The Akai MPK249 seems to have improved on just about everything from its very popular predecessor, the MPK 49. Three flavors are available: the MPK225 with 25 keys, MPK249 with 49 keys, and MPK261 with 61 keys. One of our favorite lines of MIDI keyboards out there is Akai’s MPK2xx series, particularly the Akai MPK249 49-Key USB MIDI Drum Pad and Keyboard Controller. Read moreĪll DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic, FL Studio, Cubase, GarageBand, etc.)

It's pricey, but with its polished design, great keybed, and beautiful dual screens, it's a must if you rely on the Native Instruments software ecosystem. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Gorgeous design, tons of pads, sliders & knobs, comprehensive DAW support and seamless integration with the included Arturia Analog Lab 3 collection of software synths. Ableton users might prefer the Launchkey, but otherwise the slight edge goes to this one. With an impressive build quality, superior drum pads, nice price tag, and plenty of pro users, the M-Audio Oxygen series is a worthy competitor to the Novation Launchkey. Lots of pros use this one, and if you can do without sliders and pads, you're good to go. Bonus points for the availability of 88-keys with the Keystation 88. If you don't need sliders knobs & pads, and simply want a great quality no-frills MIDI keyboard, the M-Audio Keystation is the one to get. We highly recommend the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 if you're looking for a 61 keys. If you're an Ableton Live user, you'll love how everything maps seamlessly. Novation Launchkey 61 MIDI Controller MK2 VersionĬonsidering all the features you get, the Novation Launchkey MIDI keyboards have a very attractive price tag. Unfortunately it only comes in a 25-key version, but despite that remains one of the most highly recommended MIDI keyboards. Whether a beginner on a budget or a pro looking for a super portable, full-featured MIDI keyboard, the Akai MPK Mini MKII is your best bet. Between the 3 sizes, we feel the 49-key Akai MPK249 hits the sweet spot. The feel of the keys, fit, and finish is top notch, and you get Ableton Live Lite. AMAZON REVERBĬarries a hefty price tag, but is truly a pro-level MIDI keyboard. 25 keys, 8 MPC-style pads, and 8 knobs give you lots of control. Whether you're just starting out with a MIDI keyboard or need one that's portable and full-featured, the Akai MPK Mini MKII is hard to beat for the price.

Pro tools keyboard as midi controller