Your choice of a MIDI keyboard can significantly impact your studio setup, serving as a crucial connection point. To make the right decision, we’re here to guide you, recognizing that keyboard preferences vary widely. Some favor the weighty feel of piano keys, while others prefer the rapid response of synth-action keybeds. Some simply want a straightforward tool for creating tunes. Rest assured, we have options to cater to all these preferences.
But it’s not just about the keyboard itself. Many controllers come equipped with an array of knobs, sliders, pads, and widgets, offering you extensive control over your studio equipment and parameters. Through the magic of MIDI, you can mix, edit synths, apply effects, and browse sounds. Certain controllers excel in these capabilities, with some even offering a comprehensive suite of controls to oversee your entire digital audio workstation (DAW).
For beginners, selecting the right MIDI controller keyboard is an excellent starting point. These often come bundled with software and virtual instruments to get you started, ensuring you’ll be creating music and tweaking tones in no time. Below, we present our top picks among budget-friendly MIDI keyboards:
Number of keys: 25
Weighted: No
Pros: Portability, versatile control options
Cons: Slim keys, limited key range
The Arturia MiniLab 3 MIDI keyboard is a compact yet powerful instrument that packs an impressive range of features into its portable.
design. With 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, it offers enough range to play melodies and chords while maintaining a small footprint.
Although the keys are not weighted, they provide a great playing experience, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals alike.
Additional controls on the MiniLab 3 include eight multi-function encoders and four multi-function faders, granting you hands-on control over your DAW, instruments, and effects.
The pitch bend and modulation touch strips offer precise control over pitch and modulation, while the octave buttons allow you to quickly switch between different octaves. The Hold and Chord mode, along with the built-in arpeggiator, provide creative options for crafting unique sounds and sequences.
One notable feature of the MiniLab 3 is its multi-colour velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, which can be used for creating expressive drum patterns or triggering samples. The mini display and browser control make it easy to navigate through presets and settings without having to reach for your computer.
In terms of connectivity, the MiniLab 3 comes with a USB-C port for connecting to your computer as well as a control input for additional expression pedals or footswitches. The MIDI Out allows you to connect the keyboard to external MIDI gear, expanding the possibilities for live performance and studio work.
Number of keys: 25
Weighted: No
Pros: Seamless integration with Ableton Live, comprehensive features in a compact design
Cons: Mini keys, limited compatibility with other DAWs
The Novation LaunchKey Mini is a compact and portable 25-mini-key MIDI keyboard controller designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live. This lightweight controller fits easily in a bag, making it perfect for on-the-go music production.
Although the keys on the Launchkey Mini are not weighted, they feature a new mini-key mechanism that delivers an enjoyable playing experience. The controller is equipped with various additional controls, including eight rotary knobs, 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, and two touch strips for pitch bend and modulation.
These features provide hands-on control over your DAW, instruments, and effects, allowing you to focus more on your music and less on your computer screen.
Notable features of the Launchkey Mini include a powerful arpeggiator with customisable rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate, and more. The Fixed Chord mode allows you to play chords with just one finger, as it assigns a fixed chord shape to the keys that transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
Furthermore, the 16 RGB pads offer precise, dynamic, and nuanced drumming capabilities.
Looking to connectivity, the Launchkey Mini comes with a MIDI Out, enabling you to connect the controller to external hardware synths or groove boxes directly over MIDI. There’s also a sustain input for adding expression to your playing.
The Launchkey Mini includes Ableton Live Lite and a host of sounds, instruments, and effects from renowned companies such as AAS, Softube, Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio, and Klevgrand.
With its deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic, Reason, and any HUI-compatible DAW, it offers a versatile and intuitive MIDI keyboard solution.
Number of keys: 88
Weighted: Yes
Pros: High-quality keybed, deep integration with NI VSTs
Cons: Large and weighty, premium price
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 is an advanced MIDI keyboard controller that offers a perfect blend of professional features and intuitive control for music production and performance. This high-quality keyboard features 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action Fatar keys with aftertouch, providing a true piano feel for enhanced expressiveness.
One of the key highlights of the S88 MK2 is its deep integration with virtual instruments and effects, allowing for seamless control over your entire workflow. The controller comes equipped with eight touch-sensitive knobs, pitch and mod wheels, as well as a touch strip for expanded creative possibilities.
