The Best Midi Keyboards and Controllers REVIEWED for 2023 | Ditto Music
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- A great midi keyboard is the ultimate sidekick for any music producer worth their salt. But what are the best midi keyboards you can pick up this year to take your projects to the next level?
We've tested and reviewed some of our favourite midi keyboards and controllers to take the guesswork out of your next purchase.
And we're back with another giveaway! We'll also be mailing out an Akai MPK Mini MKIII Keyboard to our favourite commenter.
Just subscribe to the channel and leave your recommendation, production tip or question below. Our favourite comment wins - simple!
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The Best Midi Keyboards in 2023 ►
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Music Production Tips for Beginners ►
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Skip ahead in the video ►
00:00 - Intro
01:13 - Akai MPK Mini
02:41 - Arturia Microlab
04:03 - Komplete Kontrol A25
05:59 - Novation Launchkey 49 MK3
07:05 - Arturia Keylab Essential 61
08:25 - Other midi keyboard options
08:49 - Final word
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Great overview. I like how each keyboard was indexed so going back and watching again was easy.
As a music producer, I'll give you a tip when it comes to producing music and just music production overall. One of the most important tips is to not overthink or dwell on a part of a song when it comes to producing music. I'm a huge Michael Jackson fan and as the legendary King of Pop once said, "Thinking is the biggest mistake anyone could ever make because you have to feel the music and feel the song and let all of your ideas, melodies, etc explode and flow out of you naturally!" Put all of your creative ideas out there first and don't think too hard about it, just build the idea first and then worry about the extra parts and decorations!
That is why I believe MIDI controllers are essential to producing music because when you play the notes physically, it helps you focus more on getting for example the melody out on the DAW instead of wasting time having to spend a lot of time putting all of the notes on the MIDI piano roll instead of being able to play them and having the ideas fresh on the money.
For me when it comes to using MIDI on Ableton, using a MIDI controller is so much easier and faster because I can first play the notes and they are fresh in your mind and fresh in the moment and then after, I can then make the final edits and decorations knowing that it was the most important that I physically played what was needed and didn't dwell on what I was going to play since I recorded it on the MIDI controller right in the moment.
I do a recording studio program Mondays and Thursdays so those are the days where I can really have a great flow in writing because the midi controller can map out my ideas a lot easier and a lot quicker. I don't have a MIDI controller at home during the days I make music when it's not Mondays and Thursdays so having this MIDI controller would help a lot and really help me write melodies and licks a lot easier at home in my own zone then having to spend so much time putting the notes on the piano roll and risking forgetting the notes as I'm putting some of the notes down on the software manually.
I'm a young producer that is just starting out and I want to keep expanding musically and always doing my best to have the right tools and accessories to keep writing and keep making great quality songs and beats so the could really help expand my creative process and musical ear!
So here's a little recap, don't overthink when you are writing music! Just let your ideas and your music keep moving and don't stall your creative process, just let it flow and don't think, just do! JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😃😃❤️❤️🎹🎹
Thank you for the insights!
I am so happy for this videos, for allowing me see all the options in my range and be able to choose the best for me 💖 I'm going with the akai minimark 3 🥰
I’m already a Ditto artist and I have been a subscriber for a few years now. I absolutely love Ditto! This is an amazing video btw as I was just thinking on getting the Akai MPK Mini keyboard! This is such a great timing because I was just looking at reviews and this video is spectacular! Thank you so much! You help musicians get the support and advice we so desperately need! ❤❤❤❤❤❤10 stars!!!
🖤
I really love how the Arturia Microlab 25 has the Chord feature because I struggle so much with music theory but I love having chords in my songs. I am also a fan of it's simplicity plus I hope it works well with Ableton too! How I'd be delighted to win it 🥺
My favourite is Native Instruments Launch Key Pro - it’s great because it’s so easy to map the knobs and sliders as well as launch scenes in Abelton 🎹 🔥
I am a beginner and I have tried a Akai mini MK2 loaned from my teacher for a small project and it was sick. However, considering the number of pads and your positive review of the arturia, I might buy it.
