’t even work. Where do parts of your music go? We have no clue- to some technical difficulty abyss maybe.
As long as the keys get acknowledged, you will kind of love what this controller offers you. Furthermore, nobody expects so much at such a reasonable price either. It is quite a durable and robust controller to have for yourself.
Pros:
- It gives you the liberty to experiment with your music.
- The build is reliable and will last.
- Quite a lot of features and they look good too- in a well-arranged way.
- Great value for the price.
Cons:
- The knobs may be a bit difficult to control.
- The keys may not work.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
Want to add some beats to your music? Then, this Akai Professional MPK MKII may be the right choice for you. Moreover, if you are looking for a portable version that offers a lot, this is the one.
Why is it so great? Because not only does it offer the keys but also drum pads that will help you make ‘complete’ music that expresses you. And, of course, you cannot make complete music with just two now, can you? You also get a four-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch control and modulation buttons. You will have to get used to the way the thumbstick works.
Furthermore, you also get knobs that let you take command over your DAW. So, that is all; you get full control over your music. Now, the question is, how easy is this device to use?
When it comes to connectivity, you can easily connect it using the cord to the compatible devices. The trouble begins with the software. You will need some time to start the program and get used to it. Even when you do, what you get (the software package) is limited.
When it comes to the keys, the keys may not give you a great feel. Also, they are not very responsive to velocities. Other than that, you will be surprised by all that you get from such a compact unit. The price you get it at is also very reasonable. You can rely on the device to last.
Pros:
- It lets you combine the sound of keyboard and drums and expand your music range.
- It offers you a lot of control.
- The build is long-lasting and quite lively with all the colors.
- The price is very reasonable.
- Compact enough for portability.
Cons:
- The software takes time to work- a complicated process to get started.
- The keys may not be very responsive to velocity.
Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live
If you use Ableton Live, this Novation Launchkey controller may be what you have been looking for. This one comes with 49 keys for you to work with. But, it never stops there, does it? You get a lot more from it to get the highest control over the music you make.
After the keys, you get sixteen velocity-sensitive backlit drum pads, eight knobs along with navigation and control buttons. You get to adjust the modulation using the wheels as well. And, it still does not end there.
To make things even easier for you, the controller has an LED display that can handle three characters at most. The unit is straightforward to connect with its cord and all, but it may not be the most comfortable device to download the software for. The software download is quite a pain.
What you may not like is how the keys respond more accurately, the lack of the response. Even the drum pads may not feel like they are up to the mark when you touch and press them.
Overall, you may not be pleased with the quality this controller provides. However, the price it comes at somewhat speaks for the class as well. At least, you get quite a lot of features that you can play with.
It is the right choice for beginners despite the hard installation. Once you get past the setup, all you have to do is focus on learning and creating your music.
Pros:
- It offers a lot of ways to experiment with your music with all its different features.
- Quite a great thing to look at with the backlit pads
- Ease of use thanks to the LED display.
- Reasonable price for what it offers
- Useful for Ableton users.
Cons:
- The keys and the drum pad may not feel like the right quality product.
- The responsiveness to velocities may not be satisfactory.
Nektar Impact LX49+ Keyboard Controller
They are looking for more options and control over the music you make. Then, the Nektar 49 key controller may be able to satisfy you with all its incredible features. While there may be many controllers providing the same features, nobody does it as well as the Nektar!
Firstly, you will like how the keys feel when you press them. The controller has synth action, and you can rely on it to make the type of music that synth-action controllers make. On top of that, it has a perfect DAW integration with its 11 DAWs. While that is not enough, you also get twenty six fully programmable controls with five users presets. And that is a lot you get!
The trouble occurs when the controller loses its responsiveness to the velocities, You go at your pace and at times the controller just cannot keep up. That is quite a bummer when it happens, but luckily, it does not occur with every unit, only a few.
While the initial set up is not easy, once you are done with, you are in for a good ride! You will love what this controller allows you to do with your music. It connects to the compatible devices quite easily as well.
While it’s not the most compact, it has a good quality. So, it is worth it for the price you buy it for.
