September 2022
MIDI Controllers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of MIDI Controller rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2022.
Summary
As of 10 Sep 2022, 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 MPK Mini MK3 and Akai Pro MPK249 , with 3 and 2 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - September 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller |
Music Critic
|
Spy
|
Gearank
|
Digital Piano Judge
|
E-Home Recording Studio
|
The Guitar Junky
|
Consordini
|
Prime Sound
|
Keyboard Kraze
|
Music Radar
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $109 |
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $119 |
Akai Pro MPK Mini MK3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | $463 |
Akai Pro MPK249
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $78 |
Arturia MiniLab MkII
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $100 |
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $169 |
Akai Professional MPD226
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $250 |
Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $499 |
M-Audio Hammer 88
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $100 |
Nektar Impact LX25 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $119 |
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $200 |
Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
|
17
|
- | $1199 |
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $989 |
Arturia Keylab 88 MKII
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $448 |
Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
|
20
|
- | $320 |
Nektar Impact LX88 Plus
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
12
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Roli Seaboard Block
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
We ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 #1 in September 2022 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.
|
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
|
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Akai Pro MPK Mini MK3 #2 in September 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Gearank
Best MIDI Keyboard Controller 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
|
Music Radar
One of the best value MIDI keyboards
|
Pros
Loads of control
Great bundled software
|
Cons
Mini keys are certainly mini
|
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 September 2022 ranking
Music Critic
Spy
Gearank
Digital Piano Judge
E-Home Recording Studio
The Guitar Junky
Consordini
Prime Sound
Keyboard Kraze
Music Radar
We ranked Akai Pro MPK249 #3 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #1.
Music Critic
|
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII #4 in September 2022 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 Controller 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 #5 in September 2022 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.
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Akai Professional MPD226 #6 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
We ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 #7 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
We ranked M-Audio Hammer 88 #8 in September 2022 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 Nektar Impact LX25 Plus #9 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 #10 in September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII #14 in September 2022 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 Nektar Impact LX88 Plus #15 in September 2022 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 Roli Seaboard Block #16 in September 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI Controllers” rankings.
Consordini
Best Alternative Choice
|
Pros
5D touch.
Versatile and expressive.
Equator software.
It’s expandable.
|
Cons
Learning curve.
Not as well suited to piano/keys sounds.
|
Music Radar
A different kind of MIDI controller keyboard
|
Pros
A unique playing experience
Good build quality
|
Cons
Takes time to adapt your playing
Expensive for a two-octave keyboard
|