A midi controller would certainly help me a lot with productions, making the melodies come straight from the soul to the audio track. I just have a question regarding the delay and the computer needed for the best experience... What are the computer requirements to be able to work with a MIDI controller smoothly? Thanks for the video lesson ❤️

Perfect timing. I just moved states and am in need of a new keyboard! I write and record my own music . I am a folk/pop singer songwriter :) Been watching all the unsigned videos for some advice to start my mornings! I am a Ditto member and will be releasing more music over the year!
Very informative..great job!
Very informative video! Any chance that ditto make indepth video explaining how to use advanced features of such a wonderful midi keyboard products? Having a detailed review of some specific controls and how they interact with the DAW to produce different genres, beats, chords would be very useful.
I got a really small not so good midi keyboard but it really changed my ability to create tracks in logic! They are a great tool. Any tips for recording guitars and making them sound good ?
Excellent review, thanks
Thank you for your review. I wish I could try the Akai MPK Mini ❤❤ I would really appreciate being able to use it to make studio music and also in the Andes mountains where I live ! 🌄
Used to make music until I crashed my computer a few years ago. Been getting back into it with garage band, been trying to figure out a good midi controller to use with it. Haven’t really had a whole lot of luck so I haven’t purchased anything just yet. I appreciate the video, helped with some considerations.
I’m gonna sleep on it.
Love the Akai range and they have been instrumental (all puns intended) in music from way back! My question is what's the best way to create realistic sliding notes with Midi when controllers dont have pitch bend wheels etc?
Yeah native instruments is my go to now been hooked on that and that keyboard looks like it needs its own case. Will it fit in a backpack ?
Hmmm. Was attracted by the giveaway =D, but it was really quite interesting listening through your thoughts on these keys.
I own a Oxygen 49 MK IV. Got it second hand, but exciting purchase at the time as my first Midi Keyboard for my own studio. Loved the size, options with all the buttons and faders (though I didn't understand them at the time), and especially the pads that I'd use for drum assignment. So based on experience I'd have to say that's my favourite.
To pick from the video though, based on what you covered, I'm quite interested by the smaller size keys at the moment. Specifically, the Komplete Kontrol A25, with the normal key sizes and semi-weighted status. That seems pretty cool. I just checked and realised they didn't have pads though, so I'd have to go for the APK Mini overall. Feels like it'd be the one the best satisfy my needs across the board, of the three.
In all honesty that said, I'm definitely into the fact that the arturia is so well spoken of, and that they were thoughtful of the producer/ musician's practical reality, with the usb cable built-in management. Very thoughtful and tends to mean really good things when companies make those conscious decisions.
Once again, enjoyed the video. Good stuff guys. Will be checking in on more content as I go. Really good timing for me in my music production process right now to be honest. Cheers!
P.S. 6:12 Novation... station sensation! Heh 😏😎😁
My favorite is the Komplete Kontrol A25. My producer uses it in his studio and gets the right sound and control every time.
I've been using a novation remote 49 for several years and it's one of the most easy to use and versatile midi keyboard I've tried. From the listed keyboards, the novation launchkey 49 mk3 would be my choice although, for travelling reasons, I would choose the Akai MPK Mini MKIII keyboard to add to my gear witch is a really good keyboard despite the small keys.
🙌
I really liked the Akai MPK Mini, just like you said, it's compact and easy to fit in a bag. As a songwriter/producer myself, People find it incredibly beneficial for music making (based on my friends, i don't have a midi controller). With the Akai MPK Mini and a laptop, you can produce music anywhere, anytime, making music production a lot more accessible. Ditto is also a great resource for beginner artists, like me, as it's budget-friendly and helps bring your music out to the world.
So true!
@@dittomusic u guys blessin people w these prices fr
Useful video bro
Im new to all this stuff but for the arturia 61 key when you say it comes with the analogue software that you can control from your daw do you mean it just plig and play with all those sounds and i can just play and record off analogue? Or would i still need to get some other software like ableton for example to be able to play anything and make sounds? Like i said im new to all this stuff so i dont really understand it but id like to get into playing/mixing as a hobby
Arthurian Keylab or NI S series. Which one has better KEYS? I’ve had the S 49 but Zounds is out of the 61 so I’m considering diversifying with the keylab. I had an essentials some time ago and HATED the keys.
I subscribed whoo hoo!! So happy that I caught you. Right now I have to work with apps. You have to be grateful for what you have. Now if I could win. I might have a damn heart attack. For real. Thank you. Miss Chris. God bless
The Arturia 🎉❤all the way. It's beautiful.