Pros:
- It offers forty-nine keys along with other features that give you excellent control over your music.
- The DAW integration of this unit is top-notch.
- The build of the controller is excellent, and it is meant to last.
- It provides a good feeling when you press the keys.
- The price is very reasonable for the versatility and flexibility this controller offers.
Cons:
- It may fail to respond to velocities at times.
Alesis V61 | 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
You have significant needs, but you may be willing to offer the least possible for it. If you are both short on space and money, then you can consider this Alesis V61. But, mind you, it is not short of anything.
Yes, you get 61 keys on this one, which is supposed to be huge, taking up a lot of your workspace. But it is not that huge. It is thin in design, which lets you keep other things along with it in your workspace quite easily.
Moreover, it is not only the 61 keys that this controller offers. It offers you eight drum pads along with four assignable knobs and four buttons. You can also adjust the octave. As you can see, this controller does not hold itself back in offering you control over the music you make because we all are waiting to hear it!
Now, the question is, it offers a lot, how well does it perform? Firstly, installing the software may take some time, but connecting this device to the compatible devices does not take time. Once you get started, you will like its responsiveness.
What you may not like is that the keys offer quite some resistance. But, if used to it, there is another thing you have to be a bit careful about- the drum pad. The drum pad sends double triggers quickly, so you will have to be very accurate about where you press.
Other than that, the quality of the build of this controller is excellent, and you get it at quite a reasonable price too.
Pros:
- It is quite compact and sleek in size despite offering 61 keys.
- It gives you a lot of control with all the other features it offers as well.
- Quite easy to use connecting it to the devices.
- The quality of the build is excellent.
- Reasonable price.
Cons:
- The keys may offer some resistance.
- The drum pad may send double triggers too quickly.
88-Key Hammer-Action USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
Have you been looking hard for a MIDI controller that gives you the classic piano feel? You know the action you need is the heavy-weighted one, and that is quite expensive. Were you looking for a miracle, where such a controller will not break your bank? Then, belief from now on that miracles do happen, and this one is yours.
The M-Audio Hammer 88 controller is a heavily weighted controller offering the classical piano feel that you want. Not just that, but it offers some other things that help you get reasonable control over the music you make. For example, you get the found pitch bend, modulation, volume, and octave controls to create your harmony!
As with any other controller and like the many different users, you may not be delighted with the ‘feel’ the keys give you. However, it is quite a subjective matter, depending on the kinds of pianos you have played. You will find this controller very easy to connect with the various compatible devices with just the friendly-old USB cable.
You may not be the most satisfied when it comes to the sounds it produces if you compare it with the higher-priced models. Those are on a different level, and this is where we must say- you get what you pay for. In this case, however, it stands more like- you get more than what you pay for.
The controller will last because it has a durable and robust build. It also has incredible offers in the package, like a subscription to Skoove for three months.
Pros:
- It gives you a classic piano feel if that is what you were missing.
- You get to experiment with your music with the control it provides.
- It has dual keyboard zones giving you a more ‘Piano’ interface.
- A robust and durable build.
- Very easy to connect and use.
- Good deals in the package.
Cons:
- It does not sound as good as the more expensive models.
- You may not feel satisfied with the feel the keys provide.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2 Keyboard
This is yet another keyboard controller that gives you the feel of an actual piano. The way it looks also makes you feel a bit organized, so that may motivate you to work relentlessly and routinely. If you have enough space in your workspace, this massive controller will be able to provide you with a lot.
The first thing you will love about this controller is the 88 keys it comes with. They also have the Aftertouch making the sounds, well, there is no better way to put it- close to your heart. Again, it does not stop there; you get quite some effects and instruments along with some control over the music you make.
Furthermore, you can connect this device to some other devices; The problem occurs with hardware registration. Once you are past that, you will enjoy using this controller.
It also has an LED screen that makes everything easier for you. But, the display may not last for very long. There is no power button. But, the build is very durable, and you will love playing on this controller.
Pros:
- The sound quality of this controller is excellent.
- It offers you with a considerable amount of control.
- The build quality is excellent.
- The effects it comes with are delightful.
- It has a very organized look.
Cons:
- A bit bulky or tall.
