MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere ...
MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere are slowly beginning the migration process of switching to a digital setup. I know people who still abide by analog equipment for mixing and mastering, but still use their MIDI controller frequently for various functions in their studio. We’re huge fans of keyboards and although we still love vintage synths and what not, you just can’t beat the cost-effectiveness and overall usefulness of a keyboard that is custom depending on which virtual instrument you’re using, creating an endless amount of possibilities for sounds and effects. Let’s review the top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today — both for those who want the best of the best or are on a budget and want the most affordable.
How to choose your MIDI keyboard controller
First thing’s first: you need to take a few valuable questions into consideration when you’re choosing your MIDI keyboard controller. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before taking a look at what’s out there:
- What is your budget? This is the most important question to ask. There are numerous choices for any price range, from under $100 to $500 or more.
- How many keys would you like your controller to be? There are numerous options, such as: mini-compact 25, 32, 37, 49 (the most popular), 61, or even 88 (the highest — the equivalent to a real piano).
- What type of key-make would you like? Whether it’s synth-action, semi-weighted, full-weighted or equipped with aftertouch, it all comes down to preference.
- Is portability important to you? If so, you need to keep the overall size into consideration.
- Do you want your controller to have MIDI pads? A lot of keyboards coming out nowadays include drum pads, typically within the 8-16 count range with 3-4 possible banks.
- Are any other functions desired? Such as knobs, faders, buttons, arpeggiators, mod and pitch bend wheels, or various other performance controls.
- Does the software bundle included with the keyboards matter to you? Some come with hefty programs and VST’s while others do not.
- Is there a brand preference? Akai, Alesis, Arturia, Novation and Korg are quite popular, but there are also some lesser known brands who make high-quality MIDI controllers.
Fore more information on this aspect of shopping, we recommend reading Sweetwater’s how to choose your MIDI controller article. Or if you want an alternative to MIDI, read our top 10 best digital pianos or 10 best synthesizers article.
The top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers
Some say MIDI keyboards are one of the most important pieces of music production equipmentwhen building a studio. Below is our list of top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today. Most of these come in different key counts, provide various additional functions as well as include pads and some decent software bundles. Sift through them and see which fits your budget and overall preferences. If you need some sounds to go with your controller, remember to check out our top 10 best VST plug-ins post.
Novation Impulse
This is one of our favorite MIDI keyboard controllers available today. Novation music makes us scratch our heads in confusion with how a controller of this caliber can have such a solid build, include pads and other external functions at almost half the price of it’s competitors. The Impulse is one of the best MIDI keyboards in the market today and we’ve listed it at #1 for a reason: build, key\pad make, etc and budget ratio is almost-perfect. The only downside would be the lack of software bundle, but nowadays a lot of companies are trying to use the inclusion of DAWs and VST’s (ones they make for that matter) to justify an ‘upgrade’ or merely a higher price for the controllers. The Impulse does come with Ableton Live Lite and two pretty good VST’s. It isn’t necessarily as good of a build as Akai but it gets the job done very well. It’s won our best MIDI controller for Logic and a few others as well.
Main features:
- Ultra-responsive semi-weighted keys
- Keys include aftertouch
- Assignable options: 8 knobs, 9 faders, 9 buttons (25-key has less)
- Automap software for easy MIDI control with major DAWs
- USB powered
- Expression and sustain pedal inputs
- MIDI in and out ports
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station synth and Loopmasters sample pack
Akai MPK2
The original MPK series of MIDI keyboards by Akai Professional took the market by storm and quickly became one of the favorites in terms of MIDI music equipment. They’ve come out with a brand new upgrade of their beloved keyboards and they’re very solid in terms of stability and overall assignable functions, not to mention a rather hefty software bundle. Aside from the mini, all key count models come with Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 virtual synth, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, and MPC Essentials software (an almost worthy DAW). Their key make is some of the most solid we’ve felt thus far and the drum pads are RGB backlit and velocity-sensitive — they know what they’re doing. You have a lot of options in terms of key-count and price, ranging from a mini 25-key to a full on 61 key. A bit more expensive than the Novation keyboard but if you’re looking for a better software bundle, an arpeggiator and an overall better build, grab an MPK2.