Ergonomically designed pitch and mod wheels ensure precise control, while the touch strip offers a responsive alternative to traditional expression pedals.
The S88 MK2 stands out for its two high-resolution colour screens and Light Guide, which provide at-a-glance visual feedback on sounds, projects, key zones, switches, scales, and more. This intuitive layout makes it easy to browse and preview sounds, tweak controls, and mix and edit your projects directly from the hardware.
Connectivity options on the Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 include USB for easy integration with your computer, MIDI in/out for connecting external MIDI gear, and two assignable pedal inputs for additional expression control.
Number of keys: 88
Weighted: Yes
Pros: Authentic piano-playing experience, integration with virtual piano packages
Cons: Limited controls and features, heavy and not easily portable
The Kawai VPC1 is a professional MIDI keyboard controller specifically designed with authenticity in mind, offering an unparalleled playing experience.
Developed by Kawai, a company with 85 years of expertise in crafting world-class acoustic and digital pianos, the VPC1 boasts an impressive set of features that cater to discerning musicians seeking the ultimate virtual piano experience.
The VPC1 features 88 full-size keys, providing a complete range of notes for versatile playing. The keys are crafted from long wooden pieces and feature finely textured ivory-like surfaces, ensuring a comfortable and authentic playing experience.
The keyboard utilises Kawai’s latest ‘RM3 Grand II’ wooden-key action, which is fully weighted and replicates the touch and feel of a concert grand piano.
While the VPC1 is focused on delivering a pure piano-playing experience and so it doesn’t include additional controls such as knobs, faders, pitch bend, or mod wheels. It does, however, come with a triple-pedal accessory (F-30) that replicates the damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals found on a grand piano.
Notable features of the VPC1 include its ‘Approved Touch Curve’ program, wherein Kawai have partnered with leading virtual piano developers to create custom touch curves optimised for the ‘RM3 Grand II’ keyboard action. This ensures seamless integration with popular virtual piano packages like Ivory, Pianoteq, Galaxy, and Alicia’s Keys.
Connectivity options on the VPC1 include USB for easy integration with your computer and standard MIDI IN/OUT connectors for controlling external MIDI devices.
The VPC1 draws power directly from your computer via the USB connection, eliminating the need for additional power cables. With its focus on delivering an authentic piano-playing experience, the Kawai VPC1 is a top choice for virtual pianists and software musicians alike.
Number of keys: 61
Weighted: No
Pros: Seamless DAW integration, versatile control options
Cons: Non-weighted keys, relatively large.
Nektar’s Impact LX61+ USB MIDI controller keyboard is an intelligent and versatile instrument designed to enhance your music production experience.
With 61 velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, it provides a medium-tension playing experience suitable for various styles. The keys are not weighted but offer four velocity curves that gradually increase in dynamics, catering to different playing preferences. If you don’t require velocity sensitivity, there are three fixed velocity levels available for consistent output.
In terms of additional controls, the Impact LX61+ boasts nine 30mm faders, nine MIDI buttons, and eight encoders, all of which are fully programmable to send any MIDI CC message. This provides hands-on control over hardware or software MIDI products.
The controller also features pitch bend and modulation wheels, allowing for expressive articulation during performances.
Notable features of the Impact LX61+ include its intelligent and expressive performance control, seamless DAW integration with custom Nektar integration for popular DAWs, and eight velocity-sensitive pads with a “Pad Learn” feature for easy assignment.
The controller also features six dedicated transport buttons for controlling Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play, and Record, as well as mixer control for managing up to eight channels of your DAW’s mixer.
Connectivity options on the Impact LX61+ include a USB port for power and data connection to your computer or iPad (via an optional USB camera connection kit), a footswitch jack for adding expression control (pedal not included), and an On/Off switch.
The Impact LX61+ works with all USB devices that feature a Class-compliant MIDI driver, ensuring compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Apple iPad.
Your choice ultimately depends on your musical style, production workflow, and performance requirements. Be it for composing, arranging, producing, or performing, these MIDI keyboards are your companions in turning your creative visions into tangible, expressive soundscapes. With the right MIDI keyboard at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock your musical potential and embark on a journey of sonic exploration in 2023 and beyond.
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