Buying a DAW is damn expensive, and often new producers are left with little spending money once they’ve snagged their copy of Ableton, FL, or others. However, with the vast array of manufacturers and products on the market, choosing the right keyboard for your budget, workflow, and studio setup can be overwhelming.
Our experienced team of music producers has reviewed numerous MIDI keyboards and can recommend the best options for new producers and artists. In this article, we compiled a shortlist of our favorite keyboards we’ve played and answered some commonly asked questions we’ve learned along the way about investing in your first one. Let’s get started.
Arturia Keystep Pro
The Arturia Keystep Pro is a MIDI controller and a powerful mastermind sequencer that exceeds its weight class. Beyond its standard keyboard, this affordable controller offers numerous features. Its polyphonic sequencer is a standout feature, allowing up to four tracks to be overlayed. While some may find this functionality overwhelming, it allows for growth as a producer and accompaniment to an expanding collection of hardware synths.
Additionally, the Keystep’s sequencer and CV/Gate connectivity will always have a specific role in your studio, even if a more robust MIDI controller is added later. This makes it a wise investment with long-term value.
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M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini 32
If you’re new to music production or seeking an affordable MIDI keyboard, chances are you may not be well-versed in music theory, soloing, or chord construction. Fortunately, this keyboard’s X-Factor is its smart chord and smart scale features that lock in keys and scales for you. This eliminates the need to focus on the technicalities of theory, allowing you to concentrate on the creative aspect of music production. This feature makes it an exceptional entry-level MIDI keyboard, but it doesn’t end there.
The keyboard’s parameter and automation automapping to almost all of the most popular DAWs and plugins allows you to instantly achieve an out-of-the-box modulation feel, all from an entry-level controller. This means you won’t have to worry about complex mapping and key assigning in Ableton, which can quickly drain a creative’s enthusiasm.
Additionally, it is velocity-sensitive, a feature that is somewhat difficult to come by in MIDI controllers these days.
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MkII
This keyboard serves as a helpful guide, rather than holding your hand through the theoretical process, as you learn the language of music and train your fingers to move fluidly over the keys. The LED and color-coded features of the Komplete Kontrol are particularly noteworthy for those who want to learn without taking shortcuts or having the theoretical work done for them. These visual cues provide feedback and help you better understand how music theory translates to the keyboard, offering a rare opportunity to learn by doing instead of relying on scale-locked keys.
While the price of this keyboard is higher than other entry-level options, it is a fantastic mid-range investment that goes beyond conventional MIDI keyboards. The Komplete 13 Select bundle is included, providing a suite of powerful production tools even professional producers use right out of the box. Although nearly $600 may seem steep, including samplers, synths, vocal samples, and analog-emulation effects means you have everything you need to get started.
Additionally, the keyboard effortlessly maps to all these features, making it an extension of your DAW and plugin bundle. This sets it apart from any other controller on the market.
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Expressive E Osmose 49-key
Okay, so this might not technically be an entry-level MIDI controller or keyboard, but it is something new producers and artists can aspire to snag for their studio. Consider it the golden goose of the production world.
Features unparalleled levels of expression and responsiveness due to its augmented keyboard action (AKA); there isn’t any denying that this keyboard simply feels alive under your fingers. And while this might not be as important for those producing the less emotional genres of music, those who rely on expression and imparting feeling in their music will undoubtedly see this as a game changer.
And that’s just the start! There’s also a load of other qualities and features in this keyboard that add even more layers of expression and life to your sounds to the point where, once you learn how to use this keyboard, it truly can become an extension of your creative playing.
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M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKV
For those new to music production, a keyboard can be an excellent option because it provides an extensive range of keys at an affordable price. While many MIDI keyboards at this price point are designed to be compact and portable, some producers prefer a larger keyboard to create music in the comfort of their studio, with melodies that span multiple octaves. This particular keyboard offers just that, and with its X-Factor feature, it stands out from the rest. Even more impressive is the price point, which is less than $150.
Additionally, this keyboard includes assignable faders and pots, allowing for more hands-on modulation and automation, making it an ideal budget-friendly option for beginners.
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Akai Professional MPK Mini Play3 25-key
This keyboard is a perfect companion for music producers who are always on the move. It’s not just a regular MDII keyboard – it’s more like a small production workstation that stands out. What’s amazing about it is that it comes with a built-in speaker. Additionally, it offers a variety of onboard sounds and 8 backlit MPC-style drum pads that are surprisingly responsive for a budget-friendly MIDI controller.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to create music whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
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Novation 49 SL MkIII
What makes this MIDI keyboard ideal for beginners is its versatility. It offers a range of features to help you determine what works best for you in a MIDI controller. With a 16-track sequencer, scale locking function, and LOD feedback on its faders, pots, and knobs, it provides many great features that some other keyboards don’t offer in a single unit.