Update for Summer 2015: They’ve just come out with their new “Advance” MIDI keyboards, so we’re going to see how they stand the test of some time first before we replace it with their MPK2 series. Stand by!
Main features:
- Full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch (all except mini)
- 16 RGB lit, velocity-sensitive drum pads (4 possible banks for a total of 64 combinations)
- High-resolution LCD screen
- 8 assignable faders, buttons and control knobs
- Octave controls
- Pitch bend and mod wheels
- Relatively solid software bundle
M-Audio Keystation
We love this keyboard by M-Audio because of it’s lower retail price for those on a budget. It’s absolutely perfect for those who don’t need pads or other fancy controls — it keeps it simple with only keys, a pitch and mod wheel and a few other functions. Just the essentials at a very affordable price. The key make is solid for the price and is synth-action (a bit more springy than semi and full-weighted, which I like) and comes with a nice orchestra-type of VST in the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble. Not a crazy software bundle here and it doesn’t give you all that pizzazz with knobs and faders, but if you don’t think you’ll have use for those (pretty much only live performers do), this is the one for you. Just an overall solid keyboard and we recommend you grab this if you want to keep it simple and cheap.
Main features:
- Full-size (except the mini), synth-action keys
- Velocity-sensitive keys
- Pitch bend and mod wheels
- Transport controls
- Sustain pedal input
- Comes with SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble
Alesis VI
Alesis has been making their way into the MIDI keyboard game more and more lately, especially with their Q and QX models of controllers. The VI series is all-new and is an upgrade from their original keyboards. You’ve got 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads, semi-weighted full-sized keys with aftertouch. A slight downfall is the lack of a mini version of this keyboard, but the 25-key isn’t too bad with it’s price. It’s also got the standard assignable buttons and knobs but unfortunately no faders. We love this piece of machinery because of the price — almost half of Akai’s cost. However, you get a slightly less better build and a bit lower-quality of a software bundle and no faders. This made it’s ranks in our best 49 key MIDI keyboard article as well. Something to look at for a more budget-friendly alternative. Check out their new V-model as well if you need an even cheaper option (no pads with them, however).
Main features:
- Full-sized, square-front keys
- Semi-weighted with aftertouch
- 16 backlit pads (multi-color RGB)
- Assignable: 12 knobs, 36 buttons
- Mod and pitch bend wheels
- USB-powered
M-Audio Oxygen
M-Audio makes an appearance again with a keyboard that is very budget friendly, but this has pads, some necessary faders, encoders and other assignable functionality. Stated to be one of the best 25 key MIDI keyboards in our opinion previously, the Oxygen’s keys are very nice quality, being full-sized, velocity-sensitive and synth-action. Transport controls work great with any DAW out there and it comes with Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist software. We love the price range of this. Grab it if you don’t care about software and can sacrifice a little build for a cheaper price but still want pads that will get the job done.
Main features:
- Keys: full-size, synth-action and velocity-sensitive
- 8 trigger pads (velocity sensitive as well)
- 8 assignable knobs
- 9 assignable faders
- Transport controls
- Built-in mapping with popular DAWs
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist
Novation Launchkey
The Launchkey is one of our favorites. It’s a step down from our all-time best Impulse previously spoken about, so we recommend going with this if you want to save a hundred dollars or so. The drum pads are a bit smaller than the Akai or Oxygen (which bugged us at first but we ultimately were able to get used to it), but it does have assignable faders and buttons (no knobs), as well as pitch bend and mod wheels. Overall build and stability are great as expected from Novation (not as good as Akai but still solid) and it comes with Novation V-Station and Bass Station VST (PC and Mac), as well as their Novation apps for the iPad, so it’s a huge plus if you use iOS for music (seems to be getting more popular lately). This also won our best MIDI keyboard or controller for Reason award.