- Initial hardware registration may cause trouble.
What is the best MIDI Keyboard right now?
If you have read the reviews just now, you can tell that every brand and every controller is excellent in its way. Some brands serve you with small, portable controllers better while others have a tremendous huge size design. Again, some are better at producing hammer-weighted controllers other than the synth types.
What we mean to say is there is no best. The best here is subjective, and you need to figure out what you want from the controller to find the best. However, some brands usually provide great value, including high quality. These rands are Akai, Novation, Arturia, etc. These are pretty much the leading names.
Best MIDI Controllers: The Buying Guide
There are certain things you must consider when choosing a MIDI controller. Let us get to know these things to find out what you want.
The use you have in mind
Are you looking for a MIDI controller that you can take up on stage with you for a live performance? Or, do you want something for your workspace? If it is for your workspace, how big do you want it to be? Apart from that, do you need the controller to be portable?
What are the instruments you play? What kind of sounds do you want to produce using the MIDI controller? These are questions you need to ask yourself before you start looking for the MIDI controller. While the answers may not find you the best one for you, at least it will narrow your choices down.
The Key Count
As you already know, the MIDI controller looks a lot like a keyboard with keys on it. Now, the keys do not make sounds when you press it, but the computer will as you transmit it. The more the number of keys, the more options you get to make different kinds of sounds.
However, the more keys you choose, the more space you will need. This is where our considerations- whether you want it for live performances or workspace, how much space you can provide, come into being.
You get the choice to choose from 25, 49, 61, or 88 keys. There are also some models offering others numbers, but the rang is usually from 25-88 keys. The length of the controller varies from 20 inches to 50 inches.
So, it is up to you to decide the number of keys you want on your controller.
The Keyboard Action
Which instrument do you play? Is it the piano? Or do you play a bit of everything and then mix them up to create music everyone loves listening to? Based on the instrument you play and the type of music you want to focus on, you can select among the various action types of the MIDI controller.
Weighted Hammer Action: If you are a severe pianist, you can consider a MIDI controller with such an action. What this action does is give a traditional piano sound to the controller. Now, this is a hard task as it is difficult to bring such music without the weights and springs of a piano. But, his action somewhat does it quite well. Therefore, you know what to choose if it is the sound of the piano, every bit of it, that you want to keep.
Semi-Weighted Action: This is the action that has more of a spring-loaded release. It is neither wholly electronic nor a proper piano- somewhere in the middle. So, if you are not very strict about getting the sound of a piano and are alright with experimenting with different kinds of music, then this might be the action you are looking for.
Synth Action: This is where the electronic device acts per its nature and provides you a completely electronic sound that you can play with. It is a better choice for people who use various kinds of musical instruments, not just a piano. It lets you use the controller to modify the melody of your device.
The Performance Pads
Just like any other device, MIDI controllers also give you a lot of options and control. You will find that it is not only the keys with which you can create and experiment with music but also other parts. It is up to you what else you want with the keys.
For example, the controllers often include knobs, faders, buttons, etc. These help you to create effects on the music. However, you may have to learn how to use them. Also, they will take up more space.
Make sure you have the need, space, and money to use the other performance pads that the MIDI controllers offer.
Aftertouch or not
If you want to create the high-class vibrato effect with just the press of your fingers on the keys, you can consider the Aftertouch feature. Yes, standard controllers offer you the same thing but in a different way that employs your other hand to create the effect. It is an expensive feature, so you can choose to live without it forever, but if you want more hands to experiment with other parts of the controller, then it is best if you get this feature.
Even when you consider this feature, you get two options- monophonic and polyphonic. Both will work when you press the key. However, the monophonic Aftertouch will give the same value for each key and each press. On the other hand, the polyphonic Aftertouch lets you vary the MIDI value on each note with the pressure you apply.
Now, this is an entirely optional feature, but once you understand how to use it, you will feel weird without it.
Input and Output Options
The most common form of input and output option for MIDI controllers is the USB cable. Apart from that, there are other cables in the scenario that make it easy to connect to different kinds of devices. You may want to join the controller to multiple devices, in which case you will have to look for such USB options.
