Let’s have a look at the 8 best budget MIDI keyboards for modern music producers.
Music production is a job that requires your utmost attention to detail. What’s important to note here is that producing high-quality sounds might not be possible if one doesn’t have the best tools on hand. Down below, we will be highlighting some of the best budget-friendly MIDI keyboards you can get out there.
1. M-Audio Key Stattion Mini
The first one on our list is the M-Audio Keystation Mini. Anyone out there looking for an affordable instrument should get this keyboard. There are 32 keys for complex patterns and assignable buttons. There is even a copy of Pro Tool First M-Audio Edition provided with this keyboard. All this will give you the ease of usage and high-quality sounds.
2. Novation Launchkey Mini
Secondly, we have the Novation Launchkey Mini. This one is available for under $100, keeping the range affordable. There are 25 keys and 16 velocity-sensitive drum pads included in this one. Moreover, the knobs are a total of 8, which can be assigned. Furthermore, it is pretty loaded in terms of the software as it comes with the Novation Bass system, Ableton Live Lite, V Station, and Audio Addictive Keys.
3. Akai MPK Mini Mk2
Known as the all-rounder, this one has got it all. Available for around $115, it has lightweight and sturdy built for longevity. There are 8 assignable rotary encoders, a 4-way pitch bend or modulation joysticks, and 8 MPC pads as well. These pads have note repeat too. Software-wise it comes with Akai Pro MPC Essentials, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, etc.
4. Nektar SE25
The Nektar SE25 provides amazing value, for it is available for under $50. Small and portable, you can carry it around easily. There are 25 keys and 6 function keys which are assignable. It has Nektar DAW integration for Garageband, Bitwig, Nuendo, Cubase, etc. which is rare in this range. What’s best is that it weighs just 0.4 kg, so perfect for music production on the go.
Check out more details on Nektar SE25 here – Nektar SE25 MIDI Keyboard
5. Alesis V25
Next up is Alesis V25. Another budget-friendly pick, it comes with 25 full-sized keys and 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads as well. There are 4 assignable buttons, pitch/modulation wheels, and 4 knobs as well. There is even a sustain pedal input feature available. This is another great all-rounder.
6. Arturia MiniLab Mkll
Available for just $110, the Arturia Minilab keyboard comes with 25 keys, 16 encoders of which 2 are clickable, 2 pitch bend/modulation touch strips, and 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity pads. It weighs around 1.5kg and is a well-built system with aesthetic appeal as well. Also, check out The 6 Best Arturia MIDI Keyboards For Music Producers
7. Midiplus AKM320
This one comes with a 32 key controller and has a compact built suitable for music production on the go. There is the feature of pitch bend and modulation and buttons for transpose and octave up/down. Moreover, it has a sustained pedal input and a master volume slider as well. All in all, a handy device for production.
8. Lastly, we have the Native Komplete Kontrol 32
keys. There are sockets for the USB port and a sustain pedal I put. Moreover, you will find 8 touch-sensitive knobs, touch strips for pitch bend/modulation, and various software included as well.