A MIDI keyboard are fundamental in building a music studio in this day and age, and when it comes to landing under $200 or less, we have some decent options at our hands here. Not all of us want to buy a giant MIDI keyboard that costs near a grand or so, but instead want to be able to have a controller that gives us some basic functionality in the MIDI department for our grooves. We’re no strangers to MIDI keyboards, so today we wanted to focus on a specific price-range to help your search through all the rubble.
The Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200
Novation Launchkey 37 MK3
This MIDI keyboard by Novation gives you a well-integrated, clean ability to control your sound products during and after the creation process. Novation creators took user input onboard to refine their previous offerings, and this third-generation MIDI keyboard controller is the product of their work. We’ve recommended pretty much every edition of this in our guides through out the years. This latest version features eight onboard scale modes, which will suit any musical needs. There are also chord modes, an arpeggiator, and a mutate function which rearranges music into exciting patterns guaranteed to make your piece an original.
Custom modes make communication between this controller and your software more streamlined, making it highly effective. You can also connect hardware synths and other devices to your DAW and use LaunchKey to control it all, even if you use it as a standalone or on a computer. The Novation LaunchKey MK3 37-key keyboard controller is has a well-deserved spot on a list of one of the best MIDI keyboard controllers under $200 any sound engineer will want on their DAW.
M-Audio Oxygen 49
Described by some users as epic, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 49-key keyboard controller is a MIDI controller with great bundled software and not many overkill of bells and whistles. It is arguably one of the best MIDI keyboards under $200 on the market if you don’t need too much pizzazz, but some extra essentials do come along here. With pitch and modulation wheels and 49 full-size synth-action keys, playability is at the heart of what this MIDI keyboard controller offers. Each setting, knob, and pad is velocity-sensitive, giving you a high degree of control over the recording.
This one offers hands-on control, and its LCD screen means that it allows the user to view, track, and control parameters and any changes made. The M-Audio Oxygen provides strong compatibility with iOS using the Apple Camera Connection Kit, meaning the user can interact with other virtual instrument apps. However, it works just as well with a PC. With nine assignable faders and cutting edge automap technology, this light transportable MIDI keyboard controller offers good value for money.
M-Audio Keystation 49
Here’s another extremely popular MIDI keyboard by M-Audio. Not many additional features but if you simply want keys and a few wheels to get your grooves going, all for super cheap, here’s your pick. This USB controller has full-sized synth-action keys and features compatibility with Mac OS and Windows. With Apple Camera Connector, iOS users can be paired with iPads and iPhones. The keys make it convenient for players who prefer the realistic feel of a traditional keyboard. The software bundle of eight separate options included when the user buys this product provides exciting opportunities to create unique sounds and recordings. Efficient controls make it easy to use, unlocking the power of pianos, synths, loops, and sound machines. Included are pitch and modulation wheels, a volume slider, and an octave adjustor, and all the controls are velocity-sensitive.
Its USB compatibility makes it the ideal plug-and-play keyboard controller, ideal for music makers on the move. If you find yourself looking for the best MIDI keyboard controller under $200, experienced users recommend that you look no further than the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-key keyboard controller.
Roland A-49
If you are looking to invest in the best MIDI keyboard under $200, you should definitely include the Roland A-49 49-key keyboard controller on your shortlist of choices. With several outstanding features, including transpose as well as octave buttons, expression and sustain control inputs, and pitch bend and modulation levers, it is easy to see why this product has received favorable reviews. The synth-action keyboard which is velocity sensitive is ideal for musicians on the road as it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Performance control is made easy with the assignable knobs and switches. Compatible with Mac and Windows, this keyboard controller also works on iOS music apps on an iPad using Apple’s optional iPad Camera Connection Kit like quite a few others in here. One of the features that users appreciate the most is the rounded key shape, which makes playing comfortable. Each key easy to distinguish from its neighbors, allowing for accurate fault-free playing. The Roland A-49 is simple, effective and powerful.
A25 Komplete by Kontrol Native Instruments
The N.I. A25 Komplete Kontrol “smart” keyboard controller is has a reputation as being the best MIDI keyboard under $200 among many users who can get away with such few keys. We’d say this is best for those wanting to prioritize extra features and DAW integration, instead of those who really want something to just play some keys with. While some prospective users might question its functionality, given that it features only 25 keys, they should not underestimate the power that this controller packs.
Fully NKS-ready software allows for total and seamless integration. It also includes Komplete Instruments and Effects, Maschine Essentials and Komplete Kontrol Software. The OLED display makes navigation a breeze, as do the eight touch-sensitive knobs and pitch and modulator wheels. With over 100 scales, modes, chord progressions, and arpeggios, the range of choices this product offers will have any musician feeling immediately inspired and ready to generate unique creations. The A25’s USB compatibility makes it ideal for transporting between gigs, and it works equally well whether on Mac OS or Windows.
