MIDI keyboards are an essential tool for producers. They give you the ability to play notes live into your DAW, control filters with macros, and play automation in live. If you’re a hands-on music producer, then you’ll want to invest in a good MIDI keyboard.
However, they can get expensive, so in this article, we’ve rounded up the 5 best MIDI keyboard controllers under $500 in 2023
We’ve included picks for all levels from beginner to advanced, and also included controllers for all budget ranges. This article focuses on MIDI keyboard controllers specifically.
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Contents
Best MIDI Keyboards Under $500 in 2023:
Here is the complete list of the best MIDI keyboard controllers under $500, for any producer:
1. Alesis V161 MIDI Keyboard
The Alesis V161 is the best value for money MIDI keyboard. It comes with an incredible amount of features & also looks like something straight out of star wars.
(which is pretty awesome & will look great with your LED mood lights)
It’s the best MIDI keyboard if you like touching knobs. And no – I don’t mean… That’s disgusting!
That’s because there’s just so many buttons featuring:
- 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys
- 16 backlit drum pads
- 16 assignable knobs
- 48 MIDI buttons
- Pitch bend and modulation
Price Range (under 500): $199 – $250 (US)
The possibilities for mapping, customization & live sound design are endless with the V161 & having so many options comes in handy more than you can imagine.
When you thought it stopped there, with the Alesis V161 you also get access to 5 free melodics lessons (to learn piano or finger drumming), a copy of Ableton Live Lite & more.
2. Novation Launchkey 49 MIDI Controller
If you're an Ableton user, then look no further. This bad boy has been designed to fully integrate with Ableton's functionality & make it feel like a piece of hardware, and makes using Ableton as a live production tool an absolute dream.
- independent operation mode for pads, knobs and faders
- arpeggiator combined with the scale is awesome
- Erratic behaviour if not plugged directly into the computer (into a USB hub for example - to avoid)
- Issues with non-Ableton DAWs: e.g. pad is not compatible with Reason
- midi cable not included (you need a type A)
- Ableton Live Lite
- Serato Sample
- 2 months of Splice Sounds
- XLN Addictive Keys
If you’re an Ableton user, then look no further. This bad boy has been designed to fully integrate with Ableton’s functionality & make it feel like a piece of hardware and makes using Ableton as a live production tool an absolute dream. It also comes with a free license of Ableton Live 10 Lite, that you can use your new, shiny button machine with out of the box.
The Novation Launchkey 49 features:
- 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys
- 16 mappable, backlit pads & MIDI controls
- Scale, chord & Arpeggiator modes
- Pitch and modulation controls
- Step sequencing modes
- 5-pin MIDI output
- USB connectivity
- Transport controls
Price range (under 500): $240 – $280
One of the coolest things about the Novation Launchkey is the sheer amount of software it comes with for under $300.
With the Launchkey, Novation have included not only a copy of Ableton Live 10 Lite, but access to Serato Sample (which has the legendary pitch n time algorithms for maximum audio quality). And, when you thought it stopped there, for purchasing a Launchkey, you’ll get access to 2 months of Splice Sounds and one of the best piano VSTs around, XLN Addictive keys.
(it’s so good, we included it in our best vst plugins list)
To recap, here’s the software included with the Launchkey:
- Ableton Live Lite (10)
- Serato Sample
- 2 months of Splice
- XLN Addictive Keys
If you’re an Ableton user then the Launchkey is the best MIDI controller under $500 can buy you. My only gripe with it is the size of the pads, but it’s not really an issue if you don’t finger drum & aren’t a clumsy f*ck (like me).
3. Arturia Keylab Essential 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller
With the Keylab you get access to Arturia's incredible software package, Analog Lab (worth $199). And, you guessed it, the controller has been designed to integrate perfectly with each software synth – making it feel more like a hardware synth.
- $500 worth of plugins!
- excellent layout
- very responsive Arturia support
- average build quality, all plastic
- midi mapping is not very intuitive, especially for beginners
- Analog Lab (worth $199)
- Arturia mini
- stage 73v
- piano uvi
- Ableton Live Lite
Arturia make some of the best software and hardware about & the Keylab Essential 61 is a prime example of this.
