The 10 Best MIDI Keyboards and Controllers 2023

For many, a MIDI controller is their primary “instrument,” and choosing the right one is vital to their creative process and workflow. With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the perfect device that meets all of your needs. In this guide we’ve compiled the best MIDI controllers for 2023, as chosen by over 50 pro audio gear experts. Our picks consider playability, build quality, versitility and compatibility with various applications, plugins, and DAWs. Learn more about how this works.

Akai MPK Mini Mk3

The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is a compact MIDI keyboard controller that packs a punch. It has 25 mini-key keys and eight MPC-style pads, as well as eight knobs and a four-way joystick for controlling various parameters. The keys are velocity sensitive, and the pads are backlit and also velocity sensitive, making it easy to play and program beats and melodies. The MPK Mini Mk3 also has built-in arpeggiator and chord modes, as well as octave and sustain buttons, allowing for even more creative possibilities.

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Good build quality
• Excellent value for money
• Good playability and sound quality
• Versatile with various control options and built-in features

Cons

• Mini keys may not be suitable for everyone
• No pitch or mod wheels

Best For

The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is a great choice for producers and musicians on the go, as well as those who are looking for a compact and affordable MIDI keyboard controller. It’s also a good option for those who are just starting out with production and want a versatile and easy-to-use controller.

Key Specifications

• 25 mini-key keys
• 8 MPC-style pads
• 8 knobs
• 4-way joystick
• Arpeggiator and chord modes
• Octave and sustain buttons
• Velocity sensitive keys and pads
• USB powered
• Compatibility with most DAWs

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is a compact, MIDI controller with 49 keys, 8 pads, and a variety of knobs and buttons for controlling software instruments and DAWs. It features velocity-sensitive keys, aftertouch, and a pitch bend and mod wheel for expressive playing. The KeyLab Essential 49 also includes several software instruments and effects, including Arturia’s Analog Lab, which provides access to over 6,000 synthesizer and keyboard sounds.

Pros

• Good build quality
• Good sound quality
• Excellent playability and ease-of-use
• Versatile controls
• Comes with software instruments and effects

Cons

• Keys may be too small for some players
• No display screen

Best For

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is best for musicians and producers who want a portable MIDI controller with a wide range of controls and software instruments. It is suitable for a variety of musical genres and can be used with any DAW.

Key Specifications

• Type: MIDI controller
• Keys: 49
• Pads: 8
• Knobs: 9
• Buttons: 6
• Pedal inputs: 2
• Connectors: USB, MIDI in/out, sustain pedal
• Software included: Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite

M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro

The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a high-quality MIDI keyboard controller designed for professional musicians and producers. With its 88-key semi-weighted Fatar keybed and aftertouch, it offers a realistic piano-like playing experience. The Hammer 88 Pro also boasts a wide range of controls, including nine faders, nine knobs, and nine buttons, as well as pitch and mod wheels and a sustain pedal input.

Pros

• 88-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• Wide range of controls
• Sustain pedal input
• Compatible with a variety of DAWs

Cons

• No built-in sound generation

Best For

The M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is best for professional musicians and producers who are looking for a high-quality MIDI keyboard controller with a realistic playing experience.

Key Specifications

• 88-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• 9 faders, 9 knobs, 9 buttons
• Pitch and mod wheels
• Sustain pedal input
• Compatible with Windows and macOS
• USB powered

Akai MPC Studio

The Akai MPC Studio is a powerful, portable MIDI controller and production system that offers a wide range of features and capabilities for music production and performance. The MPC Studio features a slim, lightweight design, making it easy to take with you on the go, and includes a built-in MPC software that allows you to create and edit music with ease. The controller also features a high-quality keyboard, full-color display, and an extensive library of sounds, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced producers.

Pros

• Slim, portable design
• Built-in MPC software for music production and editing
• High-quality keyboard and full-color display
• Wide range of sounds and samples available

Cons

• Compatibility with some software may be limited
• Some users may find the interface a bit confusing at first

Best For

The Akai MPC Studio is best for music producers and beatmakers who are looking for a portable, powerful MIDI controller that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It is also suitable for beginners who are looking for an easy-to-use controller with a built-in software for music production and editing.

Key Specifications

• 16 pads
• Built-in MPC software
• High-quality keyboard
• Full-color display
• Extensive library of sounds and samples
• USB connectivity
• Dimensions: 14.4 x 9.2 x 1.7 inches
• Weight: 3.5 lbs

Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2

The Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2 is a professional-grade MIDI keyboard controller with a semi-weighted keybed, aftertouch, and 61 keys. It features an ergonomic layout with numerous dedicated function buttons, a 4-directional push encoder, and a high-res color screen for easy browsing and tweaking of sounds and projects. The KeyLab 61 Mk2 also has deep integration with Arturia’s V Collection software and full VSTi support, making it a versatile and powerful tool for any musician or producer.

Pros

• Professional build quality
• Excellent playability and expression options
• Highly versatile with deep integration with V Collection and VSTi support
• Good compatibility with various DAWs
• Reasonably priced for the features offered

Cons

• Sound quality may not be as high as some dedicated hardware synthesizers

Best For

The Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2 is best for musicians and producers who want a professional-grade MIDI keyboard controller with deep integration with Arturia’s software and full VSTi support. It is suitable for a wide range of genres, from electronic and dance music to pop, rock, and jazz.

