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Best Midi Keyboard For Logic Pro X? We Review The Front-Runners! (2022 Edition)

We hunt down the best midi controller for Logic Pro X + reveal some quirky alternatives!

Finding the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X, is now in 2022, more of wild goose chase than ever before. It seems like every other day there’s a new midi keyboard on the block, trying its best to flex all its new features and gain kudos for its lengthy software bundle. There truly is a midi controller for every occasion!

You’ve got midi controllers with 16 RGB pads and those that don’t even bother to incorporate them. Then there’s those compact midis with 25 keys and other full-fat versions that give you the whole 88. Then there’s those that’re built like a tank, as well as others where the build quality is questionable to say the least. Oh, and not forgetting those midi keyboards that boast integrated features with certain DAWs. And of course, those that can’t be bothered.

And that’s only the start! All of which makes whittling the contenders down to just one midi controller a hefty challenge. Thankfully though, we’ve decided to do all the legwork for you. Yep – that’s right! Keep reading and within a couple of minutes, you could have already made an informed decision, as we disclose what we think is the best midi keyboard for logic pro x + give you the lowdown on the front-runners.

Want to save even more time and find out what’s the best midi controller for Logic super fast? Or just curious about a certain few keyboards? Use the menu below to find the answers you need in just one click…

The best midi keyboards for Logic Pro @ a glance…

Here’s some of the best midi keyboards for Logic Pro X in 2022…

When it comes to choosing a keyboard for Logic Pro X, there’s a lot you need to take into consideration. Size, weight, build quality, functionality and so on. Therefore, to make this a fair test, all the keyboards we test will be compact 25-key models – a midi size that may we add, is also the most popular.

Reason being that not only is portability a key factor for any modern music producer, but 25-key midis are also hands down the cheapest way to get yourselves a midi controller too. Unless of course you buy second hand on Ebay – something we wouldn’t advise! What’s more, if you make the wrong choice, you haven’t spend a great deal of money in the process. So really then, for 75% of producers, a 25-key midi is the way to go.

So, without further ado, here’s our that in mind then, here’s 9 of the best midi keyboards for Logic Pro X for sale in 2022…

1: Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

Say that Novation makes some of the best midi keyboards for Logic Pro X, and you wouldn’t be far wrong – the Launchkey Mini MK3 is proof of that. And we don’t just say that because it’s perfected the midi formula – it hasn’t. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as Novation’s gone one step further with the Mini MK3. They’ve grabbed a pen and set about rewriting it.

So much so that the Launchkey Mini MK3 doesn’t just improve workflow, but also how you react with your DAW too. Something that a lot of critics (us included) have been after for a long time. What’s more, the controller itself is all about feel. The keys, encoders, RGB pads all have a highly responsive feel to them. A feel that puts a lot of the older midis on this list to shame. But with that being said, is the Launchkey Mini MK3 the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X? Potentially, yes…

Key features of the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

  • 25 keys that are all super responsive, despite there being no aftertouch.
  • Loads of shortcuts and in-DAW functionality, including some for Logic Pro X! Nearly every button has 3 or more functions.
  • The midi’s got a built-in arpeggiator + 8 endless encoder knobs.
  • 16 velocity sensitive RGB pads that we’d say are some of the best out there!
  • A pair of pitch and modulation strips, which function far better than the wheels & joysticks of other controllers.

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • The Launchkey Mini MK3 came out in 2020, making it one of the youngest controllers on this list!
  • Having a ‘midi out’ port means this midi can talk to mixers, synths & other studio devices!!
  • It’s integrated DAW functionality is by far some of the most in-depth out there
  • It’s proper light (just 0.69kg) and portable too (330 x 173 x 41mm)

2: Akai MPK Mini Mk3

When the majority think ‘midi keyboard for Logic Pro X’, the Akai MPK Mini is what usually springs to mind. And that’s because, while not being the most feature-rich midi on the market, the MPK Mini is (and always has been) incredibly easy and straight-forward to use. Hence it’s enormous popularity and why the it’s by far the ‘go to’ midi controller for any production newbie.

But don’t let this beginner-friendly rep fool you! While the MPK MK3 does look like something that’s fallen off the shelf at Toys R Us, it’s a serious piece of kit. So much so that this garishly-coloured midi controller has a place in even the most professional studio setup. Akai aren’t no Fisher Price! In fact, they have a worldwide reputation for producing some of the best music equipment in the game – a legacy that stretches all the way back to 1946! So to underestimate the MPK Mini MK3 would be a grave mistake!

