The Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Nektar Impact GX61
The Nektar Impact GX61 is a compact 61 key midi controller that provides essential functionality at a very good price point.
It doesn't have much in the way of bells and whistles, but it provides what you'd expect in the price range, full keyboard functionality with a few extras thrown in.
At its core is its synth-action keybed with 61 full-size velocity sensitive keys, so the keys are expected to be light and easy to use. Note that this soft playing feel may throw off users who prefer piano like action, but it is unreasonable to expect premium feel in this price range.
Other features of the Impact GX61 include 7 MIDI assignable buttons, an assignable potentiometer knob, and dedicated controls for octave switching and transpose.
It is designed to pair with popular DAWs, including Cubase, Reason, Nuendo, Garageband, Sonar, Logic, Bitwig, Reaper, Studio One and FL Studio.
Nektar was able to pack all these features in without compromising portability with its small profile and light weight.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action / velocity-sensitive
- Pads: None
- Power: USB Bus powered
- Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
- Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 7 x Buttons, Assignable Knob and Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend
- Automap: Most DAWs (Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reason, SONAR, Studio One, FL Studio, Reaper)
- Octave: up/down with Transpose Function
- Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows 7 or higher, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
- Dimensions: 7.75 x 38 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 6 lbs
Pros
Even those who are critical of this MIDI controller find themselves pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the Nektar Impact GX61 after taking it out of the box. Many commend its weight and portable size to be just right for mobile use, while others are impressed with how easy it is to setup. Interestingly, many of the users who give it high ratings are guitarists/bassists who want a compact piano in their home studio. This ease of use is visible with the amount of reviewers mentioning that this is their first MIDI controller as well.
Cons
There were a few who found the action to be too light and wished for the same keyboard to be produced in a version with semi-weighted keys. There are a few who want traditional 5-pin MIDI connectivity - you'll have to chose another keyboard if you want this option. Some felt the overall feel of the controller to be "toy-like". Velocities during fast runs tend to have an odd note pop out.
Overall
If you prefer the lighter feel of synth action keys, and you don't need 5-pin MIDI, then the Nektar Impact GX61 should be high in your list.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 has everything you need to get started with music production.
If you're transitioning from piano to MIDI controller, the full size, semi-weighted keys will feel more familiar than synth action keys more commonly found at this price point.
It also includes a bundled suite of software including Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First and more.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / semi-weighted / aftertouch
- Pads:No
- Power: DC power supply, USB bus powered
- Bundled Software: AIR Music Mini Grand/Velvet/Xpand!2, Ableton Live LIte, Pro Tools First, Skoove, Touch Loops, Melodics Tutorial
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
- Controls: pitch/mod wheels, volume slider, octave +/-, cursor keys, and transport controls
- Octave: up/down with Transpose Function
- Compatibility: Mac OS 10.10+, Win 7+ PC, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
- Dimensions: 7.44" x 39.2" x 2.68"
- Weight:9 lbs.
Pros
The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is one of the rare cases of "less is more" for quite a few people. Other words used to describe their experience with the product include "streamlined" and "simple". A few complimented the feel of the keys and noted that it offers great value with the bundled software.
Cons
Despite the MIDI out, some found that the controller is incapable of working with analog synths.
Overall
If you're looking for your first MIDI controller and need a suite of software included the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is a great starter pick.
Nektar Impact LX61+
The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a feature-rich MIDI and DAW controller with full size synth-action keys, assignable knobs and faders, 8 backlit performance pads.
The LX61+ has smart mapping for easy integration with most major DAWs.
Switchable modes for mixer, instrument and presets enables easy transitions from performance to DAW control.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action / aftertouch
- Pads:8 backlit performance pads
- Power: USB Bus powered, 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track (VST plug-in compatible)
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
- Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 8 rotary encoders, 9 faders, 8 backlit RGB performance pads, Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend
- Octave:up/down with transpose
- Compatibility: Mac OS 10.10+, Win 7+ PC, iOS (Apple Camera Connection kit required for iPad)
- Dimensions: 10.5"" x 38" x 3"
- Weight:9 lbs
Pros
MIDI CC handling was noted as a plus by a few users. For the price, a few were glad to see pads, assignable knobs and assignable faders. With these features, users note that their workflow became more streamlined.
Cons
An often repeated caveat would be for the keys; users noticed they felt "cheap". Others have reported some burrs from the plastic cutting process still present on some keys.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable MIDI Controller that also features DAW control and wide customizability without breaking the bank, the Nektar Impact LX61+ is the one to get.
Novation Launchkey 61 MK3
For Ableton Live users, the Novation Launchpad series enables the DAW to be an instrument in itself.
The Launchkey series takes that a step further by combining clip launch buttons with synth-action keys.
