No matter whether you find yourself in a home studio, on stage during a live performance, or producing music on the go, a good MIDI controller is essential, and choosing the best one for your setup can significantly increase your productivity.
After testing an extensive range of controllers, both keyboards and pads, I can confidently say that the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 and MPC Studio are my top recommendations. These are my favorite portable controllers, and I rarely travel without them.
For those seeking a realistic piano feel, the Studiologic SL88 Studio, with its premium Fatar keyboard, is an ideal choice whether you’re composing at home or in the studio.
Finally, if you still want a full-size MIDI keyboard for the stage but don’t like the idea of carrying something heavy, Arturia’s KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 is perfect.
Contents
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Why you should trust me
I’ve relied on MIDI controllers for much of my career, and choosing the right one for the job has become a regular task.
I use an 88-key controller with weighted keys for piano-heavy composition work, assignable faders for orchestral scores, pad controllers for beatmaking, and a portable MIDI keyboard when working on the road.
Over the years, I’ve needed every type of MIDI controller at one time or another, and they always got the job done.
I never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy, and the list below includes several of my current go-to controllers.
How I chose my top picks
MIDI keyboards and controllers can handle a multitude of tasks, meaning the best for one task might not be the best for another.
Before making my picks, I defined some areas where one controller might outperform another:
- beatmaking,
- media composition,
- piano realism,
- assignable controls,
- home studio use,
- portability,
- DAW integration,
- live performance.
Using the areas mentioned above, I created some best-in-class awards, and after testing a wide range of MIDI controllers, the units that deserved an award made my list.
Areas like DAW integration are pretty broad because MIDI controllers are generally plug-and-play regardless of your DAW. Specifically, I’m looking at controllers the manufacturer optimized for a particular DAW.
Controllers that don’t merit an award will receive an Honorable mention.
Here are my top picks for the best MIDI keyboards and controllers in 2025:
- Best portable: Akai MPK Mini Mk3
- Best keyboard action: Studiologic SL88 Studio
- Best for music production: Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2
- Best for live performance: Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3
- Best for Ableton: Novation Launchpad X
- Best pad controller: Akai MPC Studio
- Best for FL Studio: Novation FLkey 49
- Best for beginners: Nektar Impact LX49+
Best portable: Akai MPK Mini Mk3
- Keys: 25, mini
- Aftertouch: No
- Pads: 8, MPC-style
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: None
- Pitch/Mod: Joystick
The MPK Mini Mk3 tops my list because it packs so much into a small package for a small price.
Over the last few years, I’ve turned to this little controller many times when I had to work on the go in less-than-ideal conditions, and it never lets me down.
It has assignable controls, handy features, and better performance pads than most controllers on the list.
The MPK Mini Mk3 is a 25-key MIDI controller with mini keys and MPC-style performance pads. While the keyboard action can’t match that of a larger controller, I believe it’s far better than previous models and most competition.
It blends the functionality of a keyboard and pads better than any other portable controller.
The velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads are the highlight of the MPK Mini; although they are smaller than genuine MPC pads, they have the same feel and responsiveness. I can comfortably perform 16/32-note patterns live on the pads without missing a single hit.
Another highlight is the enhanced DAW/plugin integration, thanks to eight assignable rotary encoders and a small OLED display.
The encoders are endless, making it easier to switch between multiple VSTs without the encoders ending up in the wrong position. The OLED display provides perfect real-time feedback on parameter changes.
You also get dedicated buttons for some of the most used functions, such as Full Level, Note Repeat, and Octave Up/Down. Note Repeat is particularly useful because it allows you to trigger fast repeats in perfect time without having to play each note.
A joystick replaces wheels for pitch bend and modulation, which works very well. The MPK Mini Mk3 comes with the MPC Beats DAW, but it works well for any popular DAW.
What I love most about this little powerhouse is that it fits in my backpack, and I’m ready to make music anywhere.
Read my full Akai MPK Mini Mk3 review for more details, test results, and side-by-side comparisons.
What I like
- MPC-Style pads.
- Extremely portable.
- OLED display.
- Assignable controls and dedicated function buttons.
What I don’t like
- Pads are slightly smaller than full-size MPC pads.
Best keyboard action: Studiologic SL88 Studio
- Keys: 88, full-size
- Aftertouch: Monophonic
- Pads: None
- Encoders: 1
- Faders: None
- Pitch/Mod: Sticks
If I’m honest, the SL88 Grand and Kawai’s VPC1 are slightly more realistic, but they aren’t far enough ahead to justify the massive price increase.
The SL88 Studio is a bargain at around $500, and if the keyboard action is your priority, it’s the best on the list by a long way.
If I didn’t already have a Studiologic Numa X Piano GT, the SL88 Studio would be my main full-size controller; it’s that good.