I really wish I had invested in a keyboard that had midi mapped controls built in as though I can easily navigate Ableton, my DAW of choice, it would just be so much more convenient and intuitive to be know that I can just just the same controls to move through the daw and record and create
Ditto music providing for the youth! Thank you for this, the Akai is the one 🤞🏿
The only guy that made this video this year. Thanks man
I really love akai mpk mini which very compact to make music..help being more creative..
have played around with a few in the last 20 years using DAWS started with Evolution MK225 with its huge keys which i liked, then had microKEY for years till the keys started to break ':) recently i bought the Akai MPK mini but i find the pads too stiff for my liking, i like the Novation launchpad mini - once i kind of understood it all, and you can use as keys or as pads which i like to switch to - just bought the Novation Launchkey MK3 (in a sale) to try out and if i like - ill sell both the akai and launchpad as it looks like this might have the best of what im looking for, but only time will tell
I’m definitely feeling the Arturia 61 keys 🔥
Unfortunately I ain’t got any Questions for this but i will say that this is really awesome I would love to have one of these in my Studio ❤
And also I like the Akai MPC mini because of it's portability!!
May I get blessed with that piano as my world is still on the grow. The new DITTO MUSIC ARTIST 🔥🔥🔥😍
I've been releasing music independently thru ditto and it has been good to me and they always try by all means to help upcoming artist with the right information and tools and this right here is a good start cz as an artist you need to play a part in creating your music Coz nobody knows your sound more than the artist and this video really helps when you trying to buy a midi keyboard I want the akai mpk mini for a beginner like me it's goin to be easy and travel friendly as I work with other producers who might not have midis to team ditto keep up the best work
I know the Akai MPK mini connects to GarageBand, so I’ve been considering getting that one for a couple months now.
Sir,
Arthuria Key Lab Essential 61 mk3 is compatible with Nuendo 10? Please reply..I want to buy it
I am an independant artist that is looking for an MIDI keyboard to create my tracks. I find it a struggle to use virtual instruments for example, A drum kit which I do now own to record so a MIDI keyboard will be easier.
Also for my question to enter the giveaway
Will this be compatable with the music production software Reaper and will it connect to Linux as well?
The Akai MPK Mini was definitely my favourite!!
Whats the best mosy authentic piano feel im trying to do jazz?
I think that such a keyboard would be useful for every producer, for example me 🙂
I’ve been a huge fan of Arturia keyboards and hardware for years. I recommend them to all my friends. The best thing about Arturia is the software it comes with. The synth recreations are unbelievable! Used their synths on all my Ditto releases.
🖤
are the keys semi weighted?
I am a songwriter and want to start producing my own music. Can you recommend the best music programming software for beginners?
All midi keyboards are my favorites as I am without. Probably have to build one myself. Or hope for you guys.
To have a good mini MIDI keyboard could change your travel as a musician ! ❤
Can I use any of these with serato studio?
Would love to get my hands on the Keylab 61!
Thank You
I wish I had a MIDI Keyboard :') I'm just a dude who makes beats when bored haha. It's amazing to see how many people here are still beginning, makes me feel not sO lonely xD
Akai MPK Mini Mk3
Reason: One of the best value MIDI keyboards.
A recommendation of mine would be for Reaper as a DAW for music production.
This is because it has, from my budding experience so far, a very intuitive setup compared to other popular DAW options meaning an easier learning curve. You can plug in and set up a User Interface easily or equipment direct to your system and get to recording nice and quickly. Add virtual instruments easily and make edits smartly. Also cam do video edit as a bonus! So really nice.
Very powerful/ with a lot of potential I've gathered so far (still a lot to learn) and doesn't restrict you to a lite version if you want to get a taste of its capabilities before you would/could commit to purchasing.
Bonus recommendation: Free drum vst (MT Power Drumkit) very nice.
So guys, so out of interest, who won the Akai MPK Mini MKIII? There's no way for others to no whether anyone has been chosen, when it has/would happen, or if it was followed through at all.
Great recommendations!
I am a professional keyboardist. I would like to purchase a controller, perhaps a small one ( 49 keys ), I already have many 61 and 88, but most of them looks like they have noisy keys. Could you advice some great high quality, very solid and silent keys ?