The Keylab Essential 61 features:
- 61 pro grade, fatar keybed keys
- 9 rotary knobs
- 9 faders
- 8 backlit drum pads
- Pitch bend and modulation
- Transport controls
- USB or DC power
- Sustain pedal input
- MIDI out
Street price (under 500): $250 – $300
But that’s not the main reason the Keylab 61 is so great. With the Keylab you get access to Arturia’s incredible software package, Analog Lab (worth $199).And, you guessed it, the controller has been designed to integrate perfectly with each software synth – making it feel more like a hardware synth.
Analog Lab gives you access to over 7000 sounds from 17 legendary hardware synths.
Which means you can play the likes of a CS-80, JUNO, and loads of other classic emulations of analog beauties.
It also includes an incredible piece of Grand Piano software, & finding good-sounding piano samples is hard, especially if you’re on a budget.
4. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MIDI Keyboard
The most expensive midi keyboard on this list, but is well worth the money. Over $1345 worth of Native Instruments software included!
- Screens!
- Perfect integration with NI Maschine
- Pleasant touch
- Light weight which makes it easily transportable
- Easily accessible controls / No or few sub-menus
- Solid pitch bend and modulation
- Touch strip
- Limited standalone: most features won't work with a direct hardware connection, you need to go through your DAW
- no pads
- Komplete 12 Select: 4 flagship synthesisers, over 7000 sounds, 45GB of instruments & effects, 11 sample instruments in Kontakt, 4 effects plugins
The Komplete Kontrol S49 is the most expensive midi keyboard on this list, but is well worth the money.
The Komplete Kontrol S49 features:
- 49 semi-weighted, backlit keys with aftertouch
- 7 assignable knobs (used to control komplete select software)
- 2 high-res color screens for browsing & tweaking sounds
- MIDI buttons & knobs used for controlling software
- Pitch bend and modulation
- Intuitive light guide
- Transport controls
Price range (under 500): $400 – $500 (US)
One of the greatest things about the S49, is that it’s not just a MIDI controller.
With every purchase of a Komplete Kontrol S49, you get Komplete 12 Select, which includes:
- 4 flagship synthesisers
- Over 7000 sounds
- 45GB of instruments & effects
- 11 sample instruments in Kontakt
- 4 effects plugins
That’s over $1345 worth of Native Instruments software included with your MIDI keyboard. And all of it is built to work seamlessly with the S49 – making it feel more like a hardware synth than a USB MIDI keyboard.
Another thing I want to mention is the light guide, that will take you from your dark path and lead you to seek forgiveness from the holy one, Skrillex.
Other than looking extra cool, it’s extremely useful for production, learning theory & playing the right notes.
With the backlit keys, the light guide helps you to see which notes you can play within a certain key. This can be mapped to chords, scales, greek modes, and a whole other range of options.
5. Nektar Panorama T6 MIDI Controller
Uses special ‘grab' technology to integrate perfectly with any DAW of your choice & automatically map to the settings of different VST instruments you're using.
- stellar DAW and VST integration with the dedicated Nektarine software, works well with virtually anything
- no need for an external power plug despite its size and weight
- doesn't come with any of the software that the others do
- known for unreliable pitch wheel
- keys are very noisy
- Nektar support is notoriously slow
- None except the mapping plugin "Nektar"
Last but not least, is the Nektar Panorama T6.
The only reason we’ve put this so far down the list is that it’s also one of the most expensive MIDI keyboard controllers in the category and will be out of most people’s budget, but it’s goddamn incredible.
The Nektar Panorama T6 features everything you’d expect to find in a MIDI keyboard, but goes above an beyond with its user experience.
It uses special ‘grab’ technology to integrate perfectly with any DAW of your choice & automatically map to the settings of different VST instruments you’re using.
That means, with the T6 MIDI controller, you could switch between an instance of Serum & another VST instrument, and whichever you were using, the faders, knobs and other MIDI buttons would map to the VST you were using.
There are tonnes of already, pre-mapped instruments built into the MIDI keyboard’s memory, but if you’re using an extremely obscure VST you got from Bandcamp – don’t worry!
You can still map your controller exactly how you’d like and save the preset mapping.