Read ours reviews: Launchkey Mini
Main features:
- 16 velocity-sensitive multi-color ‘Launch Pads’ aka trigger pads
- InControl technology for DAW mapping
- Synth-styled keys
- Suite of software included
- 8 assignable faders
- 8 assignable buttons
- 8 assignable knobs
- Transport controls
- Octave up/down controls
- Pitch and mod wheels
Behringer U-Control UMX
We own quite a few pieces of music equipment by Behringer. In our opinion they’re one of the top 5 best brands when it comes to affordable gear. The U-Control UMX is rather unique, featuring a solid build of keys and a few assignable controls. We also included this in our best 61 key MIDI keyboard controller article. It comes with 100 virtual instrument sounds and 50 different VST effects, although some of these are just a bit preset-sounding in our opinion. The keys are relatively nicer, not as good as the Akai or Novation but they still do the trick (you get what you pay for). They’re velocity-sensitive and full-size. It also comes with it’s own audio interface for some external control of the volume and other functions. You just can’t beat the quality and price this one packs. The 61-key is one of the cheapest we’ve seen, albeit lacking pads and faders. This was also mentioned in MusicRadar’s 12 budget MIDI keyboards article.
Main features:
- Full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
- Comes with it’s own USB interface (Mac and PC)
- NI KorePlayer sound module included
- 8 real-time rotary controls
- 10 assignable switches
- 128 tone range octave shift function
- MIDI out and runs via USB (no power adapter)
Korg microKEY
This keyboard by Korg instruments is even more simpler than the M-Audio controller we mentioned earlier in the article. These are very affordable and what’s nifty is their offering of a rare 37-key model, although it isn’t available in the popular 49 count. This MIDI keyboard is exceptional in terms of lightweight and portability. The keys are velocity-sensitive and they feel pretty nice considering the price. It is USB powered so you don’t have to hassle with an adapter and you also get an octave shift and key transpose button, alongside the nifty pitch bend and mod wheels. Super affordable and very simple. Doesn’t come with any price-adjusting software bundle either, besides the free download of their KORG KONTROL Editor. A raw, here’s-what-you-get keyboard by Korg. Grab this if you want a convenient keyboard that doesn’t take up half of your entire desk, or if you travel with your gear a lot.
Main features:
- Velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Perfect for portability
- Natural touch keyboard
- Octave shift\key transpose
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- USB powered
M-Audio Axiom AIR
Here’s one of the more higher end models by M-Audio. This MIDI keyboard has only 12 trigger pads but they’re on the better-quality side. Also includes 8 knobs, 9 faders and 3 banks for all assigned functions. The keys are synth-action and have aftertouch and you’re able to create your own velocity curves if you want to get fancy. Lastly, a huge hit with this keyboard is the inclusion of Pro Tools Express and Ignite by AIR. If you already have your DAW setup going, it isn’t necessarily a must; however, if you want to switch over to Pro Tools and join the industry standard with it, we recommend trying it out. Just a nicer keyboard than most.
Main features:
- Synth-action keys with aftertouch
- 12 trigger pads that are pressure and velocity sensitive
- Roll buttons
- 8 encoders, 9 faders (70mm) (3 banks each)
- Velocity curves for custom style
- Pitch bend and mod wheels
- Comes with Pro Tools Express and Ignite by AIR (275+ instrument sounds)
- HyperControl software for mapping with DAWs
- Mac and PC compatible
Arturia KeyLab
Arturia music instruments is typically known for their synths and other modern day analog sounds, but this gives MIDI keyboards a slightly different spin. It comes with their Analog Lab software that was 5,000 synth sounds taken from a range of their classic synths (Prophet V, SEM V, CS-80V to name a few), so if you’re looking for some awesome synth sounds this MIDI keyboard controller is the way to go. We think this justifies the higher price if it’s what you’re looking for because it’s also a controller with 10 encoders, 9 sliders and 10 switches that are assignable. Not to mention the very nice key make, which are semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive and have aftertouch. Lastly it includes some pads so this thing really has it all, especially the sounds. It’s worth it if you have the dough. It looks cool, too.
Main features:
- Includes Analog Lab software with 5,000 synth sounds
- Preset sorting by type, instrument or characteristic
- Preset editing
- Semi-weighted keys with velocity-sensitive and after touch (except the mini)
- 2 clickable encoders
- 6 transport switches
- Mod and pitch bend wheel
- 16 velocity-sensitive backlit pads
- 10 encoders, 9 sliders, 10 switches (2 banks available)
