MIDI Keyboards/Controllers

The Best Compact Mini MIDI Keyboard Controller

Last Updated: September 18, 2018 By Sean

We love MIDI keyboard controllers, especially when it comes to building a home studio that can give semi-pro or even some professional studios a run for their money in terms of the quality of music you produce. Nowadays, gear is becoming more advanced and accessible to all of us, and in our case, MIDI keyboards are continuing to rule the gear world. We saw some very impressive models in our best MIDI keyboard controllers article, but what about the smaller, compact versions of these? Surprisingly, there are a lot more mini MIDI keyboards than there are larger models, such as 66 and even 88-key controllers — probably because many of us like a snug fit in our studios, travel a lot and need something convenient, or really don’t need a bunch of keys, buttons and knobs to be able to make our beautiful music. What’s even better is the cost of these things (typically) fall under $100! Let’s check out what we’ve got below.

The Best 88 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

Last Updated: November 19, 2018 By Sean

We’re all familiar with keyboards, especially seeing how prominent MIDI has become in our day and age. More and more producers and musicians have already switched over to an all-digital setup, myself included. One of the most popular and first pieces of gear individuals start out with when building a studio is a MIDI keyboard. It allows us to play custom sounds and trigger effects that are selected via our computer(s) — giving us a keyboard with endless mounts of possibilities. If you haven’t read it yet, we recommend reading our best MIDI keyboard controller that has received a lot of great feedback. Otherwise, continue on here as we highlight our favorite 88-key controllers.

The Top 10 Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers in the Market

Last Updated: January 14, 2019 By Sean

The best MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere are slowly beginning the migration process of switching to a digital setup (or at least a hybrid with both analog and digital setups). I know people who still abide by analog-only equipment for mixing and mastering, but still use their MIDI controller frequently for various production in their studio. We’re huge fans of keyboards and although we still love real synthesizers and drum machines, you just can’t beat the cost-effectiveness and overall usefulness of a keyboard that is custom depending on which virtual instrument you’re using, creating an endless amount of possibilities for sounds and effects. Let’s review the top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today — both for those who want the best of the best or are on a budget and want the most affordable.

The Best 61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

Last Updated: November 15, 2018 By Sean

61 glimmering pieces of porcelain awaiting the combination of your fingers and a smooth VST to make some beautiful music. If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard and have decided to go with the larger count of 61 keys, you definitely will not be disappointed. Although we feel that 49 can be sufficient in terms of having just enough, with 61 keys you are able to really play the keyboard fully and have a range of scales to choose from. There are some brands out there that offer some very high quality 61 key controllers and we’ve chosen our favorite in terms of build, functions and price.

The Best 49 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

Last Updated: November 15, 2018 By Sean

The best 49 key MIDI keyboard controller is giving us a mixture of versatility, efficiency, and overall power. In our opinion, 49 keys on a MIDI keyboard is best for the average studio or most performers on stage. It isn’t too little and it isn’t too much — in terms of statistics, it is the most owned key count in the entire music equipment realm. There’s a lot of upside to a 49 count: you can use both hands sufficiently, it doesn’t take up too much space in your studio or on stage, and tend to be in the middle in terms of price range. On top of it all, many companies now provide software bundles in the packages as well, so if you’re in need of some music software, VST, FX and more, you’re in an even better position to grab a MIDI keyboard.

I’ve heard of a lot of people liking the 25-key or even mini route for various reasons, so if you’re interested in saving money check out our best 25 key midi keyboard article. However, you’re here for a reason and if 49 keys is your thing, we’ve found the best 49 key midi keyboard controllers and will highlight our favorite as well as others to take into consideration. For more info on other options, check out our top 10 best MIDI keyboards post as well.