MIDI controllers are pieces of hardware that generate Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data and transfer it to devices, allowing you to control the electronic music performance. They became an essential asset to contemporary musicians due to numerous reasons.
MIDI controllers are rapidly replacing household keyboards as players increasingly create tones on their computers or smartphones. Because they're powered by external devices, MIDI controllers are much more affordable. However, buyers must beware cheap knockoff products with flimsy controls and poorly responsive keys. I was in the market for a MIDI controller keyboard myself, so I decided to compile my research and recommendations into this guide.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for MIDI Controllers
- OUR TOP PICK: Novation Launchkey MK2
- M-audio Keystation Mini 32
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Stage Right By Monoprice
Table of Contents
What Makes These The Best of The Year?
Using your standard QWERTY keyboard and mouse makes you insert your notes using the same keys as when you usually type a text. The benefit of a MIDI controller is that they are velocity-sensitive, which means you can play notes quieter or louder, and you can play drum beats and sample loops.
MIDI keyboard controllers are visually similar to piano keys, and they come with various other features, such as buttons, knobs, and sliders. Most of these accessories do not generate any sounds, but they help you transmit MIDI data to external synthesizers, such as computers and other devices.
They are a real asset to contemporary musicians due to their unique portability and versatility, as they allow you to control a variety of modern music software and hardware, all packed into a device that can be easily fit into your laptop bag.
The following list offers you the best MIDI controllers of the market. They suit every need you might have, from easy to travel with to heavy, piano-like bulky controllers.
Price Range
The products below have been specially picked for you, and they offer the best value for your money. Choosing either a cheaper or more expensive model, they all provide excellent value for what you are paying.
User Interface
Although these products range from 25-key to 88-key with significant variance in complexity, all of the products are incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. Of course, this also depends on your experience level. If you are a beginner, you might want to go for a 25-key model in the beginning, while professionals might want to have a look at more complex MIDI controllers.
Software
Some MIDI controllers are compatible with a wide variety of software. It highly depends on which one you prefer. For instance, Ableton sells its own MIDI controller. Therefore, if you are proficient with this software, you might want to choose a MIDI controller that ensures smooth operations and workflow.
Comparison of the Best MIDI Controllers
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Review of the Best MIDI Controllers
Here is our list of top MIDI controllers on the market, according to different needs and specifications.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This keyboard controller is best for musicians looking to diversify their skills and make use of new technologies and software. The key bed is substantial, and it has a smooth operation, with sturdy and responsive pitch and mod wheels. In addition to this, while the controller is designed to work with Ableton Live, it is flexible enough to work with other software as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Novation Launchkey keyboard controller stands out from the crowd due to its portability, versatility, and ease of use, all coming at an attractive price. This version includes 49 keys, along with faders, knobs, and velocity-sensitive RGB to immediately increase your control over the music performance, instruments, and effects. It is used to shape your sounds and create impressive beats quickly, but it also comes in a lightweight case that is made of durable materials for increased product life.
Number of Keys: 49 (25 and 61-key versions also available)
Additional Controls: 16 drum pads, 8 knobs, octave, pitch, modulation, volume, play/record controls, and more
For a little bit more money than the budget models, Novation delivers a super high-quality, reliable, and outright enjoyable keyboard. The Novation Launchkey seems to resolve all the common MIDI controller issues; its buttons are solid and responsive, its build quality is strong, and it works great with Ableton, Logic, and other popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).
In addition to keys, octave, pitch and modulation controls, the Novation Launchkey MK2 features 16 velocity-sensitive drum pads. The pads light up and change color, so you can use them to run a sequencer or drum loop.
What’s the Catch?
Besides the higher price tag, there doesn’t seem to be any major issues with this MIDI controller. A few users have complained that the drivers are difficult to find online. However, Novation has a launchkey download page that seems to include everything you might need to get up and running.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is excellent for any musician looking to familiarize themselves with the astonishing new features offered by software systems and use the full range of digital music production techniques available today. It includes 49 keys, which is the perfect choice for a beginner – numerous enough to allow you versatility and flexibility, but not too many to make your experience too complicated.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Novation Launchkey keyboard controller is the top product on the market due to its numerous features that allow the modern musician to diversify their performance using top-notch digital techniques. At a moderate price range, this product allows even novices to pick up keyboard skills and improve their musical experience, and all packed into a compact, easy to use, and durable device.
Runner-up:
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Despite its tiny build, the M-audio Keystation Mini 32 controls any virtual instruments with no installation required, only plug and play. The range is good, while the size allows you to easily pack it and take it with you wherever you go. Velocity curves are well created, and it has numerous configuration options.
