Best Beginner MIDI Keyboard Under $300
If you are interested in producing synthesizer or keyboard heavy music, having a proper MIDI keyboard is a must. Recording parts on a keyboard is more musical and much faster than clicking in parts with your computer’s mouse. Remember that MIDI keyboards do not make sounds themselves, they simply send messages to software on your computer which actually makes the sound. By the end of this guide, you should be ready to get the perfect beginner MIDI keyboard.
Best Overall Value Beginner MIDI Keyboard
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
Specifications
PRICE: $229
CONNECTIVITY: USB, MIDI Out
NUMBER OF KEYS: 49
WEIGHTED KEYS: No
Where to Buy
Pros
+ Valuable bundled software
+ Tight integration with Arturia software
Cons
– Lackluster Ableton Integration
– Average Keybed
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is a 49 key midi controller from Arturia featuring tight integration with their plugins. Arturia is known for making great sounding plugins that model some of the most coveted analog synthesizers of all time.
Included with the keyboard is a full version of Arturia’s Analog Lab software which includes 5000 sounds. Additionally, a license for Ableton Live Lite is included.
The build quality for this keyboard is above average but nothing to write home about. Considering the included software, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is such an incredibly valuable beginner MIDI keyboard.
Beginner MIDI Keyboard with Great Ableton Integration
Novation LaunchKey 61
Specifications
PRICE: $279
CONNECTIVITY: USB, MIDI Out
NUMBER OF KEYS: 61
WEIGHTED KEYS: No
Where to Buy
Pros
+ 61 keys
+ Tight Ableton Integration
Cons
– Average quality keybed
Novation is known for creating controllers featuring really tight integration with Ableton Live and the Novation LaunchKey 61 is no exception.
The unique Ableton integration gives you access to session view right from the keyboard. 2 rows of pads lets you launch clips and play drums. Additionally, the knobs and faders give quick access to device macros and track volumes. Finally, the onboard arpeggiator and scale modes give you 2 more tools for generating new ideas.
Like most MIDI controllers, the LaunchKey also comes with a license for Ableton Live Lite. Unfortunately, like those same controllers, the keybed quality here is average.
At $279.99, this beginner MIDI keyboard is a fantastic value for current and future Ableton users looking for a controller with 61 keys.
Beginner MIDI Keyboard with Weighted Keys on a Budget
Nektar Impact GXP61
Specifications
PRICE: $229.99
CONNECTIVITY: USB, MIDI Out
NUMBER OF KEYS: 61
WEIGHTED KEYS: Yes
Where to Buy
Pros
+ 61 keys
+ Weighted keys
Cons
– No bundled software
The Nektar Impact GXP61 is a simple MIDI controller with 61 weighted keys. At $229.99 it is one of the best built, most affordable keyboards with this many weighted keys.
On the other hand, you give up some other features. This keyboard doesn’t have anything fancy, only the basics. Additionally Nektar doesn’t include any licenses for software like Ableton Live Lite.
If you are a player at heart, the Nektar Impact GXP61 offers the best playability on somewhat of a budget.
Portable Monster
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Specifications
PRICE: $109.99
CONNECTIVITY: USB, MIDI Out
NUMBER OF KEYS: 25 mini keys
WEIGHTED KEYS: No
Where to Buy
Pros
+ Tight Ableton integration
+ Small form factor
Cons
– Mini keys are hit or miss
Last but not least, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 packs an incredible amount of features into a tiny package with an even smaller price. Coming in at just $109.99, the Mini launchkey can do everything that the bigger Launchkeys can do in a form factor that fits in your backpack.
Being a mini keyboard, the Launchkey has mini keys. These can be really hit or miss depending on how big your hands are.
Despite the low price, Novation still includes a license for Ableton Live Lite. If you are a traveling producer, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is really hard to ignore.