Key features of the AKAI MPK Mini MK3

  • The keyboard has a built-in arpeggiator + a note repeat function too!
  • The 8 knobs are endless encoders, which is great for DAW work.
  • 8 RGB pads that function as two banks and are backlit when touched. The pads have a highly responsive feel (far better than the MK2), which makes them ideal for finger drumming.
  • The 25 mini keys – the keypress feels way more intentional than the MPK Mini MK2!

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • It’s compact and fits in most backpacks, with dimensions of 179.8 x 310.7 x 48.8mm!
  • The midi’s lightweight at 0.9kg – it’s all-plastic build is actually for a reason!
  • The more you use the MK3, the more you realise how much of an improvement it is on the MK2, even though on the surface they look pretty much alike.
  • It has a screen, which we anticipate that will gain functionality through future firmware updates. In DAW functionality with Logic would be major kudos!

3: Arturia MiniLab Mk2

Despite the Minilab MK2 being close to 5 years old, it can still teach its youngers a thing or two. Scrutinise it on build quality and you’ll really struggle to find better value for money, even if you consider the newer updated versions of other keyboards! Yes, that’s right – despite Akai facelifting the MPK Mini in 2020, many music boffins (including us) still maintain that the Arturia Minilab MK2 reigns supreme.

Reason being that there’s a lot of features on this keyboard (endless encoders, touch strips, in-DAW integration etc.), that other manufacturers have later weaved into their newer designs – newer, more pricier designs. Exactly why the Minilab MK2 is still so great now. It’s everything you need from a midi keyboard for Logic Pro, and yet it comes at a fraction of the price.

Key features of the Arturia Minilab MK2

  • The keys on the Minilab have by far the best feel out of all the midi controllers we tested!!
  • The Minilab has 16 encoders that can be programmed to work with various DAWs, including Logic Pro X
  • There’s 8 RGB pads, which are responsive and can be set to specific colours + they’re backlit constantly!
  • Pitch and modulation is controlled by two touch strips, which allow you to accurately hone in on specific sounds.

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • The key-bed feels supple and the keys feel really well weighted – far better than the Akai MPK Mini!
  • Easily one of the most solid midi keyboards for Logic you can buy – build quality is second to none!
  • The 16 encoders are endless, so they don’t restrict the use of plugins + they’re proper smooth.
  • It’s 5 years old and still one of the best midis out there… hasn’t aged too bad!

4: M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25

Full-size keys don’t get much better than those on the Oxygen Pro 25. But then again, what can you expect when they’re the product of M-Audio. A company who’s been engineering products for midi since its day of launch in 1998. Unlike a lot of companies on this list, midi keyboards aren’t just a branch of M-Audio, they are M-Audio! So really, the build quality and key feel that you find on the Pro 25, is to be expected.

The whole keyboard feels solid, well put together and designed with playability in mind. Granted, it weighs in at over 2kg, so you could say portability isn’t really its main priority. However, for this keyboard, it’s something we’d happily put up with. Reason? This isn’t so much a keyboard that you use, but more one you experience; the Pro 25 makes playing a pleasure! One that us lot at Music Lowdown can’t get enough of!!

Key features of the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25

  • 25 full-size semi-weighted keys with aftertouch – like wow!!
  • 16 RGB pads that feel very similar to those made by Akai – the masters of drum pads!
  • 8 programmable knobs + a fader for volume.
  • The Pro 25 has a ‘midi out’, so yes, it can speak with the rest of your studio!
  • 2 wheels for pitch and modulation.
  • A screen, through which you can enable smartchord and smartscale features!

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • There’s a pedal input, so you can even use this midi with pedals!!
  • Key-feel is up there with the best – considering the price, they feel proper premium!
  • The DAW control – this midi can also control Reaper, Ableton, Pro Tools + many more, aside from Logic Pro X.
  • Build quality is up there with the best – the Pro 25 weights over 2.4kg. It’s phat!

5: Nektar Impact LX25+ 

There aren’t many midi keyboards on the market where full-size keys come as standard. But they do on the LX25+! A characteristic that arguably makes this keyboard one of kind, although saying that, there are other midis with full-sized keys out there (our next pick, in fact). And while the keys do somewhat hinder the keyboard’s portability (to say the LX25+ is thin would be flattery), that’s not what this keyboard’s about.

