Best MIDI Keyboards for Music Production in 2023

A MIDI keyboard is an essential piece of gear for both beginning and advanced producers. Whether you are a classically trained pianist or an amateur learning the keys, having one at your fingertips makes the world of electronic music production much easier, as well as a lot more fun.   

The main advantage of MIDI is that it allows you to have one physical keyboard that can potentially perform more sounds and instruments than you would be able to physically.

You can take advantage of software for mixing, creating new music, copying/pasting full melodies, chords, and more. Available software includes sequencers, notation and scoring software, sampling and synthesis, and much more. You can potentially be the conductor of a full-scale orchestra from the comfort of your own home.  

MIDI keyboards offer not only a set of keys to play with, but most also feature a set of pads, knobs, and faders that can be mapped and customized for your specific DAW.

The market has plenty to choose from, for both advanced producers and beginners. However, it can seem overwhelming when trying to find the right one for your recording studio, especially if you are just diving into the world of electronic music production.

To help guide you, here are our 10 favorite MIDI keyboards as of 2023:

AKAI MPK Mini lll

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Specs:

• Keys: 25   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Mini   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Portable   
• Light Weight   
• Customizable MIDI pads and knobs  
• Compatible with most major DAWs   

Cons:

• Limited amount of keys   
• Keys are light and cheap feeling

AKAI Professional is a company based in Japan that became well known in the music world for their “MPC” which revolutionized the hip-hop and beat-making industry.

They continue to maintain their reputation of solid, high-quality products with their MPK line of keyboards. The “Mini” series was aimed to be a MIDI controller with knobs, pads, and keys in a form factor that is small enough to fit in your backpack. It uses a joystick instead of the usual pitch and mod wheels in order to save space. Perfect for producers on a small budget as well as producers on the go.   

The improvements over the mk2 are the addition of a small screen and a small improvement in the quality of the keys and knobs. However, they still feel a bit too “flimsy” for my liking. The size of the keys themselves is also pretty small which can get a bit annoying when trying to perform some melodies if you have bigger hands like myself. 

Verdict: If you’re looking to spend around $100, it’s hard to find another one at this price point.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

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Specs:

• Keys: 32   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Mini   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Portable   
• OLED Display   
• Arpeggiator Mode   

Cons:

• Small sized keys

Native Instruments is a company out of Germany with a solid reputation in the electronic music production world.

The M32 is their least expensive option to compete with other portable products in the same price range (Sub $200). It comes with 32 velocity-sensitive keys which help reduce the size but can introduce issues with comfort for those of us with larger hands.  

The pitch and mod controls are replaced by 2 touch strips which are a nice unique addition. The push encoder makes browsing through your DAW and patches a breeze.

While being advertised as their “portable” option, the size is still larger than the competition and you would need a pretty large backpack to travel with it.

Verdict: The build quality is superb, and for the price point, it is quite the tool to produce hits on the go.    

Novation Launchkey 37 MK3

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Specs:

• Keys: 37   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Mini-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Fully Integrated Ableton Functionality   
• RGB lighting on pads   
• Chord modes   

Cons:

• No aftertouch on keys   
• Mini-Sized Keys

Novation is a company out of the UK that is known for their great MIDI controllers, specifically designed for Ableton. However, that doesn’t mean that they only work with Ableton. They work great with any DAW.

The Launchkey series is aimed at combining their Launchpad controllers with a fully functional MIDI keyboard. The Launchkey 37MK3 is their offering to producers who have limited real estate on their desk but still want all the features of a full-sized layout.

In addition to 37 keys, you get 16 pressure-sensitive RGB lit performance pads as well as 8 rotary encoder knobs that can be mapped to whatever parameters you like. If you are an Ableton user, this is the keyboard for you. After some initial setup in Ableton’s MIDI options, the unit will be automatically mapped to all the controls for you on each launch, allowing easy navigation through the software.   

It comes bundled with software such as Ableton Live Lite, Softube, Spitfire Express Strings, XLN Addictive Keys, Serato Sample LE and you get access to the Novation Sound Library.

Coming in at under $200, the Launchkey has enough features to satisfy any amateur or pro user while being portable enough to take with you on the go. 

Verdict: The Launchkey has enough features to satisfy any amateur or pro user.

M-Audio Keystation 49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Semi-weighted keys   
• Full Sized   

Cons:

• No rotary knobs or pads

M-Audio’s Keystation 49 is a full-sized unit emphasizing a simple design that feels similar to a traditional piano.

Featuring 49 semi-weighted keys, this model will satisfy both trained pianists and beginners alike. It comes equipped with octave range buttons, transport controls, and pitch bend/modulation functions.

The rear contains a USB power input, a sustain pedal input, and a power switch. A minimal approach will satisfy the producer who simply wants a set of keys to play with, while not needing the extra pads and knobs to control their DAW with.

