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Unfortunately Native Instruments have discontinued this keyboard. To see the alternatives that we currently recommend please go to our guide to The Best 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards.

The S25 from Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol series is designed to integrate with NI Komplete instruments.

Its main feature includes the Light Guide - LEDs above each key that offers visual feedback on performance controls, such as chord / arpeggiator or scale mode. The triggered notes light up once a key is pressed in chord or arpeggiator mode, while the notes in a scale light up on the keyboard in scale mode.

Instead of the traditional pitch and modulation wheels found in many MIDI controllers, this controller has multi-purpose touch strips that offer different pitch and modulation settings.

Key features:

• Keys: 25 semi-weighted keys with monophonic aftertouch.
• Pads: none
• Buttons, Knobs and Other Controls: 3 Perform Buttons, 6 Transport control buttons, 1 Pitch Strip, 1 Modulation Strip, Control Section: 2 Page buttons + 8 Control knobs, Navigate Section: Browse, Instance, Back, Enter and 2 Present buttons
• Octaves: Not Specified
• Bundled Software: Controller Editor, Komplete Kontrol S-Series Software Bundle
• Power: Power Adapter
• Connectivity: MIDI In/Out , 1/4" TS connections for expression and sustain pedal
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11 or macOS 10.12 + Windows 7, 8, or 10
• Dimensions: 19.9" x 10.8" x 3.3"
• Weight: 7.16 lbs.

Many reviewers gave positive feedback for its metal finish design and sturdy build. The controls felt solid, secure and are very straightforward to use. It works seamlessly with the NI Komplete software pack that comes with it, as well as with other DAWs with minimal mapping. Other than playing simple keyboard melodies, many have found the keyboard versatile enough to use for synth work or triggers with the help of control buttons and the Light Guide feature.

This controller is a great choice if you are looking to invest in a user-friendly and good quality unit for making music - particularly with Native Instruments' software.

Unfortunately Native Instruments have discontinued this keyboard. To see the alternatives that we currently recommend please go to our guide to The Best 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards.