It seems we have reached the ultimate stage of controller keyboards given the abundance of MK III and MK IV models whose improvements are now only marginal. In reality, these ultra portable controllers have packed everything needed to control today’s plug-ins, VSTi, or DAWs. MIDI keyboards continue to captivate us.
Choosing Your 25-Key MIDI Keyboard
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4
Choice 1
ADVANTAGES- Arpeggiator, Scale and Chord modes
- Excellent integration with Ableton Live
- Physical MIDI output
DISADVANTAGES- Getting used to mini keys
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
Choice 2
- ADVANTAGES
- Semi-weighted keys
- Ultra-intuitive navigation
- Komplete 15 Select + Maschine Essentials
- DISADVANTAGES
- No built-in pads
Akai MPK Mini MK3
Choice 3
- ADVANTAGES
- MPC pads
- Built-in arpeggiator and pitch/modulation joystick
- Compatible with all DAWs
- DISADVANTAGES
- Getting used to mini keys
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25
Choice 4
- ADVANTAGES
- Semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads
- Smart Chord and Smart Scale functions
- DISADVANTAGES
- Many functions to master
Reloop Keypad Pro
Choice 5
- ADVANTAGES
- Very complete interface
- Aftertouch on RGB pads
- Extended connectivity
- DISADVANTAGES
- No ready-to-use DAW mapping presets
Choosing Your 49-Key MIDI Keyboard
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
Choice 1
- ADVANTAGES
- Semi-weighted keys
- Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels
- iOS compatibility
- DISADVANTAGES
- No drum pads
Arturia Keylab Essential 49 MK3 White
Choice 2
- ADVANTAGES
- Pads, faders, and encoders
- Chord, Scale, Arpeggiator
- Compatible with all DAWs
- DISADVANTAGES
- No aftertouch
Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
Choice 3
- ADVANTAGES
- Velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- Arpeggiator, Chord Modes
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite
- DISADVANTAGES
- No real pitch and modulation wheels
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
Choice 4
- ADVANTAGES
- Pleasant semi-weighted feel
- Komplete 15 Select + Maschine Essentials included
- OLED screen + Push 4D encoder
- DISADVANTAGES
- No pads
M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK5
Choice 5
- ADVANTAGES
- Complete interface
- Automatic DAW mapping
- Ergonomic design
- DISADVANTAGES
- No aftertouch
How to Choose Your MIDI Keyboard Well
Check the Quality of the Workflow
Today, a MIDI master keyboard can be used both to input MIDI data such as notes or percussion and to control your production environment. It must therefore be as intuitive as possible and adapt to controlling a DAW, a plug-in, as well as mixing or even an older MIDI synth. Depending on your needs, you will opt for a simple playing keyboard or more sophisticated MIDI master keyboards including joystick, knobs, faders, encoders, OLED screen, RGB pads, etc.
Prioritize the Feel
The quality of a keyboard’s feel, even mini, is evaluated based on its responsiveness, that is, its response to velocity. Additionally, some models offer a semi-weighted feel providing real mechanical resistance to playing. Internally, you may also have several velocity curves to adapt the dynamic response to your playing. When the model includes pads, their size and the quality of the rubber coating should be considered.
Define the Software Bundle
Which software to choose for a MIDI keyboard? If you’re starting from scratch, it can be interesting to begin music production with a complete set containing the controller associated with MIDI/audio recording software and a sound generator. This formula called a “Bundle” is regularly offered by brands with their product in downloadable versions often including “lite” versions of major DAWs like Ableton Live, or sample packs ready to use.