Verdict: Coming in at around $100, this is a quality keyboard that won’t break your wallet.   

Alesis V49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Semi-weighted keys   
• 8 Backlit Pads   

Cons:

• Minimal rotary knobs

The Alesis V49 is a solid, full-sized keyboard featuring 49 keys that are also aimed at being very piano-like. Alesis aimed for a more practical and functional design rather than going for a flashy look.

This product features 8 pressure-sensitive pads which are backlit and 4 rotary knobs which feature led lights that help show you what value your knobs are currently at. These can be assigned to whatever parameters you want in any DAW.

What I really like about this model is that it gives a minimal approach while being able to fit in a handful of pads and knobs for users who want to use it as a MIDI controller as well.

The back of the unit features a USB MIDI for power, a MIDI-thru as well as a sustain pedal input. The V49 also features your standard pitch bend and modulation wheels, octave range buttons and has a price of around $150. It comes bundled with Xpand!2, a very popular synth from the German company Air Music Technology. 

Verdict: Similar to the Keystation 49, this model is perfect for users who only want a solid set of keys and a simple design. 

AKAI Professional MPK249

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Specs:

• Keys: 49
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• 8 Faders   
• 8 Rotary Knobs   
• 16 Backlit Pads   

Cons:

• Price

The AKAI MPK249 has all the tools you need in a MIDI keyboard. Coming in at around 730 x 100mm it feels rather large. However, once you notice all the features, the size will quickly become an afterthought.

It’s easily spacious enough to host the 16 MPC-style percussion pads (in four rows of three) and allows plenty of room around the various knobs, buttons, and faders. The controls feature large easy to read labels alongside a very clean look.   

The blue backlit screen features a bright, easy-to-read interface which makes it a breeze to use. Pitch bend and modulation controls feature a nice backlit led lighting that can help in low light situations and add to the unit’s overall clean look. The keys feel a bit springy for being semi-weighted, but it’s still very easy to perform on.

You get a nice set of 8 faders and 8 rotary knobs that can be custom mapped to whatever controls you like within your DAW.   

A knob to the right of the display allows you to change between ‘presets’, meaning a record of all the current controller assignments. There are 30 slots available, all of which can save user settings. Beneath the faders are 8 mappable buttons that also double up as the time division settings for when using the arpeggiator mode.

Verdict: Coming in at around $500, this one is a bit more expensive, but consider it an investment and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t need to buy another MIDI keyboard any time soon.

Nektar Impact GX49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Budget Friendly   
• Full Sized Keys   
• Slim Form Factor   

Cons:

• No Pads or Rotary Knobs

Nektar Technology is a fairly new U.S. company founded in 2009 that aims to bring quality gear to you at an affordable price point.

Their GX49 is a no-frills, 49 key unit aimed at users who want to play the keys and have no need for pads or knobs in their workflow. This allows for an ultra-slim form factor that can easily fit on your desk with room to spare.   

Since the focus on this model is the keys, they have a nice deep key travel, and the spring feel is perfectly balanced for all types of playing. In addition, they feature semi “waterfall” type keys with a small lip that allows for performance styles similar to an organ. 

All of the major controls for this unit are found on the left-hand side, which includes pitch bend and mod controls, a mappable dial, octave and transpose buttons that are backlit, and seven more assignable buttons. There’s also a shift button that expands those 7 buttons to an extra bank giving you 14 assignable buttons.   

The model also allows for saving custom presets if the default templates aren’t to your liking. However, there’s only space for one custom template at a time. The DAW integration is pretty seamless. You can download a template for most major DAWs from their website. It also comes equipped with a USB adapter that allows you to connect it to your iPad for extra flexibility. 

Verdict: At around $100, the GX49 is a no-nonsense controller aimed at performance while still giving a handful of controls to speed up your workflow.    

Nektar Impact LX49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Budget Friendly   
• Solid Knobs and Faders   

Cons:

• Programming is a bit complex   
• Small LED screen

The LX49 is Nektar’s step up from the GX49 for users who want a keyboard equipped with solid keys and a nice full set of pads, knobs, and faders to assist in their workflow.

Alongside the same full-sized, semi “waterfall” keys, you’re greeted with 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable rubberized buttons, 6 transport buttons, and 8 velocity-sensitive pads that are backlit with 4 color options to choose from.  

The rear contains a quarter-inch input for a sustain pedal and a USB port for power. There’s also a “low power mode” that turns off all the lighting in the unit to extend the battery life for when you are connected to a source such as a laptop or iPad.   

The LED screen is fairly easy to read but a bit small for your programming needs. Unfortunately, setting up custom controls is a bit of a pain. Multiple button and key presses are needed which can get tedious and confusing at times. Luckily Nektar’s website provides you with downloadable templates for most major DAWs.

