What are the best and overall highest-rated low-budget midi keyboards?
There are many incredible benefits of having a midi keyboard, especially for your home studio. For one, you can create a nearly endless amount of sounds for just about any genre. They are also relatively compact and conveniently able to fit nicely on a desk. Some are even as small as a laptop.
Not only do studio producers and engineers greatly prosper with a midi keyboard, but many live bands and some DJ’s use them as well. Keyboardists use many of the more prominent midi keyboards with 61+ keys for live use. They typically bring their laptop with a variety of sounds. Some say using a midi keyboard for live use is a trick to get high-quality sounds from a low-budget keyboard.
Nonetheless, we decided to find the overall best midi keyboards that are in the low-budget range. After extensive research, personal experience, and help with some audio friends, producers, and keyboardists; We formulated a list of the 11 Best Midi Keyboards Under $300.
In Short, Here Are The 11 Highest-Rated Midi Keyboards Under $300
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Alesis VI25
- midiplus X6
- Behringer U-Control UMX610
- Casio WK-245 76-Key
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
- Arturia KeyStep
- Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
- Alesis V61
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
First up, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is another low-priced USB midi keyboard below $100. It is incredibly compact and convenient. With a very stylish design, you are able to purchase this keyboard in one of three different colors. Coming with the purchase is a USB cable to power up the keyboard and instructions to download the software.
After you pass the learning, it’s straightforward to use and navigate. Unfortunately, the build quality is relatively weak compared to the rest of the keyboards on this list. However, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is also the cheapest on this list. The registration process is a bit frustrating at first, as well.
After getting past the upfront learning curve and registration process, this keyboard has many incredible attributes. The eight backlit pads are all velocity-sensitive. Next to that is 8 Q link knobs that are all fully assignable. All of the controls work very well for the incredibly low price. It has 25 nonweighted mini keys with great sensitivity. Overall, I recommend this midi keyboard for those who want a compact instrument on a budget.
Details & Tech Specs
- 25 mini keys
- USB powered
- Looping abilities
- Extremely portable (able to fit in a backpack)
- 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC style pads
- 8 fully assignable Q Link knobs
2. Alesis V61
Next up, the Alesis V61 is a 61-key midi keyboard. The keys are velocity-sensitive and full-sized. Also, the keys are semi-weighted, meaning it adds a bit of resistance to pressing them. However, it does not have as much resistance as a grandstand piano. This affordable keyboard has an excellent build quality and design for the low price.
It has eight backlit pads, 61 full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, four assignable buttons, and four assignable knobs. At first, I wasn’t a fan of the default velocity. After further research, I was able to set the velocity of how I preferred, and I was thrilled with it. Something I really like about the Alesis V61 is its skinny design making it easily portable and compact. However, it also is excellent for live performance purposes as well.
3. Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
The Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 is a great midi keyboard that is designed to work hand-to-hand with Abelton Live. It has 61 keys, which is not the entire amount of a grandstand piano, but certainly is more than enough for electronic music. For the most part, it’s relatively easy to use after a bit of upfront research.
In case you don’t use Abelton Live, the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 is also compatible with DAW. Whether you are on a stage or in your home studio, the pads are backlit with RGB lights giving it a nice look. The 16 backlit pads use color-matched feedback that makes fx controls, launch clips, and trigger samples much easier to use.
After you reach the learning curve of effectively using the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2, you will realize that this midi keyboard is near a steal. It can do most, if not, all things you will basically need for a studio session or live performance. It is well priced below $300 and has great sound quality and integration control.
Details & Tech Specs
- 61 keys
- USB Powered
- Easy to use
- Most compatible with Ableton Live
- Also compatible with any HUI-compatible DAW
- Great for electronic music
- 16 RGB backlit pads
4. Alesis VI25
If you’re looking for a snug fit for your desk, the Alesis VI25 is an excellent choice. With only 25 full-sized keys, you can fit this compact midi controller just about anywhere. However, if you need more than just 25 keys, you can also purchase this same keyboard with either 49 or 61 keys.
Each essential upgrade comes with a slightly larger price. The keys are semi-weighted, meaning the action is relatively closer to an acoustic piano than non-weighted keys. Most people, including myself, prefer semi-weighted or fully weighted keys rather than no weighted action at all. It has 16 backlit pads that are all velocity-sensitive, meaning the harder you press the pad, the louder the volume.