You buy the LX25+ for its functionality – it’s all about those keys, baby! What’s more, out of all the keyboards we tested with Logic, the LX25+ is definitely one of the most well-integrated. The DAW functionality of this midi is really well thought out! And it’s also a front-runner when it comes to build quality too. The whole console feels solid and like it’s made to last, especially when placed next to something like the Akai MPK Mini. Then again, weighing in at just over 1.8kg it should do!

Key features of the Nektar Impact LX25+

  • It has 25 full-size velocity sensitive keys – ideal for those with big hands. Hence the name LX25+.
  • 8 assignable encoder knobs, which can be used to control virtual synths & much more
  • An assignable fader, which is really handy for quick volume adjustments!
  • Pitch and modulation takes place on two wheels, which are really smooth to operate.
  • Can be integrated with Logic Pro, so that the keyboard controls the software!

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • Those 25 velocity sensitive keys feel are really nicely weighted!
  • The 8 RGB pads are super responsive, soft and backlit too – idela for on-stage performing!
  • The fact you can attach a pedal to the LX25+ is a nice touch.
  • It’s built like a tank – the build-quality is there!

6: Alesis V25 MK2

When it comes to the best budget midi keyboard for Logic Pro X, the Alesis V25 MK2 is certainly one to watch. We say so because, aside from being around half the price of most other midi keyboards, it’s also one of the few that boasts full-size semi-weighted keys. So to call it a cut-price LX25+ or Oxygen Pro 25 wouldn’t be far wrong.

Now obviously, some of the functionality that you’ll find on a more pricy midi controller, isn’t there. However, if you’re on a tight budget and all about full-size keys, you’ll struggle to find better value In fact, in terms of keys, we’d say it trumps a good amount of keyboards on this list, including the popular MPK Mini. So for anyone who’s just after a nude midi keyboard and not fussed about a built-in metronome, chord-assist or additional software, the V25 MK2 is hands down one of the best buys out there!

Key features of the Alesis V-Mini

  • A set of 25 full-size semi-weighted keys, which feel really nice!
  • There’s 8 velocity-sensitive RGB pads + 4 programmable encoder knobs.
  • Pitch bend and modulation is done via two wheels – far better than the buttons you get in the V-Mini version!
  • This midi controller pretty much works with every DAW – Ableton, Reason, Logic Pro, the lot!

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • Those 25 full-size semi-weighted keys are hands down some of the best value out there!!
  • There’s lights everywhere on this keyboard – from the RGB pads and mod wheel to even the encoder knobs.
  • It’s virtually half the price of any other keyboard on this list!!
  • You can control it through an iPad and even your iPhone.

7: Donner DMK 25

Despite Donner being well-known for their ukuleles and guitar effects pedals, their mid keyboards aren’t no slouch. The DMK 25 being proof in point! As like the Alesis V25, the DMK 25 will set you back far less than your average midi keyboard, and yet it’s not really lacking in much. In fact, if we’re honest, this plucky little midi controller is pound-for-pound one of the best value on sale today.

Dissect the DMK 25 and you’ll soon see what we mean – its functionality is on par with some of the best. It’s pitch and modulation controls are oddly reminiscent of those on the Minilab MK2 and the Launchkey Mini MK3. As for the keys, they’re a decent size too – larger than the likes of the Akai MPK Mini. That USB type C port is also a rare spot. In other words then, the Donner isn’t just a good all-rounder, it’s a pleasant surprise!

Key features of the Donner DMK25

  • 25 synth-action keys, which have a good key touch!
  • 8 velocity sensitive pads, that are backlit when pressed.
  • 4 encoder knobs + 4 faders, which all feel solid
  • Pitch and modulation strips, similar to the Minilab & Launchkey Mini!

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • First of all, this midi controller uses USB type C (applause)!!
  • It’s also super thin for a midi controller – it’s just 3.6cm thick!
  • The pitch & modulation sliders have a strip of light to indicate where you’ve selected

Best 32 key midi controller for Logic Pro X

Now, we say that 25-keys is enough for Logic Pro, however we do know that they’ll be those amongst you who’ll look at 25 keys and say “gimme more”. No Britney reference intended. So to satisfy your fetish for keys, here’s what we feel is by far the best 32-key midi keyboard for Logic Pro X that money can buy…

8: M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini

If portability is a big on your agenda, but you don’t want to downsize to 25-keys, then the Oxygen Pro Mini may be the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X that you can buy. In fact, this keyboard itself is a bit of a jaw dropper, because going by its dimensions you wouldn’t expect it to boast 32 semi-weighted keys; the Oxygen Pro Mini is just 10 x 191 x 660mm. That’s less than it’s 25-key brother, the Oxygen Pro 25!

