Best Portable & Affordable MIDI Keyboards for Beginners

So you’re looking to buy an affordable and portable MIDI keyboard to kickstart your music production journey?

There are tens of options out there, each trying to woo you with their bells and whistles. How do you choose?

Fear not my friend, because I’ve done the research for you!

As an experienced producer and studio gear reviewer, I’ve had the chance to test out most of the popular MIDI keyboards on the market.

Playing with them in my studio, at music shops, and asking fellow producer friends for their recommendations.

It took hundreds of hours, numerous cups of coffee, and countless late nights, but I’ve finally come up with a list that I hope make your decision-making process much easier.

I do not have any affiliations with any brands so rest assured my recommendations are unbiased.

Let’s dive in!

Arturia MiniLab 3 – My #1 Pick

Verdict: The Arturia MiniLab 3 is my top mini MIDI controller pick for its responsive keys, Analog Lab integration, and attractive design. The keys feel great for the price.

On the downside, it has fewer knobs than the previous model and lacks a dedicated note-repeat button. But overall, its portable size, key feel, and deep synth control make it a superb choice for around $100.

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The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a sleek and stylish mini MIDI controller keyboard that catches your eye with its minimalist design.

It’s the latest in Arturia’s popular MiniLab series, and I have to say, it’s quite a looker. Priced at around $100 it’s in line with what you’d expect for a controller of this caliber.

Let’s dive into what makes the MiniLab 3 stand out.

The key feel is impressive for a mini controller. As a beginner piano player, I found the 25 velocity-sensitive keys responsive and expressive, making it a joy to play. No cheap plastic feel here.

Out of all models I tested, the MiniLab 3 had the best keybed in its price range.

The drum pads, though slightly improved from the previous model, require a bit more effort to get sound out of them, but they are still decent.

The control panel is a real winner here. You get pitch and mod strips, octave controls, eight endless knobs, four faders, and eight velocity-sensitive, RGB backlit pads.

Plus, there’s a helpful screen and a ninth knob for additional functions. The inclusion of a full-size MIDI out port is a nice touch, especially for synth users.

Daw control is comprehensive, supporting major software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Bitwig, Logic Pro, and Reason. The transport controls, while not dedicated, are a welcome addition, even if they require an extra button push.

Arturia has added some cool features like a built-in arpeggiator and chords, but it’s the deep virtual instrument control that really sets the MiniLab 3 apart.

The integration with Arturia’s Analog Lab plugin is fantastic, allowing you to navigate, load, and modify presets directly from the controller.

On the downside, the MiniLab 3 has fewer knobs compared to its predecessor, and there’s no dedicated note repeat button, which might be a miss for some users.

The software bundle is generous, though, with Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, and more included.

Build quality is solid, with a sturdy feel and precise controls. The design is arguably the most beautiful among MIDI controllers, offering a choice between classic Arturia white and black.

In summary, the Arturia MiniLab 3 is a great choice for Arturia fans, piano players, and those seeking deep virtual instrument control in a portable package.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

Verdict: Impressively portable and affordable MIDI keyboard. It offers great build quality, responsive keys, and tons of included software.

The lack of drum pads and pitch/mod wheels may bother some, but overall it’s a fantastic choice for beginners seeking portability and tight budgets.

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This caught my attention as the most affordable MIDI keyboard in their range, and I’ve got to say, it’s quite impressive.

Measuring just 19 by 6.5 by 2 inches and weighing only 2.27 pounds, it’s super portable – though you might need a slightly bigger backpack for it.

First off, the build quality is solid for its price. It feels durable enough to withstand travel, and the knobs and buttons remind me of those on the A25 model – which costs a bit more.

The keys, though smaller than the A25, actually feel really good. They’re a bit narrower compared to the Akai MPK Mini, but they have a higher-quality touch.

Having 32 keys instead of the usual 25 makes a noticeable difference, giving you more range and space to spread out your fingers. It’s a feature I really appreciate, especially for a compact keyboard.

However, instead of traditional pitch and modulation wheels, the M32 uses touch strips to save space and weight. They work well, but I personally miss the tactile feedback of wheels.

The M32 excels in controlling Native Instruments software through its Complete Control software. It’s easy to find and load sounds, and the eight knobs up top for tweaking these sounds are handy.

One standout feature is the included software package. You get more than 6,100 sounds and 10 GB of content, including Complete Start, Monark, and Reaktor Prism, among others.

This bundle is a huge plus for beginners, making it a strong competitor against other keyboards in its price range.

But it’s not all perfect. The M32 lacks drum pads, which many other keyboards around the $100 mark offer, like the Akai MPK Mini.

