Musical Instrument

Best MIDI Keyboard Controller – Must Read before Buying

Best MIDI Keyboard Controller

A MIDI keyboard is a piano-style interface that can send midi signals to other connected devices. The signals are sent over a USB. The midi protocol interface for these devices should be the same. You can play music in your DAW and control every parameter on your MIDI synths and electronic instruments using the MIDI and USB connections. The needs of the MIDI controller users are different so finding the best MIDI keyboard controller is difficult. Some use it to experience the elegance of a full-weight piano keyboard, while others require the speed and lightness of a synth keyboard.

MIDI Keyboard usually have 25, 49, 61, or 88 keys. Piano players usually go for 88 Keys. But most producers usually use 49 keys, or smaller keyboards, because portability is a major concern.

In this list, We have chosen the variety of Midi Keyboard Models that could be useful in many situations, where you can find your best Midi keyboard controller. All have unique qualities and with different sizes to fit the space you are working.

Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers are:

  • Arturia KeyStep Pro
  • M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25
  • Akai MPK Mini
  • Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol A49
  • Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
  • Nektar SE49
  • Arturia Minilab MKII
  • M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKV USB MIDI Controller
  • Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol A25
  • Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard
  1. Arturia KeyStep Pro

KeyStep Pro removes the barrier between you and the music you want to create. It allows you to create real-time sequences, songs, and whole setlists giving you immediate control over every part of your performance. Whether you are using a laptop or a DAW, you may create your own sound at every level, from punching in individual drum tracks to adjusting the key of every instrument at once, whether you are using a laptop or a DAW.

Arturia KeyStep pro Features:
  • 3-octave keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
  • 4 independent polyphonic sequencer tracks
  • 24-part integrated drum sequencer
  • Unparalleled MIDI, CV, and USB connectivity
  • Crisp OLED display and LED-illuminated controls
  1. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25

Oxygen pro 25 is a powerful 25-key USB-powered MIDI keyboard controller that makes it even easier to compose the music you desire. The new Oxygen Pro controllers open up new worlds of expression and creativity, making it easier than ever to bring your production ideas to life. These controllers are the perfect studio and live performance tools, letting you to focus on producing music rather than configuring your software, thanks to user and artist feedback. The M-Audio Oxygen Pro line is ideally versatile for any workflow, whether you want to compose music on the move or in the studio.

M- Audio Oxygen Pro 25 Features:
  • It has assignable knobs and buttons which virtual instruments, mix plugins, DAW controls and more.
  • It includes MIDI editor software and a complete software production package
  • Smart Scale mode removes incorrect notes, making it easy to create a perfect song
  1. Akai MPK Mini

This is where you begin your journey into the world of professional production. MPK Mini MK3 is the world’s best selling mini keyboard controller. Every need of the modern producer can be found here. Its compact size makes it an excellent travel companion, its arsenal pads and assignable controls let you take control of every part of your production.

MPK Mini is a complete bundle that includes all of the tools you need to create song for beginners. Every song has to begin somewhere, so get rid of any stumbling obstacles by starting your next smash with MPK Mini.

Akai MPK Mini Features:
  • 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control
  • USB-powered, no power adapter required
  • Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere
  • Full-size sustain pedal input jack
  • It is USB powered, so no adapter required
  1. Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol A49

When making music is rapid, joyful, and physical, it is at its best. Find the ideal sound, personalize it, execute it, and record it on a responsive, semi-weighted keyboard. A-Series comes with everything you need to bring your ideas to life. Finding the correct sound might be difficult with hundreds of presets to pick from, but in Komplete Kontrol A9, all of your KOMPLETE and NKS presets are organized, so finding the perfect one is quick and straight forward.

