MIDI controllers are a must-have for your music production setup. In this article, we tell you which are the best ones for 2025 and all the possibilities they offer.
If you’ve ever thought about setting up your own home studio, one thing you’ll definitely need is a good MIDI keyboard. These devices will not only help you create music but also control the editing software (DAW) you use, opening up the doors to musical creativity.
What is a MIDI keyboard?
Before we get down to business, let’s start with a little history. MIDI keyboards are the most common name by which we know the current MIDI controllers or controller keyboards. Let’s say that they are their direct predecessor.
A MIDI keyboard is a musical keyboard that uses the MIDI interface ( Musical Instrument Digital Interface ), one of the first standards that emerged for musical computing. Although many devices continue to use them, such as synthesizers or electronic drums, MIDI has evolved as a standard included within USB, which is the type of connection used by almost all keyboards today.
Still, the controller keyboards we’ll look at below all include a MIDI port, which requires its own cable, to connect to compatible instruments like those mentioned above.
However, that doesn’t mean MIDI is dead – far from it. In fact, this protocol has many uses. The most well-known is being able to create a pattern played on a musical keyboard and then use it with the virtual instrument of your choice.
What is a MIDI keyboard used for?
The primary use of a MIDI keyboard is to serve as an interface for creating music. For example, you can play a passage of a song and have it displayed as MIDI in your favorite music editing program.
You can then apply any sound you want to that same pattern, such as piano, guitar, bass or drums, opening up a world of possibilities.
In addition, MIDI information is universal. This means that you can create it, for example, on your Windows computer and export it to use on any other device, such as a mobile phone, Mac computer or tablet, as well as in any music editing program.
The MIDI file will retain all the information about how the piece was played, both the notes and the speed or force with which you pressed them. This versatility means that it is still used today as a standard in music production.
What should a good MIDI controller have?
The most important thing to keep in mind before purchasing a MIDI controller is the following:
Key size
When we talk about musical keyboards, there are portable models, which have smaller keys and are easy to transport, and full models, which have normal-sized keys.
Number of keys
This is measured in octaves, that is, the repetition of the twelve notes from C to B. It is normal to find keyboards with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 octaves, or in other words, 12, 25, 49, 61 and 73 keys. The top models come with a full 88-key keyboard, the same as acoustic pianos.
Keyboard type
Here we can distinguish between several options:
- Basic keyboards. The most economical options opt for very simple keyboards, which will simply allow you to press the key and nothing else.
- Keyboards with velocity control. In these models, the key has a longer travel and the keyboard detects whether you press it slower or harder. This intensity is crucial to be able to play passages, so you should look for one that has it on your controller keyboard.
- Keyboards with aftertouch. One of the most useful functions, it allows you to continue ‘playing’ the key once it has been pressed. This way you can add vibrato and sound variations, very useful for recording orchestral instruments, such as strings or wind instruments.
- Semi-weighted keyboards. Halfway between a keyboard and an acoustic piano, semi-weighted keyboards offer some resistance when pressing the key, which can be very comfortable if you are already used to the feel of acoustic pianos.
- Weighted keyboards. These models faithfully mimic the touch of a real acoustic piano. They are ideal if you want the closest possible experience to an acoustic piano, but they are much more expensive.
- Keyboards with pads. If you want to compose rhythms with your keyboard, there are some models that include pad buttons. Very practical for creating drum beats comfortably.
Connectivity
Finally, we can’t forget about connectivity, as this is how you’ll plug your keyboard into your computer. As we’ve mentioned before, most modern MIDI keyboards come with a USB Type-A port, which connects to your computer via a cable. Plus, most are plug & play, so you can start using them without having to install anything.
Top 5 MIDI Controllers in 2025
Now that you know everything about MIDI controllers, let’s see which are the most recommended models that you can buy in 2025.
Arturia Minilab 3
In recent years, Arturia has positioned itself as one of the best brands of MIDI keyboards in terms of quality and price. And with its Minilab 3, it offers you everything you need to compose music on a small, portable 25-key keyboard.
It features eight pad keys, eight knobs, and four programmable sliders that you can assign to any function on your computer. It also has two touch strips for pitch bend and modulation that will add expressiveness to all your performances. It also comes with a small LED display and controls for your DAW editing software, such as Play and Rec.
Akai MPK Mini Mk3
The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is probably the most popular portable MIDI keyboard in the world. A direct rival to the previous model, it features the same number of keys, 25, as well as eight pads and as many programmable knobs.
Its main difference is that it has a small joystick that you can use to perform modulation functions. It also has a small LED screen and controls for your DAW that make it very easy to use.
Arturia Keylab Essential 49 mk3
The Arturia Keylab Essential 49 mk3 is one of the most complete MIDI keyboards you can find and it stands out especially in terms of quality and price. It has 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, eight RGB – illuminated pads and shortcut keys for your DAW.
It also features nine knobs and nine programmable faders and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, as well as pitch wheels and an arpeggiator. But the best thing is that it comes with the Analog Lab software as a gift, which will allow you to access a library with more than 2,000 sounds.
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49
If we could only have one MIDI keyboard in 2025, it would definitely be the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49. For a very similar price to the previous model, this model offers us the same number of keys, but in this case semi-weighted and with aftertouch.
It also features 16 assignable velocity-sensitive RGB-backlit pads, eight knobs, and nine assignable faders. It features an arpeggiator, as well as pitch and modulation wheels, and an OLED display for easy operation.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
We finish with a real heavyweight among MIDI keyboards: the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2. A 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity control and aftertouch. Like the other models, it features ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels and a touch strip for expression control.
But the best of all are its two-color screens, from which you can control all kinds of options and see the virtual instruments you are using. In exchange, it does not have pads, only nine programmable knobs. But it makes up for it by including the Komplete Kontrol and Ableton Live Lite programs as a gift.
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