Best MIDI keyboard controller: Top 5

MIDI keyboard controllers have become increasingly popular in recent times as their price has dropped and the associated software technology has also become more widely available and affordable. In keyboard terms, one of the great things about a midi keyboard controller is that there is potentially no limit to the different sounds that you can play on it. In broader digital music-making terms, you can use it for all round music creation and deejaying, employing it for tasks such as triggering drum patterns and creating rhythms.

For those who are unfamiliar with MIDI keyboard controllers, they differ from synthesizers and traditional electronic keyboards in that a MIDI keyboard controller has no built-in sounds, rather it is essentially an input device, rather like a computer mouse. You play the keyboard controller through your computer and get the various sounds from associated software installed on the computer. Most MIDI keyboard controllers will come with their own software, but they can also be used in conjunction with other audio and music software, such as GarageBand, Logic, or Cubase.

I hope that you enjoy my top 5 list for the best MIDI keyboard controller. I have tried to include a range of keyboards that cater for a variety of budgets – every single one of these keyboards, however, gives great value and high quality for the asking price.

This is the first USB MIDI from M-Audio in my list and is here because it possesses exceptional functionality while being very easy to use - combined with its relative affordability, that makes the Oxygen 49 a very good first USB MIDI controller to own and a great step up for those music creators wanting to step up from a mini keyboard to a 49 key MIDI controller.

The Alesis Q49 is another inexpensive MIDI keyboard controller which provides excellent value. It comes with Ableton Live Lite software which gives you a range of sounds to play with and is easy to use. Alesis, if you are unfamiliar with them, are a US company who have established themselves a solid reputation for producing innovative yet affordable digital audio products in recent years after being bought up by the same company that own Akai Professional.

One of the main appeals of the Roland A-500PRO is the keys and knobs, they just feel good, especially when compared to some of the cheaper keyboards on the market. The superior key mechanism gives you aftertouch and greater sensitivity. The product as a whole looks and feels more professional than many of its rivals, which shouldn’t be a surprise, given that it’s a Roland. Comes with Cakewalk.

The Novation 49 SL MkII is a high quality controller keyboard with a lovely layout and an LCD screen that gives you a clear view of everything that is going on. The 49 keys are semi-weighted and easy to play. It comes with Automap 3 PRO Control Software, which is easy to install and use.

The second M-Audio MIDI controller on my list is included because frankly it is just such a superior product. Okay, you have to pay out more than for some of the other keyboard controllers I’ve selected, but you get great value return. The Axiom Pro 61 is beautifully designed and has enormous flexibility in terms of customization capabilities. In terms of Pro Tools keyboard controllers, this product is the ultimate.