MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere are slowly beginning the migration process of switching to a digital setup. I know people who still abide by analog equipment for mixing and mastering, but still use their MIDI controller frequently for various functions in their studio. We’re huge fans of keyboards and although we still love vintage synths and what not, you just can’t beat the cost-effectiveness and overall usefulness of a keyboard that is custom depending on which virtual instrument you’re using, creating an endless amount of possibilities for sounds and effects. Let’s review the top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today — both for those who want the best of the best or are on a budget and want the most affordable.
How to choose your MIDI keyboard controller
First thing’s first: you need to take a few valuable questions into consideration when you’re choosing your MIDI keyboard controller. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before taking a look at what’s out there:
What is your budget? This is the most important question to ask. There are numerous choices for any price range, from under $100 to $500 or more.
How many keys would you like your controller to be? There are numerous options, such as: mini-compact 25, 32, 37, 49 (the most popular), 61, or even 88 (the highest — the equivalent to a real piano).
What type of key-make would you like? Whether it’s synth-action, semi-weighted, full-weighted or equipped with aftertouch, it all comes down to preference.
Is portability important to you? If so, you need to keep the overall size into consideration.
Do you want your controller to have MIDI pads? A lot of keyboards coming out nowadays include drum pads, typically within the 8-16 count range with 3-4 possible banks.
Are any other functions desired? Such as knobs, faders, buttons, arpeggiators, mod and pitch bend wheels, or various other performance controls.
Does the software bundle included with the keyboards matter to you? Some come with hefty programs and VST’s while others do not.
Is there a brand preference? Akai, Alesis, Arturia, Novation and Korg are quite popular, but there are also some lesser known brands who make high-quality MIDI controllers.
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