10 best midi keyboards

Those who have the skills to play the piano should take a closer look at this midi device.The keys here are made with high quality, they are full-sized and rounded at the edges. Thanks to weighted mechanics, they are pressed with force, just like on a real instrument. The aftertouch is very soft, there is no extra noise and knocks. For convenient control, there are buttons for adjusting the tone and a joystick modulator. There is also an optical control system with which you can simulate a pedal.

Beginner users may experience problems when connecting the instrument to a computer. If the drivers are not installed on their own, you will have to install them manually. To do this, use the instructions and the software disk. They are included. The keyboard is compatible with all versions of Mac and Windows.

Among the large and expensive professional synthesizers, which the world-respected Japanese company KORG specializes in, it is somehow unexpected to meet a whole line of compact and very affordable midi keyboards microKEY. This is already the 2nd generation, which received support for the iPad and iPhone, as well as a special jack for connecting a universal or damper pedal. Thus, the keyboard is able to immediately work with any music applications for Windows, Android and iOS and does not require downloading additional software.

There are 37 keys in this model, all of them - both black and white - are reduced in length, width and height. Despite their compactness, users as one note the convenience and pleasant tactile sensations when pressed, even for those who are used to playing the piano.Octaves, like all small-sized controllers, are only 3, but this is quite enough for a beginner. Another important point: the device is assembled soundly, the case, despite its lightness (about 1 kg), is very strong, it does not creak or play when pressed.

M-Audio is one of the most popular musical instrument companies. They have midi keyboards in different price ranges so that everyone can afford such a purchase. Keystation Mini is very light and compact, suitable for live performance or home studio. If you are attending sound production or sound engineering courses, you can take this model with you to class.

The controller can be customized to suit your performance style. It has not only keys, but also assignable controls. It is also possible to connect Keystation to iPad. If we talk about the shortcomings of this model, some users complain about too small and soft keys. They are easy to press, there is no resemblance to a conventional piano or synthesizer. But you can get used to it with time.

This controller was created for those who do not like to be distracted while making music. Many of the controls here are set up automatically so you can easily navigate through the project. There's also a Chord mode that lets you create chords with the press of a single key. This add-on will help speed up the recording process and help out during the performance. Indeed, because of the haste and excitement, chords often turn out to be not clear and even enough.

Includes DAW Command Center software. With it, you can easily and quickly set up buttons and faders. There are other programs that come with the controller: Analog Lab, Ableton, UVI Grand Piano model D. If you want to save money, you can buy exactly the same model, but with fewer keys. It will be enough for a small performance or recording of melodies.

This model is more like a full instrument than a regular controller. The semi-weighted keyboard has a post-touch function. The unique High Rate Scan technology was used in the manufacturing process. It scans the instrument 10,000 times per second. Thanks to this, the knobs and keys respond instantly to every movement. The performance will be as expressive as possible, you will be able to convey all the feelings and emotions in your melody.

All controls are easily configurable by hand using the Automap software. It is enough to do this once, and your productivity will increase several times. You no longer have to search for the necessary functions on the screen for a long time, you can simply turn the desired knob or press the button.The midi keyboard works perfectly with Ableton, but it can be difficult in the FL Studio editor. Users also attribute a small number of pads to the disadvantages (there are only 8 of them).

Even those who have never played music could see this midi controller. His colorful pads are eye-catching, especially in a dark club environment. That's why the Novation Launchkey is perfect for performances. But the keyboard has other advantages as well. It is very light and compact. The pads are soft, easy to press and responsive to velocity. Thanks to their sensitivity, it is possible to fully convey the dynamics of the melody.

The device is compatible with all popular programs: Ableton, Reason, FL Studio, ProTools and Cubase. Among the shortcomings, users highlight the small size of the keys, the lack of wheels for changing the tone and modulation. There is also no special software for editing settings. But many musicians do without these features, so for them this will not be a disadvantage.

Native Instruments is one of the top manufacturers of electronic music production tools. The Komplete Kontrol M32 midi keyboard has 32 unweighted, small-sized synth-type keys. They are pressure sensitive. There are also modulation and pitch bend controls. If necessary, you can connect pedals, they are not included in the kit.The company pays special attention to the software. Seamless integration and Smart Play provide intuitive control of effects, loops and samples.

The professional instrument weighs only 1.45 kg, so you can easily take it with you to a performance or recording in the studio. A USB cable is used for connection. Buyers like everything in the model, except for the keys. Due to the lack of hammer action, they are pressed too easily, there are clicks, as is often the case with budget midi controllers.

The Japanese brand AKAI produces top-level tools at a reasonable price. The third generation of the popular midi controller features an advanced dynamic keyboard that captures every nuance of your performance. There are only 25 keys, and there are 8 pads and other important controls. I am glad that there are no limiters on the rotary controls, and they are located as conveniently as possible. The model turned out to be incredibly compact and light - its weight does not exceed 800 g. Power is classically supplied via a USB bus from a computer or laptop.

Buyers note in the reviews a thoughtful arpeggiator, fast synchronization with sequencers (there are difficulties only with FL Studio), ease of use and high-quality assembly of AKAI MPK Mini MKIII. But you need to get used to this tool, at first the keys and the joystick can move a little tight. But the sensitivity is very good, and everything is configured in a matter of minutes.

According to professionals, the MIDI controllers of the Kontrol S series from Native Instruments leave a very pleasant impression when working with Komplete instruments. The S49 keyboard features a matching number of full-size keys with premium synth action from Fatar, the leading manufacturer of professional keyboards. The device looks very stylish, its design and workmanship are made at the level of the best world companies, so it will easily decorate any studio.

The functionality of the device is also impressive. It integrates beautifully with all Native virtual products. Before downloading a musical instrument, it is possible to listen to it, and this saves the creator a lot of time. Screens are viewed at a glance - no need to look at the monitor, everything is in one place. In general, with the acquisition of a model, work becomes easier and faster, and the creative process reaches a new level.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a miniature 2 octave controller that looks incredibly stylish with a black finish. The keys are unweighted, but the touch sensitivity is quite high. There are also two banks of 8 pads with multi-colored illumination, 16 encoders, pitch and modulation ribbon controls. Separate buttons are provided for switching between octaves. Along with the midi keyboard, buyers receive an extended set of software: Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Lite and UVI Grand Piano Model D.

The manufacturer pays special attention to the controls. Technologies are constantly being improved for even more accurate and convenient control of all processes. The reviews praise the compactness of the tool. Weighing only 1.5 kg, the midi controller will fit into a small bag for going to the studio. The only thing you can find fault with is the hard pads and the quick appearance of scratches on the glossy keys.