A quality MIDI keyboard can make all the difference in creating expressive, dynamic compositions, whether you’re a professional or just starting your music production journey.
Here’s our list of the best MIDI keyboards available, considering key features like playability, versatility, and integration with popular DAWs.
We’ve listed the retail price, but it’s best to shop around for the best deals—you’ll find significant discounts through third-party sellers.
1. Novation FLkey Mini, £99 (RRP)
If FL Studio is your chosen DAW and you’re on a tight budget, this could be the best MIDI keyboard for your studio sessions and performances.
You can use it as an Ableton Live controller, and its seamless integration with FL Studio paired with its excellent hands-on control make it ideal for producing—it’s a good all-rounder, considering its low price.
There are 25 velocity-sensitive keys, including 16 RGB backlit performance pads and eight rotary encoder knobs, so you have full control over each sound.
Its simplicity makes it a good choice for beginners, and at the point of purchase, you’ll receive a six-month trial for FL Studio Producer Edition.
However, if you’re looking for something more suited to a wider range of DAWs, keep your options open—the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 (below) may be a better choice.
Key features:
- 25 velocity-sensitive keys
- Touch-sensitive strips for pitch and modulation
- Designed for FL Studio
Available at:
2. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3, £75 (RRP)
This is one of the best MIDI controllers in terms of adaptability, especially if you’re looking for an inexpensive, user-friendly solution.
It connects seamlessly with any DAW compatible with MIDI keyboards, such as FL Studio, Logic, and Ableton, so it’s ideal if you’re experimenting with different software or want to use it live and at home.
You can use the 4-way joystick to control pitch and modulation and the OLED display to check your software parameters before tweaking them with the eight endless knobs, so you’ll have no trouble getting the right sound.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 also comes with 2GB of content, making it one of the best MIDI keyboards for those who want to make music straight out of the box.
Key features:
- 25 keys velocity-sensitive keys
- 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation
- Octave selector (10 octaves range)
Available at:
3. Arturia KeyStep Pro, £399 (RRP)
Looking for a controller that can do it all at a reasonable price? If so, this could be the best MIDI keyboard for your workflow.
There’s a mix of analogue and digital ins and outs for ease of use, as seen on Arturia’s BeatStep Pro, but with a larger keyboard best suited to those who are more piano-focused—it’s a good hybrid if these features are a priority for you.
It has 37 keys with aftertouch for more control over your sound and can record all 128 MIDI notes and their velocity values. However, it’s still relatively small and lightweight if you want to use it on the go.
There’s also four sequencing channels that can record up to 64 steps—Track 1 can be used as a 24-part drum sequencer, whereas Tracks 2, 3 and 4 each have an arpeggiator.
Key features:
- 37 keys
- Mix of analogue and digital ins and outs
- 7 arpeggiator modes with a 5 octave range
Available at:
Related: Top 7 music production tips for beginners
4. Novation SL MKIII, £559.99 (RRP)
The Novation SL MKIII requires a higher budget, but it’s one of the best MIDI keyboards for those looking for a wider range of notes and functionality for live performances.
It connects seamlessly to Ableton Live, and the five full-colour LCD screens provide excellent visibility of your parameters. There are eight faders and knobs, alongside pads, buttons, and 49 keys, so you’ll be able to let your creativity run wild.
The included software is another draw of this keyboard, with Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and an ASS Session Bundle, to name a few—there’s plenty to get you started.
You’ll pay £559.99 (RRP) for this version but can pay around £90 extra for 61 keys if you’re more piano-focused.
Key features:
- 49 keys
- Synth-style semi-weighted keybed with a scan rate of 10 kHz
- 16 velocity-sensitive drum pads
Available at:
5. Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3, £339 (RRP)
You can’t have a list of the best MIDI keyboards without a full-size 88-key version as popular as the Arturia KeyLab Essential.
The Arturia KeyLab Essential may look somewhat intimidating to beginners, but it’s a great option whether you’re just starting your producing journey or a seasoned musician. You have every key at hand, so you can truly own your sound wherever you’re playing.
With a semi-weighted 88-key keyboard, velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, multiple encoders and faders, and DAW controls, there isn’t much you can’t control. The KeyLab Essential Mk3’s design provides a highly efficient workflow, too.
There are also chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes, so you can take advantage of the full-size keyboard and let your creativity run wild.
Key features:
- 88 keys
- Range of pads, encoders, faders, and DAW commands for ultimate control
- World’s first eco-designed MIDI keyboard
Available at:
FAQs
Is a MIDI keyboard OK for beginners?
Yes, anyone interested in music production with no prior experience can use a MIDI keyboard. The process involves connecting to a computer or tablet, accessing virtual instruments, and experimenting with different sounds, so it doesn’t take long to get up and running.
Most of the best MIDI keyboards come with educational software to introduce beginners to their function, so you don’t have to worry about feeling overwhelmed.
What is the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a normal keyboard?
MIDI keyboards are piano-style controllers that send data to software or hardware, which then generates a sound. A normal keyboard, such as a digital piano or synthesizer, has built-in speakers and sound modules, allowing it to produce audio directly.
Since they’re designed for use with computers or external devices, MIDI keyboards are used more frequently for sound production, while normal keyboards can be played standalone.
Related: The 13 best music producers of all time
What MIDI keyboard do producers use?
The best MIDI keyboard for one producer may not be the first choice for another—it depends heavily on their workflow and preference for certain features or capabilities.
Producers with a piano background may favour models like the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 or the Novation SL MKIII.
However, those who generally start with drums or work with samples rather than original music may prefer a more compact controller, such as the Novation FLKey Mini or the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3.
How many keys do I need on a MIDI keyboard?
Your current skill level and what you plan on using a MIDI keyboard for will determine how many keys you’ll need. Generally, if you’re a beginner or want a more portable controller, a 25 or 49-key MIDI keyboard will work fine for simple melodies and chord progressions.
A 61 or 88-key controller offers a broader range, suitable for intermediate or advanced musicians who want access to the complete piano range and a more authentic playing experience.
Specialist music equipment insurance through Insure4Music
Once you’ve found the best MIDI keyboard, you might want to protect it along with the rest of your gear through specialist music equipment insurance.
Insure4Music arrange Performance and Public Liability cover, so you have peace of mind wherever you go—and you can even include Worldwide Cover if you’re due to perform abroad.
Learn more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote now.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.