Likewise, if USB is not the way you want to go, you can look for other more advanced options. Remember that the device you connect the controller must also be able to connect to it the same way.
To know all possible ways of setup a midi keyboard you can check our other article.
Other Features
There is no end to innovation, is there? Likewise, you get to know some different features that different MIDI controllers offer. For example, you may want to connect it to an application on your mobile device. If that is really what you need, then you will find MIDI controllers that do precisely that for you.
Apart from that, you can also look for features that may not contribute a lot to the way you use the controller but may just make it look better. Yes, the looks are important too; being an artist, you probably want to work with something that reminds you of you.
You can also look for LED or LCD screens that just make using and understanding the MIDI controller easier. Even remotes have LCD screens now, so it is not too much to ask from a MIDI controller, is it?
Therefore, look for features that may make things easier and open up more options for you. Also, keep in mind that the more features you choose, the higher the price may be. So, keep checking that you are not buying features that you won’t even use. Do not waste money.
MIDI Keyboards : FAQs
What is a MIDI keyboard controller?
When you first see a MIDI controller, you will think it’s a piano- it looks a lot like a piano with keys like a piano. However, you will burst your bubble the moment you press a key, and no sound comes out. This is the catch. A MIDI controller is just a device that connects your music to another device or musical instrument.
On the other hand, a MIDI keyboard controller will let you both hear a sound and also transmit it to another device.
What they both do is help you control your music. You cannot control and compose music just by playing an instrument. A MIDI keyboard controller lets you transmit your music to the computer or any other device you want to and enables you to edit it, listen to it, and get tunes or sounds that the instrument would not typically make. That is simply put.
Other than piano keys, the MIDI keyboards often feature drum pads, modulation buttons, and much more to make making music as easy as a breeze.
What’s the best MIDI Keyboard for beginners?
As you already know that there are various types of MIDI controllers. Someone may want a classic Piano sound, and someone may want a combination of multiple instruments, whichever it is, there will be a different MIDI controller doing it best for each of the genres. For example, Akai MPK mini MKII is an excellent choice for beginners. The reason is that it is affordable. Also, it is small, so it will be easier for the beginner to learn.
If the beginner needs other features, then other such great MIDI keyboards are also available.
How do I choose a MIDI controller?
Well, this is both an essential and challenging task. Firstly, you have to figure out the kind of music you want to make. Secondly, you need to know how and where you are going to use the MIDI controller. Thirdly, you may have to set a budget. Finally, you have to decide the features you want on your MIDI controller.
Once you are done with all that, you can start looking at the various controllers available that meet all your criteria.
Is a MIDI keyboard worth it?
Yes, it usually is worth it if you are looking for it. However, worth varies from person to person. If the MIDI keyboard you buy is not good enough for the purpose at hand, you won’t feel worth it.
However, if it does match your purpose and make music just the way you thought you would- it will be worth it! Therefore, this here is a subjective matter as well.
Should I buy a MIDI controller or a keyboard?
You can find the answer yourself by knowing what each of them offers. Firstly, you see the difference- a controller will not make a sound when you click on it but directly transmit it to an external device, On the other hand, a keyboard will make sound, and then you can transfer it to an external device if you want to.
This is where the main difference lies. Now, a MIDI controller gives you the option to use effects, synths, and more to manipulate the tone you get out of the keyboard. On the other hand, a MIDI keyboard will let you perform live on stage while making the necessary sounds and transmitting it- it’s more portable.
So, if you mainly have the purpose of editing, then MIDI controllers may serve you better. If you want to perform, then MIDI keyboards will be better.
Final words
It is quite a hard job to choose an electronic device. You are no expert, and each of the parts and features is often quite exhausting to understand. That is why you need to learn in the most natural way possible to recognize.
Apart from that, when it is a musical device that you will use to create more music- you must know what you can do with it. This is why you have to study more and look more. You need to know what you want well, as well.
And, with so many MIDI controllers available, it becomes even harder to choose. That is why you will have to spend some time researching and reading reviews. To see what works best for which purpose. In the end, you will be able to find something that is almost perfect for you!
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