Best Midi Keyboards For 2021
Producing music from home nowadays is the safer option for many aspiring artists and professionals alike. Doing that, however, means having the right equipment to do the job. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Midi Keyboards for making music at home in 2021. We’ve got options that range from full-on minis to full keyboards that have been designed for tight spaces and to work with laptops and home studio equipment.
1.Akai MPK Mini MK2 Midi Keyboard
If you’re looking for the newest thing out there, then you might be disappointed. However, if you’re looking for a mini keyboard that has stood the test of time and is still one of the best options out there, then this one from Akai is the one for you. Incredibly light and portable while still maintaining a lot of features, this option is great for those looking for something functional and inexpensive. With features like a 4 tone pitch control and MPC style pads, it offers a great deal of control for music makers
Pros:
Easily Portable
Very lightweight, yet Durable
Excellent Software Functionality
Cons:
Not the newest thing on the market may lack newer features
2.Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3
This small but powerful update on a line by Novation offers a ton of features in a compact frame. Features include a Midi output jack, built-in arpeggiator, a chord memory feature and it comes with software bundled in. This is the perfect mini Midi keyboard for those wanting a range of production features without needing a full-size setup or for those in cramped spaces.
Pros:
Built-in arpeggiator
Sustain foot pedal
Chord recorder
Midi output jack
Cons:
25 Key Range
3.M Audio-Keystation 49 MkIII
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This is a solid middle-of-the-road option with 49 full-size keys and a number of useful options added to it. It features good transport controls, a modulation, and pitch bender as well as master volume controls all of which can be assigned. The keys are quite responsive and overall the board is more than enough for most users, especially those looking in this price range
Pros:
Keys are very responsive
Variable Control Nobs and Master Volume Control
Affordable
Cons:
Casing is a bit weak
4.Arturia Keystep Pro
Arturia makes a few different varieties of Midi Keyboard, but this one is a step up from some of the standard options. It has a variety of I/O options for multi-functionality and portability. There’s a solid blend of analog and digital I/O options, as well as creative sequencing tools, and a drum mode that’s fun to use.
Pros:
Multiple I/O options
Sequencing tools
Drum mode
Cons:
Mod and pitch buttons are small
On the higher cost end of products
5.Nektar SE25 Midi Keyboard
This option is for those who need performance but have a bare minimum of space to work with. It features a 25 key range, with connection options for a sustain pedal and DAW integrations provided by Nektar. It’s small enough to fit in a laptop bag but offers the sound quality of performance of larger more expensive models.
Pros:
Highly affordable
Nektar DAW integrations
Fits in a Laptop bag
Cons:
Doesn’t have quite the functionality of larger midis
6.Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
This one by Native Instruments is a full keyboard that has been modified into a portable midi size. With 32 keys and a full complement of Komplete Kontrols squeezed into this mini keyboard, it allows for almost limitless versatility in a convenient travel size. This one is great for an at-home studio where you need full functionality without the space of a full keyboard and mixing system.
Pros:
Complete set of control knobs and touch bars
Compact and light for portability
Good software and hardware integrations
Cons:
Mini keys to squeeze in more than standard
7.Nektar Impact LX88+ Midi Keyboard
This one by Nektar is our only full keyboard on the list and for good reason! It’s difficult to find a portable midi keyboard with all 88 keys that don’t somehow sacrifice functionality in order to do it. Nektar managed to figure out how to do just that though. This is a fully USB-powered midi with more DAW controls, nobs, touch bars, and buttons than are fit to explain in one review. Even though it’s on the larger size for a portable keyboard, it is still small enough to be at home in a cramped home studio space.
Pros:
Portable but with solid, sturdy construction
Full keyboard
Fully integrated controls
Cons:
Keys aren’t hammer action
8.Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Midi Keyboard
Our final entry happens to be the standard-bearer for Arturia, the Keylab series, it comes in the 49 and 61 key varieties and has a number of features that make it the perfect studio companion for plug-and-play portability and sound design. It comes complete with DAW controls and software integrations that make mixing a breeze. These features coupled with the durable design make it a great addition to your home studio and with a 49 key set standard, that’s larger than many other midis on the market.
Pros:
Full-spectrum controls
Built-in Analog Lab software integration
Combines notable features with portable size
Cons:
On the high end of the price scale for a midi
Best Midi Keyboards For 2021 – Wrapping Up
There you have it. Our list of some of the best midi Keyboards for 2021 to use for making music at home in 2021. Hopefully, our product reviews have given you a window into the various options that are out there and helped you to find the right product for your needs.
