When choosing a MIDI keyboard, we often focus on production tools, features, and the number of assignable controls, and that’s usually the right approach. But, sometimes, what we need most is the perfect keyboard action for the type of work we do.
I’ve tested a wide range of 88-key MIDI controllers to find the best fully-weighted and semi-weighted options on the market.
Quick recommendations
The Studiologic SL88 Studio is my top pick if you want a realistic piano experience from a relatively cheap controller. The premium Fatar keyboard is an absolute joy to play.
If you don’t mind something with a lighter touch, I highly recommend the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3. The semi-weighted keyboard action provides a well-balanced touch for any style of playing.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Why you should trust me
As a composer for the past 20 years, I’ve spent countless hours working with MIDI keyboard controllers, both in the studio and on the road.
One of the first lessons I learned was that the wrong controller makes any job harder than it needs to be.
When working primarily with piano sounds, I need a realistic keyboard action with fully weighted keys. When working with various sounds, including strings, organs, synths, etc., semi-weighted keys often provide a better balance.
Over the years, I’ve tried and tested controllers from every brand, and the list below comes from decades of experience in chasing the perfect weighted keys for my own setup.
How I chose my top picks
The selection process for this list was straightforward; I prioritized a realistic keyboard action above everything else, including:
- assignable controls,
- advanced DAW integration,
- transport controls,
- production tools,
- software bundles.
While my priority is a realistic piano feel, I will consider the qualities/features highlighted above in cases where two controllers are otherwise equal.
Most of my picks will have fully-weighted hammer-action keys, but I’ll add one or two semi-weighted options that better suit certain uses.
I always keep value for money in mind, which means a few excellent controllers might miss out on making the list because I think they are too expensive. But I’ll highlight any such controllers in the Honorable mentions section.
After testing a collection of shortlisted controllers with Keyscape (Spectrasonics), I picked out the ones that performed best in the following areas:
- realistic weight,
- responsiveness,
- dynamics,
- expression.
The best-performing controllers will make the list, and the rest will get an honorable mention.
Here are my top picks for the best 88-key weighted MIDI keyboard controllers:
- Best overall: Studiologic SL88 Studio
- Best all-rounder: M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro
- Best value: Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3
- Best for NI users: Native Instruments Kontrol S88 Mk3
Best overall: Studiologic SL88 Studio
- Keys: 88, fully-weighted
- Aftertouch: Yes, monophonic
- Pads: None
- Encoders: 1
- Faders: None
- Pitch/Mod: Sticks
- Pedal inputs: Yes, 1/4″
I have to be honest; the Hammer 88 Pro was my top pick until I bought a Studiologic Numa X Piano GT. Since then, nothing feels better to me than a Studiologic/Fatar keyboard, and the SL88 is no different.
It’s short on physical controls but has an intuitive interface and scores high where it counts. It feels like a premium controller at a relatively cheap price, and I love it.
Studiologic’s SL88 Studio is an 88-key MIDI controller with a premium TP/100LR Fatar keyboard. Studiologic and Fatar share the same owners, so it’s not surprising that Studiologic keyboards always feel fantastic.
The fully-weighted hammer-action keyboard, combined with Studiologic’s triple-switch detection system, makes the SL88 extremely responsive to the most nuanced playing.
It offers six user velocity curves, and I often find changing the curve makes a huge difference when it comes to getting every bit of expression out of your performance.
Another impressive aspect of the premium keyboard is that it supports aftertouch. While aftertouch isn’t so appealing when using grand piano sounds, it adds a welcome element of versatility when using other sounds.
The SL88 doesn’t have many assignable controls (three programmable X/Y sticks), but a color LCD-TFT display and color-coded interface make interaction with your DAW and VSTs a breeze.
You also get 250 user programs across 12 groups and four programmable keyboard zones.
The SL88 Studio is well-built but lighter than it looks and equally at home on stage or in the studio.
What I like
- Outstanding keyboard action.
- Intuitive interface.
- Premium build quality.
What I don’t like
- Limited assignable controls.
Best all-rounder: M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro
- Keys: 88, fully-weighted
- Aftertouch: Yes
- Pads: 16
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
- Pedal inputs: Yes, 1/4″
This former favorite of mine is still an excellent buy for anyone who wants a realistic feel with more assignable controls than the SL88 Studio offers.