I feel that Akai Mini is the way to go for me.
You know artruia midi kyd have a problem which is placing the feder and knod to the right hand side, we normally use right to play and left hand to turning knod and wheel , this placement make user very uncomfortable play
What are some of the prices for these controllers?
Wow
I love this keyboard
How do you make good beats that fit the song you're making?
Does anyone have recommendations for beginner vocal mics? Commenting to enter drawing but also legit interested
The Akai comes with Ableton Live?
It work perfectly nice drum pad
I LIKE ARTURIA MIDILAB AND ALSO AKAI MPK MINI
Arturia midi keyboards, I would suggest, have the upper hand over others, simply because of the plug and play-ability with their VST’s. This means you have instant hands on, real buttons and sliders control, over all their amazing synth’s - from a Yamaha DX7 to a Moog Modular, and so much in between. To me this is everything needed. I use a Keylab 49, which is physically so solid and reliable, and has the main transport controls I use within Cubase. A no-brainier really. :)
🤩
Definitely the first keyboard for me
My favorite is Arturia Keylab Essential 61
I liked the Arturia 61 keys.
What is a suitable price range for a MIDI keyboard on Amazon?
THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE BY TECHNOLOGY. We go big with stage piano it is the best for me 🔥🔥🔥🔥
What is the hardest thing about music production??
Staying with one daw
And cutting out all the noise and just creating the music you love
Confused between A61 from NI and arturia mk3 61
Akai MPK 249 works for me💯💯💯💯🔥🔥
My favourite keyboard is the one you're going to give away to someone!☄️
I like the Akai mpk 49
I know my luck and I probably wont win the keyboard but anyways my favorite is the Akai MPK Mini it fits everything that I'm looking for I've been trying to get one for a while now but I don't have the money for it but I like how how beginner friendly I've been wanting to start making music I've always loved music and always wanted to make music one day and with the MPK Mini being beginner friendly because currently I don't know much about how to make music I have a normal piano at my home and its very calming anyways good luck everyone!!!
What about the nektars???
midi keyboard I love the Yamaha keyboard
the akai mpk mini has to be the best!
I would love to win this!!! Any one of them would be WONDERFUL!!!! :)
MPK mini 🔝
The LaunchKey has better Key response than the Nektar 88
So guys, so out of interest, who won the Akai MPK Mini MKIII? There's no way for others to no whether anyone has been chosen, when it has/would happen, or if it was followed through at all.
I want to win one of any of them. I need!
Akai mpk mini
The akai mpk mini is actually the best
Recently, I searched a lot about midi keyboard and bought a midi keyboard Roland A500 Pro this week but there was a major problem in discover pads and faders. Moreover, I return that old and used midi keyboard and still looking for a better midi keyboard because keys wasn't great on Roland A500 Pro and drum pad was noisy. Well, I have a Casio Piano which keys are shaky but they are very smooth in playing. So, If you want to buy a midi keyboard then you must consider few things according to my experience. First check the keys quality, smoothness, noisiness and functions of midi keyboard included software's are secondary things in my opinion because you can buy them separately also. Second check the drum pads quality, smoothness and noisiness. Third thing check every detail of input and output according to your needs. And now budget is EMI based so you can afford a good and better one but in my case Roland keyboard failed to make me satisfy and same functionality keyboards are $100 cheaper but I didn't tested them so I cannot tell you about them but now myself I am thinking about Roland Fantom which is currently not EMI friendly also so thinking to buy first midi keyboard after some time 😀 Thanks, Have a nice day 💐
hey, can you suggest me some midi keyboard? Budget is not a problem.
@@chanpreets1ngh Go for Yamaha keyboards, don't look for specified midi keyboard because they all have some kind of issues.
Im new as well I lile the first one showed in the video
gimmi that keyboard boiiii
logic wont recognize my mk mini and half the keys stopped working
Akai or Arturia)
Atuia mokka 3❤
Arturia 61
So whose is the favourite comment?
Arturia is the best for me!!!!!
Play it loud
I would love that im iM IN LA FILM SCHOOL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AUDIO PRODUCTION PLEASE HELP
native instrument s keyboard
CheFF R.O.C
Thanks insustituible +age Im now temp yours socio
I skipped through almost the whole video trying to see when you get to the point. Too much talking