9 Best MIDI Keyboards to Produce the Most Awesome Music

The keys on the board are big enough that any person with prior piano experience will be able to play them with ease. What you get is a natural response from each key you press. While this is somewhat due to the size of the keys in question, the reaction can also be attributed to velocity sensitivity as well as the aftertouch feature. For those unaware of what aftertouch is, it means the sound produced when the player holds down the key as they are playing. The initial sound is produced when the key is hit, but if contact is sustained and a sound is created because of it, you can refer to that as aftertouch.

As mentioned in the name, this is a tool you can take with you on stage for a performance, but only if you know how to use it effectively. Any professional who has experience with MIDI controller keyboards should consider this a worthy purchase. As far as overarching controls the user is accorded, they can change pitch bend, modulation, and octaves so that they have more control over the final output.

You may also have to plug this device in with a computer. To use most computers with MIDI controllers, you would need musical software as well. As a side note, such software may come at a cost. With the purchase of this device, you don’t have to worry about that at all since you get Ableton Live Lite, MPC Essentials, Hybrid 3 & SONiVOX Twist as well.

Also, the device comes with MPC functionality as well, with 16 keys for the same conveniently located for easy reach. As to the other button layout, there are faders, controllers, and knobs, and they are all assignable, meaning they can have different functions depending on the session. The 5-pin MIDI input and output situated at the back is so that you can connect your device to other MIDI interfaces as well.

Why are we impressed?

• Comprehensive key layout
• Comes with a software package included
• Full-size piano keys with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Learning how to use this tool as a beginner may be a bit difficult
• Some users have complained that the USB cable in the package is shorter than most

The only other things that come in the box containing this tool are the USB cable and a manual. Other than that, you get 62 full-size sensitive keys on the body of the device. These keys can be used together with the sustain-pedal interface to hold notes and sounds for longer. Some of the devices below contain wheels for pitch bend and modulation modification. The Midiplus Origin 62 is no different.

The power supply is USB oriented, so you might need a computer near you if you intend to use the device. Transport controls are as well incorporated. Also above the key layout, you see assignable sliders, programmable knobs, and the four trigger knobs in the setup.

What makes it stand out?

• Full-size keys
• You can customize what some of the buttons and knobs do
• Easy to use for beginners as well

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• The velocity of the keys on this device has been a disappointment to some people

The basic specs and features of this device make it worth the price you pay for it. As a first, this is one of the best 49 key MIDI keyboards you can find in the market. What makes this true is first the build quality. All the materials used to make the tool are robust and long-lasting enough to withstand use. This is inclusive of the body, keys, and the buttons included.

If powering the device with a USB is what you want to do, then you can do so using the dedicated slot. Where you don’t want to connect the invention with your computer, you can comfortably switch to the optional DC power inlet. Some of the software that comes free as a result of purchasing this device are Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab, and lastly, UVI Grand Piano Model D. These allow you access to all the sounds you would need to get started and even a complete production studio.

Additionally, the MIDI keyboard is seemingly divided into various sections where controls are concerned. You can see knobs and faders on the top right-hand side of the tool while the backlit performance pads are on the top left.

Why is it special?

• Compatible with multiple software systems
• 49-key layout
• Durable construction
• Free software with purchase

What are the flaws?

• Setting up the software may take a bit of time

If you are looking for a portable MIDI keyboard, you cannot go wrong with the Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3]. The dimensions allow you to pop it into your laptop bag right next to your PC as you head to the studio. Also, the device is seemingly weightless and features a USB power supply. You will also note the inclusion of RGB pads on the device interface. These are as well velocity-sensitive to give the user more control over the music they create.

Another benefit of ownership with regards to the musical tool is the arpeggiator. The manufacturer makes sure that this feature is easy to use and control as the user might feel the need to change rhythm, pattern, and octaves in quick succession. Also, you might appreciate the mod and pitch touch strips.

The most compatible piece of software you can own alongside this device is Ableton Live, and the two integrate seamlessly.

What are its best features?

• Comprehensive button and key layout
• The device is highly compatible with Ableton Live Lite
• Relatively inexpensive
• Highly portable

What could be improved?

• Keys are not a standard size
• Equipment is not compatible with a lot of other music producing software

As far as the number of keys is concerned, this device has a similar amount to that or mini keyboards. While this will not offer the same feel associated with a piano, you can rest assured that the keys available are full size and that they work almost in the same way. They are both velocity-sensitive and feature semi-weighted action. As such, they both incorporate a spring as well as light weights to ensure they get back into position.