If you go between multiple genres, the Hammer 88 Pro is an ideal choice thanks to an abundance of assignable knobs, faders, and sample pads.
The Hammer 88 Pro is an example of a manufacturer paying attention to what the customer wants.
The original Hammer 88 was a success, but many users wanted the same realistic feel combined with the flexibility you might expect from a brand like Arturia, and the Hammer 88 Pro soon came along.
This 88-key controller has graded hammer-action keys with aftertouch (a feature the original release lacked).
Having used a Hammer 88 for years, I’d suggest that the keys feel a touch heavy at first but stick with it; it gives precision control of expression and dynamics.
The keytops don’t feel as premium as some other full-size controllers, but the weight is excellent.
In addition to the realistic keyboard action, the Hammer 88 Pro provides ample assignable controls, starting with nine high-quality faders.
Moving along the main panel, you also have eight assignable knobs and buttons that are perfect for hands-on control over plugins and VSTs.
M-Audio included an OLED display, which is awesome, although I wish it were a little bigger.
The Hammer 88 Pro features 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, pitch/mod wheels, handy production tools like Note Repeat, and an Arpeggiator. It’s a true all-rounder.
Read my full M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro review for more details and test results.
What I like
- Excellent hammer-action keyboard.
- Assignable controls.
- Great build quality.
- Versatile.
What I don’t like
- It’s heavy.
Best value: Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3
- Keys: 88, semi-weighted
- Aftertouch: No
- Pads: 8
- Encoders: 9
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
- Pedal inputs: Yes, 1/4″
I’ve had many Arturia controllers, and I continue to use the smaller 49/61-key KeyLab models today; they are outstanding.
I typically prefer fully-weighted keys for full-size models, but when you want a lighter touch, the KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 is perfect.
It’s feature-packed, looks great, and provides a balanced touch for any virtual instrument.
The KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 has semi-weighted keys with a waterfall-style action. Waterfall keyboards are ideal for synths and organs but still perform relatively well when using acoustic piano sounds.
Despite the lightness of the keys, there’s still a noticeable degree of resistance that allows you to play with some control over dynamics and expression.
As well as being a fantastic semi-weighted option, this controller boasts a software bundle and a range of assignable controls that most can’t match.
The software bundle is so impressive for two reasons: first, Analog Lab (over 2000 presets) sounds amazing, and second, the controls auto-map to every preset, making presets almost feel like a physical instrument.
The assignable controls include nine high-quality faders and nine rotary encoders.
One of the things I’ve always admired about Arturia is that they take great pride in making sure every product looks and feels great, even the budget-friendly Essentials series.
In addition to the faders and encoders, you’ll get eight RGB velocity/pressure-sensitive pads, which are some of the best besides Akai MPC pads.
The Essentials series doesn’t offer aftertouch, which is a shame, but it includes handy production tools like chord/scale modes and an arpeggiator.
Overall, it’s exceptional value for money.
What I like
- Lightweight.
- Assignable controls.
- Great synth-action keyboard.
What I don’t like
- Some players will prefer a heavier action.
Best for NI users: Native Instruments Kontrol S88 Mk3
- Keys: 88, fully-weighted
- Aftertouch: Yes, polyphonic
- Pads: None
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
- Pedal inputs: Yes, 1/4″
It’s difficult not to love the S88 Mk3, but I still struggle with the price; it’s so expensive.
If you use/love Native Instruments software, there’s no better controller for you than the S88 Mk3. However, as great as it is, if you aren’t tied to NI software, there are far cheaper ways to get a realistic touch.
The S88 is the flagship model from Native Instruments’ premium smart controller range.
The S88 Mk3 features a premium hammer-action keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, and it feels fantastic. In fact, everything about this controller feels fantastic; it’s incredibly well-made.
It’s important to note that it’s polyphonic aftertouch rather than monophonic (which is more common). Polyphonic aftertouch brings new levels of expression to your fingertips.
The keyboard action is heavy enough to feel convincing but responsive enough not to feel like dead weight.
NI acoustic piano libraries aren’t my favorite, but I enjoy the playing experience provided by dynamic keyboard action and the intuitive workflow.