The Nektar Panorama features:
- 61 synth action keys with aftertouch
- 9 midi controller faders
- 8 assignable MIDI buttons
- 8 drum pads with pressure control
- Built in arp, gate & chord trigger
- Screen to browse patches
- Pitch bend and modulation
- Pad repeat options
- Button transport bar
- USB connectivity
- MIDI output
- Foot switch & expression pedal jacks
Street price (under 500): $300 – $400
If you want a piece of hardware that’s going to take you out of the computer & allow you to be more physical with your music, then this is a fantastic choice!
One of the drawbacks is that it doesn’t come with any of the software that the others do, which is a shame – but the pre-mapped instruments make up for that.
What is a MIDI Keyboard Controller Used For?
If you’re new to music production, you’re probably wondering what the hell a MIDI keyboard controller is & what it’s used for.
Let me explain…
MIDI stands for musical instrument digital interface, and came out in 1982.
Originally MIDI was used to connect to synthesisers, drum machines sync function to stay in time (in live situations), or (more recently) to control old keyboards that have no USB ports.
(it’s hard to believe there was a time where USBs didn’t exist, I know)
Nowadays MIDI keyboard controllers connect to your computer via USB, & are powered the same way. They can come in the form of drum pads, keyboards, faders & a load more.
So what’s a MIDI keyboard used for today?
MIDI keyboards can be used to control a wide variety of things inside your digital audio workstation.
For instance, you can use your MIDI keyboard knobs to map to a filter & control the filter by turning them. You could map your faders up to your faders in software & control the mix levels directly from your keyboard.
The most common thing that MIDI keyboards are used to do, is record and play notes inside your workstation’s piano roll.
The great thing about MIDI is the sheer amount of control it gives you over your DAW.
One thing that I don’t see many producers using is the ability to control different instrument sets through MIDI channels.
This is absolutely fantastic for on the fly switching between instruments & is great if you’re in a live situation and need to quickly switch from a string section to a warping bassline.
Most MIDI controllers also control what we call velocity.
This allows you to put feeling into your playing, by altering the volume dependent on how hard you hit the keys.
Velocity is controlled by a number from 0-127. 0 being not audible at all & 127 being the loudest it can possibly go.
It makes the MIDI controller feel more like a piano, an allows for a lot more expression in your music.
What’s The Best MIDI Keyboard Controller?
So now you know all about MIDI controllers, which is the best fit for you?
That’s a bit of a difficult question because…
When talking about best MIDI keyboards, determining which is the best for you really depends on your situation and what you actually need in the studio.
So ask yourself what kind of producer you are & how you think you’d use a MIDI keyboard controller to improve your workflow and make better music.
I’m a very hands on person & I don’t like being in the computer that much when I’m making bangers. I much prefer to have a controller that has a lot of parameter controls, pads & options for me to map to.
Regardless of this being a personal question, I’ve included some guidelines for:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
This will help you to decide (based on your skill level) what the best controller is for you.
Starting with…
Beginner
For beginners it’s important to buy a keyboard that comes with a lot. If you’re new to production, keyboards that come with software can save you a whole bunch of cash!
(so now the only holes in your pockets are the ones from all those cigarettes you smoke)
25 keys just simply isn’t big enough & you’ll outgrow a smaller MIDI controller faster than a scene kid outgrows his goth phase.
25 keys is only 2 octaves of space & unless you’re a absolute don at the old trigger finger while playing notes, then it’s gonna be difficult to play interesting chords/synth lines.
Basically what I’m saying is:
It’s better to buy something that will last you longer, rather than having to go through the hassle of selling a controller down the line because you feel you need more key/knobs/pads.
For beginners I usually recommend M-Audio, but the Novation Launchkey has recently changed that recommendation.
The amount of software you get for the price range is more than enough to get you started. Also, the fact that you get XLN Addictive keys (a piano VST we featured in our best vst instruments list) is just madness.
To recap the Novation Launchkey 49 features:
- 49 semi-weighted, velocity sensitive keys
- 16 mappable, backlit pads & MIDI controls
- Scale, chord & Arpeggiator modes
- Pitch and modulation controls
- Step sequencing modes
- 5 pin MIDI output
- USB connectivity
- Transport controls
And comes with software like:
- Ableton Live Lite (10)
- Serato Sample
- 2 months of Splice
- XLN Addictive Keys
Intermediate
For intermediate producers, naturally you’re going to want something with more keys, pads & customisation.
I usually recommend the Alesis V161, simply because it is the cheapest controller, with the most MIDI buttons, parameter controls & customisation available for its price point.
