MIDI keyboards and controllers are important tools for making music today. They have many features that make the process easier and more creative. Picking the right MIDI controller can have a big effect on your process, no matter how experienced you are as an artist or how new you are to the game. This list of the best MIDI keyboards and controls for 2024 takes into account a range of needs and price ranges.
- Akai MPK Mini Mk3
Price: About $119
Keys: 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys; Pads: 8 lighted MPC pads; Knobs: 8 assignable control knobs; Connectivity: USB MIDI for keyboard and pads;
Why It’s Great:
The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is small and easy to carry, which makes it perfect for small workshops and mobile sets. Its MPC pads are great for making beats, and the assignable knobs let you control your DAW with your hands.
Number 2: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
Price: About $149
Features: – 49 velocity-sensitive keys – 8 RGB backlit pads – 9 assignable control knobs – USB MIDI and 5-pin DIN connectivity
Why It’s Great:
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is the right size and has the right features. It comes with a lot of software and works well with Arturia’s Analog Lab software, which lets you make a lot of different sounds.
Third, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2
Price: About $1,299
Some of the features are: 88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys; 8 touch-sensitive pads; 8 assignable control buttons; USB MIDI and 5-pin DIN connectivity; and
Why It’s Great:
This is a high-end instrument made for professional musicians: the Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2. It works great with Native Instruments software and has fully weighted keys, making it a great choice for business studios.
- Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
Price: About $199
Features: • 37 velocity-sensitive keys • 16 RGB backlit pads • 8 assignable control knobs • USB MIDI connectivity
Why It’s Great:
There are a lot of pads and buttons on the Launchkey 37 Mk3, even though it is small. It is a popular choice among Ableton Live users because it works well with Ableton Live.
- The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61
Price: About $299
Features: Keys 61 velocity-sensitive keys Pads 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads Knobs 8 assignable control knobs Connectivity USB MIDI, 5-pin DIN
Why It’s Great:
The Oxygen Pro 61 has a lot of keys and settings, so it can be used for many different types of music performance. It’s very flexible because it can connect to MIDI devices and work with well-known digital audio workstations (DAWs).
6. Roland A-88MKII
Price: Around $999
Some of the features are: 88 weighted PHA-4 keys; 8 velocity-sensitive pads; 9 assignable control buttons; USB MIDI, 5-pin DIN, and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity; and
Why It’s Great:
The Roland A-88MKII feels high-end thanks to its weighted keys and smart connection choices. It’s great for keyboardists and musicians who need a good controller that responds quickly.
- The Korg microKEY2 37
Price: About $99
Keys: 37 velocity-sensitive tiny keys; No pads or knobs; USB MIDI connectivity; None of the above are features.
Why It’s Great:
The microKEY2 37 is a great choice for artists who are always on the go. Even though it’s small, it has a good range of keys and simple features that make making music quick and easy.
Number 8: Nektar Impact LX88+
Price: About $269
Some of the features are: 88 velocity-sensitive keys; 8 backlit pads; 9 assignable control buttons; USB MIDI and 5-pin DIN connectivity;
Why It’s Great:
At a fair price, the Nektar Impact LX88+ has a full-sized key range and a good number of settings. It works well with many different DAWs, which makes it a good choice for home workshops.
9. This is Livid Instruments Base II
Price: About $399
There are no keys on this product. It has 8 RGB LED pads, 8 assignable control buttons, and USB MIDI connectivity.
Why It’s Great:
The Base II is a unique device that can be used for many things. Instead of keys, it has pads and buttons. It’s great for computer artists and people who make beats who want a different kind of control surface.
- MIDI Solutions Quattro
Price: About $299
There are no keys, pads, knobs, or other features on this item. It connects to 4 MIDI input/output ports.
Why It’s Great:
The Quattro is not a piano; it’s a MIDI interface that lets you connect to more devices. It works great for adding more than one MIDI device to your setup.
Final Thoughts
The best MIDI keyboard or device for you will rely on your needs, such as how portable it is, how many keys it has, and how well it works with software. The above choices cover a wide range of tastes and price ranges, so you should be able to find a keyboard that makes making music more fun. With Armus Digital’s tools for release and advertising, you can focus on making and improving your music while still reaching people all over the world.