For some, music has become a hobby, work, everyday life. You not only want to enjoy the process, but also see the result. Therefore, it is necessary to use only new and high-quality equipment. That is why we have compiled a rating of the TOP 7 best MIDI keyboards: which one to choose, types, characteristics, reviews, price and much more you will see in this material.
Best Midi Keyboard For Beginners
- Akai MPK-249;
- NOVATION LAUNCHKEY 49 MK2;
- MIDI IK Multimedia iRig Keys I / O 25;
- MIDI M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3;
- ALESIS VI25;
- AKAI PRO LPK25 WIRELESS;
- MIDI M-Audio Keystation Mini MK3.
7 Best Midi Keyboard For Beginners
It’s time to take a closer look at Best Midi Keyboard For Beginners.
AKAI MPK-249
This model is a unique representative of midi keyboards from the premium price segment. The case is made of black and white colors, the total weight is 5.72 kilograms. In the configuration you will find two additional pedals. In addition, we note the presence of an arpeggiator and 16 active pads that help create new sounds and increase the efficiency of your creative potential.
| Number of pedals | 2 |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Colour | black |
PROS
- the presence of an arpeggiator;
- 2 connected pedals;
- 16 pads
- the possibility of octave transfer.
Cons
- heavy in weight (5.72 kg).
I bought a keyboard for my son for his birthday. He has been playing music for a long time and decided to please him with the desired gift. A few months later he told me that he still can’t get enough of functionality and ease of use. A smart device and definitely worth its price.
NOVATION LAUNCHKEY 49 MK2
The optimal keyboard option with 49 full-size keys on the black panel and excellent compatibility with third-party software. The user will be able to connect via PC and Mac, as well as using Ableton Live. Of the nice features, we note the presence of a pad.
| Colour | black |
| Number of keys | 49 |
| PC and Mac compatible | Yes |
PROS
- Ableton Live controller
- 2 buttons Track / MIDI Channel;
- 6 transport control buttons;
- 49 full-size keys.
Cons
- no flaws were found.
Great midi keyboard for the money. Well done, high quality. The PAD is not super, but quite good, the rest is of very good quality. But the serial to Ableton did not register and was already registered to another email, that is, it was used by someone. I have no words! opened a ticket on Ableton with proof of purchase, let’s see what happens. I don’t know whose fault it is, but it’s a complete disgrace!
If you have tight budget here Best Midi Keyboard Budget for you.
MIDI IK MULTIMEDIA IRIG KEYS I / O 25
High quality materials and construction, wide functionality and ease of use are not only standard qualities for this model, but also its main advantages. The case is made in black, the total weight will be 1.26 kilograms. The model provides 8 assignable pads with RGB-backlight, 5 programmable. There are 25 backlit keys on the panel.
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Nutrition | AA batteries |
PROS
- backlit keys;
- 8 assignable pads;
- powered by USB and batteries;
- reassignable slider.
Cons
- no flaws were found.
I bought it several months ago, did not dare to leave a review before using the device for a while, without feeling it, so to speak. Regarding the quality, I realized that you are unlikely to find a better price, I have nothing more to say.
MIDI M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 61 MK3
Powerful model with 61 full-sized keys and an external pedal, allowing you to use all possible options for creating music. On the device’s panel is a 5-pin MIDI connector for connecting a hardware synthesizer. You can easily install additional software.
| Interface | USB |
| Mechanics | hammer |
| Colour | the black |
PROS
- pitch band and modulation wheel;
- octave button;
- 61 full-size keys;
- five octaves.
CONS
- no flaws were found.
A good option with many keys and five octaves. The thoughtful ergonomics and hammer type of mechanics pleased us. It’s a pity, but there is no backlighting of the keys, but I would like to.
ALESIS VI25
Great for creative people. This model can be taken anywhere due to its compact dimensions and spaciousness. The controller easily connects to a laptop or PC and interacts with third-party applications and software. Operation is supported by power via the USB connector.
| Number of pads | sixteen |
| Nutrition | via USB |
| PC connection | Yes |
PROS
- the presence of 16 pads;
- 25 full-size keys;
- 24 assignable buttons.
