If you want to take the next step in your career as a music producer, the right step is to get a MIDI keyboard.
Whether you produce music from your computer or laptop, a good MIDI keyboard will provide you with the tools that will open up a horizon of creative possibilities to compose true musical gems.
In this article we have selected what we consider to be the best MIDI keyboards for total beginners as well as for more advanced users, while maintaining a good price-performance ratio and prominent design.
It should be noted in advance that these keyboards are used to manipulate software that we already have installed on the computer, that is, they are used to control the sound plugins we use in our production programs.
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Best MIDI keyboards in 2021
AKAI MPK Mini MK3
The AKAI MPK Mini MKII is undoubtedly one of the best MIDI keyboards to start and get familiar with these controllers.
It’s quite a machine for its reduced price and yet it has everything; keyboard, all kinds of controller buttons, pads, joystick, it’s small and perfect to take anywhere.
Features:
25 keys
8 faders
8 square pad buttons for percussive sounds
Arpeggio buttons
Connects via USB
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
A MIDI keyboard controller with 32 sensitive keys.
This is one of the cheapest keyboards on this list, ideal if you are a beginner and want to take your first steps or if you are on a very low budget.
Features:
- 32 keys
- 4 play, pause, volume up and volume down buttons
- Selectable speed curve
- Avid Sibelius First software included
- Connects via USB
Alesis V49
Professional and affordable 49-key MIDI keyboard.
If we are looking for a simple and inexpensive keyboard, with hardly any buttons, this Alesis model is the perfect one.
Features:
- 49 full-sized velocity sensitive keys
- 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production
- 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons interface
- Two scroll wheels to control pitch and mod
- MIDI-USB connection
- Premium Software Included (ProTools, First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite, plus Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand 2 virtual instrument)
Undoubtedly it is an option to take into account, especially for producers who are starting out and are looking for something simple but quality.
Nektar Impacto GX61
61-key MIDI keyboard, USB connection and much more.
Another simple MIDI keyboard but this time with 61 keys.
I recommend it for those who already have some fluency playing the piano and therefore know how to take advantage of such amount of keys.
Features:
- 61 velocity sensitive keys
- 2 roulettes to manage pitch and key (modulation in general)
- 14 buttons that can be assigned via MIDI to different controllers in our DAW.
The price is undoubtedly a great attraction, and it is certainly worth it for the quality of its materials and the possibilities it offers.
M-Audio Oxygen 61
The best keyboard of the M-Audio brand, in my point of view.
We move on to a higher range of controllers, with a greater number of keys.
This M-Audio model has triumphed, especially in the United States, and more specifically in the world of hip hop.
Its ideal for those who are starting to produce in a professional way.
Features:
- 61 keys
- 9 equalizer-type faders
- 8 circular knobs
- 8 square pad knobs for percussive sounds
- Mini LCD screen to display parameter information
- Two jog wheels for pitch and mod control
- Octave change buttons
- USB connection
M-Audio Code 49
Professional keyboard with lots of options and features.
Let’s start with the real bosses, with the pickles, for the most demanding producers who are looking for a keyboard at the height.
This M-Audio model belongs to that group, and it shows in the quality of its materials and the sensitivity of its keys.
Features:
- 49 keys
- 8 encoders with 9 faders
- LCD display with all kinds of information about the selected parameters
- Assignable XY pad
- 16 square pads to control percussive sounds and sample triggering
- Two jog wheels for pitch and mod control
- Octave change buttons
- USB connection
Almost every need you have in terms of production, control assignment and the like is 100% covered with this model.
Alesis VI61
Surely one of the most complete keyboards on the market.
It has everything, it is made with very good materials and the sensitivity of its keys is simply wonderful.
This Alesis model mixes simplicity with professionalism, perfect for experts who are not looking to mess with a lot of buttons and always go to the point.
Features:
- 61 semi-weighted keys
- 16 circular knobs
- LCD display with all kinds of information on the selected parameters
- 48 assignable buttons
- 16 square pads to control percussive sounds, with illumination. They respond perfectly to velocity and pressure
- Two jog wheels to control pitch and mod.
- Octave change buttons
- USB connection
Nektar panorama P6
The best. If you go all out, this 61-key keyboard is the one for you.
This model is the most expensive of the whole list. Its design is really well cared for, and Nektar has made an effort to offer top-notch quality.
Features:
- 61 keys
- 8 circular knobs
- LCD display with all kinds of information about the selected parameters
- 9 equalizer type faders
- 12 square pads to control percussive sounds
- Two jog wheels for pitch and mod control
- Octave change buttons
- Focused on professional production
- USB connection