This might be a deal-breaker for some, but if you’re primarily looking for a portable keyboard and are into Native Instruments plugins, this is still a fantastic choice.

Overall, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is a solid choice for beginners looking for an affordable, portable MIDI keyboard.

It offers great value, especially with the included software, but keep in mind the absence of drum pads and touch strips instead of wheels.

If you’re willing to invest a bit more for a larger range, consider the A49 model. But for portability and a tight budget, the M32 is a great choice.

AKAI MPK Mini MK3

Verdict: As one of the cheapest and most popular MIDI controllers on the market, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 offers some improvements over previous versions, including better pads and keys.

However, the keybed and build quality still leave something to be desired compared to more premium options. While it has nice features, the plasticky feel holds it back from being my top pick.

The hype and Amazon’s popularity seem to exceed its actual quality and functionality. It’s a decent budget choice but has room to grow.

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The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is the newest version of one of the most popular MIDI keyboard controllers priced at $100 or less. With over 10k reviews on Amazon, it makes it a top seller in its category.

But is it worth the hype?

I found it to be an interesting mix of improvements and missed opportunities.

First off, the keybed is better than the previous model, offering a more intentional feel to the keystrokes. It’s comparable to the Native Instruments M32, though not quite at the level of the Arturia Minilab.

The joystick for pitch and modulation is a unique feature, replacing the more common touch strips found on other keyboards. It’s a matter of preference, but I personally lean towards the touch strips.

The knobs are another upgrade, being endless and larger than on the MK2, though they do feel a bit loose compared to the more solid feel of the Arturia Minilab’s knobs.

The MPK Mini MK3’s standout feature is its MPC-style pads, which feel great and are responsive, especially for finger drumming.

They offer good travel and no accidental taps. However, the overall build quality feels a bit toy-like, with plastic sides and a lightweight that doesn’t scream premium, though it’s similar to other keyboards in this price range.

The built-in arpeggiator is a great feature for creative playing, and Akai implements it well.

However, I was disappointed by the lack of a MIDI out port, which limits the use of the arpeggiator with hardware synths. The note repeat feature is a nice addition, particularly for drum programming.

The buttons on the MPK Mini MK3 are of higher quality than the previous version, but they make an annoying clicky sound that can be distracting.

The screen, while a nice inclusion, currently offers limited functionality, mostly displaying MIDI CC’s and values, and lacks DAW feedback, which is a missed opportunity.

The DAW integration is somewhat limited, especially for non-Ableton users. While Ableton users get device control with the knobs, there’s no automatic mapping for Logic, FL Studio, and GarageBand, requiring manual mapping for controls.

The MPK Mini MK3’s compatibility with Akai’s MPC Beats DAW is a plus, and it includes some nice Air instruments.

However, the lack of transport controls and a more functional screen are notable omissions.

Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a decent choice on a budget. The key feel and pads are okey, and it has some nice performance features.

But there are areas where Akai could have done more, such as improving the screen functionality, providing better DAW integration, and adding transport controls.

It has potential, and I hope future updates will enhance its capabilities. And the Amazon reviews, in my opinion, reflect its popularity more than its overall quality.

M-Audio Oxygen Pro MINI

Verdict: A highly portable and customizable MIDI keyboard controller. It offers good playability, useful production software, and on-the-fly customization capabilities.

Minor issues like the clicky pitch wheel and lack of power switch are outweighed by its portability and flexibility. Overall, it’s a great option for beginner music producers looking for an affordable, compact controller.

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The Oxygen Pro MINI immediately impresses with its portability. It’s light enough to carry around and fits into a normal-sized backpack, making it perfect for on-the-go music creation.

The keyboard features 32 mini semi-weighted keys. While they aren’t as heavy as some high-end keyboards, they offer a solid, playable feel.

As someone with larger fingers, I appreciate that I can still play dynamically without hitting the wrong notes frequently.

The pads on the Oxygen Pro MINI are smaller than those on larger models but are still usable, offering velocity sensitivity and color change options.

The faders, knobs, and buttons are made of plastic, but they don’t feel flimsy. There’s a slight issue with the pitch wheel on my unit, producing a clicky sound, which might be a minor hardware flaw.

One of the standout features of the Oxygen Pro MINI is its customization capabilities.

It allows you to change MIDI channels, pad colors, and octaves directly from the controller without needing a computer. This level of control is a big plus for anyone who wants to tweak settings on the fly.

The Oxygen Pro MINI comes with a good range of software and virtual instruments, including Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, MPC Beats, and Ableton Live Lite.