And yet it’s not like you sacrifice much in the way of features. In fact, much of what you get on the Oxygen Pro 25 is here, the only real difference being the amount of RGB pads and of course, the keys. While the Oxygen Pro boasts 25 full-size keys, the Pro Mini (much as the name suggests) features 32 mini-sized keys. But as long as you don’t have obscurely large hands, the Oxygen Pro Mini is more than enough.

Key features of the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini

  • There’s 32 mini velocity- sensitive semi-weighted keys.
  • This mid has 4 knobs as well as 4 faders – quite rare for a mini midi keyboard!
  • Pitch and modulation is done by two wheels.
  • 8 RGB pads, which are slightly smaller than those used across the rest of the oxygen series.
  • The screen is identical to that you get on the Pro 25

What makes this the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X?

  • It has a ‘midi out’ port so it can talk to other equipment in your setup!
  • Compared to the Pro 25, it’s tiny & yet it has another 7 keys!
  • It’s the newest keyboard on this list – was released in 2021.

By far best extravagant midi keyboards for Logic Pro X are…

Not all midi keyboards are created equal, or follow the same formula in fact. So if you’re looking to creat a relationship with sound that’s a bit more ‘abstract’, then you may benefit from something that’s a bit more flamboyant. In which case, here’s just a couple of the quirkiest midi keyboards for Logic Pro X that we feel deserve a special mention…

9: ROLI Seaboard Block

If you’re after a more expressive way of laying down your sound than just twiddling a few buttons, then the Roli Seaboard block may (for you) be the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X. Why comes back to the fact that this is not your run-of-the-mill midi. Something we’re sure you’ll spot by the price, as well as when you open the box.

In contrast to 99% of midi controllers, it’s key-bed is soft and made entirely of rubberised material, that’s flexible to the point at which you can bend and squash it to manipulate each notes. How cool is that?! So as you can imagine then, the Seaboard Block often 1ups its rivals when it comes to finding sounds too. With no perimeters like keys or buttons, it’s fair to say that the Seaboard Block is music production at its most free.

What’s more, the Seaboard Block is just the start, as you can actually use Seaboard Blocks in tandem with one another by doing what Roli call daisy-chaining. You can also do the same with other Roli blocks (loop/ beatmaker etc.) too, to expand your setup even further. A perk of being wireless!

10: Korg nanoKEY-ST

Looking for a more creative way to sketch out your melodies? Fear not, because the nanoKey-ST is basically that all rolled into a one package. Sticking with the minimalist theme, the design of the Korg is pretty plain, with the whole controller – keys, buttons, the lot – being a combination of white, black and grey touch sensitive buttons.

And while this midi controller operates much like the next, where things really start to switch up is when it comes to functionality. This midi keyboard can be operated in two ways – one using the standard chord and the other being a mixture of bluetooth and good old fashioned AA batteries. Useful for when you’re out and about.

11: Akai MPK Mini MK3 (Stealth Spec)

Not really much to say about this if we’re honest. Only that if you’re a fan of the Akai MPK Mini MK3 (above), but feel like the stock version isn’t stealthy enough, then you can treat yourself to this cool inverted colour palate for extra street cred.

Which midi controller is best for Logic in 2K22? Our editor’s choice…

Okay, so if we only had enough money to buy one of the keyboards above, we’d narrow it down to two. Yes, deciphering the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X in 2022 really is that difficult! Kind of like having to choose between you kids if we’re honest, so making a choice has been quite a challenge.

But saying that, we have (thankfully) reached a verdict…

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 (Best Midi Controller For Logic in 2022)
Latest Price!

And in case you’re interested, the other keyboard we were so torn between was the Arturia Minilab MK2. But, why did we choose those Launchkey Mini?

Well for starters, those RGB pads were by far the best we tested + where most other midi keyboards offer just 8, the Launchkey offers 16! Factor in how they work as part of the DAW integration and they’re also by far the most clever. The level of DAW integration itself was another thing that set the Novation apart.

On the subject of integration, the novation is also by far the most flexible when it comes to talking to other instruments too, thanks to its midi out port, which although small, we feel is a really valuable addition to have! Then consider that the Launchkey Mini is also the lightest, as well as one of the smallest on this list, and really it ticks pretty much all the boxes.

