Artists, poets, actors, and pretty much anyone with a creative hobby or job, is constantly looking for ways to improve their skills. The same goes for music producers. One way that music producers improve their skills and expand their knowledge is through the purchasing of new studio equipment.
An example of this would be midi keyboards. Midi keyboards are a great tool for any music producer whether they are just getting started, have been producing for a while, or are the best producer on the planet.
If you are ready to take the next step in your music production journey, below are 16 midi keyboards for every level of producer, from beginner to pro.
Note that all the prices listed are in CAD. if you’re looking for links to purchase with USD, click here.
BEGINNER
A beginner midi keyboard doesn’t need to have a lot. Just a couple knobs, pads and 25 keys. If you are new to producing and have never touched a keyboard, these midis are for you.
Price: $304.22
This midi keyboard is small and compact making it perfect to bring with you wherever you go. It has all the key features for a midi keyboard. It’s one of the best entry-level midi keyboard
Features
25 keys
iOS compatible
USB-powered
Software included
Pitch and modulation control
Built in arpeggiation
8 knobs for macro-mapping
8 velocity sensitive drum pads
Class compliant with Windows and Mac
Price: $150.37
The Launchkey from Novation is a very popular midi keyboard. It features an awesome design and is very high quality. If you’re looking for something to match your studio aesthetic this might be it.
Features
8 knobs
15 RGB pads
25 synth-style velocity sensitive keys
Transport Section (play, fast forward, etc.)
Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel
Single mappable fader
Class compliant with Mac and Windows
USB powered
iOS compatible
Sample and software included
Keith McMillen Instruments K-board
Price: $129.99
This keyboard is portable, with a minimal layout and offers aftertouch features.
Features:
Portability
Velocity and sustain toggles
Individual key tilt for pitch control
USB powered
iOS compatible
Class compliant with Windows and Mac
Price: $143.10
This keyboard features full sized keys and is capable of a lot of things. It’s not as portable as some of the other keyboards on this list, but it’s great for beginners.
Features:
8 mappable knobs
25 keys
Full transport section
Pitch and bend Mod Wheel
Mappable fader
iOS compatible
Class compliant
Pro Tool integration
INTERMEDIATE
If you’ve played piano or owned a midi keyboard before, these next ones are for you. While still basic, they have more features that will help you advance your music production skills.
Keith McMillen Instruments QuNexus
Price: $279.99
This midi keyboard is compatible with synths (Check this) and comes with a lot of great features the Keith McMillen Instruments K-board doesn't have.
Features:
CV/gate control
Midi/OSC control
25 pad-style keys
USB Powered
Individual key tilt for pitch control
Velocity toggle
Extremely portable and light
Price: $139.99
This underrated midi keyboard has a high quality build and practical software.
Features:
16 encoders (2 integrated into Analog Lab)
8 pads
25 synth style mini keys
Pitch bend and Mod Wheel strips
Analog Lab Lite with 500 synth presets
Class compliant
USB powered
Price: $169.00
The NI Komplete Kontrol features a sleek design and the brand is known for it’s high quality equipment.
Features:
8 Rotary Encoders
32 keys
Transport section with display
Includes Komplete Kontrol Instruments
Includes Ableton Live 10 Lite
Chord creator and arpeggiator
Price: $300.82
Unlike the Launchkey 25, the Launchkey 49 includes more keys and a full fader section. It works well for stage or studio.
Features:
49 synth-style velocity-sensitive keys
8 faders
8 knobs
16 RGB pads
Transport section
Pitch bend and Mod Wheel
Class compliant
USB powered
iOS compatible
Software and samples included
EXPERT
If you know the ropes of music production and you’re looking for an upgrade to your midi keyboard, these are some great options.
Price: $359.00
The Launchkey 61 is great If you like Novation products and are looking for something more full size.