It also includes several virtual instruments like Hybrid 3, Velvet, and Mini Grand, which are great for getting started in music production.

In terms of connectivity, the keyboard is powered via USB, and there’s no on/off switch, which is a minor inconvenience. It includes a normal-sized sustain pedal input and an eighth-inch MIDI out, which is a thoughtful addition for controlling external devices.

Customizing controls directly on the controller is straightforward. You can edit presets and adjust parameters like MIDI channel and CC messages for each control, providing a lot of flexibility for various setups.

Overall, I would recommend the M-Audio Oxygen Pro MINI for beginners looking for a compact yet fully-featured MIDI controller keyboard.

While it has some minor issues like the clicky pitch wheel and the lack of an on/off switch, these are outweighed by its positives, including its customization options, software package, and overall playability.

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

Verdict: A feature-packed, portable MIDI controller that offers great value, especially for Ableton Live users. Its lightweight yet robust build, useful controls, and bundled software make it a compelling choice in its price range of under $100.

The keybed’s light action may not suit some keyboardists, but overall it’s a versatile controller for producing music on the go.

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The Launchkey Mini MK3 is a solid option in the portable MIDI controller market. After testing it out for a few days, here are my thoughts on how it stacks up.

First off, the design is pretty sleek and the build quality feels robust, despite its lightweight nature.

The knobs are well-spaced and the overall size is just right for portability. I appreciate the low height, making it more backpack-friendly.

Feature-wise, it’s packed with useful stuff like octave buttons, pitch and modulation strips, and eight knobs that cover most needs. The arpeggiator is a standout, comparable to the Akai’s, and the addition of chord memory is a nice touch.

For connectivity, the inclusion of a pedal port and MIDI out on such a small device is impressive.

Now, let’s dive into the usability with different DAWs.

For Ableton users, it offers comprehensive control over track volume, pan sends, playback, recording, and more.

The drum pads feel great, even though they’re on the smaller side. For Logic and other DAW users, you get a decent range of transport and mixer controls, plus the ability to customize MIDI messages through Novation’s software.

However, it’s not all perfect.

The keybed feels a bit cheap and light to the touch, which might be off-putting for some. Also, the super bright pad lights can be a bit overwhelming in a dim studio setting.

On the software side, it comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, Spitfire labs expressive strings, effects from Clev Grand and Soft Tube, and a choice of a key sound from XLN Audio, which is a pretty sweet deal.

At under $100, the Launchkey Mini MK3 offers good value, especially for Ableton users seeking a portable yet powerful MIDI controller. Just keep in mind the key feel may not suit keyboard players looking for heavier action.

Novation FLkey Mini

Verdict: Deep integration and workflow benefits for FL Studio users through its dedicated Channel Rack controls. It has decent build quality and responsive pads.

However, its keybed feels a bit mushy compared to other mini keyboards, and it lacks an arpeggiator.

So this controller is best suited for FL power users focused on sequencing and beatmaking, rather than those seeking an authentic piano-playing experience.

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The FL Key Mini keyboard is tailored for FL Studio users. Its tight integration with the DAW, especially the dedicated controls for FL Studio’s Channel Rack, caught my attention.

This type of deep software control is rare for keyboards at this price point. The Channel Rack controls streamline beatmaking and sequencing in FL Studio. For FL power users, the workflow benefits of the FL Key Mini are compelling.

The build quality of the FL Key Mini is decent, matching other keyboards in its class. The drum pads are responsive and velocity-sensitive, which I appreciate.

However, some users might find the pads a bit small, so if you prefer larger pads, this might be a consideration.

A downside is the key feel. Compared to its 37-key version, which has more comfortable and responsive keys, the FL Key Mini’s keys are a bit soft and mushy.

As a piano player, I’m particular about key feel, and while these keys are acceptable for a mini keyboard, they’re not the best I’ve experienced.

Another notable omission is the lack of a built-in arpeggiator, a feature commonly found in other MIDI controllers. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s worth mentioning for those who might expect this functionality.

To sum up, the FL Key Mini is a solid option for FL users, but its keybed leaves something to be desired for those looking for a more piano-like playing experience.

Final words

I hope these mini keyboard reviews have given you a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of some popular options on the market.

They’re all decent, but consider your own priorities and needs when choosing the right one for your setup.

Whenever possible, try them out in person before buying to get a feel for the keys, pads, and overall build quality.

Keys feel is especially important if you’re a piano player, drums pads if you mostly make beats, and included software if you want to make most of your investment without spending extra on additional software.

See you in the next review, and happy music-making!