However let’s not forget that when we were making this decision, that we were also seriously considering giving the title to the Minilab MK2 – despite it being 4 years older, it was genuinely a strong contender and worthy of second place! And the more you look at it, the more you see why.

Put them both side by side and you suddenly notice that lot of the features between these two keyboards are in fact the same. The in-DAW integration is for both, very in-depth and relies heavily on the RGB pads. Both are built-around Ableton Live, although do work seamlessly with Logic. And those pitch and modulation strips are almost carbon copies. So much so that you could even say that the Novation is simply a Minilab that’s sprouted 8 extra RGB pads, is a bit more chatty with fellow instruments and been on the Slim-Fast.

i.e. the closest you can now get to the Minilab MK3!

Enjoy what you’ve read and eager for more? Be sure to check out all our latest advice on Music Production, as well as all sorts of other Studio Kit. We recently also published an article on the Best 49 Key Midi Controller, as well as another on the Best 88 Key Midi Controllers, which you may also find a good read.

Or if you want to continue with our best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X review, keep reading! You’ll likely find value in these FAQs below…

The lowdown on everything Midi Keyboards & Logic Pro X

Okay, so let’s clear something up – midi keyboards aren’t expensive whatsoever. Erase that phrase from your mind, as midi keyboards are actually the bargain of the century! Confused? Think of it this way…

The real reason behind the steep price of midi keyboards isn’t so much their build quality or what features they incorporate, but more what they enable you to do. So ruddy much!!

Put it this way, if someone said that for £100 you could kickstart your dream career as a music producer, you’d bite their hand off, right? Exactly. And that’s why the best midi keyboards for Logic Pro X come at a cost. As an object they’re probably worth about 50p (we exaggerate), but yet what they enable you to do can be worth thousands, maybe even £ mllions!!!

And yet if you use a midi controller to make a song, does the manufacturer get credit or a share of the royalties? Nope. All despite the fact that without their engineering nous, you may not have made that hit at all, or at the very least produced it to the same standard. And then if that hit then goes onto land you other production gigs for even bigger artists, do they get credit for that? Nope.

Moral of the story then – it doesn’t pay to be tight… literally! Pay the RRP and be happy about doing so, because paying a premium price today, could make you a fortune tomorrow.

In most cases, using a midi keyboard with Logic Pro X is relativley simple, as most Midi keyboards are ‘plug-in-and-play’. So essentially all you have to do is connect the USB cable and they should register inside of Logic. There may be an instance where you have to install a driver or some extra software, but to be honest that’s pretty rare.

Using a midi controller with Logic couldn’t be easier!

Really what midi keyboard you choose to buy depends on how you actually make music.

So first you need you need to ask yourself: What DAW do you use? Which genre do you produce for? Are there any sorts of sounds that you use often + how do you find best to play them? Only then can you set about whittling down the different brands of midi controllers and the various different sizes too.

Some reliable brands we’d recommend would be Akai, Arturia and Novation, although there are others out there which do an equally good job. These are just brands that we personally have had a good experience with – call it a handy tip-off!

What’s more, in terms of size, midi keyboards are a bit of a maze. So much so that we’d say that before making a purchase, you really need to consider how many midi controllers would work for you. If you’re starting with one then we’d always say opt for a 25-key model (above), as they’re not only the most affordable, but also great for producing ‘on the go’. The best of both worlds.

In fact, the only real reason we’d see the need to upgrade to a larger 88 or 69-key model would be if you’re upgrading your studio setup and (crucially) have the space. Remember, while flashy equipment is great, it’s only half the story. Use it to make crummy music and well… it’ll still be crummy.

Yes and no.

It matters what midi keyboard you use if the keyboard if it has an affect on how you make music. So for instance if a midi controller allows you to produce music faster, or just get a better feel for a specific vibe, then yes – what midi keyboard you use really does matter. But if all you really use the keyboard for is the keys and not so much the mixing or RGB pads, then perhaps not.

The easiest way to work this out would be to look at how you’d use the keyboard and base your purchase around that. Also evaluate your DAW and consider which you feel would work best with the software. We’ve already given you a good clue about what’s the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X above.

Yep – you can use Logic Pro X without a midi keyboard, however we wouldn’t advise it.

Reason being that if you opt not to use a midi controller, you’ll have no other choice but to revert to using you computer keyboard. Quite a step back from a midi keyboard if you ask us, as the keys won’t be velocity sensitive, so finding the sound you’re after will be significantly harder.