Why it Stands Out to Us
M-audio Keystation Mini 32 now allows you to create music anywhere. This top product introduces you to the digital music production world at an affordable price, with a powerful build specially created to sequence music and play virtual instruments. The lightweight, compact design is highly portable and easy to take with you wherever you go.
Number of Keys: 32
Additional Controls: Volume, octave, pitch/mod/sustain buttons
M-Audio’s Keystation Mini is another solid choice. It’s affordable, high-quality, and includes 7 more keys than the Monoprice, despite its compact 16.5” by 4.2” size.
The Keystation Mini is ideal for players who want to save on desk space, and only need a MIDI controller for basic melodies or drum beats. The keys are velocity sensitive, although their small size can make complex chords difficult to play out.
What’s the Catch?
Besides the small size of the keys, the Keystation Mini is the only device on this list that does not include modulation knobs, or a bend wheel for pitch. Instead, there are buttons to raise/lower the pitch, and another to add/remove a modulation effect. If you only need the keyboard to lay out basic melodies, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you are looking to manipulate effects live, the Novation Launchkey MK2 is a much better option.
When entering the term "MIDI controller" in their browser, most people expect to see piano-type keyboards. However, there are other types of MIDI devices that can trigger sounds or tools in your digital audio workstation (DAW):
Some MIDI controllers even combine these tools on single unit. The Novation Launchkey, for example, includes 16 grid/drum pads and basic DAW controls (play/stop/record) in addition to its 49 piano keys – another reason why it is simply the best MIDI controller for the price.
Who Will Use This Most
This easy-to-use product is perfect for the traveler musician due to it being extra compact and lightweight (only 1lb and 45cm), allowing you to fit it in any laptop bag. It contains 32-note keys, enough to offer you the subtlety and nuance you desire, all with high-velocity sensitivity.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product packs a wide variety of features into a tiny design, allowing you to customize your music performance. This high-quality product comes with all the necessary features to allow you to create cutting-edge content.
Best for the Money:
Stage Right By Monoprice
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product offers excellent value compared to its low price range. It has pitch bend and modulation wheels, octave adjusting buttons, and scene/track selection buttons, allowing you to customize the music performance highly. Overall, this device is perfect for composing melodies and controlling your software instruments.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is our best budget option due to the high quality and extensive features it offers for a below-average price. It allows you to adjust the octave range up or down and easily change the pitch; it also comes with 2 jacks that allow you to connect expression and sustain pedals for greater flexibility. It has increased velocity sensitivity, and it can be used with your favorite music creation software in no time.
Number of Keys: 25 (49-key version available)
Additional Controls: 4 rotary knobs, pitch, modulation, volume, octave controls, foot pedal input
In true Monoprice spirit, the Stage Right MIDI controller is a solid keyboard at a fraction of the typical price. The keys are smooth, semi-weighted, and just under 1” wide. For big-handed players especially, it’s a charm to use. There’s ample controls to custom program, including 4 rotary knobs, pitch and modulation controls, a volume slider, and more.
What’s the Catch?
The build quality is a little cheaper than you’d find from Novation or Alesis. The outer shell is plastic, which feels a little too fragile for heavy road-use. Also, many users note that certain controls do not work automatically in their DAW. During my own test, the keys, octave, and volume controls worked perfectly in Logic Pro 9 without installing any drivers, although the pitch bend and modulation knobs did not. Switching to Absynth, the pitch bend and modulation slider worked, but the volume was disconnected.
Ultimately, I decided to purchase this MIDI controller since I mainly needed keys, and Monoprice makes them very well. They’re large, heavy, and smooth with a good springback. Also, while it’s a bit unpredictable exactly which controls will work in your DAW, these can always be set up manually.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is the best for beginners who are just getting started with digital music performances. It is easy to use; all you need to do is plug it in and play. It works with any software and has a large variety of features, without making the device too complicated.
Bottom Line
Overall, Stage Right By Monoprice is the best MIDI controller when it comes to budget options. If you are strapped for cash, do check out this product as you will be pleasantly surprised by its numerous features and compact design. It is a powerful controller that packs in all of our favorite characteristics, including durability, quality, and functionality.
Best 25 Key MIDI Controller:
M-Audio Oxygen 25 MK IV Keyboard MIDI Controller
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This mini MIDI keyboard delivers excellent performance. The pads are velocity-sensitive and extremely responsible, while the positioning of the session control buttons perfectly matches the center of the keyboard, which makes it convenient and easy to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The M-Audio Oxygen 25 MK IV USB Pad/Keyboard MIDI Controller is the best 25-key controller on the market due to its premium synth-action response, with an adaptable, precise, and clean performance. The keys are pressure and velocity-sensitive for the best experience possible, along with assurance to replicate all the subtle nuances of your performance.