As an intermediate producer, it’s less likely you’re going to need the extra software & you probably already have a bunch of VSTs you’ve bought that are just collecting dust.
For under $500 the Alesis V161 is definitely one of the best midi keyboards on the market for hands-on producers.
To recap, the Alesis V161 features:
- 61 semi-weighted, velocity sensitive keys
- 16 backlit drum pads
- 16 assignable knobs
- 48 MIDI buttons
- Pitch bend and modulation
Price Range (under 500): $199 – $250 (US)
The Alesis V161 also comes with 5 free Melodics lessons, which are actually amazing if you’re looking to learn finger drumming rhythm, or you’re looking to sharpen your music theory knowledge.
There are lessons from incredible producers like Decap, Beats by J Black & more!
Advanced
For the advanced producer, this really depends on how good you are at the keys. If you are a keys player & you need a bigger range of keys – I’d personally go for something with the full 88 piano keys.
Personally, I play the piano (at an intermediate level) & I use a digital piano as my MIDI keyboard + to practise playing.
This is great for practicing & getting the full experience of learning piano but I have noticed that, when there is some input lag, it’s much bigger using a digital, weighted key piano than using a MIDI keyboard.
I miss having a MIDI keyboard around to play around with inside my DAW, and often end up just drawing notes in instead of using my digital piano.
BUT
I can’t afford to purchase another piece of hardware just yet – so that’s going to have to wait for a while.
For that reason, I would recommend getting a MIDI keyboard for all your production recording purposes.
And I would go anywhere between 61-88 keys.
With all that considered, the Arturia Keylab Essential range is definitely the best choice for the Advanced music producer.
It comes with Arturia’s incredible Analog Lab software, which gives you over 7000 sounds to choose from & is a semi-weighted keybed – so it’s more useful + reactive to playing synth lines over a digital piano.
The Keylab Essential 61 MIDI controller features:
- 61 pro grade, fatar keybed keys
- 9 rotary knobs
- 9 faders
- 8 backlit drum pads
- Pitch bend and modulation
- Transport controls
- USB or DC power
- Sustain pedal input
- MIDI out
Street price (under 500): $250 – $300
What is A MIDI Controller?
MIDI is short for “musical instrument digital interface”. MIDI controllers can control the note length, velocity and pitch of notes in your piano roll, and command parameters for live automation input. They are commonly keyboards, but you can get drum pads and faders too.
MIDI controllers fundamentally allow you to play notes in, in your DAW’s piano roll, when hooked up. At the basic level, they can control velocity, time, and pitch of notes as you play them in.
The longer you hold the note, the longer the MIDI note will be, the harder you press the keys, the louder the note will be, and as you press different keys, the pitch will change, according to the western music scales.
MIDI controllers can be used to change a lot more parameters, and have 127 MIDI CC parameters you can choose from.
MIDI CC controls varying functions, and the most common include:
- 1 = Modulation wheel
- 2 = Breath Control
- 7 = Volume
- 10 = Pan
- 11 = Expression
- 64 = Sustain Pedal (on/off)
- 65 = Portamento (on/off)
- 71 = Resonance (filter)
- 74 = Frequency Cutoff (filter)
How Many Keys Should I Get on My MIDI Keyboard Controller?
The amount of keys recommended for beginners to get for their MIDI keyboard controller is 49-61. This gives you a 6-8 octaves to play with, won’t take up a huge space, and won’t set you back too much money.
Of course it depends who you are and how you make music, but for the average producer, we’d always recommend picking up a 49 key, or a 61 key to begin with.
More keys is always better for playability, and having more options will give your more freedom, eventually resulting in bigger, more powerful chords, lead lines, and melodies in general.
Having less keys is going to limit you drastically. Especially if you only have a 25 key MIDI controller. It’s going to be difficult to play big chords, and write great melodies on such a small space. However, they are better for portability. So, if that’s your main concern, get a smaller keybed.
We recommend 49-61 keys because, this gives you 6-8 octaves to play with.
And that means, you can add extensions notes to your MIDI chords, bass notes, play lead lines over the top, and even start to learn to play the keys. If you want portability, and you’re not bothered by the drawbacks of having less keys, get a smaller keyboard.
Should I Get Weighted Keys or Not?
