Top 9 Midi Keyboards For Music Producers Of 2022 is a comprehensive guide to the best midi keyboards on the market.
The 9 Top Midi Keyboard and Price History
![Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QVGtdq+5L._SL500_.jpg "Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live")
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Novation
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We take measures carefully about our ratings gathered from the customers’ reviews, and all opinions are our own. We do not accept sponsors for positive reviews from distributors or sellers.. Learn more
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Akai Professional
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Akai Professional
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We take measures carefully about our ratings gathered from the customers’ reviews, and all opinions are our own. We do not accept sponsors for positive reviews from distributors or sellers.. Learn more
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Alesis
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M-Audio
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Novation
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We take measures carefully about our ratings gathered from the customers’ reviews, and all opinions are our own. We do not accept sponsors for positive reviews from distributors or sellers.. Learn more
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Alesis
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ARTURIA
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Midiplus
Last update on 2023-02-21 / Prices / Affiliate links / Images, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
As a music producer, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment in your studio is your MIDI keyboard. A MIDI keyboard is a controller that allows you to create and record music using a computer or other electronic device.
There are a lot of different MIDI keyboards on the market, and it can take time to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 9 MIDI keyboards for music producers of 2022!
Top-Selling: Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller
Sugesstion for beginners: AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Top small keyboard: Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
Affordable budget: Alesis Qmini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
1. Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 37 keys
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Connectivity: USB, MIDI out, sustain pedal port
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Compatibility: Mac/PC
Pros
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Effortless Ableton integration
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Compact design
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Excellent price for each version
Cons
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Non-Ableton users may feel left out
The Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller is a great tool for anyone looking to get into music production. The velocity-sensitive keyboard and 16 velocity-sensitive pads make it easy to create an expressive and dynamic performance.
Additionally, the three-chord modes (fixed, scale, and user) make it easy to lay down chords and transpose them as you move up and down the keyboard. The arpeggiator is also a great feature, allowing you to change rhyme, beat, pattern, octave, gate, and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melodies.
2. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 25 keys
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Connectivity: USB
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Compatibility: Laptop/PC
Pros
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Lightweight and portable
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Pro-upgraded software
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No power adapter required
Cons
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Small dimensions
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent choice for an affordable and versatile MIDI controller. It’s USB powered and has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, making it easy to use with your computer or laptop. The 8 backlit drum pads are great for seeing what you’re doing, and the 4-way thumbstick provides pitch and modulation control.
The MPK Mini MK3 also has a built-in arpeggiator to create excellent-sounding percussion tracks. Plus, it comes with a 2GB sound library, so you can start making music immediately.
3. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 25 keys
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Connectivity: USB (MIDI and power), Sustain input
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Compatibility: Laptop/PC
Pros
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Full-size sustain pedal input jack
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4-way thumbstick
Cons
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Big keys
Akai’s MPK Mini is an excellent choice for a MIDI keyboard, especially with the release of the MPK Mini Mk3. The Mk3 has 25 minor keys, eight velocity-sensitive pads for triggering and finger-drumming, and eight infinite rotary encoders for controlling instrument and effect settings. A peculiar joystick in the upper left allows you to experiment with modulation and pitch, with an arpeggiator toggle directly beneath it.
The MPK Mini Mk3 features a tiny OLED display that displays real-time parameter values as you modify them. You can map the MPK Mini to any DAW of your choosing, but it’s worth looking at the included software with this device. The new MPC Beats program, AIR’s Hybrid soft synth, Mini Grand, Velvet, and a selection of MPC extension packs, is available immediately.
4. Alesis Qmini – Portable 32-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 32 keys
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Connectivity: USB
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Compatibility: Laptop/PC
Pros
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Great for all levels
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Well-placed buttons
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Super lightweight
Cons
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Small keys to be accurate
The Alesis Qmini is a great portable MIDI keyboard for the musician on the go. It is USB powered, so it is easy to take with you, and it has 32 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys, making it easy to produce music anywhere. The octave/transpose buttons give you access to the full piano range, and the pitch bend and modulation buttons make it easy to control any DAW or synth parameters.
The assignable volume knob allows you to have tactile control of the volume, and the keyboard includes a professional software suite. The keyboard is also compatible with iOS devices, making it easy to use with apps like Garageband.
5. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 49 keys
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Connectivity: USB (MIDI and power), Sustain input
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Compatibility: Mac/PC
Pros
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Rich, expressive feel
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Semi-weighted keys
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Cheap price
Cons
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Fragile material
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a great USB MIDI keyboard controller for both Mac and PC. It has 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys that capture every nuance of your performance. The transport and directional buttons are easy to use and the pitch and modulation wheels are ergonomically designed for expressive performances. The included software suite is top-notch and the compact design is perfect for any studio or stage setup. Highly recommend!
6. Novation Impulse USB Midi Controller Keyboard
Specs
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Keyboard: 25/49/61 keys
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Connectivity: USB (MIDI and power), Sustain input
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Compatibility: Mac/PC
Pros
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Built-in arpeggiator
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Convenient knobs
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Accurate pulse-sensitive keys
Cons
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Heavy and bulky
The Novation Impulse 25 USB Midi Controller Keyboard is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, responsive keyboard with an aftertouch. The keyboard also comes with a full DAW/plug-in control surface, making it easy to control your music software.
