Top rated MIDI controllers
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3
Introducing the MPK mini mk3, the third iteration of the legendary best-selling mini keyboard controller in the world that has redefined how a generation of music creators makes music. Here you will find everything the modern producer demands: universal compatibility for instant integration into your favorite host music production application; its compact size makes it the ideal travel companion; its arsenal of pads and assignable controls gives you complete control over every aspect of your production; the new, improved dynamic keybed of Gen 2 ensures that your performance captures every subtle nuance of your expression. For beginners, the MPK mini is a complete package with all the tools you need to create hit songs from the start. For the working professional, the MPK mini is the ultimate musical Swiss Army knife, ready for any musical task. Every song starts somewhere, so break free from all obstacles by starting your next hit with the MPK mini.
2. IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurn
Musicians who play according to digital sheet music know the strains of "turning the page" on the iPad/iPhone only too well. If you don't have someone at hand to take on this task for you, you have no choice but to do it yourself and have to interrupt the game. This is not only annoying during rehearsals, but also during a performance. Thanks to the iRig BlueTurn from IK Multimedia, the page turning problem is out of the world. The Wireless Pageturner is controlled with the feet so that you can turn the page without interrupting the play/presentation/conducting. Apps that make it possible to read electronic sheet music on a tablet, iPhone, iPad, etc. shoot like mushrooms out of the ground. The advantage of such an app is that you don't have to carry a pile of paper or lose valuable notes somewhere. In addition, if you try to turn a single harmless page on the music stand, the leaves fly around your ears. With the iRig BlueTurn, you don't have to let go of your instrument to turn the page. The compact, sturdy, lightweight foot pedal conveniently flips to the next page with a single press of the foot. With the iRig BlueTurn, IK Multimedia demonstrates great sensitivity with regard to musicians. That's why they know you're often in the dark. For this reason, the two buttons were illuminated. This way you know exactly where the keys are, even if it is dark on stage or casts some unfavourable shadows. Bluetooth 4.0 not only ensures that the Pageturner is wireless, but also that power consumption is low.
3. M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is a versatile MIDI controller designed specifically for musicians and producers who need comprehensive control over their music software. With 88 velocity-sensitive keys, this keyboard offers a natural playing feel that is suitable for both sequencing music and playing virtual instruments. The semi-weighted keys provide precise response, appealing to both beginners and experienced musicians. The Keystation 88 MK3 is equipped with a variety of controls, including assignable octave select buttons, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, as well as transport and arrow keys, allowing for seamless integration into the creative workflow. It is powered via USB, making it particularly easy to use. This model is ideal for anyone looking to efficiently bring their musical ideas to life.
- 88 velocity-sensitive keys for a natural playing feel
- Versatile controls for managing music software
- USB powered for easy use
- Integrated sustain pedal input for authentic piano sustain
- Plug-and-play functionality for immediate readiness.
4. M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
Pitch bend, modulation, and octave selection for an expressive performance. iOS compatible via Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately). USB-MIDI connection for virtual instruments, recording software, and more. Powered via USB, with plug-and-play support for Mac and PC. 61 velocity-sensitive piano keys with a natural playing feel. Transport buttons and arrow keys allow control of the DAW from the keyboard.
5. M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The world's best-selling keyboard controllers let you create and play music on your Mac or PC: the M-Audio Keystation Series. Whether you're an experienced pro looking for the right controls or starting with the right USB MIDI controller, the Keystation 49 MK3 is a simple, powerful MIDI controller designed for sequencing music and playing virtual instruments on your Mac or PC.
The Keystation 49 MK3 features 49 natural-size velocity-sensitive keys and comprehensive controls that expand the range of playable notes, expressiveness, and recording workflow. With the Keystation 49 MK3, it's easy to maximize your creativity while minimizing complication: use the fully assignable octave range buttons, pitch bend and modulation wheels, volume control, and transport and direction controls to play and record with your music software without a mouse or trackpad.
The Keystation 49 MK3 also features a 6.3 mm (1/4") sustain pedal input, allowing you to use an external control pedal for true piano sound. The compact, lightweight, and durable Keystation 49 MK3 is perfect for traveling musicians who want to take control of music software during live performances or producers who want to add an intuitive MIDI controller with a natural keyboard to their studio—it easily fulfills both roles.
For a user-friendly and portable setup, the Keystation 49 MK3 is USB powered, class-compliant, and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. In addition, the Keystation 49 MK3 supports iOS connectivity with the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, so you can run and compose audio applications on your iPad and other iOS devices.
6. Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus
The MPK Mini keyboard line has revolutionized portable music-making for producers and beatmakers around the world. The new MPK Mini Plus builds on this innovation by giving musicians full creative control. Advanced connectivity links all preferred studio devices for complete and enhanced hardware integration in a compact 3-octave design. Despite its small size, the MPK Mini Plus offers extensive controls that manage a variety of functions. Eight velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with RGB backlighting are not only the backbone for playing dynamic beats and programming drums but also for assigning program changes and triggering additional CC parameters. For the first time in an MPK Mini, there are dedicated transport controls for full integration into the preferred DAW.
7. novation Launchpad Mini MKIII
It offers you everything you need for performances in Ableton Live and fits comfortably in your backpack or bag. Start making music and play your tracks with Ableton Live wherever you are, with a wealth of instantly available sounds for the perfect start.
With the brightly lit pads, you can better visualize your Ableton Live session and trigger your sounds with precision. Optimal visualization: The full RGB colors perfectly match your clips and scenes. Thanks to seamless integration with Ableton Live, you have your session right at your fingertips on the Launchpad Mini. Less clicking, more music. With Launchpad Mini, you can start making music today. Take the device anywhere and use your sounds wherever inspiration strikes.
Launchpad gives you direct and tactile access to Live's performance controls in a way that simply isn't possible with a mouse. You can take your eyes off the computer screen and see your session along with all sounds on the 8x8 grid. Then you can control your performance directly via Launchpad Mini with the stop, solo, and mute buttons. By registering your Launchpad Mini, you automatically gain access to Sound Collective. You will regularly receive new free plugins from some of the biggest names in the business, as well as offers, discounts, and much more.
8. novation Launchkey Mini 25 Mk4
The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 Mk4 is a compact MIDI controller designed specifically for creative musicians and producers. With its 25 mini synth-style keys, it offers a user-friendly interface that allows for quick and intuitive creation of melodies and harmonies. The controller is ideal for use in various digital audio workstations (DAWs) and enables seamless integration with popular software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. The ability to play chords with just one finger across 30 scales opens up new creative possibilities. Additionally, the Launchkey Mini features a powerful arpeggiator and an eight-step sequencer, making music composition and arrangement easier. The 16 pads support aftertouch and trigger functions, enhancing interactivity and expressiveness while playing.
- Compact design with 25 mini synth-style keys
- 30 scales for playing chords with one finger
- Integrated arpeggiator with an eight-step sequencer
- Seamless integration with popular DAWs
- 16 pads with aftertouch and trigger functions.
9. novation Launchkey Mini 37 Mk4
37-key USB MIDI keyboard. With one of 30 scales, you can play chords with just one finger. Arpeggiator with an eight-step sequencer for creative melodies. Seamless integration with DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Reason, FL Studio, and Ardour. Compact controller with 37 mini keys in synth style. 16 pads support aftertouch and trigger functions.
10. novation Launchkey Mini MK3
With the new version of Launchkey Mini, Novation has made its extremely popular handy 25-button MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton Live more versatile, adaptable and playable than ever. Now you can record tracks anywhere with Launchkey Mini's new arpeggiator, fixed-chord mode, dedicated MIDI capture button, 16 large RGB pads, transport controls, and more. With our best, fastest reacting mini keyboard, all-new pitch and modulation touchstrips, a sustain pedal input and 16 new backlit RGB pads, Launchkey Mini is the perfect platform for expressive performance and color-matched clip starts. The new Fixed Chord Mode and Arpeggiator help you steer your melodic and harmonic ideas into new creative directions by allowing you to extract chords from individual notes and transform held chords into riffs, melodies and sequences. Thanks to the MIDI capture MIDI key, you will never lose a single note, even if you forget to start recording.
Launchkey Mini's comprehensive and intuitive integration with Live lets you keep your eyes on the screen and feel the beats. Start and stop playback and recording using the special transport buttons, control the mixer's mute, solo, volume, pan and send controls, and control device macros directly with eight knobs. Now you can connect even deeper to your music and navigate and mix your projects even more easily than with a mouse and computer keyboard. Launchkey Mini comes with everything you need: sounds, virtual instruments and plug-in effects from AAS, Softube, Spitfire Audio, XLN Audio and Klevgrand. Plus access to Novation Sound Collective, which gives you free new content every few months from our plug-in partners. It also has a MIDI output for connection to hardware synthesizers and grooveboxes. And if Live isn't your only production environment, the included mapping templates make Launchkey Mini the ideal solution for mobile control of Logic, Cubase, Reason or any other HUI-compatible DAW.