Studiologic’s SL88 Studio is a full-size 88-key MIDI keyboard controller that prioritizes a realistic piano feel. It features Fatar’s premium TP/100LR keyboard with fully-weighted hammer-action keys.
As you might know, Fatar and Studiologic share the same owners, so it’s no surprise that Studiologic keyboards always feel great.
The SL88 Studio also has a triple-switch detection system, which makes it highly responsive and expressive. The detection system captures every nuance of your performance, from the lightest to the heaviest touch, and the keys are perfectly weighted from lowest to highest.
You can adjust the velocity curve (six options) if you feel that the touch is a little too strong or weak for your playing style.
The SL88 Studio is the perfect partner for any virtual piano software, but the action is heavier than most people might want for synths, organs, etc.
One of the ways Studiologic has tried to make the controller more versatile is by adding monophonic aftertouch. Aftertouch is an excellent way to add more expression to any sound, and once you get used to it, the weight isn’t a problem.
Assignable controls are limited to three programmable X/Y sticks; if you need more, perhaps something like the Hammer 88 Pro is more suitable.
The SL88 Studio features Studiologic’s color-coded interface and an LCD-TFT display.
Although assignable controls are limited, 250 user programs and four programmable keyboard zones are available, making the SL88 Studio great for composition or performance.
What I like
- Outstanding Fatar keyboard action.
- Triple-switch detection system.
- Aftertouch.
- Cheaper than expected.
What I don’t like
- Limited assignable controls.
Best for music production: Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2
- Keys: 61
- Aftertouch: Yes
- Pads: 16
- Encoders: 9
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
The KeyLab 61 is the controller I use most in the studio if I don’t need weighted keys. I’ve owned several of them, and ever since the original release, they have been a mainstay in my setup.
It feels like a premium instrument, and if you need to do a bit of everything (keys, finger-drumming, orchestral programming), it’s as good as it gets for me.
Arturia’s KeyLab 61 Mk3 is a premium MIDI keyboard controller with 61 keys and aftertouch. The synth-action keyboard is my favorite among current keyboard controllers (excluding hammer-action keys); I find I get more precise control of dynamics and articulation with the KeyLab.
This controller also does aftertouch better than many others, and I attribute that to the quality of the keyboard action. Aftertouch on synth sounds, especially pads, is an obvious choice, but I love using it with tonewheel organs to create and manipulate swells.
The KeyLab 61 has five expression control inputs, so there are many ways to modulate sound in real-time, whether on stage or in the studio. It also provides CV out, which is rare on 61-key controllers.
The assignable controls, including nine large faders and nine rotary encoders, also have a premium feel. The KeyLab 61 is my go-to controller when programming orchestral scores because the faders are perfect.
It has 16 RGB performance pads in a 4×4 grid, which is the best layout for finger-drumming. My only complaint regarding the pads, and it’s a personal preference, is that I’d rather they were on the right and the faders were on the left.
The included Analog Lab software features over 6,500 premium presets; it’s huge! The world-class presets are made even better by the KeyLab controls’ auto-mapping, which creates the feel of a hardware instrument.
The hands-on workflow continues with dedicated transport controls and an LCD screen with a clickable encoder.
What I like
- Excellent keyboard action with aftertouch.
- Lots of assignable controls, including faders.
- Extensive connectivity.
- 16 RGB pads.
- World-class sounds from Analog Lab.
What I don’t like
- I miss the full wooden cheeks of the original version.
Best for live performance: Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3
- Keys: 88
- Aftertouch: No
- Pads: 8
- Encoders: 9
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
This choice might surprise some people, but the KeyLab Essential 88 is an ideal stage controller.
The semi-weighted keys are a fair compromise between piano realism and a lightweight synth action. It’s versatile, has an abundance of assignable controls, over 2000 world-class sounds from Analog Lab, and is relatively cheap – I love it.
The KeyLab Essential 88 Mk3 is a full-size MIDI keyboard with 88 semi-weighted keys.
It’s important to note that this controller won’t give you a realistic keyboard action because it has 88 keys, but the semi-weighted keys are a good middle-ground for performers using a wide range of sounds.
I love this controller for live performance for many reasons, but I’ll start with the included software bundle.
It comes with Analog Lab V, which provides over 2000 presets that emulate vintage keyboard instruments. The number of presets is impressive, but the quality blows me away; I’m an Analog Lab user, and I absolutely love it.
Another reason I chose this controller as the best for live performance is that it has more assignable controls than most others. It has nine faders, nine encoders, and eight RGB performance pads.
The assignable controls are important on stage because they provide a hands-on workflow similar to a standalone hardware instrument. The RGB pads are very good, not too firm, and responsive to your touch.
Pitch and mod wheels are available to add expression and articulation to your playing, and Chord/Scale modes make complex parts easier to handle.
