10 Incredible MIDI Keyboards for Logic Pro X — Producing Music Has Never Been So Convenient!

The second version of this compact keyboard is already a true flawless for Akai Professional, we can ask ourselves what the brand could bring more to this classic? Akai took up the challenge, integrating into this third MPK Mini an OLED screen, endless rotary encoders, and a brand-new Gen 2 keyboard offering an ever more powerful response.

This new version of the MPK Mini incorporates the ingredients that made the success of the first versions: a robust, compact, and very decorative chassis. There’s a 25-key Midi keyboard reworked on this third version to offer an even more natural touch, a dynamic response, and velocity-sensitive MPC-type backlit pads.

The MPK Mini MkIII is aimed at both experienced musicians and producers already equipped with music production software. Beginner producers can also use it, thanks to the vast software pack included, opening the door to the world of computer music. Comes with the all-new MPC Beats production software developed by Akai.

It also integrates the simulations of Hybrid 3.0, Velvet, Tubesynth, Mini Grand, or Electric virtual instruments developed by AIR Music Tech, as well as the MPK Editor which will allow you to edit the assignments of the MPK Mini MkIII.  The simple, unified installer takes care of installing the entire software suite in one click, so you can focus on your music.

What are our favorite features?

• It's a controller brought up to date
• The versatility of the master keyboard
• Robust, compact, and very decorative

What could be better?

• Not designed for beginners

Against the metal and wood of the originals, to lower the price, Arturia reissues its initial Keylabs in plastic. Despite some downgrades, they maintain a high number of editable controls, LCD screen, and a selection of software with Analog Lab 2, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model D.

In versions of 49 and 61 keys, with a large price cut, this version is brought closer to a greater audience, although in a segment in which there is abundant competition.

It maintains the two wheels, octave and transposes control buttons and a high number of controls. These include 9 faders and 9 rotary encoders, although, in pads, this is reduced to eight but backlit and with multi-color possibility.

In order not to deviate completely from the ‘retro’ look that has characterized their keyboards, it includes some sides with a wood flavor.

Within the included software, Analog Lab 2 delivers 5000 sounds through the software products included in Arturia’s own V Collection that recreate classic synthesizer and keyboard models by digital simulation. Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano Model D complete the trio of software products included with the purchase of these drivers.

What makes it special?

• Less expensive
• Chord play' function triggers chords with a finger
• Class-compliant USB MIDI interface
• Software included

What cons did we find?

• No aftertouch and the breath-controller input

The Akai Professional MPK249 is built to be an all-in-one controller that works well with Logic Pro X for composing music in your home studio as well as live performances. It has an abundance of features that let experts create the music they want, plus is easy to learn for beginners who are composing for the first time.

This MIDI controller has 49 full-size semi-weighted keys built into a high-quality piano-style keybed. This gives you the natural feel of a piano in a much more compact size.

These keys are velocity-sensitive, so they respond accordingly to the pressure you put on them as you play. They also include aftertouch, which gives you a much more dynamic performance. Octave Up and Down controls also expand your melodic range, so you can play harmonies, baselines, and so much more.

Other features include the eight assignable faders, knobs, and switches, the 16 MPC-style pads that come with RGB feedback, and some onboard transport buttons that expand the faders, knobs, and switches to a full 24 each, plus the four pad banks that increase the pad number to 64, all with a variety of lighting options to keep everything a bit more organized.

Though it doesn’t include a traditional power cord, this MIDI controller from Akai Professional comes with a USB cable to attach to your computer, which then powers the keyboard as you play.

What are our favorite features?

• Strong build
• Touch-sensitive pads
• Preset for Logic Pro X
• Completely customizable

What could be better?

• Pricey

There are a few features that make the Novation Impulse 49 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard a great option for those who love to play their own music. It uses Automap 4 Control Software, which integrates almost seamlessly with Logic Pro X, as well as Pro Tool, Ableton, and many more.

This software allows you to instantly map all of those controls, including the knobs, buttons, and faders, so you can use them all to their full potential to create the exact sounds you want every time you sit at your music studio.