Who Will Use This Most
Musicians looking for tiny-sized mini MIDI controllers would appreciate this product. It can easily replace the functionality and complexity of more significant controllers, without compromising on the quality and durability of the product. It works flawlessly, it is easy to use (even for beginners), and the keys have a proper tactile feel.
Bottom Line
Overall, this device is the ideal ultra-portable production and performance control solution, which also includes a premium software suite. It is highly versatile and flexible, with only 25-keys, but which allows you to personalize your music performance highly. It is ideal for any intricate melodic lines, basslines, or chords, in an ultra-portable design.
Best 49 Key MIDI Controller:
Alesis VI49
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This fantastic MIDI controller benefits from keys that feel great, bright backlights, and solid mod and pitch wheels. This product allows you to easily manipulate the DAW and plugins through this controller, making the workflow so efficient. The product is high-quality, especially for people preferring semi-weighted keys. The control layout is excellent, and the controller is straightforward to use after you get used to its functions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Alesis VI49 is a slightly more complex, 49-key MIDI controller that allows you to control your music software with many pads, knobs, and buttons for the best musical performance. It is expandable to the full melodic range, and it can play melodies, basslines, and chords with impressive complexity.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is slightly more complicated than other keyboard controllers on this list. However, it can easily be approached by ambitious novices who are willing to dedicate a few hours of learning how to use it. The various features allow professionals to create intricate and great music performances without compromising on product quality and ease of use.
Bottom Line
Overall, Alesis VI49 is the best 49-key MIDI controller on the market. It is an excellent addition for any musician looking to tap into the digital music world, enjoying a sturdy design with an extensive array of buttons and features that add complexity to your music.
Best 61 Key MIDI Controller:
Nektar Impact GX61 Controller Keyboard
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product functions perfectly according to its description. The interface is extremely user-friendly, and all the keys are just right. It works great with any software, and all the features are incredibly robust. The weight of the keys is perfect, along with velocity sensitivity that is ready out of the box, although you can also adjust it to suit your needs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Impact GX49 MIDI controller is a dynamic, expressive instrument, perfectly tailored to all your needs and wants. This 61-note and 5-octave controller also includes two multi-colored octave buttons with an LED interface to allow you to check the exact status. You can change the semitones up to +/- 12 and -3/+4 octaves.
Who Will Use This Most
The complexity of this 61-key device is perfect for both professional and studio use. You can change the keyboard range up to +/-12 semitones, which allows you to customize the composition and performance with your music software. It is a pleasure to use and user-friendly. That said, bear in mind that it might be one of the most complex MIDI controllers on this list.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Impact GX61 MIDI controller is your winning ticket into the world of Nektar controllers with dedicated buttons for shifting semitones and octaves. Highly flexible and versatile, this product is perfect for experienced musicians looking for a device that brings them closer to musical perfection.
Best 88 Key MIDI Controller:
Kawai VPC1 Virtual Piano Controller
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This keyboard is almost a perfect replica of a real piano, so it allows you to capture the feel and physical nuances of a piano, which is equally expressive. It has integrated different settings for main sound libraries, which allows you to tweak the settings and customize your experience. It is extremely quiet, allowing you to practice at any time, without disturbing anyone.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Kawai VPC1 MIDI controller serves more purposes than just any MIDI controller. With a sturdy and bulky design, this comes at a higher price range, but it allows you to trigger piano sounds, and it is indeed a unique product compared to other alternatives.
Who Will Use This Most
This device is ideal for professional artists who use large sound libraries on hardware modules, software instruments of external keyboards. It allows you to fully control and personalize your experience through a wide variety of keys and abilities.
Bottom Line
The Kawai VPC1 Virtual Piano Controller is the best, most complex 88-key MIDI controller, which replicates the complexity and expressiveness of pianos. It is the perfect addition for professional artists who want to improve their musical experience. The heavy, sturdy build is created for studios or completely silent at-home practicing.