Also, you will note that there are assignable knobs and buttons in the device construction as well. If you do not want to keep looking at your laptop screen to get feedback while using the invention, you are in luck as well. The LED display, illuminated knobs, and buttons may provide some of the information you are likely to look for on your computer. However, just in case you need your MAC or PC, the device offers plug and play functionality with both of these options. This is in addition to the Ableton Live and Xpand!2 software packages you get for free.

What makes it special?

• Free software
• Simple and map-able key and button layout
• Backlighting and LED screen giving some crucial information to the user

What cons did we find?

• Seemingly some of the keys may be squeaky when you receive the device
• While the device works great with Ableton Live, it may not be as good with other software of the same caliber

Before you get this device, you may need to look at the specs required to run adjacent software on your computer. An example is given where you need a core i5 CPU or higher. Once you have checked to verify that you have all you need from your computer, you can then gauge the semi-weighted MIDI keyboard for compatibility with your needs.

Among the positive attributes are the touch-sensitive control knobs. You will, therefore, not have to struggle much with making changes and tweaks by rotating a knob here and there. An OLED screen, while small, is enough for you to look into and get information about a particular setting that you are trying to adjust.

On the far left side of the invention, some wheels are incorporated to help you adjust the pitch and modulation at a moment’s notice.

Why are we impressed?

• Useful OLED display included
• Full integration with a few of the software packages in the market
• Sturdy body

What negatives must you be aware of?

• There is no on/off button or switch hence you have to unplug USB to turn it off

This is perhaps one of the best MIDI controllers for beginners. With the 88 keys incorporated, it allows for users to experience what a piano would feel like. This is because it also includes velocity sensitivity. The device is USB powered and also features a USB MIDI connection to attach it with other compatible devices.

As a bonus associated with making this purchase, you are given a 3-month free subscription to Skoove. The platform allows you to learn piano at your own pace with interactive piano lessons. These may be helpful for both beginners and veterans who want to advance their piano playing knowledge. On the surface of the device, there are octave controls as well as buttons that allow you to tweak pitch bend, volume, and modulation.

If you want to integrate this with your computer, you as well get software as value addition to the package. However, you can opt to purchase the Apple iPad camera connection kit, and that will allow you to use the device with your iPad.

What makes it special?

• Comprehensive keyboard layout
• Comes with software for integration with PC or MAC
• Comes with a beginner training course
• Velocity-sensitive keys

What cons did we find?

• The device is bulky and may be a hassle to move around as it does not feature handles
• The keys may get worn out over time

There aren’t many MIDI controller keyboards that use batteries. However, the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play seems to be an exception to the rule. As such, if you run out of power, you can pop in three new AA batteries and continue with your session. This is not to mean that the device slacks when it comes to performance.

Another thing unique about this device is that it includes a small speaker in the design. Consequently, after you map your keys, you can play music and use the tool without needing to attach it to a computer or any other device. As such, you can be taking your bus ride home and still be making music. To add to that point, there is included in the design of the musical tool a headphone jack as well.

Nonetheless, you may feel the need to use this device with a personal computer, and this is where the USB port comes in handy. As well the device ships with a high-speed USB extension cable that turns one USB port into four. Consequently, you can attach more devices to the Akai Professional MPK Mini Play. As with the other tool by the same manufacturer, the USB MIDI keyboard features velocity-sensitive keys. However, the ones on this device use springs to return the keys to their original position after being pressed.

What are our favorite features?

• Portable
• Built-in speaker and headphone jack
• You get free music making software
• Battery power supply

What could be better?

• There is the constant cost of buying batteries associated with the device

Many MIDI controller keyboards are only compatible with Mac and PC. However, this tool adds an exciting dynamic by letting you connect and use the controller alongside an iPad. The manufacturer goes as far as incorporating an iPad slot as well, so your tablet can remain upright as you use it. When you receive the tool, you will note the presence of some dedicated buttons. These include octave, pitch bend, transpose, and more. Apart from these buttons, the design of the tool is minimalist. Consequently, the only other prominent feature is the keyboard layout that includes 61 semi-weighted keys in total. Also, if you use the sustain pedal, you can hold notes for longer when you press the sustain key.

What stands out?

• Presence of a sustain pedal
• The musical device can be used in conjunction with an iPad with an integrated slot for the tablet included

What cons did we manage to find?

• The velocity of the keys seems to be a bone of contention for many of the previous users