You should get weighted keys on your MIDI keyboard controller if you want a more authentic, piano-like experience. However, if you are using it for synth lines that need quicker playing action, get semi-weighted or non-weighted keys.
Weighted keys are going to be heavier, and as a result your MIDI keyboard will be more cumbersome, and heavy to move. However, you’ll have greater control over the velocity of what you’re playing, and they’re much, much nicer to play on.
If you want a piano-like playing experience, go for weighted keys. If you also want to learn the piano, get weighted keys.
Semi-weighted keys have a slight weight to them, but not a lot, and are very easy to press down. These are better in scenarios where you’re using your MIDI keyboard to play synth lines that need a faster action. Think of it like a game controller trigger. The easier it is to press, the faster your trigger finger.
As a result of these lower weight keys, your MIDI keyboard controller is much lighter, and much easier to transport around.
88key weighted key MIDI keyboards can weigh 10kg+, semi-weighted can weigh 2kg+.
Semi-weighted keyed, keyboards, also tend to come with more extras like, drum pads, sliders, knobs, and MIDI buttons you can use to control other parameters of your DAW. This is great for live sound design.
If you want portability, and quick action to play synth lines, as well as more macro controls, and sliders, go for semi-weighted, or non-weighted keys.
What Connections Do I Need On My MIDI Keyboard?
You will these connections on your MIDI keyboard:
- Standard USB MIDI connection – to allow you to connect to any PC with a USB 3.0.
- USB C connection – for newer devices
- Sustain pedal jack – for sustain control & potential synth cutoff control
- 5 pin MIDI connectors – to link up your keyboard to control hardware synths
You won’t need all of these if you’re a newer producer, but it’s always best to buy something that will last you a couple years, and give you room to expand your skills on.
While you may not need a sustain pedal just yet, or a 5 pin connector for hardware synths, it’s a good thing to have, because you’ll progress really quickly learning music production, and may need some of these options sooner than you might think.
If you really don’t want to learn keys, you can skip the sustain, and if you know you’ll never get any hardware, you can skip the 5 pin connectors too.
Are MIDI Controllers Worth It?
MIDI controllers are worth it for most music producers. But, it depends on who you are and how you work. If you like the hands on approach, and want to play keys, then get a MIDI keyboard. If you’re fine with the MIDI piano roll, don’t.
This is a question that entirely depends on who you are, and how you produce your music. I know a lot of people who work better just by drawing notes in. But, on the flip side, I know a lot of people that can’t cope without a MIDI keyboard.
So I’m going to give my opinion to help you answer this question for yourself:
Personally, I need a MIDI keyboard to make music.
It helps me to visualise what key I am in or how to play certain chords/where melodies should go. In all honesty, if you are more of a hands on person & need something physical to work on – then a MIDI keyboard is worth its weight in gold.
Used alongside the MIDI piano roll, a MIDI keyboard can really bring your ideas to life in a quick & easy manner.
On top of that, having fader controls, MIDI buttons & rotary knobs is extremely useful when inputting automation & can give your music much more of a live feel – which is something that’s difficult to re-create digitally.
This is something I actually bought a drum pad for.
I can use samples I’ve created using my MIDI keyboard, map them to my drum pad & have a blast just playing around with them live.
Then I can use the MIDI buttons & controls to play in automation to bring my music to life a bit more. And… I can have a lot more fun doing it than just using the computer controls.
Music is about having fun & enjoying the process. If you enjoy it more, you get more into it, & the results you produce are better. It’s all about streamlining that process of opening your DAW, to getting into full, creative flow. For me, using a MIDI keyboard and other hardware devices helps this massively.
It could help you too but, like I said, it depends whether you are a hands on person or not.
Final Thoughts
Here is the essential list of the best MIDI keyboard controllers under $500, updated for 2023:
Whether you’re beginner, intermediate or advanced – a MIDI keyboard controller is a welcome addition to your setup.
Using a MIDI keyboard controller can liven up your music production process & give a more natural feel to your tracks (which is hard to re-create digitally).
It also helps you to visualise things a bit easier
But, it can be hard to trawl through the massive amounts of products out there & actually find one that suits your needs.
In this article, I’ve made sure to include all budget ranges and skill levels – so you’re bound to find the perfect keyboard controller for your music making needs!