With a pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 16 velocity-sensitive backlit pads, 24 assignable buttons, and eight knobs: The Alesis VI25 is an incredible bang for the affordable buck midi-keyboard priced below $200. The keys feel very good and easy to play. You won’t have any concerns about its performance ability.
If you are unsure if 25 keys are enough, their 49-key midi keyboard is only $40 more. Overall, I highly recommend this keyboard for anyone looking for a compact design for their home studio or live performance.
Details & Tech Specs
- 25 keys (full-sized)
- Pitch wheel
- Modulation wheel
- Able to get this same keyboard with either 49 or 61 keys
- Great feeling semi-weighted keys
- 16 velocity-sensitive backlit pads
- 24 assignable buttons
- 8 knobs
5. midiplus X6
The midiplus X6 is a very affordable midi keyboard with 61 keys. Something I find unique about this midi keyboard is its relatively robust build quality while maintaining its lightweight. Typically, keyboards in this price range have a much cheaper build quality than this keyboard.
Something to keep in mind is the keys are slightly narrower than a full-sized set. If you need the full width of keys, it’s best to go to the next one down the list. However, the slightly less width of the keys does not affect me whatsoever.
On the top are four different knobs; Volume, pan, expression controller, and reverb. The capacitive pitch bender and modulation sliders work exceptionally, as well. The sensors are very responsive and are effortless to get used to. Overall, the midiplus X6 is a fantastic value for the low price.
Details & Tech Specs
- Great feel
- 61 keys
- Semi-weighted keys
- 3 segment backlit LED
- Lightweight
- Great response
- Works well with Ableton
- Consistent velocity response of every key
- 4 knobs; Volume, pan, expression controller, and reverb.
- Tough build quality for the price
6. Behringer U-Control UMX610
The Behringer U-Control UMX610 is a low-priced midi/USB keyboard. Not only does it play really well, but the design is also fabulous. It’s built tough with smooth and accurate controls. Something I really enjoy about this keyboard is the incredibly accurate sensitivity. Most keyboards in this price range do not have the incredibly responsive controls as this one does. Between the keys and controls, the feel will not disappoint you.
While most musicians have different opinions, me and many of the reviews agree on the great action of the semi-weighted keys. The modulation and pitch bend are relatively easy to use with most software. Something I find unique about the Behringer U-Control UMX610 is its easy setup compared to most midi keyboards. Overall, this midi keyboard is an excellent choice on a budget.
Details & Tech Specs
- 61 keys
- Compatible with Mac OS X and Windows XP or higher
- Great velocity-sensitive
- USB/Midi
- Robust build
- 8 real-time rotary controls
- 10 assignable buttons
7. Casio WK-245 76-Key
The Casio WK-245 is possibly the highest rated midi keyboard with 76 keys on the market today. Its various effects are what give this keyboard its remarkably high ratings. To me, the keys feel a bit lighter weighted rather than most fully weighted keys. On the flip-side. If you’re more interested in a keyboard with great longevity, 600 built-in sounds, able to be used during a live performance, recording capabilities, abilities to perform with built-in backing music, and many more unique features; The Casio WK-245 priced below $200 is the keyboard for you.
I am profoundly amazed by this keyboard with its various sounds and features. Indeed a great choice for creatives interested in exploring a multitude of multiple sounds and what is possible with each effect. If 600 sounds aren’t enough for you, I don’t know what is.
The Casio WK-245 makes it much easier for somebody to learn the art of playing with a real band. There are 180 different backing band tracks to choose from, with various genres to play along with. Not to forget, you can record yourself doing it as well!
The Casio WK-245 is not only raved about for its different sounds and recording abilities, but it also has excellent longevity. Many users claim this keyboard is the longest-lasting keyboard at this price range. It also has a built-in lesson system that helps you get better at playing music. The lessons help teach you how to play certain parts of songs.
Overall, the Casio WK-245 is the perfect 76-key midi keyboard for those interested in playing with a near neverending amount of sounds at a low-price. It’s extra features and longevity at such are also reasons it’s one of the highest-rated keyboards on the market.