The keys are full-size piano-style so that you can move seamlessly from your piano to your controller. They are also semi-weighted, with assignable aftertouch to increase performance and enhance your musical expression.

There are eight high-quality drum pads, which are all velocity-sensitive and include the aftertouch feature. These pads are backlit in three colors of LEDs and have some unique functions, such as rolling beats or warping arpeggios.

Other features include the eight knobs, nine faders, and a few buttons, plus a custom LCD screen. This control panel gives you the ability to adjust and control every aspect with very little effort.

There is no power cord needed, as the Impulse uses the USB to give it power. There are also MIDI in and out ports, plus expression and sustain pedal inputs, just in case you need them.

Why are we impressed?

• Good response on keys and pads
• Solid build
• Multiple controls
• Keyboard aftertouch

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Faders a bit gritty

Though it has an extremely simple design, the Alesis V49 is still one of the best affordable MIDI keyboards for Logic Pro X there is. It has 49 full-size keys with square fronts and adjustable sensitivity, so you can set the curves to match your style. There are buttons that raise or lower the octave as well, expanding the keyboard’s range so you can play whatever you like.

On the side are eight pads, which are pressure- and velocity-sensitive. These backlit pads allow you to add some beats to your music or launch some clips. The four buttons and four knobs are all assignable, allowing you to adjust the volume, activate the effects, change the parameters, or anything else you need. There are also pitch and modulation wheels, so you can create the exact sound you’re looking for.

For hooking up this keyboard controller, there is a USB and USB-MIDI connection to link up to your Mac or a PC, as well as a ¼-inch TS footswitch input.

Though it works great with Logic Pro X, the Alesis V49 MIDI controller comes with some other awesome software for creating your music as well. This includes the Ableton Live Lite 9, which is a fluid audio/MIDI area that lets you record, mix, and edit as needed. The Xpand!2 software is an advanced virtual instrument that provides you with some premium sounds to add in for a more unique sound.

What makes it special?

• Simple design
• Full-sized keys
• Durable body
• Inexpensive

What cons did we find?

• Pads need some velocity curve adjustment
• Tricky software installation

There are a few reasons the Akai Professional MPK MINI MK2 MKII is one of the best mini MIDI keyboard for Logic Pro X models around. It is lightweight and easy to use, even for those who are new to making their own music. This model also has an attractive price tag, so you don’t need to empty your bank account to try it out.

The compact design of this keyboard controller also makes it an excellent option for those who take their music on the road. It has a number of useful controls that allow you to compose your music, record it, and then perform it for an audience using all of its great features and software.

One of these features is the four-way thumbstick, which gives you more control over modulation and dynamic pitch. The onboard arpeggiator allows you to adjust the resolution, range, and modes quickly and easily for more intricate musical sounds.

This MIDI controller has 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys that use dedicated octave up or down buttons to give it a more extensive range of melodies. There are eight Q-Link knobs, which can be assigned as needed to be used for mixing or fine-tuning the plug-ins.

Also included are eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, with two banks to expand them to a full 16 for even greater capabilities. The four memory banks even let you store your presets for quick setup.

Why are we impressed?

• Decent price
• Light and portable
• Plug-and-play functionality
• Handy thumbstick

What negatives must you be aware of?

• Fragile plastic construction

The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI controller keyboard is sleek and stylish, so it will make a great addition to any home recording studio. Not only can you use it with Logic Pro X, but it is also compatible with Cubase, Control Bigwig Studio, Reason, and many more.

This keyboard controller has 61 weighted velocity-sensitive keys. This makes the down weight similar to what you’d experience with an acoustic piano, but without the finger exhaustion, so you can play for much longer. There are five velocity curves as well, giving you a wider dynamic range. The keyboard features pitch bend and modulation assignable wheels, octave shift buttons, and five keyboard maps that can store all of your settings.

There is also a wide range of controls on this model. The motorized 100mm ALPS fader is touch-sensitive and gives you pro-console mixer channel control that moves the fader whenever you switch tracks or alter the volume.

