Buying a MIDI keyboard is the way to go if you want to make high-quality beats on a budget. They are user-friendly and portable gadgets, so you can comfortably carry them around and make music when the mood sets in.
Some key factors you should consider when searching for a MIDI keyboard are the number of keys, physical size, key resistance, and whether it includes a software bundle. Extra features include faders, illuminating pads, and knobs.
Here are the best MIDI keyboards available today.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent pick for budding producers and musicians. An outstanding feature of this model is the four-way joystick that makes it easy for you to control modulation and pitch. This gives you total control of the music production process because you can as well adjust the modes, range, and resolution with the built-in arpeggiator.
The model has eight knobs that turn at a 360-degree angle, allowing you to tweak music parameters the way you like. This feature allows you to add plugins or adjust the synth controls to make great music.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3's OLED display offers immediate feedback once you touch any control. It allows you to see the parameter readouts when tweaking the arpeggiator and note repeat features. This helps keep track of every beat and increases concentration during the beat-making process.
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Four-way joystick
- Eight drum pads
- Over 1,500 sounds
- Brand: Akai Professional
- Keys: 25
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: Yes
- Dimensions: 7.08 x 12.48 x 1.92 inches
- Weight: 1.98lbs
- Compact design
- User-friendly
- Easy setup
- Multi-compatibility
- Miniature keys may not be suitable for everyone
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is a feature-packed MIDI keyboard that makes creating new melodies and rhythms effortless. The mutate function is one of its standout features, making it more functional than the previous model. With it, you’ll have a flexible way to re-arrange patterns, which comes in handy when you’re short of inspiration.
This MIDI keyboard packs full-sized keys, something that’s not common in a backpacked-sized unit. Besides being easy to get around, they eliminate the chances of making frequent bum notes during live performances. You’ll also love the arpeggiator, which plays recorded notes sequentially to help you achieve different sonic goals.
There’s a notable improvement in the build quality since the buttons and knobs are stable, so you don’t have to keep up with annoying wiggle movements. The keyboard is also compact and lightweight, only weighing one pound to ease movement if you prefer mixing and recording music outdoors.
- DAW Integration
- Eight rotatory controls
- 16 super-sensitive pads
- Fixed chord mode
- Brand: Novation
- Keys: 25
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: No
- Dimensions: 1.61 x 6.77 x 12.99 inches
- Weight: 1lb
- Portable
- Compatible with most DAWs
- Useful software bundle
- Attractive design
- Plastic body
Ease-of-use and functionality make the Midiplus AKM320 one of the best MIDI keyboards for beginners. It houses handy features in a simple interface, including 32 velocity-sensitive keys that allow you to create loud and soft sounds when entering bass lines or chords.
The modulation wheel allows you to add expressions to your samples, making them sound more natural rather than fatiguing to the ears. You can also raise or lower notes using the transpose function without affecting incoming MIDI note messages.
This keyboard is 18 inches long, so it takes less space in your cramped studio room. Better yet, it weighs 1.59 pounds, so you can easily carry it around for editing, remixing, and recording when traveling. There’s also a USB port that eases connection while eliminating the need to use an external power adapter that takes extra space.
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- Octave up/down buttons
- Plug-and-play design
- Simple interface design
- Brand: Midiplus
- Keys: 32
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: No
- Dimensions: 18.11 x 4.92 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 1.59lbs
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
- Velocity sensitive
- Great for beginners
- The build quality could be better
4. Nektar SE25
If you’re looking for a reliable MIDI keyboard, the Nektar SE25 is one of the best budget-friendly MIDI keyboards you can buy today. The ‘part two’ button is a unique feature that lets you play in unconventional ways. For instance, by pressing the ‘2’, this keyboard temporarily shifts octaves, giving you an easy time adding harmony layers.
The velocity-sensitive mini keys have a firm feel, so they respond quickly to different inputs. Additionally, they have three velocity curves that adjust the response to fit your different playing styles.
This keyboard also comes with a Bitwig 8-Track DAW, which gives you access to 50 software instruments and special effects to help you get started in computer-based music production. This saves you from spending more money buying a separate software bundle. The micro-USB port eases connection even for beginners since you don’t need to work with drivers and extra pedals.
- Bitwig 8-Track DAW
- Three velocity-sensitive levels
- Plug and play connectivity
- Brand: Nektar
- Keys: 25
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: No
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 5.71 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 1lb
- Easy to use controls
- Responsive keys
- Portable
- No pads
5. Alesis V25
The Alesis V25 offers many exciting features, making it a dependable pick. It has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, which allow you to play both soft and loud notes, depending on the force and speed you apply. The eight MPC-style drum pads aren’t too stiff, delivering instant response when launching clips, making the music production process seamless.