Features:
61 synth-style velocity-sensitive keys
8 faders
8 knobs
16 RGB pads
Transport section
Pitch bend and Mod Wheel
Class compliant
USB powered
iOS compatible
Software and samples included
Price: $265.30
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 features the same hybrid synth qualities as the MiniLab. It has a larger variety of faders, knobs, and pads, and offers 6000+ sounds through the Analog Lab.
Features:
61 synth style mini keys
9 faders
16 pads
10 encoders
Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel strips
Multiple parameter switching buttons
Transport section
2 encoders for preset configuration
Interactive display
Analog Lab - 6000 synth presets
Class compliant
USB powered
Price: $279.00/339.00
The NI A series shares a lot of the same features with NI M32. The main difference is more keys and they offer a couple more features that seasoned producers will make better use of.
Features
49/61 custom weighted keys
Komplete Browser
Native Map technology
Maschine software integration
Pitch bend and Mod Wheel with touch control
Class compliant
Smart play
USB powered
Compatible with NKS instruments
Price: $489.99
The ROLI Seaboard Block offers an alternative design to the typical midi keyboard. Well it might not look like it has much going on, you can get some pretty amazing sounds outside of it.
Features:
5D touch technology
24 key “keywave” pressure responsive surface
Wireless connectivity
USB-C connectivity with 10 hour battery life
Includes iOS software
Sound library
3 month Melodics and MaxMSP subscriptions
PRO
If you’re a professional producer with some money to spare, these next midi keyboards are for you. Each one offers a unique design and feature, perfect for a studio or live performances.
Price: $1699.99
This takes the Roli Seaboard Block to a professional level with more keys and added controls.
Features:
49 “keywaves” on pressure responsive surface
5D touch
Thousands of songs
USB Connectivity
Wireless connectivity with 8 hours of battery life
Midi Polyphonic Expression - MPE
Class Compliant
Host DAW must support MPE or else some of the RISE features will be unavailable and it functions like a normal midi controller
NI Komplete Kontrol S49/S61 MK2
Price: $819.00 (S49)
The S series from NI Komplete Kontrol offers more exclusive features than their sister keyboards, such as light guide, advanced chord and scale settings, and close integration with Komplete.
Features:
49/61 key Fatar key bed
Native Map technology
Komplete Browser with built-in display
RGB LED light guide
Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel with Touch Control
Smart play
USB powered
Class compliant
Works with NKS instruments
Price: $699.00
The Akai MPK 261 offers a variety of pads, faders, and playable keys that many producers prefer to work with. It features the essentials with some good bonuses as well.
Features:
61 synth-style semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
8 faders, encoders, and switches
16 RGB performance drum pads with 4 banks
MPC swing, note repeat workflow built in
USB powered
Class compliant
Includes SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble piano plugin
Price: $440.93
If you’re looking for a full-sized, 88 keys, midi keyboard, the Arturia Keylab Essential 88 is for you.
Features:
88 synth style mini keys
10 encoders
16 pads
9 faders
Transport Section
Multiple parameter switching buttons
Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel strips
Interactive display
Class compliant
USB powered
Analog Lab - 6000 presets
Written By: Leah Gerber
Conclusion
While this list covered a lot of different midi keyboards, there are so many options to choose from. Before you pick make sure you have an understanding of what you want to achieve with your midi keyboard. If you know what you want to gain from the experience, you will be more likely to find a midi keyboard that helps you achieve that.
It’s also important to remember that the most expensive keyboard with the most features won’t make you a better producer, it takes time and patience. Don’t be afraid to start small!
If you’re on the fence about purchasing a midi keyboard, consider the following statements and see if they apply to you:
You don’t have basic music theory knowledge
You are still learning the basics of music production
You don’t feel inspired to make music
If any of these statements do apply to you, It might not be the best idea to purchase a midi keyboard.
If you own a midi keyboard that's featured on this list, or If you own a keyboard that’s not on this list, let us know what you use it for and how it has helped your music producing skills improve.
Ready to release your music to the world? Check out this guide first!