It also has a built-in arpeggiator, which is great for any sort of electronic music. A small LCD screen means you can also spend less time looking at a laptop.
What I like
- 88 keys.
- 16 RGB pads.
- Lots of assignable controls.
- World-class Analog Lab sounds.
What I don’t like
- Semi-weighted keys aren’t perfect for piano VSTs.
Best for Ableton: Novation Launchpad X
- Pads: 64
- Aftertouch: Polyphonic
If you want keys, then one of the Launchkey variations is best, but having used the Launchpad X and witnessed the speed at which experienced EDM producers work with this controller, I think it’s fantastic.
If you’re new to a pad matrix workflow, it will take a little getting used to, but the learning curve isn’t steep. The Launchpad X is a bargain that will pay for itself in no time.
Novation’s Launchpad X is a performance pad MIDI controller optimized for Ableton Live. You can use it with any DAW, but Ableton users will gain the most from it.
It has dedicated function buttons that allow you to arm tracks for recording and accessing your mixer view. Logic Pro users will be glad to know it offers advanced integration with Live Loops.
It features an impressive 64-pad matrix that might look overwhelming initially, but it’s very easy to use. The 64 velocity/pressure-sensitive RGB pads have polyphonic aftertouch.
Polyphonic aftertouch means you can apply additional expression per note, as opposed to monophonic aftertouch, where expression applied to any note will affect all others.
Controllers like this one are often used to trigger scenes and loops, which the Launchpad X does very well since the color-coded pad matrix matches your Ableton session’s track/clip color. But Scale and Chord modes turn it into a playable instrument and get the best out of features like polyphonic aftertouch.
These performance modes make the Launchpad X a great addition to any production or performance setup.
You can also control external hardware using the pad matrix, another reason to add it to your home or stage setup.
If you’re worried about taking the Launchpad X on the road, I can confirm that this slender controller is tougher than it looks. It also comes with a handy software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite and various sounds and effects.
What I like
- Optimized for Ableton Live.
- Color-coded pads mimic Ableton session tracks/clips.
- Lightweight but robust.
What I don’t like
- Slight learning curve for beginners.
Best pad controller: Akai MPC Studio
- Pads: 16, MPC
- Aftertouch: Yes
I have several MPC units, which are excellent standalone music production machines. But I’ve always wanted a smaller option that fits into my Logic Pro setup (and my backpack), provides a genuine MPC workflow, and doesn’t cost as much as a regular MPC.
The MPC Studio is everything I wanted and more, and it’s one of the most used pieces of equipment I own.
The MPC Studio is a 16-pad MIDI controller that aims to provide the legendary MPC workflow on a budget.
Making that workflow available on a budget means removing the standalone functionality, and, as such, the MPC Studio requires a computer. Once hooked up to a computer, the MPC Studio delivers everything you’d expect from a portable MPC.
The 16 pads are genuine MPC pads, not reduced quality because of the reduced price. I own an MPC X and am just as confident performing fast or intricate finger-drumming on the MPC Studio.
As you’d expect from an MPC, the pads are responsive, not only catching every single hit at high tempos but also capturing subtle changes in dynamics.
The classic Full Level feature is available if you are less confident with dynamics and want to remove the risk of softer strikes not being heard.
Other classic MPC features available include Note Repeat, Pad Mute, and bank selection.
The MPC Studio is lighter than other models, but it doesn’t feel cheap. I travel regularly with my MPC Studio, and I’ve never had any issues. It shows no sign of damage after a few years.
One of the reasons I prefer to travel with the MPC Studio rather than my MPC Live II (which is also portable) is the MPC Studio’s intuitive 5.5-inch touch strip.
The touch strip provides so many possibilities for live performance, from fluctuating the note repeat rate in real-time to tweaking modulation parameters to add character to any sound.
Although you need a computer to use the MPC Studio, its color LCD screen prevents you from constantly checking the computer.
It comes with the MPC 2 software (128-track sequencer) and a collection of virtual instruments and effects.
Read my full Akai MPC Studio review for more details, test results, and side-by-side comparisons.
What I like
- Genuine MPC pads.
- Legendary MPC workflow.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Budget-friendly.
What I don’t like
- Requires a computer (unlike other MPC units).
Best for FL Studio: Novation FLkey 49
- Keys: 49
- Aftertouch: No
- Pads: 16
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: 9
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
A few controllers are purpose-built for FL Studio, and I have prior experience with the Akai Fire, which I enjoyed very much.
However, the FLkey 49 is far more versatile with deeper DAW integration. If you’re an FL Studio user, nothing will enhance your workflow on a budget more than the FLkey 49.
Novation’s FLkey 49 is a relatively budget-friendly MIDI keyboard optimized for FL Studio. It has 49 synth-action keys, 16 RGB pads, and lots of assignable controls.
The keyboard action is good for a controller under $200; the velocity-sensitive keys are very light but responsive enough to play any virtual instrument.
It’s good for beginners, too, with features like Scale mode that let you play any scale without the need for music theory.
As an avid MPC fan, I often find fault with alternative performance pads that others might not. But if I’m honest, I think a few brands do it better than Novation.
The upside is that you get 16 velocity-sensitive pads, whereas many controllers only provide eight.
The FLkey 49 has eight assignable knobs and nine assignable faders. I wish all controllers would provide assignable faders; I use two faders simultaneously when controlling the volume and expression while playing orchestral VSTs, and I can’t do that with encoders.
You also have full-size pitch and mod wheels that are fully-assignable.
The best thing about this controller is the FL Studio integration. The LCD screen allows you to browse plugins directly from the controller, and the more you can do from the hardware, the faster you’ll work.
It also has dedicated transport controls that all but remove the need to point and click with a mouse/trackpad.
What I like
- Optimized for FL Studio.
- Browse plugins directly from the controller.
- Relatively cheap.
What I don’t like
- A 4×4 pad configuration would be better.
Best for beginners: Nektar Impact LX49+
- Keys: 49
- Aftertouch: No
- Pads: 8
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: 8
- Pitch/Mod: Wheels
This entry might surprise some, but I believe it’s the best for beginners because it’s versatile, easy to use, and relatively cheap.
If you’re new to MIDI keyboards or music production, it’s hard to find better value for money than this underrated controller. It might lack the sophistication of pricier alternatives, but it’s a real workhorse.
In my opinion, Nektar’s Impact LX49+ is an underrated MIDI keyboard that delivers excellent value for money.
With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, it has a good, but not great, synth-action keyboard and offers the benefits of full-size keys. The value for money I mentioned comes from the versatility this budget controller provides.
It has eight assignable rotary encoders and nine assignable faders. The controls don’t have the premium feel that you’d expect from something like a KeyLab 61, but there are lots of them, and they work well.
The faders are perfect for media composers or anyone who wants to adjust multiple parameters simultaneously with one hand. The assignable controls show default parameter names, like Attack, Decay, etc., but they are fully assignable.
You can see any value changes on a small LCD screen when making parameter adjustments.
The LX49+ also has eight RGB performance pads, and although not the best, they are surprisingly good (not the worst, either). I’d go as far as saying I prefer finger-drumming on the LX49+ to controllers from some more established brands.
One of the things that I like most about this budget controller is that it auto-maps to all popular DAWs, making it easy for any beginner to get started. It even has dedicated transport controls to provide an intuitive hands-on workflow.
It comes with the Bitwig Studio 8 DAW.
Read my full Nektar Impact LX+ series review for more details, test results, and side-by-side comparisons.
What I like
- Value for money.
- Versatile controls.
- Auto-maps to popular DAWs.
What I don’t like
- Doesn’t feel premium.
Honorable mentions
Here are a few options that just missed out on making my list.
- Kawai VPC1. The VPC1 might be the most realistic keyboard controller ever made, and I love it. But, at around $2500, I think better value for money lies elsewhere.
- Studiologic SL88 Grand. It’s basically the same as the SL88 Studio but has hybrid wooden keys. Technically, it feels a little better than the SL88 Studio, but given the price increase, I’d stick with the SL88 Studio.
- Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3. This is an outstanding controller, especially for fans of Native Instruments sounds/libraries. It missed out on a top spot because I think the KeyLab 61 is better value for most users.
- PreSonus Atom SQ. The Atom SQ is a slightly quirky controller optimized for PreSonus Studio One. If you use Studio One, it could enhance your workflow, and it’s worth a look.
- Akai Fire. Akai’s Fire is another quirky controller optimized for FL Studio. It wasn’t well received upon release, but I’ve always enjoyed using it, and I believe most FL Studio users will love it.
Recent updates
- July 2, 2024: I’ve published an updated list of the best MIDI controllers and added quick recommendations and honorable mentions.
- June 20, 2024: I’ve improved the article structure to suit the latest standard and explained the picking criteria in more detail.
- March 2, 2024: I’ve checked all the recommendations and scheduled a future update to keep the list complete and fresh.
- February 24, 2023: I’ve verified the accuracy of my picks to make sure all the controllers are still widely available for purchase.
- December 16, 2022: After testing a wide range of MIDI keyboards and pad controllers, I compiled the original list of the best options on the market.
Final thoughts
Although this list features the best MIDI keyboards and controllers available in 2025, it has something for all levels and budgets.
The best doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and whether you prioritize keys, pads, or assignable controls, you’ll find the right controller here.
The controllers above are my current favorites, and that’s why some of them are ever-present in my home and mobile setups.