Although it may be more expensive, it’s a wise investment for those serious about making music for the long haul. As a helpful suggestion, I would avoid investing in the cheapest keyboard available, only to realize that upgrading after a year or two is necessary. This keyboard is an exception and can serve as the only controller you need to manage your hardware and software.
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IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
As a beginner musician, gathering the necessary plugins and tools to produce professional-quality music can be challenging. Although some experts suggest using stock plugins in Ableton or Logic is sufficient, the temptation to explore other options remains strong. Fortunately, this keyboard comes equipped with an excellent bundle that offers a variety of features for new producers. The package includes T-RackS Deluxe, SampleTank 4, Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE, Ableton Live Lite, and SampleTank iOS for iPad and iPhone.
With these tools, you can focus on your production journey without feeling like you are missing out on anything critical. Additionally, this keyboard is lightweight, portable, and visually appealing, thanks to its vibrant LED lighting. It’s an all-around great keyboard that performs well and looks fantastic, all for under $350, making it a worthwhile investment for any musician on a budget.
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FAQs
What is a MIDI keyboard, and how does it work?
A keyboard is a versatile tool that can send commands to MIDI-equipped instruments or devices. Whenever a key or pad is pressed, the keyboard generates a MIDI message that is transmitted to the connected device via a USB or MIDI cable. Some MIDI keyboards also come with programmable pads, encoders, and faders, providing enhanced functionality for studio and live performances. In summary, MIDI keyboards are indispensable tools for composing and performing music.
MIDI keyboards mainly rely on two types of MIDI messages: MIDI notes and MIDI CC. Although both types of messages transmit data, they function differently. MIDI notes act like a light switch, turning on or off, while MIDI CC works like a dimmer, allowing a range of data to be sent. MIDI CC can be used for various purposes, such as controlling volume, switching patches, managing foot pedal functions, and modulating parameters. If you’re new to MIDI, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these concepts to unlock the full potential of your MIDI keyboard and enhance your music production experience.
How do I choose the right MIDI keyboard for my needs?
For musicians and producers, a MIDI controller is an indispensable tool for seamless interaction with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments. These versatile devices come in various forms, such as keyboards, drum pads, and control surfaces, each offering unique features that cater to specific needs. Choosing the right MIDI controller involves considering various factors, including the number of keys or pads, the key action (weighted, semi-weighted, or synth-action), built-in controls (such as knobs, faders, and buttons), and compatibility with your preferred DAW.
Beyond the basic features, some MIDI controllers offer advanced functionality, such as aftertouch, which detects the pressure applied to a key after it’s been struck, enabling expressive playing techniques. Moreover, some controllers have built-in sound modules or drum machines, providing a versatile all-in-one solution for composing and performing music. Integrating a MIDI controller into your studio setup can significantly enhance your workflow, making creating, editing, and fine-tuning your musical projects easier. To find the ideal MIDI controller that suits your specific requirements and preferences, it’s essential to research and compare various models.
What are the advantages of using a MIDI keyboard in my music production setup?
Music producers consider MIDI keyboards indispensable tools that offer many features to streamline the creative process. These versatile instruments have an extended range and additional octaves, allowing producers to access a broader spectrum of notes for richer and more complex compositions. Velocity control enables dynamic and expressive performances, while the weighted keys deliver a tactile and authentic playing experience that resembles traditional pianos.
Moreover, MIDI keyboards are often equipped with drum pads, enabling beat-making and rhythmic pattern creation right from the controller. Including volume faders and knobs grants users precise control over various parameters such as volume levels, effects, and virtual instrument settings. The piano-like design of MIDI keyboards, featuring a repetitive layout of keys across octaves, facilitates intuitive composing and improvisation. This makes it easier for producers to experiment with melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions. In summary, MIDI keyboards are essential to any modern music production setup.
What is the difference between weighted, semi-weighted, and synth-action keys?
There are three primary keyboard action types to choose from. It is crucial to remember that a subpar keyboard can negatively impact your creativity and productivity, making it imperative to choose wisely.
If you’re a pianist or play a lot of piano-centric music, a weighted hammer-action keyboard might be the best fit. These keyboards emulate the mechanical action of a traditional piano keyboard, using weights and springs to simulate the piano’s action. Some even incorporate a hammer action, giving a more realistic piano feel.
For those who don’t require a natural piano response but aren’t fans of spring-loaded synth actions, a semi-weighted keyboard may be a better option. These offer a similar feel to weighted action but with less key resistance and a slightly bouncier release.
On the other hand, if you’re not primarily a pianist and prefer rapid movement for playing fast parts, a synth-action keyboard might be perfect for you. These resemble the feel of an electronic organ, with light spring-loaded keys that return to their resting position quickly. They’re ideal for musicians who aren’t primarily pianists, such as guitarists looking to add MIDI functionality to their setup. Some manufacturers produce ultra-compact controllers with synth-action mini keys, perfect for those needing a portable option.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
