Table of Contents
At a Glance
Are you looking for the best MIDI keyboards for beginners? In this review, we will showcase some of the best ones we can find. But first…what exactly is a MIDI keyboard?
MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a technology that lets you plot notes to a computer using a MIDI-compatible keyboard or controller. This lets composers and arrangers make music easily without having to re-record parts. MIDI keyboards can be used with a DAW or digital audio workstation – a program for making and arranging music.
Keep in mind that most MIDI keyboards do not built-in sound – they are mostly controllers and require a sound module or a computer. Others, however, are pricier keyboards that have built-in speakers and presets and are also MIDI-compatible.
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best MIDI keyboards that we’d recommend to a beginner:
Overall Best MIDI Keyboard for Beginners: Alesis V49
Our top pick would be the Alesis V49 due to its many great features as a MIDI keyboard that’s perfect for beginners, such as the following:
Features
- 49 Full-sized Keys – you can never go awkwardly when moving from a real piano or full-sized digital piano to using this MIDI keyboard.
- Drum pads – you can use the 8 LED-lit drum pads for the added rhythm to your mix or music.
- Sustain pedal input – you can add a sustain pedal for better expressiveness.
- Tons of controls – use the mod wheels, pitch wheels, as well as the knobs and buttons for tweaking your music or piece.
Benefits
- Assign knobs and buttons – you can use the buttons and knobs to assign the MIDI controls from your keyboard to the DAW or digital audio workstation.
- Software included – if you currently don’t have a DAW yet, Ableton Live Lite 9 is included in the package so it’s really beginner-friendly as a package. You also get Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech for added instruments.
- Easy transposing – use the octave up and down buttons to transpose your current keys an octave.
- Adjustable sensitivity – this may be good for beginners who are not used to weighted keys.
Pros
- Nearly complete package – since you already have Ableton and Xpand!2 free with the MIDI keyboard, it can be a great thing for beginners who don’t have a DAW in their computer yet.
- Many controls – you can use the octave transpose, the assignable knobs and buttons, the drum pads and the mod and pitch wheels to make your music more dynamic.
- Portable size – even as a full-sized MIDI keyboard, the Alesis V49 has a slim profile so it is easy to take with you to any workstation as compared to heavier MIDI keyboards out there.
Cons
- Drum pad – since it is meant to be a MIDI keyboard in general, most reviewers noted that the drum pad may not be as good as the keys itself. In this case, if you are after the drum pads then you may be better off getting a separate Novation Launchpad or a cheaper alternative drum pad.
Budget-Friendly: midiplus AKM320
If you are starting out with lack of budget and really want a working MIDI keyboard, the midiplus AKM320 may be your best choice. Here are some of its features:
Features
- Mod and pitch wheels – you can use this for adding dynamics to your music.
- Sustain pedal switch – you can use this MIDI keyboard for a sustain pedal as well.
- Soft touch or weighted keys – this can be helpful when adding dynamics to your piano piece.
- Controls – comes with transpose and octave buttons, as well as a volume slider.
Benefits
- Plug and play – there’s no driver needed for this MIDI keyboard, just like most budget-friendly and beginner-friendly keyboards. Install them on the go to any DAW.
- Portability – the design and size are just right for traveling or if you have a home studio that’s not very big.
Pros
- Simplicity – as a plug-and-play MIDI keyboard with simple controls, it will definitely cater to beginners who don’t know how to use a MIDI keyboard yet.
- Travel-friendly – because of the small and slim size, you can take it with you to any gig or recording session.
- Wallet-friendly – compared to other MIDI keyboards, this one is quite economical for its price.
Cons
- Only 32 notes – this may not be great if you need to play a lot of notes at the same time since it is only meant to be a portable keyboard.
Controller On The Go: iRig Keys MINI
This amazing mini MIDI keyboard is a great choice for when you also want to make music with your smartphone or tablet. Here’s why:
Features
- Compatibility – use it with any Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows or Mac OS device. You get different cables for these devices for connectivity.
- Velocity-sensitive – there are 25 keys that respond to soft touch.
- Simple controls – using the volume knob and transpose buttons is a piece of cake.
Benefits
- No batteries required – the device itself serves as the power source for your keyboard.
- Play anytime, anywhere – be the party DJ with an instant MIDI keyboard that’s portable and easy to use.
- Free sound libraries – you also get tons of sounds for free to play with your MIDI keyboard.
Pros
- On-the-go MIDI keyboard – play with your smartphone, tablet or laptop virtually anywhere. This lets you make music even when you’re at the park or over at Starbucks.
- Wide compatibility – you can use it across different devices, from iPhones to iPods, Android devices, to Mac OS and Windows.
- Assignable controls – like most MIDI keyboards, you can also assign controls to each key.
Cons
- Good only for melodies – since it only has 25 keys, you may only be limited to making synthesizer or instrument leads – unless you have a DAW that can transform your keyboard to a drum pad/loop machine.
Conclusion
Beginners in music production don’t really have to spend a fortune just to find themselves a good MIDI keyboard. The Alesis V49, midiplus AKM320, and the iRig Keys MINI are all great starters in their own ways, and it’s up to you to choose which you think is the best for your needs.
If you’re interested with any of these MIDI keyboards, why not check them out on Amazon right now for the full price?