Key Specifications

• 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
• High-res color screen
• 4-directional push encoder
• Ergonomic layout with dedicated function buttons
• Deep integration with Arturia’s V Collection and full VSTi support
• USB bus powered
• MIDI in / out
• 2 assignable pedal inputs

Novation 61SL Mk3

The Novation 61SL Mk3 is a 61-key hardware synthesizer that is perfect for both live performances and studio work. It features a Fatar keybed with aftertouch, and a 4-directional push encoder for easy sound browsing and project navigation. The 61SL Mk3 is also equipped with two assignable pedal inputs and MIDI in/out connections.

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Great playability thanks to the Fatar keybed
• Versatile sound design capabilities
• Good compatibility with various software and hardware
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Some users may find the interface somewhat confusing

Best For

The Novation 61SL Mk3 is ideal for electronic music producers and live performers who want a versatile and high-quality hardware synthesizer. It is also suitable for keyboard players who want a portable and expressive instrument for gigging.

Key Specifications

• 61 keys with aftertouch
• 4-directional push encoder for sound browsing and project navigation
• Two assignable pedal inputs
• MIDI in/out connections
• Compatible with various software and hardware
• Includes Novation Components software for advanced sound design and control

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Smart Keyboard Controller

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 is a high-end keyboard controller that offers pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch and a wealth of features designed to enhance the workflow of musicians and producers. This keyboard features ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, a touch strip for expression control, and two high-res color screens for browsing, tweaking, mixing, and more. The Komplete Kontrol S61 also includes the Light Guide feature, which uses RGB lights above each key to highlight drum cells, key switches, chords, scales, and more.

Pros

• High-quality keybed with aftertouch
• Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels
• Touch strip for expression control
• Two high-res color screens
• Light Guide feature
• Deep integration with included MASCHINE Essentials and full MASCHINE software

Cons

• Expensive compared to some other options on the market
• M2 chip not currently supported

Best For

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 is best for musicians and producers who are looking for a high-end keyboard controller with a wealth of features to enhance their workflow. This keyboard is particularly well-suited for those who use a lot of virtual instruments and effects and want a controller that offers deep integration with KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments and effects.

Key Specifications

• Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch
• Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels
• Touch strip for expression control
• Two high-res color screens
• Light Guide feature
• Full VSTi support
• Tag-based preset browsing
• Deep integration with included MASCHINE Essentials and full MASCHINE software
• Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, GarageBand, Cubase, and Nuendo
• 4-directional push encoder for one-handed sound browsing and project navigation
• Two assignable pedal inputs
• MIDI in / out
• USB 2.0 bus powered
• Includes KOMPLETE 14 SELECT – 19 premium instruments and effects, including MASSIVE, MONARK, and THE GENTLEMAN.

Arturia KeyStep Pro

The Arturia KeyStep Pro is a powerful, feature-packed hardware MIDI controller that offers a unique blend of versatility and convenience. Its compact size and portable design make it perfect for on-the-go production, while its wide range of features and expandability options make it a great option for any setup. The KeyStep Pro boasts a full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch, as well as a wealth of performance controls including a built-in arpeggiator, step sequencer, and chord mode. It also includes a wealth of connectivity options including USB, MIDI, and CV/gate outputs, making it easy to integrate with a wide range of devices.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch
• Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer
• Wide range of connectivity options including USB, MIDI, and CV/gate outputs
• Expandability options including external clock input and sync options

Cons

• No built-in display
• Limited polyphony when using the arpeggiator or step sequencer

Best For

The Arturia KeyStep Pro is best for electronic musicians and producers who are looking for a compact, portable MIDI controller that offers a wide range of performance controls and expandability options. It’s also a great option for anyone who wants a flexible and versatile device that can easily integrate with a wide range of other devices.

Key Specifications

• 37 keys (full-size, velocity-sensitive with aftertouch)
• Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer
• Chord mode
• USB, MIDI, and CV/gate outputs
• External clock input and sync options
• Compact and portable design

Nektar Impact LX88+

The Nektar Impact LX88+ is a full-size keyboard controller with 88 semi-weighted keys and an array of built-in controls. It is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of software and hardware synthesizers, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers. The LX88+ also has a high-quality sound engine built-in, allowing it to be used as a standalone instrument.

Pros

• Full-size keyboard with semi-weighted keys
• Wide range of built-in controls
• Compatible with a variety of software and hardware synthesizers
• Built-in sound engine
• Easy to use

Cons

• No aftertouch
• No pitch bend or mod wheel

Best For

The Nektar Impact LX88+ is best for musicians and producers who want a full-size keyboard controller with a wide range of built-in controls and compatibility with a variety of software and hardware synthesizers. It is also suitable for those who want a standalone instrument with a high-quality sound engine.

Key Specifications

• 88 semi-weighted keys
• Built-in sound engine
• 10 encoders, 9 30mm faders, 10 buttons
• USB-MIDI connectivity
• Sustain pedal input
• 3-character LED display
• Weight: 12.35 lbs (5.6 kg)
• Dimensions: 51.6” x 5.9” x 3.3” (131.1 x 15 x 8.4 cm)

Akai Fire

The Akai Fire is a compact, portable controller designed specifically for use with the popular software synthesizer, FL Studio. It features four banks of velocity-sensitive pads, a 4x4 grid of assignable knobs, and transport controls. It is USB-powered and has a built-in arpeggiator.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Compact and portable
• Good value
• Works well with FL Studio

Cons

• Not very durable
• Limited to use with FL Studio

Best For

The Akai Fire is best for electronic music producers who use FL Studio and want a portable, easy-to-use controller for creating beats and melodies.

Key Specifications

• Pads: 4 banks of velocity-sensitive pads
• Knobs: 4x4 grid of assignable knobs
• Transport controls: Yes
• Arpeggiator: Yes
• Power: USB
• Connectivity: USB
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 1.5 pounds

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