A large high-resolution display is at the heart of the intuitive workflow, accompanied by eight assignable encoders and buttons.
The S88 Mk3 comes with an impressive software bundle, including Kontakt 7, Komplete Select 14, and one of my personal favorites, Stradivari Cello. It also features chord/scale modes and an arpeggiator.
One area where this controller outperforms most competition is connectivity; it provides individual 1/4-inch jacks for sustain and expression pedals, along with two more assignable jacks.
It’s a monster; I just wish it was cheaper!
What I like
- Deep integration with NI software.
- Realistic hammer-action keyboard.
- Polyphonic aftertouch.
- Premium build quality.
What I don’t like
- Too expensive.
Honorable mentions
Here are a few controllers I liked that didn’t make the list:
- Korg D1. This is a wildcard selection because it’s a hybrid stage piano/controller. But if you want a solid controller with some excellent onboard sounds, it’s worth checking out.
- Studiologic SL88 Grand. The Grand is better than the SL88 Studio because it has hybrid wooden keys that feel incredible. However, I don’t think the gap between both models is wide enough to justify such a price increase.
- Novation Launchkey 88 Mk3. The latest Launchkey 88 is a direct competitor to Arturia’s KeyLab Essentials 88 and is very good. I prefer the KeyLab, but the Launchkey offers double the number of RGB pads, which might appeal to some users.
- Nektar Impact LX88+. I see this controller as a cheaper alternative to the Launchkey/KeyLab. It feels less premium, but it offers plenty and gets the job done on a budget.
Recent updates
- July 8, 2024: I’ve published an updated selection, added quick recommendations, and explained the picking criteria in more detail. I’ve also added honorable mentions to give you more options.
- March 2, 2024: I’ve verified the accuracy of the recommendations and consistency across the board and scheduled the future update.
- April 20, 2023: After testing almost every 88-key MIDI controller on the market, I compiled the original list of the best options to suit most needs and budgets.
Final thoughts
The four controllers that made my list are the best 88-key weighted MIDI controllers on the market in 2025.
After testing each one, I can easily find reasons to want to own all of them. Of course, that’s unrealistic, but I genuinely believe they are all excellent value for money to the right users.
If you care about dynamics and expression, you’ll find the right controller here.
Hello!
Thank you for publishing your recommendations.
I am in the market for a bare-bones 88-key fully weighted MIDI controller, and am leaning towards the StudioLogic SL88 Studio. However, I have seen discussions online that suggest that the StudioLogic is known for problems with the electronics (motherboard, etc.), and I need something dependable and long-lasting. Another choice I considered was the Roland FP-10, but I found discussions indicating that there was a flaw in the key mechanism that Roland does not acknowledge.
I am not looking for lots of bells and whistles, I can rely on a computer for that. I need a dependable, rugged, fully-weighted 88-key MIDI controller.
What are your thoughts on the potential maintenance issues with the models I mentioned? Do you have another model to suggest?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Matt
Hi Matt, Thank you for reading!
I currently use a Studiologic Numa X Piano GT as my main 88-key stage piano and controller, and I’m a big fan of Studiologic; I think they are constantly underrated.
I’d only go for the FP-10 if you want onboard sounds, and since that’s not your priority, the SL88 Studio is a better choice. Although both are the same price, the FP-10 is an entry-level instrument, and the SL-88 is getting closer to a premium controller; it feels better, more substantial, and robust, and the action is good (Studiologic and Fatar are the same team/people, so their keyboard action is typically excellent). The SL88 GT does feel more authentic, but at double the price, better value comes from the SL88 Studio. Also, the SL88 Studio Mk2 is available soon; it has seven additional encoders and the same color-coded interface as the Numa X Piano GT.
I’ve also owned an original M-Audio Hammer 88; it’s no fuss, well-made, and feels surprisingly good (if you can get a good deal on an original model without the bells and whistles, that’s a great choice, too).
Those two are my top suggestions for a no-fuss controller, and I’d lean more toward the SL88. Regarding electrical issues, I’ve owned an original NumaCompact, NumaCompact 2, and a Numa X Piano GT and never experienced any problems (my NumaCompact got flooded through a roof leak, repaired, and works fine over 10 years later. People are unlucky and sometimes experience issues with most manufacturers, but I can’t report any.
Thanks again, and good luck!