Details & Tech Specs
- 600 built-in sounds
- Built-in lesson feature for enhancing musical development
- Great longevity
- 180 different backing tracks to play along with
- Microphone with volume control and audio jacks
- Polyphony:48 Notes
8. M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV
The M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV is a great midi keyboard at an affordable price. With 49 keys, it is compact and easily able to fit nicely on a desk. It has eight trigger pads that are all velocity-sensitive for the dynamics of the song. The octave controls work incredibly well and are easy to use. You can go down or up a full octave. In case you either couldn’t afford or fit a keyboard with more than 49 keys, luckily, the octave controls give you the ability to replicate a larger midi keyboard.
The DirectLink feature automatically links controls to popular DAW software programs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, etc. It has eight assignable knobs and nine faders that work relatively decent. While the build quality is not up to par with most midi keyboards on this list, the compact design, decent key action, and pitch controls definitely give this keyboard a good contender. However, many claim their customer service is not great.
Overall, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a compact keyboard but still want the nearly full range of keys. Due to its octave up and down pitch controls, this keyboard makes it possible.
Details & Tech Specs
- 49 keys
- USB powered
- 8 assignable knobs
- Comes with production software for PC and Mac
- Octave up and down controls
9. Nektar Impact LX49+
Like the Casio WK-245, the Nektar Impact LX49+ is another utterly high-rated midi keyboard. In my personal opinion, this keyboard is worth much more than what they are selling it at. All of the pads are backlit and very sensitive. That is, they are much more sensitive than most pads on a midi keyboard.
I find this to be a huge plus side. It is not only compatible with Mac and PC but IOS as well. Of nearly every keyboard on this list, I believe the Nektar Impact LX49+ has the most straightforward setup of them all.
The 49 keys are nonweighted. However, the feel is still really nice and smooth. If you’re used to playing a real acoustic piano or weighted keys, this midi keyboard may take a bit of time to get used to it. However, the simple setup, incredible software integration, ease of use, and incredible value for the price certainly make this keyboard one of our top picks on this list. I highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- 49 Keys nonweighted
- Good build for the low price
- Incredible software integration
- Easy setup and registration
- Compatible with Mac, Ios, and PC
- All 8 pads are extremely sensitive
10. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol is a live performance and tour-worthy portable digital keyboard. It has 61 keys and produces exceptional sound quality. The keys are semi-weighted, meaning the action carries a bit of weight. While it’s not the full weight of a grand piano such as most full weighted keyboards, it’s not entirely weightless either. Many keyboardists claim semi-weighted keyboards hit the sweet spot. Opinions vary, however.
My good friend uses this keyboard and I saw him perform with it the other day. He connects it to his laptop, which allows him to use a never-ending amount of high-quality voicings. Regardless of the Midi effects, he was using, the sound quality was consistently top-notch, crisp, and pristine. Even without his laptop plugged in, I was overly impressed with how great the sound quality the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol produced.
I highly recommend the 61-key Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol digital portable keyboard for live performance and studio use. When I asked him about some of its downsides, he mentioned the software took some time to figure out.
Details & Tech Specs
- USB 2.0 bus-powered
- Tour and live performance worthy
- Semi-weighted keyboard
- Great sound quality
- Tough build quality
- OLED display
- 8 control knobs all touch-sensitive
11. Arturia KeyStep
One of the cheapest on our list, the Arturia KeyStep is yet another high-rated midi keyboard. It is compact and able to fit just about anywhere. It’s small enough to travel around with it in your bag or backpack. However, don’t let its small size fool you. This midi keyboard sounds terrific and provides many useful features. It has 32 keys that are smaller than the regular-sized keys.
While this keyboard is excellent for specifically midi controls via studio or live, I do not recommend it for those who want to learn piano. Another reason I recommend this for Midi use with hardware only is due to the plastic touch of the keys themselves. The Arturia KeyStep is shown throughout youtube of people teaching lessons for midi.
Overall, the Arturia KeyStep is the perfect midi keyboard for those who need a compact instrument for midi use on a tight budget.
Details & Tech Specs
- 32 smaller sized keys
- Aftertouch
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Polyphonic Step Sequencing
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best Midi Keyboards Under $300
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Alesis VI25
- midiplus X6
- Behringer U-Control UMX610
- Casio WK-245 76-Key
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
- Arturia KeyStep
- Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
- Alesis V61
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