Best MIDI Controller for FL Studio:
Akai Professional MPK MINI Play
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
AKAI Professional MPK MINI Play is easy to use, does not need drivers, and has a high-quality build. You can attach headphones and play it away from the computer. The functions all work as expected. It does not have looping capabilities, but it serves its purpose.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is the best MIDI controller for FL studio. Reasonably priced, this product offers you the possibility of playing virtually anywhere, with extra-portable 25 integrated keys, OLED display and pitch, and mod joystick controller. There are eight backlit MPC-style pads in two banks, which have play repeat and full level functions.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for FL studio, and it comes in an ultra-portable size. The musician on the go can use the Akai Professional MPK MINI Play to tweak and customize their performance using the 16 MPC-style pads and eight knobs for note repeat, full level functions, tweaking internal sounds or software parameters, and much more.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product is the best option for FL Studio. It offers a wide range of functions at an affordable price, and it is ideal for traveling musicians due to its portable, highly comfortable size. It includes the Pro Software Suite, which allows you to use a wide range of software, such as ProTools First, Akai Pro MPC, and others.
Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X:
Nektar Panorama P6 61-key MIDI Controller Keyboard
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have found the build quality of this product to be excellent, with a well-constructed unit being offered. It is heavy and sturdy, with a durable plastic case. The interface and controls are extremely clear and bright, it is easy to use, and it is flawless. It includes an excellent mod wheel and all controls have a silky rubberized coating, which provides a fantastic range of motion and response.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Nektar Panorama P6 is the best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X. It includes 12 pads that are sensitive to pressure and velocity, along with 16 encoders, 9 faders, and 10 assignable LED buttons for easy use. Additionally, it has 20 preset locations that store all settings, such as links to keyboard, pad, and F-keys maps.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is best for musicians who use Logic PRO X, although this 61-key MIDI controller works great with other software too. If you are looking for a sophisticated, yet simple to use MIDI controller that works with designated software, this is your product.
Bottom Line
Overall, Nektar Panorama P6 is our top choice of MIDI controllers for Logic Pro X, although it also has spectacular and deep integration with other software, such as Bigwig Studio, Mainstage, Reaper, and Cubase, among others. It enhances your performance and creativity skills with its dynamic, balanced, and sensitive features.
Best MIDI Controller for Ableton:
Ableton Push 2 Controller Instrument
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Great and easy to use, the Ableton Push 2 is perfectly designed with a smooth use with Ableton Live. It is user-friendly and makes workflow much smoother compared to other products. The design is also attractive and lightweight.
Why It Stands Out To Us
This product is our choice for its compatibility with Ableton. It has a sizable multicolor display for increased convenience and comfort, plus 8 sensitive encoders that allow you to easily control the mixer, instruments, and devices, along with live browser navigation.
Who Would Use This Most?
This MIDI controller is best for Ableton users. It allows improvisation and mapping between rotary controllers and Ableton instruments, a process that is effortless and user-friendly. It is enjoyable and efficient, and considering it is designed by Ableton, it is the best choice if you prefer this software.
Bottom Line
Overall, Ableton Push 2 is the best choice on the market for Ableton users. It is intuitive, and it works smoothly with this software. It comes with great packaging that ensures flawless delivery, and the build is sturdy and long-lasting.
Perks of Getting a New MIDI Controller
The advantages of new MIDI controllers are quite varied, such as simplifying the recording process, enhancing the quality of your performance, and replicating a variety of instruments.
Recording Process
If you want to ease the recording process, a new MIDI controller might be the answer. Some of the products are affordable and easy to play, or you might choose a more complex model. In any case, they are the answer nowadays.
Enhancing Performance Quality
After you use it to record your performance, you can save it so you can listen to it at another time. Therefore, MIDI controllers allow you to listen and correct your songs. They also allow you to edit your performance.
Versatility
Apart from recording, MIDI controllers allow you to use any instrument you would like. You can use the numerous built-in features so that you can replicate electric guitars, violins, trumpets, basses, pianos, and others.
Conclusion
Overall, this article introduced you to some of the MIDI controllers on the market, why they are useful, and why you should select one of the controllers on our list. Apart from making your life easier when it comes to recording and editing, they also allow you to diversify your skills, choose any instrument you like, and enhance your performance.
People Also Ask
Here is a short FAQ section with more information for beginners:
Do You Need a MIDI Controller?
The MIDI controller introduces you to contemporary music composing and recording. If you are a serious artist, you might find that MIDI controllers are necessary and save you a lot of time recording, editing, and improving your performance.
What Does a MIDI Controller Do?
The MIDI controllers available today can be extremely complicated. However, some of the primary functions include recording and editing, choosing any type of instrument. It does not produce any music per se, but it helps you control music software on your MAC/laptop.
MIDI Controller Buyer Guides
In the market for a MIDI controller? Luckily, we've compiled all of our buyer guides for you. Feel free to review each guide and find the one that fits exactly what you're looking for. Be sure to check back soon as we'll be updating this page frequently.
