May 2023
MIDI Controllers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of MIDI Controller rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 10 May 2023 and 11 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 98 MIDI Controller endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
79 MIDI Controllers were endorsed in total, only 16 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 11 May 2023, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed midi controller with 4 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 midi controller' this month. It is followed by Akai Pro MPK249 and Arturia MiniLab MkII , with 2 and 2 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Novation:
16 MIDI Controllers
(#1 is Novation Launchkey 88 )
-
Akai Professional:
9 MIDI Controllers
(#1 is Akai Pro LPK25 )
-
M-Audio:
8 MIDI Controllers
(#1 is M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 )
-
Arturia:
7 MIDI Controllers
(#1 is Arturia Keystep 37 )
-
Native Instruments:
6 MIDI Controllers
(#1 is Native Komplete Kontrol M32 )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller |
Digital Piano Judge
|
E-Home Recording Studio
|
Music Critic
|
Gearank
|
Spy
|
Prime Sound
|
Music Radar
|
Consordini
|
Keyboard Kraze
|
The Guitar Junky
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $97 |
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $446 |
Akai Pro MPK249
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $78 |
Arturia MiniLab MkII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
5
|
- | $196 |
Akai Professional MPD226
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $499 |
M-Audio Hammer 88
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $588 |
Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $88 |
Akai MPK Mini MK3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $99 |
Nektar Impact LX25 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
15
|
- | $89 |
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $200 |
Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $899 |
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $999 |
Arturia Keylab 88 MKII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $320 |
Nektar Impact LX88 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $449 |
Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $110 |
Alesis V49
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | MIDI Controller |
|---|---|---|
| #3 | $78.21 | Arturia MiniLab MkII [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $88.42 | Akai MPK Mini MK3 [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $89 | M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $96.66 | Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $98.99 | Nektar Impact LX25 Plus [buy] [more info] |
| #21 | $109.99 | Alesis V49 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $195.78 | Akai Professional MPD226 [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $199.99 | Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $319.99 | Nektar Impact LX88 Plus [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $445.55 | Akai Pro MPK249 [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $449 | Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $499 | M-Audio Hammer 88 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $588.07 | Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 [buy] [more info] |
| #17 | $899 | NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $999 | Arturia Keylab 88 MKII [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 #1 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Can easily fit into backpacks and on a production desk.
8 rubber drum pads that are velocity sensitive.
|
Prime Sound
Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Portable
Plenty of bundled software
Excellent value for money
Impressive pad quality
|
Cons
Comes with just eight pads
Knobs lack a satisfying click and feel lightweight
|
Consordini
A Personal Favorite
|
Pros
Authentic MPC pads.
Intuitive thumbstick.
Arpeggiator.
Note repeat.
Fantastic software bundle.
8 assignable knobs.
Sustain pedal input.
|
Cons
Small keys take some practice.
|
The Guitar Junky
Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Has the learning curve to progress as you go
Fun to use and beginners won't have trouble understanding
Budget-friendly and with the sleek look
|
Cons
Software seems a bit intimidating at first
Some complaints of flimsy keys
|
We ranked Akai Pro MPK249 #2 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #1.
Digital Piano Judge
|
Pros
Assignable knobs and faders give a full performance workspace.
Easy to set up.
Arpeggiator, note repeat and other inbuilt effects.
Lights up, so you can see what you are doing on stage.
Semi-weighted keys for a piano feel.
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Music Critic
Great Value
|
Pros
Has an all-in-one controller with keyboard and trigger pads.
Comes with 8 control knobs, 8 faders, and 8 switches.
Semi-weighted action with 49 full-size keys that are pressure sensitive.
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend MIDI Controllers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of MIDI Controllers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2023 ranking
Digital Piano Judge
E-Home Recording Studio
Music Critic
Gearank
Spy
Prime Sound
Music Radar
Consordini
Keyboard Kraze
The Guitar Junky
We ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII #3 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #1.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200
|
Pros
Great value for money
Lots of encoders and pads
Synth action keys feel great
|
Cons
Knobs feel cheap
Touch strips feel like a compromise
Pads a bit small
|
Prime Sound
Best Slim Keys Controller
|
Pros
Impressive portability
16 rotary controllers
Seamlessly integrates with Analog Lab Litem Ableton Live Lite, and other software
|
Cons
Some might not fancy the touch strip controllers
|
We ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note #4 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Designed for Ableton Live.