Verdict: This model comes in at less than $200, giving you a full-featured MIDI keyboard without breaking the bank.  

Arturia Keylab 49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Budget Friendly   
• Lightweight   

Cons:

• Small LED screen   
• Limited pre-configured DAW support 

Arturia’s Keylab 49 is a sleek-looking, budget-friendly keyboard that gives you all the features you would need in a lightweight package. The latest version of the model has some distinct changes over the previous version. First, you will notice the location of the 8 faders has been moved over to the right, and 8 backlit pads have been moved over to the left.   

The LED screen has been moved over to the center of the unit to allow for easier viewing of the interface despite the small size. What I really like about this model is the color. Most MIDI keyboards are black, but having a white one really makes it pop in your studio as the center piece of gear, it also makes reading the labels a lot easier. Despite the lightweight, the keys, faders, and knobs all feel sturdy and not flimsy at all. The transport controls give a nice click when pressed.   

The rear features a MIDI-out, a quarter-inch sustain pedal input, USB power, and external power input. However, an adapter is not included. Setup is fairly simple for users of Ableton and Logic as the unit is already configured to work straight out of the box with both of these titles. However, users of other DAWs will have to put in some extra work to configure it to their software.   

The unit comes bundled with a large library of sounds from Arturia as well as Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Model D. The browser allows you to filter your search by the name of the instrument and it also features a “chord mode” for chords to be played by pressing a single key. 

Verdict: Coming in at around $250, it’s a great deal that will satisfy both the amateur and pro producer alike.  

IK Multimedia iRig I/O 49

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Specs:

• Keys: 49   
• Type: Velocity-Sensitive   
• Size: Full-size   
• Compatible With: Windows, Mac   
• Connection: USB   

Pros:

• Audio Interface built-in    
• Portable   

Cons:

• Small LED screen   
• Only 1 Mono input

IK Multimedia’s iRig I/O 49 offers a 2 in 1 design for users looking for a keyboard and a 24-bit / 96kHz audio interface. The advantage of this is that it saves you real estate on your desk or by having both combined into a compact design that you can also easily travel with. Laptop users “on the go” would take the most advantage of such a unique setup.   

The minimal design features 49 full-sized keys that feel springy but yet playable for any style and 8 pads that are backlit with multiple colors. Pitch bend and Mod functions are implemented by touch-sensitive pads, the program change, and dual-purpose transport/editing functions. You also get four assignable touch-sensitive knobs that feel nice a sturdy.   

The rear features an on/off switch, DC in, MIDI-Out, 1/8-inch Headphone Out, balanced L/R Stereo Out, a Gain knob, an XLR input that accepts any instrument line or mic level signal, as well a 48v phantom power button if needed. What’s really unique about this design is that it also can be powered by 4 AA batteries for the ultimate portable experience.   

The software bundle included rivals any other comparable product. You get SampleTank 4 SE, T-RackS 4 Deluxe, Syntronik Pro-V, and Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE.

The price point comes in at around $300 but if you consider the cost of an entry-level audio interface plus an entry-level keyboard, you really are getting a steal of a deal at this price.

Verdict: So if you’re looking to have the ultimate portable setup, this is the keyboard for you.

A quick buying guide

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a MIDI keyboard:   

Number of Keys   

MIDI Keyboards come in 25, 49, 61, and 88 key varieties. The more keys available, the more octaves you can play simultaneously. Models with smaller keys (25, 49) feature an octave range button which allows you to move up and down the octave ranges to make up for the smaller number of keys.

If you are an advanced user or trained pianist, a larger keyboard is more suited for you. Smaller keyboards are geared more toward beginners or producers that travel a lot.

Weight of Keys   

Most MIDI keyboards have “semi-weighted” keys meant to emulate the feel of most analog synths. 

A few models on the market feature full-weighted keys that are exactly like how a grand piano feels and have a lot more resistance. This is entirely up to the preference of the user as both will perform the same way. It’s really up to your playing style.

Knobs, Faders, Pads

These features allow you to expand your workflow and studio for greater expression. Knobs, Faders, and Pads can be custom mapped to features in your DAW, so you spend less time using the mouse for clicking and more time being hands-on with your gear to control your software. 

For example, if you frequently like making your own drum beats, buying one that features a set of pads would be ideal. If you like mixing your work on the fly, look for a keyboard that has a set of faders. It allows for a more interactive experience with your software.

Conclusion   

No matter what level of skill you have, there’s a MIDI keyboard that is tailored to you. 

The key to picking the right one is first to figure out what type of music you are making. Are you more of a classical composer? Then perhaps a keyboard with an emphasis on just keys would suit you. Are you making beats? A full-featured keyboard with a set of pads is more tailored for your style. 

We hope this list can relieve some stress from one of the more important gear purchases for your production needs.