November 2023
MIDI Controllers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of MIDI controllers rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2023.
Summary
On 9 Nov 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 93 MIDI controller endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
75 MIDI controllers were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Nov 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.
Brand breakdown
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Novation: 14 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note)
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Akai Professional: 9 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Akai MPK Mini MKII 25)
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Arturia: 8 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Arturia MiniLab MkII)
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M-Audio: 8 MIDI controllers
(#1 is M-Audio Hammer 88)
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Nektar: 6 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Nektar Impact LX25 Plus)
Price breakdown
At a glance - November Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller |
Prime Sound
|
Digital Piano Judge
|
Keyboard Kraze
|
Music Radar
|
Spy
|
Consordini
|
E-Home Recording Studio
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Music Critic
|
Gearank
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $99 |
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.
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1
|
-
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-
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-
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-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $329 |
Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
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3
|
- | $79 |
Arturia MiniLab MkII
The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go.
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4
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
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4
|
- | $100 |
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
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2
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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8
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-
|
|
5
|
- | $199 |
Akai Professional MPD226
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-
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-
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3
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
|
- | $499 |
Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a versatile and durable MIDI controller and audio interface designed for beat production and sequencing, with features such as large velocity-sensitive pads, dedicated keyboard and chord buttons, and multiple connectivity options.
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-
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-
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4
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
|
- | $499 |
M-Audio Hammer 88
The M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Controller is a highly praised and versatile MIDI controller that offers a realistic piano feel and the ability to control various parameters in music production software, making it a solid choice for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
|
- | $84 |
Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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2
|
|
9
|
- | $99 |
Nektar Impact LX25 Plus
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3
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
|
-
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-
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|
15
|
- | $119 |
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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4
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-
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16
|
- | $1197 |
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII
The NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a realistic piano playing experience and precise control over parameters, making it a top choice for professional musicians and producers.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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8
|
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17
|
- | $999 |
Arturia Keylab 88 MKII
The Arturia Keylab 88 MKII is a highly praised MIDI controller keyboard that offers a realistic piano playing experience, versatile control options, and a wide range of connectivity, making it a valuable tool for musicians and producers in both studio and live performances.
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-
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-
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9
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
|
|
18
|
- | $180 |
Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
The Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 MIDI Controller is a highly praised and versatile MIDI keyboard with a compact size, exceptional build quality, and a range of features that make it suitable for musicians and producers in various musical contexts.
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-
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-
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-
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13
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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|
19
|
- | $403 |
Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller with a lusciously playable keybed, versatile connectivity options, and exceptional build quality, making it a reliable and feature-rich tool for musicians and producers.
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-
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-
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-
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16
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-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
20
|
- | $320 |
Nektar Impact LX88 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 #1 in November 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.
Prime Sound
Editor's Choice
|
Portable
Plenty of bundled software
Excellent value for money
Impressive pad quality
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Comes with just eight pads
Knobs lack a satisfying click and feel lightweight
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Consordini
A Personal Favorite
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Authentic MPC pads.
Intuitive thumbstick.
Arpeggiator.
Note repeat.
Fantastic software bundle.
8 assignable knobs.
Sustain pedal input.
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Small keys take some practice.
|
The Guitar Junky
Editor's Choice
|
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
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Software seems a bit intimidating at first
Some complaints of flimsy keys
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Music Critic
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Can easily fit into backpacks and on a production desk.
8 rubber drum pads that are velocity sensitive.
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We ranked Akai Pro MPK249 #2 in November 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
|
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.
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Expensive
|
Music Critic
Great Value
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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.
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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 November 2023 ranking
Prime Sound
Digital Piano Judge
Keyboard Kraze
Music Radar
Spy
Consordini
E-Home Recording Studio
The Guitar Junky
Music Critic
Gearank
We ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII #3 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #1.
Prime Sound
Best Slim Keys Controller
|
Impressive portability
16 rotary controllers
Seamlessly integrates with Analog Lab Litem Ableton Live Lite, and other software
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Some might not fancy the touch strip controllers
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Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200
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Great value for money
Lots of encoders and pads
Synth action keys feel great
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Knobs feel cheap
Touch strips feel like a compromise
Pads a bit small
|
We ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note #4 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Prime Sound
Budget Pick
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USB-Powered
Portable and compact design
Comes with Ableton Live Lite 9 software
25 synth-style mini keys
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Lacks a thumb joystick
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The Guitar Junky
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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
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Keys may not be the most responsive
Takes a lot of time to set up and learn from
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Music Critic
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Designed for Ableton Live.
Comes in equipped with 16 velocity sensitive multi-color pads.
8 knobs, control buttons, and dedicated navigation.
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We ranked Akai Professional MPD226 #5 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
We ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 #6 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
We ranked M-Audio Hammer 88 #7 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Digital Piano Judge
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Great for learning to play the piano.
Comes with software included.
Hammer action gives more expression and velocity sensitivity.
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Big and bulky model.
The keys are not the best quality.
No pads or sliders.
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Consordini
Best Weighted Keys
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Incredibly realistic/responsive feel.
88-keys.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Three pedal inputs.
Assignable fader and wheels.
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Limited functionality.
No drum pads.
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We ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 #8 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200
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Solid, durable build
The pads are nice and big
Great as a portable controller to use with a laptop
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The small keys are a put-off if you're used to full-size keys
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We ranked Nektar Impact LX25 Plus #9 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Prime Sound
Best Value
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Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads are excellent for tapping drum beats
Works seamlessly with most DAWS
Excellent value for price
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Relatively bulky
No semi-weighted keys
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The Guitar Junky
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Lightweight and can be brought around easily
Can control and map DAW effortlessly
Cool design that lights up when played
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Keys create a dull thud sound when pressed
Not suitable for continued use as you progress
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We ranked M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 #10 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Consordini
Best Beginner Controller
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Low price.
Lightweight.
Transport controls.
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No pads.
Not the most versatile.
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Music Critic
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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.
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We ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII #11 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Consordini
Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
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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.
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No drum/sample pads.
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Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Over $1000
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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
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Those who play hammond style organs will find its piano action isn't the best for organ slides
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We ranked Arturia Keylab 88 MKII #12 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $1000
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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
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Keys feel slightly spongy compared to the more expensive Kawai VPC1
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We ranked Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 #13 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
The best choice for Ableton Live users
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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
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You might not like the pitch and mod wheels above the keyboard
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We ranked Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII #14 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for PC compatibility
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Three well-executed operational modes
Tight integration with Analog Lab
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Pricey
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Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $500
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The semi-weighted keys have a nice feel to them
Solid, roadworthy piece of gear
Analog Lab comes bundled free
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It's not cheap so I would have liked to see a bigger screen at this price
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We ranked Nektar Impact LX88 Plus #15 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Music Radar
The best piano-sized controller
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A full-size keyboard
Solid but portable
Great value
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Keys aren't hammer-action
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