Comes in equipped with 16 velocity sensitive multi-color pads.
8 knobs, control buttons, and dedicated navigation.
|
Prime Sound
Budget Pick
|
Pros
USB-Powered
Portable and compact design
Comes with Ableton Live Lite 9 software
25 synth-style mini keys
|
Cons
Lacks a thumb joystick
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Many options and controls for more ways to create music
Small and compact
Easy to bring around
Solid build and looks like it's made to last
|
Cons
Keys may not be the most responsive
Takes a lot of time to set up and learn from
|
We ranked Akai Professional MPD226 #5 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
We ranked M-Audio Hammer 88 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Digital Piano Judge
|
Pros
Great for learning to play the piano.
Comes with software included.
Hammer action gives more expression and velocity sensitivity.
|
Cons
Big and bulky model.
The keys are not the best quality.
No pads or sliders.
|
Consordini
Best Weighted Keys
|
Pros
Incredibly realistic/responsive feel.
88-keys.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Three pedal inputs.
Assignable fader and wheels.
|
Cons
Limited functionality.
No drum pads.
|
We ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 #7 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
We ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200
|
Pros
Solid, durable build
The pads are nice and big
Great as a portable controller to use with a laptop
|
Cons
The small keys are a put-off if you're used to full-size keys
|
We ranked Nektar Impact LX25 Plus #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Prime Sound
Best Value
|
Pros
Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads are excellent for tapping drum beats
Works seamlessly with most DAWS
Excellent value for price
|
Cons
Relatively bulky
No semi-weighted keys
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Pros
Lightweight and can be brought around easily
Can control and map DAW effortlessly
Cool design that lights up when played
|
Cons
Keys create a dull thud sound when pressed
Not suitable for continued use as you progress
|
We ranked M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
49 full-size, semi-weighted velocity sensitive keys with 1/4-inch sustain pedal input.
Comes equipped with octave range buttons, transport controls, pitch bend and modulation wheels.
USB connection.
|
Consordini
Best Beginner Controller
|
Pros
Low price.
Lightweight.
Transport controls.
|
Cons
No pads.
Not the most versatile.
|
We ranked Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 #11 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
A great choice for Ableton Live users
|
Pros
Tight control of Ableton Live
Decent compatibility with Logic Pro X
Nice compromise between size and functionality
MIDI output, custom modes allow use with external hardware
|
Cons
You might not like the pitch and mod wheels above the keyboard
|
We ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Over $1000
|
Pros
Best for integration with NI Komplete Software
The Fater keybed strikes a good balance between piano-like hammer action and synth action feel
KOMPLETE SELECT is included free
|
Cons
Those who play hammond style organs will find its piano action isn't the best for organ slides
|
Consordini
Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
|
Pros
Very good hammer-action keys.
Aftertouch.
Touch strip, pitch bend, and modulation wheel.
RGB color indicators.
Pre-mapped integration with all Complete instruments.
Two high-res colour screens.
Komplete Kontrol and Komplete 12 Select included.
|
Cons
No drum/sample pads.
|
We ranked Arturia Keylab 88 MKII #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $1000
|
Pros
The Fatar keybed is one of the best in this price range
CV/Gate lets you control old analog synth hardware
Has both 5-Pin and USB MIDI
Solid metal build
|
Cons
Keys feel slightly spongy compared to the more expensive Kawai VPC1
|
We ranked Nektar Impact LX88 Plus #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
A piano-sized controller at a great price
|
Pros
A full-size keyboard
Solid but portable
Great value
|
Cons
Keys aren't hammer-action
|
We ranked Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $500
|
Pros
The semi-weighted keys have a nice feel to them
Solid, roadworthy piece of gear
Analog Lab comes bundled free
|
Cons
It's not cheap so I would have liked to see a bigger screen at this price
|
Music Radar
A premium keyboard that works with your PC and beyond
|
Pros
Three well-executed operational modes
Tight integration with Analog Lab
|
Cons
Pricey
|
We ranked Alesis V49 #16 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Great Value for Money
Includes ProTools and More Software
Eight Backlit Pads
49 Velocity Sensitive Keys
Easy-to-Use
|
Music Radar
An affordable MIDI keyboard for smaller work spaces
|
Pros
Lively keyboard action
Controllers are easy to access
Good performance capabilities
|
Cons
You may want more controls
|