What’s more, you won’t have access to any of the mixing knobs or RGB pads that comes as part of a midi keyboard for Logic Pro. All of which will likely cost you more time and effort to put right in post production. So if you ask us, trying to ‘cheap out’ and avoid investing a midi is only you shooting yourself in the foot. Midi keyboards are popular for a reason – they run rings around computer keyboards, especially when working with a DAW like Logic!

While there’s no ‘best brand’ of midi keyboard, as that’s entirely subjective, if we were to edge towards certain brands of midi controllers, our focus would be on Arturia and Novation. Why?

Because both these manufacturers manage to a pack a good balance of functionality into their products, without them being overly complex or mind-boggling to opperate. Unlike some companies which you can tell cater to the masses (naming no names), Arturia and Novation factor new ideas into their products and if you ask us, have a greater focus on quality over mass production. Something that us lot at Music Lowdown are huge fans of!

Arturia and Novation are both manufacture some of the best midi keyboards for Logic Pro X, so we’d hope that if you invested in either that you’d be chuffed to bits. However it is worth noting that Arturia was founded in 1999, at which point the boys at Novation had already been around for 7 years! So you could say that Novation has the advantage when it comes to experience.

Although with that, we’ve noticed upon comparing midi keyboards from the two brands, that anything made by Arturia tends to have an ever so slight edge in build quality. Take the instance above. The Arturia Minilab MKII has some plastic parts, but also a boats a metal base, and in general feels very solid! Whereas the Novation Launchkey Mini is 100% plastic, but does make a weight-saving because of it. But then again, the Minilab MK2 came out in 2016, whereas the Launchkey Mini MK3 was released in 2020, so you could say that the difference between the two will be clearer once Arturia releases the Minilab Mk3.

And with that, we’ll leave the Arturia VS Novation debate for another blog.

Yes, 100% – midi keyboards are worth their weight in gold.

Not only do they improve your workflow as a producer, but because of their functionality and ease of use, in most cases they also improve the sounds you create too. Try operating Logic with you computer keyboard and you’ll soon see what we mean. These miniature keyboards are an absolute God-send and will be of value, even if you don’t opt for the best midi keyboard for Logic Pro X.

Face it – in modern music production, life without a midi keyboard isn’t really much of a life at all. If anything more of a chore.

We’d suggest that everyone gets a 25-key midi controller when they’re first starting out in music production. The only exception being that you’ve done your research and are 100% certain of the keyboard you want to buy. Perhaps you’ve tested it at a friend’s house, or used it down your local studio space. Other than that though, we’d say that 25-keys is more thna enough and definitely the way forward for 99% of producers.

We say this because at the end of the day, midi keyboards aren’t usually used to play symphonies of Motzart or complex overtures in d minor. In most cases, they’re used as a form of music note-taking, particularly portable midi controllers. Something you can easily do with just 25-keys.

What’s more, 25-key models are a cheap way of getting a feel for a premium brand. Take M-Audio for instance. Their 88-key midi controllers can range upwards of £350, yet the Oxygen Pro Mini comes in at around £85. Much the same experience and functionality, only with a smaller price tag. And as we all know, every penny counts when you’re starting up as a music producer!

Besides, once you get started, you can demote your 25-key midi to your ‘on the go’ keyboard that you take to meetings with artists and labels, and invest in a larger midi keyboard for your studio space. That way none of your money has gone to waste. Neither are you trying to run before you can walk!

Sensible idea if you ask us.

Typically no, however they may well have in the future.

Recently Akai launched their MPK Mini Play – a version of their MPK Mini MK3 that is exactly that. A midi controller with built-in speakers. Although as far as we can tell, midi keyboards with speakers is a very untapped market as of yet.

Aside from milking the market, as let’s face it, midi keyboards without speakers aren’t exactly unpopular, there are other reasons why we haven’t seen midi keyboards with speakers as of yet. The main one being weight, which in a 25-key midi that’s designed to be portable, is a big step to take. Add speakers and you add weight, all of which hinders a keyboard’s portability.

Although, with Akai now taking the first step, we wouldn’t be surprised if more manufacturers jump on the bandwagon. So while midi keyboards don’t have speakers now, in the future this could well become the norm.

You can’t really out a number on how long a midi keyboard will last.

In the end that all depends on a mixture of the build quality, how often it’s used, how it’s treated when it’s used, if it gets wet, and so on. However, on the whole we’d say that any good midi controller should be able to last at least a couple of years. That’s either before something breaks, or you can’t resist the temptation to upgrade.

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