The 12 pads are velocity- and pressure-sensitive, with seven velocity curves to choose from. There are also 16 encoders, nine 45mm faders, and ten LED buttons that are all assignable. This controller even has the ability to store up to 20 presets, so you don’t have to reset everything every time you sit down and start to play.

For the connections, the Nextar includes a USB port, a USB Micro B connector, a foot switch ¼-inch jack input, and an expression pedal ¼-inch jack input.

What makes it special?

• Sleek design
• Deep integration software
• Well-constructed
• High-quality materials

What cons did we find?

• Expensive
• Pads feel rather tight

The low price isn’t the only reason the Korg NANOKEY2BK is the best cheap MIDI keyboard controller for Logic Pro X. It has an advanced design that keeps it slim and compact, perfect for those with limited space or who like to take their music on the road with them.

The low-profile keyboard has 25 keys, all of which are wide enough for even larger fingers, with enough space between each one that you never press the wrong one while you’re playing. These keys all have decent touch and velocity response, so their performance is as expressive as you are.

Though there aren’t a ton of knobs and faders, there are a few additions that can enhance your creativity. First, is the Octave Up and Down buttons, which can shift the pitch over four levels, adding to your musical range without using extra keys.

There are also Pitch Bend Up and Down buttons and a Modulation button. The Sustain button is a must for adding some regular or electric piano parts to your creations.

You don’t have to worry about a bunch of bulky cords with the NANOKEY2BK, either. It uses only a single USB cable to attach it to your computer, which links it to your Logic Pro X or other software and powers the controller at the same time. This MIDI keyboard controller comes in both black and white.

What do we love it for?

• Very low price
• Unique design
• Compact size
• Easy setup

What were we disappointed with?

• No backlighting
• Plastic build
• Loud keys

The M-Audio Code 61 Black is the largest one in the Code series, featuring a brand new keybed that gives you clean and precise action with a natural profile. The keys are all pressure- and velocity-sensitive, giving you the type of expressive playability you’re looking for.

On the side of the keyboard are 16 RGB velocity-sensitive drum pads. These are all assignable and backlit, with customizable colors, so you know what function each one has been assigned with only a glance.

The color-coding isn’t just for the pads, though. All the faders, buttons, and knobs also have customizable color options, so you always know what mode you’re in while you’re playing. For even more control and less confusion, there is even an alphanumeric LED display, which gives you an on-screen display so you can see every parameter and setting at all times.

A new feature for the M-Audio keyboard controllers is the X/Y Touchpad. This addition gives you even more direct interaction with all of the instrument plugins and effects on the X/Y axis.

You can even split the keyboard into four different zones, assigning them as you see fit. This adds to the flexibility and the range of functions the MIDI controller has to offer. You can use four different instruments, each with its own zone, or you can overlap them to play two instruments at once.

What stands out?

• Customizable colors
• Great keybed
• X/Y Touchpad
• Assignable keyboard zones

What cons did we manage to find?

• Keys aren’t labeled on black version

Despite its simple design, the IK Multimedia iRig Keys is still a versatile MIDI controller that works for all skill levels. It is easy to set up and use, so beginners love it, but it also has a wide range of functions that experts need to create great music. This keyboard controller is also lightweight and portable for those who like to play on the road.

The iRig Keys includes some great software, like the SampleTank SE for Mac and PC, which can be used as a standalone or as a plug-in for Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase, and much more. You can even use this model with your iOS or Android devices, with all the cables needed for this included.

This MIDI keyboard controller has 25 keys, with three octaves, giving you a wide melodic range for playing two-handed parts. The keys are full-size, though some find them a bit thinner than standard piano keys.

There isn’t a lot of buttons and dials to deal with, either. There are five buttons in total, including the Octave Up and Down, the Program Up and Down, and the Set button, which lets you save up to four setups at once. There is also a Volume/Data knob, which is assignable and customizable as you see fit. A modulation wheel, pitch wheel, and an input for an optional expression or sustain pedal are also included.

Why did it make our list?

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy setup
• Plug and play

What is not ideal about it?

• Plastic build
• Keys a bit thin