Included are two premium software bundles, Xpand 2 and Ableton Live Lite 9 (downloads), which give you access to essential recording tools. You’ll enjoy testing a vast range of acoustic instruments, making music creation more engaging.
Weighing 3.85 pounds, this MIDI keyboard fits well in a backpack for easy transportation. As such, you won’t have a problem carrying it around when moving to different locations for live performances. Plus, connecting this keyboard to your computer is quick with the included USB cord, so you’ll start making or playing music in minutes.
- Square-front keys
- 270-degree knobs
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- Octave up/down buttons
- Brand: Alesis
- Keys: 25
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: No
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches
- Weight: 3.85lbs
- Easy setup
- Portable
- Illuminated knobs and buttons
- Easy to customize
- No LED screen
If you want an ergonomic MIDI keyboard with many keys, consider the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3. You get access to 32 velocity-sensitive keys, which isn’t easy to find in most budget-level MIDI keyboards. They produce a loud sound when pressed harder and generate a soft sound after applying minimal pressure, helping you play both classic and modern music.
The tiny modulation button enables you to change various elements of a synthesized sound, adding a sense of movement, so you can produce and mix professional tracks. With the octave up/down buttons, you can expand your keyboard’s range to help you enhance whatever track you’re creating.
Integrating the keyboard to most primary digital audio workstations (DAW) is easy as it’s USB-powered, saving you installation time. In addition to its plug-and-play design, you’ll appreciate the included MPC Beats software suite, which has 80 effects plugins that give you more control over your sound and beats.
- Includes MPC beats software
- Plug and play connection
- Supports USB-MIDI connectivity
- Premium software suite included
- Supports iOS connectivity
- Brand: M-Audio
- Keys: 32
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: No
- Dimensions: 16.44 x 0.72 x 4.2 inches
- Weight: 1lb
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Customizable keys
- Portable
- Doesn’t include arpeggiator
7. Vangoa Tuna Mini
One of the standout features of the Vangoa Tuna Mini is its compact design. It weighs 2.61 pounds and measures 11.71 x 9.74 x 1.87 inches, making it of the best MIDI keyboards for recording and mixing when on the move. In addition, its sleek design makes it a convenient choice for a tiny workstation since it fits nicely alongside a standard keyboard and computer.
This MIDI keyboard has eight anti-slip knobs and eight assignable sliders that provide you with a more authentic feeling compared to using a mouse. They increase your hands-on control, so you’ll have an easy time tweaking the amp envelope, resonance, and more.
The 25 mini keys, which use a velocity mechanism, respond precisely to the touch, making it easy to add different sounds. You’ll also love the white panel and wood-like sides that make this keyboard elegant enough for most occasions and studios.
- Eight force-sensing drum pads
- USB-powered
- RGB backlit pads
- Pitch and modulation touch bar
- Brand: Vangoa
- Keys: 25
- Touch screen: No
- Assignable Switches: Yes
- Speakers: Not provided
- Dimensions: 11.71 x 9.74 x 1.87 inches
- Weight: 2.61lbs
- Elegant looking
- Easy to carry
- Plug-and-play design
- Keys and controls respond precisely
- Plastic body
FAQ
Q: How Do I Fix a Malfunctional MIDI Keyboard?
Sometimes MIDI keyboards play the wrong notes, and one quick fix is ensuring your ‘note on’ capabilities are working. You can also clean the keys, micro-switches, and sensors to solve key detection issues.
If your MIDI keyboard isn’t USB class-compliant, you’ll need to update or reinstall the drivers to restore connectivity.
It’s pretty common for keys in your MIDI keyboard to stop working or fail to produce the correct sound when clicked. If the keyboard’s entire circuit or other components aren’t damaged, you can solve such issues through the software bundle.
Q: Why Should I Buy a MIDI Keyboard?
Investing in a MIDI keyboard is essential as it adds a human feel to the music you’re creating. MIDI keyboards give a more human expression when playing chords, melodies, basslines, unlike using a computer keyboard to write things out.
In addition, a MIDI keyboard helps you learn how to play the piano, like where the notes lie or how to play certain melodies and chords. They also add some inspiration with their portable design since you can make music anytime you’re on the move. Simply put, the best MIDI keyboards make the process of creating music more efficient and exciting.
Q: How Do I Choose the Best MIDI Keyboard?
The best MIDI keyboards come in different sizes to fit 25, 37, 49, 61, or 88 keys. Keyboards with fewer keys are best for people with compact desk spaces or those who travel frequently. On the other hand, large ones are suitable for anyone planning to advance their piano techniques. If you want to trigger samples and drums or operate virtual controls, buy a keyboard with knobs, faders, and pads.
Compatibility is another critical factor to consider. A MIDI keyboard with extra ports and a Bluetooth connection is ideal for anyone with many MIDI-compatible devices. Other key things to consider are app compatibility, playability, MIDI response, MIDI Out port, and the software included.