Komplete Kontrol A49 Features:
  • Hundreds of KOMPLETE and NKS plug-ins include intuitive pre-mapped controls with complete VST support
  • With 25, 49, or 61 semi weighted keys, it performs on a custom NI keybed.
  1. Arturia KeyLab Essential 49

Music is the heart of this controller. Keylab Essential 49 has been designed to provide you with the greatest possible experience when creating and performing. Everything you touch turns to gold, from the responsive keyboard to the smartly allocated knobs and faders. Keylab essential helps you to focus on the task. Spend less time at the computer and more time creating, performing and playing.

Arturia Keylab essential 49 Features:
  • Select sounds, browse presets, switch parts, smart-assigned controls.
  • Functions as a universal MIDI controller
  • Includes UVI Grand Piano model D
  1. Nektar SE49

It is the best affordable MIDI Keyboard. Nektar was developed with a goal of creating MIDI controllers that were closely integrated with DAW, allowing you to work without looking at your computer. This laser focus is appropriate for specialized DWA audiences, but not for the broader public. Thankfully nectar SE49 is known for producing high-quality keyboards. It is one of the best unweighted keyboards.

Nektar SE49 Features:
  • Affordable price
  • Decent build quality
  • Control you DAW
  1. Arturia Minilab MKII

It’s powerful, hands-on, and incomparable in terms of quality, and it’s designed to speed up your creative process. It saves your time and space. You may have limited amount of space in your home studio. So, you need a lightweight option that can be placed in to a backpack. Minilab MkII is one of the smallest controllers available of its kind. When you add in bus-powered functionality, you can get creative no matter where you are.

Arturia Minilab MKII Features:
  • Slim Keyboard with 25 velocity-sensitive notes.
  • There are 16 rotary encoders in total
  • No drivers are required because it is powered by USB and is USB/MIDI class complaint
  1. M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKV USB MIDI Controller

M-Audio’s largest oxygen controller is MKV 61, now in its fifth iteration. The upgrade includes improved DAW integration, Smart Chord/Scale, and an arpeggiator, all while maintaining a lightweight and durable design. The keyboard has a five-octave range. Non-weighted keys might be plus or a disadvantage depending on your requirement. While they won’t give you an authentic piano sound, they are great for percussive sounds like drums and synth stabs.

M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKV USB MIDI Controller Features:
  • There are 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
  • For auto mapped DAW controls and plugins parameters, use the preset and DAW buttons
  • The display provides immediate feedback on the parameters.
  • A complete software production packages is included, as well as MIDI editor software.
  1. Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol A25

The Komplete Kontrol A25 is a step up from the M32 on the last year’s list. It’s small in size, but it features 25 full- sized synthesizer keys, as well as improved modulation and pitch wheels. If you want to extend your creativity any further, there are 49 and 61 keyed variants available. Along with the fantastic keyboard action, you get eight dedicated MIDI control knobs and full NKS control software support.

Native Instrument Komplete Kontrol A25 Features:
  • Hundreds of KOMPLETE and NKS plug-ins include intuitive pre-mapped controls with complete VST support
  • With 25, 49, or 61 semi weighted keys, it performs on a custom NI keybed.
  1. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard

Novation’s Launchkey Mini 3 is optimized for optimized for Ableton Live, but it may also be mapped to other DAWs. 16 RGB velocity- sensitive pads, eight assignable knobs, and 25 velocity- sensitive micro keys are included. The Arp and Fixed chords modes are also a boon, allowing you to do a little more experimenting than you might expect with only 25 keys. These modes allow you to play numerous notes at the same time, either as a user-defined chord structure or as an infinite sequence.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard Features:
  • Deep and intuitive Ableton Live Control
  • Creative arpeggiator
  • Fixed chord mode

Choosing the best MIDI keyboard controller for your needs is an important tool of success. The first step towards becoming a better producer is to pick the proper one. It’s been said by many producers that switching from a screen in your DAW to physical knobs changes your creative process. MIDI controllers expand your DAW’s and VST’s capabilities. You can suddenly build a groovier beat, mix more effortlessly, and modify with greater precision. Sound Town Electronics is the perfect place if you are looking for the best MIDI Keyboard controller.

 

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