Top-rated products in the MIDI controllers category
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3
Plug-and-play functionality via USB connection. Standalone mini keyboard with built-in speaker and USB MIDI controller. Built-in sound module with over 128 instrument sounds and 10 drum kits. Four knobs for sound editing or MIDI transmission. OLED display for easy sound browsing. Twenty-five synth-action mini keys and a four-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.
6. Arturia MiniLab 3 White
MiniLAB 3 is a compact keyboard and pad controller that allows users to make music instantly. With its plug-and-play creative workflow, versatile assignable controls, and 500 curated sounds from the extensive Analog Lab library, MiniLAB 3 is designed to provide beginners and professionals alike with a smooth music workflow, regardless of music genre.
7. novation Launchpad X
The Novation Launchpad X is a powerful MIDI grid controller specifically designed for use with Ableton Live. With 64 highly sensitive RGB pads, it enables intuitive and dynamic music production. The pads are pressure-sensitive and offer excellent responsiveness, allowing users to realize their musical ideas in real-time. The controller is equipped with various features that facilitate music creation and performance, including dynamic note and scale modes as well as mixer controls. The Launchpad X is not just a tool for music production; it is also a creative instrument that allows for quick and efficient capture of musical ideas. Its integration with Ableton Live ensures that users can easily launch and control their clips and scenes, making it an essential component for any musician working with this software.
- 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for precise control and expression
- Dynamic note and scale modes for creative music composition
- One-Press Capture MIDI function for instant saving of musical ideas
- USB-powered for easy handling and portability
- Includes Ableton Live Lite for a quick start in music production.
8. novation Launchpad Pro MKIII
Powerful sequencer with four tracks and 32 steps. MIDI In, Out, and Out 2/Thru. Includes Ableton Live Lite, two months membership with Splice Sounds, AAS Session Bundle (3 synthesizers), XLN Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb, DAW Cassette, and Softube Time and Tone Bundle.
9. Arturia KeyStep
Do you need a portable USB MIDI controller that also offers a musical playing experience? Do you have some MIDI modules you'd like to connect but don’t want to take up the space of a large keyboard? Do you own modular and analog devices that you want to control via CV/GATEs? Are you looking for a step sequencer with polyphonic functionality that can sync with your favorite device? If only a single device could do all this.
It all started with the development of a unique "slim key" keyboard action that combines the features of compact mini keys with the musicality of full-sized keys. The size, speed, and aftertouch of this new design provide the freedom of portability without compromising playability. You can instantly select gate times and swing settings to change the feel of your sequenced performance on the fly. Add a flexible and fun arpeggiator mode along with a chord mode, and you’re ready for hours of musical adventures.
These features alone would make KeyStep the portable keyboard controller on the market. USB MIDI (of course), standard MIDI input and output, clock sync and DIN sync jacks, as well as CV/GATE outputs and a separate assignable modulation CV output that can be used with modulation wheel, velocity, or aftertouch. To say that KeyStep is an amazing little controller doesn’t do it justice. Regardless of your setup, KeyStep integrates seamlessly to enhance your workflow and effectiveness. With KeyStep and its variety of connections, you can control any digital or analog synthesizer from the past, present, and even the future. Sequence them all.
10. Akai Professional APC Mini MK2
The APC Mini Mk2 Clip Launching Controller for Ableton Live is the ultimate compact solution for music production in any environment. The APC Mini MK2 provides dynamic control over your Ableton Live sessions. It is perfect for creative looping, remixing, and experimentation in the studio or on stage.
