Learning music production can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing your first MIDI keyboard. So many options exist, but not all are beginner-friendly. A good MIDI keyboard can unlock your creativity, while a bad one can lead to frustration and wasted money. I remember starting out; I bought a complicated keyboard and spent more time reading the manual than making music! Luckily, there are some fantastic, easy-to-use MIDI keyboards perfect for beginners.
This guide cuts through the noise. I’ve tested and reviewed some of the best MIDI keyboards for beginners, focusing on ease of use, helpful features, and affordability. Let’s get you making music instead of just dreaming about it.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3: Ultra-portable, feature-packed with pads and knobs, perfect for on-the-go production.
- Arturia MiniLab 3: Excellent software integration, includes a fantastic software bundle, and has a great key feel.
- Novation Launchkey 37 MK3: Designed for Ableton Live users, offers deep integration and intuitive workflow.
- Alesis V25: Budget-friendly option with full-sized keys, ideal for learning piano and basic MIDI control.
- M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49: Semi-weighted keys and comprehensive controls offer a more professional feel for progressing musicians.
Top 5 Best Midi Keyboards for Beginners
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is the quintessential portable MIDI keyboard. It’s compact, durable, and packed with features that make it a great starting point for any aspiring music producer. It’s been a popular choice for years, and for good reason.
Pros:
- ✅ Ultra-portable and lightweight
- ✅ Includes a solid software bundle (MPC Beats, etc.)
- ✅ Features 8 MPC-style pads for drum programming and sample triggering
Cons:
- ❌ Mini keys may not be ideal for everyone
- ❌ Limited number of keys (only 25)
- ❌ Pitch and mod wheels are replaced with a thumbstick, which can take some getting used to
Verdict: The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is perfect for beginners who need a highly portable and versatile MIDI keyboard. It’s great for making beats on the go and experimenting with different sounds.
2. Arturia MiniLab 3
The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a step up in terms of build quality and software integration. Arturia is known for its excellent virtual instruments, and this keyboard is designed to work seamlessly with them. The included software bundle is worth the price alone.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent software integration with Arturia’s V Collection and Analog Lab
- ✅ High-quality build and key feel
- ✅ Includes a versatile software bundle with synths, pianos, and more
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than the Akai MPK Mini MK3
- ❌ Still has mini keys, which might not suit all players
- ❌ The software can be resource-intensive on older computers
Verdict: The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a great choice for beginners who want a premium feel and excellent software integration. If you’re interested in exploring Arturia’s virtual instruments, this is a fantastic option.
3. Novation Launchkey 37 MK3
The Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 is designed specifically for Ableton Live users. It offers deep integration with the software, allowing you to control almost every aspect of Ableton directly from the keyboard. It’s a powerful tool for creating and performing music.
Pros:
- ✅ Deep integration with Ableton Live
- ✅ Includes a generous software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite
- ✅ Features velocity-sensitive pads and knobs for expressive control
Cons:
- ❌ Best suited for Ableton Live users; less effective with other DAWs
- ❌ The key feel isn’t as premium as some other options
- ❌ Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the advanced features
Verdict: The Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 is ideal for beginners who are already using or plan to use Ableton Live. Its seamless integration makes it a powerful tool for music production.
4. Alesis V25
The Alesis V25 is a budget-friendly option that offers full-sized keys, which can be a significant advantage for beginners learning piano. It’s a simple and straightforward MIDI keyboard that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable price point
- ✅ Full-sized keys for a more traditional piano feel
- ✅ Simple and easy to use
Cons:
- ❌ Build quality is not as robust as other options
- ❌ Limited features compared to more expensive keyboards
- ❌ The included software bundle is less comprehensive
Verdict: The Alesis V25 is a great choice for beginners on a tight budget who want full-sized keys. It’s a simple and effective MIDI keyboard for learning the basics.
5. M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 offers a more professional feel with its semi-weighted keys and comprehensive controls. It’s a good choice for beginners who want a keyboard that they can grow into as their skills develop. I used an M-Audio keyboard for years, and it served me well.
Pros:
- ✅ Semi-weighted keys provide a more realistic piano feel
- ✅ Comprehensive controls, including knobs, faders, and pads
- ✅ Auto-mapping functionality for popular DAWs
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than the Alesis V25 and Akai MPK Mini MK3
- ❌ Larger size may not be suitable for small spaces
- ❌ Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the number of controls
Verdict: The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 is a good choice for beginners who want a more professional-feeling keyboard with plenty of controls and room to grow.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right MIDI keyboard can seem daunting, but here are some key factors to consider:
- Key Size and Type: Mini keys are great for portability, but full-sized keys are better for learning piano. Semi-weighted keys offer a more realistic piano feel than unweighted keys.
- Number of Keys: 25 keys are sufficient for basic melody and beat creation, but 49 or 61 keys offer more flexibility for playing chords and multiple octaves.
- Software Integration: Consider which DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) you plan to use and choose a keyboard that integrates well with it. Some keyboards offer seamless integration with specific DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro.
- Features: Look for features that are important to you, such as velocity-sensitive pads for drum programming, knobs and faders for controlling virtual instruments, and MIDI connectivity for connecting to other devices.
- Budget: MIDI keyboards range in price from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Set a budget and choose a keyboard that offers the best value for your money.
- Portability: If you plan to travel with your keyboard, consider a compact and lightweight model like the Akai MPK Mini MK3 or Arturia MiniLab 3.
Think about your specific needs and goals as a musician. Are you primarily interested in making beats, playing melodies, or learning piano? The answer to this question will help you narrow down your choices.
FAQs
Q: What is a MIDI keyboard?
A: A MIDI keyboard is an electronic musical keyboard that sends MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data to a computer or other electronic device. It doesn’t produce sound on its own; instead, it controls virtual instruments and other software.
Q: Do I need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard?
A: Yes, in most cases. MIDI keyboards typically need to be connected to a computer or other device running music production software (DAW) to generate sound.
Q: What is a DAW?
A: DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It’s software used for recording, editing, and producing audio. Popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.
Q: Are mini keys okay for beginners?
A: Mini keys can be a good option for portability and convenience, but full-sized keys are generally recommended for beginners who want to learn piano or develop proper technique.
Q: What software do I need to start making music with a MIDI keyboard?
A: You’ll need a DAW and some virtual instruments. Many MIDI keyboards come with bundled software, including a lite version of a DAW and some virtual instruments to get you started.
Conclusion
Choosing your first MIDI keyboard is an exciting step in your music production journey. Remember to consider your budget, desired features, and the type of music you want to create. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a great all-around choice for portability, while the Arturia MiniLab 3 offers excellent software integration. If you’re an Ableton Live user, the Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 is a no-brainer. For budget-conscious beginners who want full-sized keys, the Alesis V25 is a solid option. And if you’re looking for a more professional feel, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 is worth considering.
No matter which keyboard you choose, the most important thing is to start making music and have fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different sounds and techniques. Happy producing!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