MINUSES
- no flaws were found.
Beginners will do just fine, as well as those who often travel to concerts, tours and tours. The case looks very nice, compact and lightweight, can be easily transported. There are many buttons and everything is customizable, it interacts perfectly with the software.
You may also Like: Best Synth For Beginners And Professionals.
AKAI PRO LPK25 WIRELESS
Wireless keyboard model with 25 notes and buttons for raising and lowering the octave. It is also possible to connect and power the device using the USB connector. The power types of the device are convenient and interchangeable. The battery can provide up to twelve hours of continuous play. And four programmable memory banks allow you to save settings.
| Number of banks | 4 |
| Colour | the black |
| Weight | 490 grams |
PROS
- light (490 grams);
- offline play up to 12 hours;
- Replaceable device power type.
MINUSES
- no flaws were found.
I bought it in October of this year for 7999, after a few weeks of use I realized that there was no right choice. Even then, I hesitated in buying several more expensive models because of the stereotype of price and quality. I can assure you, this model is the best in this ratio.
MIDI M-AUDIO KEYSTATION MINI MK3
A low-cost midi version with good functionality and a lightweight body that allows you to drag and carry it with you with ease. In total, there are 32 keys with active backlighting on the panel. Power is supplied by an internal battery or via a USB connector.
| Backlight | Yes |
| Battery | built-in |
| LCD display | missing |
PROS
- keyboard backlight;
- 2.7 octaves;
- lightweight (450 grams).
MINUSES
- no flaws were found.
There is sensitivity to keystrokes. Of the shortcomings, I note only 3 octaves, and the third without 2 keys. All in all a good thing. In FL Studio it works fine. Of course I would like more octaves, but for that price this is enough.
COMPARISON TABLE OF PRESENTED MODELS
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the comparative table of the devices discussed above.
| Model | Number of keys | Weight (Kg) | Number of pads |
| Akai MPK-249 | 49 | 5.72 | sixteen |
| NOVATION LAUNCHKEY 49 MK2 | 49 | – | sixteen |
| MIDI IK Multimedia iRig Keys I / O 25 | 25 | 1.26 | 8 |
| MIDI M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | 61 | 4.1 | – |
| ALESIS VI25 | 25 | – | sixteen |
| AKAI PRO LPK25 WIRELESS | 25 | 0.49 | – |
| MIDI M-Audio Keystation Mini MK3 | 32 | 0.45 | – |
LISTS OF THE BEST
Let’s look at a few devices from additional categories:
- compact
- for beginner musicians;
- for professionals.
We turn to the description of each model.
COMPACT – AKAI PRO MPK MINI MK2 USB
Judging by the name, you already realized that you won’t have to talk much about compactness. This model is not inferior in functionality, but much smaller in size. The controller has 25 keys, 8 MPC pads, 8 knobs for mixing and a joystick for controlling dynamics, and modulation. The device is an excellent value for money.
FOR BEGINNER MUSICIANS – M-AUDIO AXIOM AIR MINI 32
Dynamic mechanics and 32 keys make up the necessary set that performs standard functionality. Additionally, the model boasts sustain, a modulation controller and octave transfer. The case is quite compact and weighs only 790 grams. Keyboard programming is possible, which is also very convenient.
FOR PROFESSIONALS – M-AUDIO CODE 49
The model is designed for professional needs. On the black case there are 49 full-size keys with aftertouch function. There is a separation of the keyboard and also two connected pedals in the kit. Additionally, we note the presence of eight encoders, octave transfer and transport control.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING Best Midi Keyboard For Beginners
In this material, we have collected many different models from the cheapest to the more expensive, but each of them is unique in its own way. It is in this paragraph that we will try to understand the necessary criteria that should be considered when choosing a device.
Firstly, the musician, of course, is interested in the number of available keys , as well as their active backlighting. We can’t give any recommendations on this subject, here everyone chooses personally for themselves.
Secondly, compatibility with a PC , Mac and the possible installation of additional software play an important role in the selection of such devices, so these parameters cannot be ignored.
The final point is the importance of having pads for some musicians. Therefore, it is worth considering this aspect when buying such devices. We hope we have helped with your further choice!