The included Automap 4 control software makes it easy to access your DAW and plug-ins, and the multi-function drum pads make it easy to create beats and launch clips in Ableton Live. The keyboard also comes with a 3-year warranty, making it a great investment.
7. Alesis VI49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 25/49/61 keys
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Connectivity: USB (MIDI and power), Sustain input
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Compatibility: Mac/PC
Pros
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Reasonable price
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Expressive, creative control
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Lively keyboard action
Cons
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Expect more controls
The Alesis VI49 is a great USB MIDI keyboard controller that offers a variety of features for both beginner and experienced producers alike. The 49-key layout is perfect for those who want a larger keyboard to play with, and the 16 trigger pads are great for those who want to produce beats.
The 36 assignable buttons and 12 assignable knobs give you a ton of control over your music software, and the LED screen and illuminated buttons and knobs provide seamless visual feedback. The production software included (MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and Xpand! 2 by AIR Music Tech) is also a great bonus.
8. Arturia MINILAB MKII Universal MIDI Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 25 keys
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Connectivity: USB
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Compatibility: PC
Pros
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Sturdy construction
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Space saving
Cons
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Annoying key sound
Arturia MiniLab MkII is a high-quality, feature-packed MIDI controller that gives you hands-on access to the sounds in your virtual studio. With its great-feeling keybed, rugged construction, and slim profile, the MiniLab MkII is perfect for mobile musicians who want a controller that can take a beating and still deliver great performance night after night.
The Analog Lab Lite software included with the MiniLab MkII gives you access to hundreds of legendary synth, piano, organ, and string machine sounds. The Ableton Live Lite software lets you record, arrange, and cultivate your musical ideas into a finished product.
9. Midiplus X3 mini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specs
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Keyboard: 37/49/61 keys
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Connectivity: USB
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Compatibility: PC
Pros
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Heavy anodized aluminum body
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Beautiful finish key
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No additional software required
Cons
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Short key length
The Midiplus X3 mini USB MIDI keyboard Controller is a great budget keyboard with a few simple but effective features. The build quality is fantastic for the price, and the keys have great action. The only downside is that there are pitch and modulation strips instead of wheels, but overall the X3 is a great keyboard for the price.
When choosing a MIDI keyboard, consider the following factors:
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The number of keys. Some MIDI controllers have as few as two octaves, while others have full-size keys with aftertouch, modulation, and automation functions. Keep in mind that MIDI keyboards with fewer octaves may be less playable.
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The effects. Common MIDI controller effects include aftertouch, pitch bend, modulation, and extra percussion pads. Keep these effects in mind if they will be helpful while creating a track.
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DAW compatibility. Most MIDI keyboards are compatible with any major music production software; however, certain keyboards offer capabilities that only function with specific DAWs. For example, the Novation Launchkey MIDI controllers are developed exclusively for Ableton Live.
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Size. Some controllers are the size of a laptop, while others might be four to five feet long. Make sure your studio workstation can accommodate whichever keyboard you choose.
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Interface type. USB is the most common, but some controllers have a standard audio interface or even a built-in sound card.
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Power. Some MIDI controllers are powered by batteries, while others are powered by USB or require a conventional AC outlet. A USB or battery-powered keyboard will be your best bet if you want to travel.
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Connection. MIDI controllers may be connected in various ways, but most connect to your computer via USB. Many controllers still allow you to connect a five-pin MIDI connection to your keyboard, although most keyboards now use USB.
What are the three different forms of MIDI?
MIDI Out, MIDI In, and MIDI Thru are the three different forms of MIDI. MIDI Out sends data from the device, MIDI In receives data, and MIDI Thru passes data from one device to another.
What is the distinction between a MIDI keyboard and a regular keyboard?
The main distinction between a keyboard and a MIDI keyboard is that the latter is used to control, send, and receive MIDI data. A regular keyboard cannot do this unless connected to a DAW, software, or computer.
What’s the distinction between a MIDI keyboard and a MIDI controller?
A MIDI keyboard differs from a MIDI controller because the former is meant for playing notes, and the latter is intended for triggering sounds and creating drum loops or rhythms.
Should I get a MIDI keyboard or a piano?
The answer depends on what you want to use it for. You’ll need a digital piano if you’re primarily interested in playing the piano. However, a MIDI controller would be the better choice if you’re interested in composing music or generating beats.
Can you use a MIDI keyboard if you don’t know how to play the piano?
MIDI keyboards can be used even if you need to learn how to play the piano. You don’t need a MIDI controller; many music software programs allow you to enter MIDI notes in a piano roll editor or something similar. This means you can compose a song using a mouse and keyboard.
What is the primary drawback of MIDI?
One of the primary disadvantages of MIDI is that it doesn’t provide realistic playback. This is because MIDI data represents musical instruments rather than sound. As such, playback will only be exact if the MIDI playback instrument is similar to the one used in creation. MIDI is more expensive than digital audio, and editing requires talent and skill.
Do musicians still use MIDI?
MIDI is a famous composition tool for musicians because it allows for the quick and easy creation of notes and playback. However, MIDI is mainly used in professional studios or live performances.
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