Top rated MIDI controllers
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3
Introducing the MPK mini mk3, the third iteration of the legendary best-selling mini keyboard controller in the world that has redefined how a generation of music creators makes music. Here you will find everything the modern producer demands: universal compatibility for instant integration into your favorite host music production application; its compact size makes it the ideal travel companion; its arsenal of pads and assignable controls gives you complete control over every aspect of your production; the new, improved dynamic keybed of Gen 2 ensures that your performance captures every subtle nuance of your expression. For beginners, the MPK mini is a complete package with all the tools you need to create hit songs from the start. For the working professional, the MPK mini is the ultimate musical Swiss Army knife, ready for any musical task. Every song starts somewhere, so break free from all obstacles by starting your next hit with the MPK mini.
2. IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurn
Musicians who play according to digital sheet music know the strains of "turning the page" on the iPad/iPhone only too well. If you don't have someone at hand to take on this task for you, you have no choice but to do it yourself and have to interrupt the game. This is not only annoying during rehearsals, but also during a performance. Thanks to the iRig BlueTurn from IK Multimedia, the page turning problem is out of the world. The Wireless Pageturner is controlled with the feet so that you can turn the page without interrupting the play/presentation/conducting. Apps that make it possible to read electronic sheet music on a tablet, iPhone, iPad, etc. shoot like mushrooms out of the ground. The advantage of such an app is that you don't have to carry a pile of paper or lose valuable notes somewhere. In addition, if you try to turn a single harmless page on the music stand, the leaves fly around your ears. With the iRig BlueTurn, you don't have to let go of your instrument to turn the page. The compact, sturdy, lightweight foot pedal conveniently flips to the next page with a single press of the foot. With the iRig BlueTurn, IK Multimedia demonstrates great sensitivity with regard to musicians. That's why they know you're often in the dark. For this reason, the two buttons were illuminated. This way you know exactly where the keys are, even if it is dark on stage or casts some unfavourable shadows. Bluetooth 4.0 not only ensures that the Pageturner is wireless, but also that power consumption is low.
3. Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus
The MPK Mini keyboard line has revolutionized portable music-making for producers and beatmakers around the world. The new MPK Mini Plus builds on this innovation by giving musicians full creative control. Advanced connectivity links all preferred studio devices for complete and enhanced hardware integration in a compact 3-octave design. Despite its small size, the MPK Mini Plus offers extensive controls that manage a variety of functions. Eight velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with RGB backlighting are not only the backbone for playing dynamic beats and programming drums but also for assigning program changes and triggering additional CC parameters. For the first time in an MPK Mini, there are dedicated transport controls for full integration into the preferred DAW.
4. novation Launchkey Mini 25 Mk4
The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 Mk4 is a compact MIDI controller designed specifically for creative musicians and producers. With its 25 mini synth-style keys, it offers a user-friendly interface that allows for quick and intuitive creation of melodies and harmonies. The controller is ideal for use in various digital audio workstations (DAWs) and enables seamless integration with popular software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. The ability to play chords with just one finger across 30 scales opens up new creative possibilities. Additionally, the Launchkey Mini features a powerful arpeggiator and an eight-step sequencer, making music composition and arrangement easier. The 16 pads support aftertouch and trigger functions, enhancing interactivity and expressiveness while playing.
- Compact design with 25 mini synth-style keys
- 30 scales for playing chords with one finger
- Integrated arpeggiator with an eight-step sequencer
- Seamless integration with popular DAWs
- 16 pads with aftertouch and trigger functions.
5. novation Launchpad Mini MKIII
It offers you everything you need for performances in Ableton Live and fits comfortably in your backpack or bag. Start making music and play your tracks with Ableton Live wherever you are, with a wealth of instantly available sounds for the perfect start.
With the brightly lit pads, you can better visualize your Ableton Live session and trigger your sounds with precision. Optimal visualization: The full RGB colors perfectly match your clips and scenes. Thanks to seamless integration with Ableton Live, you have your session right at your fingertips on the Launchpad Mini. Less clicking, more music. With Launchpad Mini, you can start making music today. Take the device anywhere and use your sounds wherever inspiration strikes.
Launchpad gives you direct and tactile access to Live's performance controls in a way that simply isn't possible with a mouse. You can take your eyes off the computer screen and see your session along with all sounds on the 8x8 grid. Then you can control your performance directly via Launchpad Mini with the stop, solo, and mute buttons. By registering your Launchpad Mini, you automatically gain access to Sound Collective. You will regularly receive new free plugins from some of the biggest names in the business, as well as offers, discounts, and much more.
6. Arturia MiniLab 3 White
MiniLAB 3 is a compact keyboard and pad controller that allows users to make music instantly. With its plug-and-play creative workflow, versatile assignable controls, and 500 curated sounds from the extensive Analog Lab library, MiniLAB 3 is designed to provide beginners and professionals alike with a smooth music workflow, regardless of music genre.
7. Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3
Plug-and-play functionality via USB connection. Standalone mini keyboard with built-in speaker and USB MIDI controller. Built-in sound module with over 128 instrument sounds and 10 drum kits. Four knobs for sound editing or MIDI transmission. OLED display for easy sound browsing. Twenty-five synth-action mini keys and a four-way joystick for pitch and modulation control.
8. Arturia KeyStep
Do you need a portable USB MIDI controller that also offers a musical playing experience? Do you have some MIDI modules you'd like to connect but don’t want to take up the space of a large keyboard? Do you own modular and analog devices that you want to control via CV/GATEs? Are you looking for a step sequencer with polyphonic functionality that can sync with your favorite device? If only a single device could do all this.
It all started with the development of a unique "slim key" keyboard action that combines the features of compact mini keys with the musicality of full-sized keys. The size, speed, and aftertouch of this new design provide the freedom of portability without compromising playability. You can instantly select gate times and swing settings to change the feel of your sequenced performance on the fly. Add a flexible and fun arpeggiator mode along with a chord mode, and you’re ready for hours of musical adventures.
These features alone would make KeyStep the portable keyboard controller on the market. USB MIDI (of course), standard MIDI input and output, clock sync and DIN sync jacks, as well as CV/GATE outputs and a separate assignable modulation CV output that can be used with modulation wheel, velocity, or aftertouch. To say that KeyStep is an amazing little controller doesn’t do it justice. Regardless of your setup, KeyStep integrates seamlessly to enhance your workflow and effectiveness. With KeyStep and its variety of connections, you can control any digital or analog synthesizer from the past, present, and even the future. Sequence them all.
9. novation Launchpad Pro MKIII
Powerful sequencer with four tracks and 32 steps. MIDI In, Out, and Out 2/Thru. Includes Ableton Live Lite, two months membership with Splice Sounds, AAS Session Bundle (3 synthesizers), XLN Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb, DAW Cassette, and Softube Time and Tone Bundle.
10. Akai Professional APC Mini MK2
The APC Mini Mk2 Clip Launching Controller for Ableton Live is the ultimate compact solution for music production in any environment. The APC Mini MK2 provides dynamic control over your Ableton Live sessions. It is perfect for creative looping, remixing, and experimentation in the studio or on stage.