The Launchkey 61 MK3 shares the same new features as other products in the new MK3 lineup such as new chord and scale modes, arpeggiator, larger pads and other under-the-hood tweaks like hardware control for improvements worthy of the MK3 tag.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action
- Pads:16 RGB-backlit performance pads
- Power: USB Bus powered
- Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, Virtual Instrument and Sample Plug-in Bundle
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack, MIDI out
- Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 8 rotary knobs, 9 x 45mm sliders, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend, Arm/select buttons, Octave up/down buttons, Track navigation buttons, Capture MIDI/quantize/click/undo buttons, Scene launch button, Device select/device lock buttons, Arp/scale/fixed chord buttons
- Octave:up/down
- Compatibility: OS X 10.11 or later, Windows 7 SP1 or later, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
- Dimensions: 10.16" x 37.48" x 3.03"
- Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Pros
Users who are new and accustomed to the Launchpad/Launchkey workflow all note the ease of integration the series has with Ableton Live. Despite how complicated it looks, many new users felt the Launchkey 61 MK3 was intuitive for both composing and arranging.
Cons
Users were disappointed to find that the keys have no aftertouch.
Overall
If you're a producer who uses Ableton Live, the Launchkey 61 MK3 is a great, full-featured MIDI controller and clip launcher with easy integration and good compositional tools.
Arturia KeyLab mkII 61
With this price point offering so many features already, Arturia steps up to the challenge not by adding more features, but by making integrations so easy that you can get to writing or performing right away.
Arturia provides Analog Lab, Piano V and Ableton Live Lite as a bundled suite to get your creative juices flowing faster out of the box.
Arturia presents the KeyLab as a near-universal controller for almost any major DAW on the market.
All of this is wrapped in an aluminum chassis to stand up to the rigors of road use.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / semi-weighted / aftertouch
- Pads:16 RGB-backlit performance pads
- Power: USB Bus powered, 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Bundled Software: Analog Lab, Piano V, and Ableton Live Lite
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
- Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend, Misc. Assignable Buttons
- Octave: up/down with transpose
- Compatibility: Mac OS 10.10+, Win 7+ PC, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
- Dimensions: 11.7" x 34.5" x 2.1"
- Weight:17.64 lbs
Pros
The KeyLab mkII 61 gets consistent praise for its solid build quality and component quality. Users also love its ease of integration with their existing setups with no complicated driver setups or mapping.
Cons
While many found the integration and mapping to be easy for most DAWs including the included Ableton Live Lite, others found that there were some activation issues on the other bundled software but upon further investigation, they had received items that have been tampered with - always buy from a trusted retailer. Newer reviews since our last edition have mentioned that the latest software updates have better license protection.
Overall
In an already crowded market, Arturia shines through many other offerings in the price range by being feature packed and easily integrated; as long as you have purchased the item from a reputable retailer, licensing problems won't be an issue.
Yamaha MX61 V2
At publication time this was the Highest Rated 61-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard.
The Yamaha MX61 V2 is a hybrid of a synthesizer and MIDI controller with some DAW Control features.
As a MIDI Controller, it is a class-compliant device which makes it plug and play compatible with major operating systems including iOS.
DAW controls include transport, mixer and even virtual instruments.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 Synth action, touch sensitive
- Pads: None
- Power: 12V DC power supply (included)
- Bundled Software: Cubase AI included, FM Essential iOS synth app
- Controls: 9 knobs and 40 Buttons, Pitch & Mod Wheels
- Octaves: Octave Up and Octave Down Controls
- Connectivity: 1 x 1/8" (aux in), 2 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4", USB 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A, MIDI I/O 5-pin
- Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher, Windows 7 SP1 or higher, iOS
- Dimensions: 38.7" x 4.4" x 11.7"
- Weight: 10.6 lbs.
Pros
Users that were looking for a synth that doubles as a MIDI controller eventually found and purchased the Yamaha MX61 V2. It's fairly uncommon to find a hybrid device in this category and from the user reviews of the MX61 V2, many are happy to find that there were no compromises with regards to its function as a controller. The AI Knob's ability to tweak controls that you mouse over was also seen as a plus. Although the focus of this guide is MIDI Controller functionality, many were in fact, pleased with the MX61 V2's synth and sound library.
Cons
The MX61 V2 has a bit of a learning curve and some low reviews indicate that the instruction manual included was inadequate and they had to look up tutorials to make most of the unit.
Overall
If you're looking for a Synth/MIDI Controller hybrid, the Yamaha MX61 V2 is right up your alley.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
Drawing from their experience as a developer of virtual instruments, Native Instruments designed the Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 to make it intuitive and versatile.
And to do just that, they put two full-color displays into the unit, along with complementary knobs and buttons that can be auto-mapped or custom assigned as you please.
As expected, it integrates nicely with their own Komplete Select software, which is bundled with the keyboard.
Note that the S61 MK2 does not come with pads, but it comes with a semi-weighted 61-key Fatar keybed with aftertouch.
Key Features:
- Keys: Fatar 61semi-weighted / synth-style / velocity-sensitive / aftertouch
- Pads: None
- Power: USB powered / Optional power adapter (sold separately)
- Controls: 9 knobs and 40 Buttons, Pitch & Mod Wheels
- Octaves: Octave Up and Octave Down Controls
- Automap: Komplete Software, Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, Maschine
- Connectivity: USB, 5-pin MIDI ports, Footswitch and Expression pedal jacks
- Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher, Windows 7 SP1 or higher
- Dimensions: 39.6 x 3.3 x 11.7 inches
- Weight: 14.4 lbs
Pros
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 continues to rake in high ratings with its keyboard feel, good software integration and portability. Even those who have qualms about compatibility issues with other software still commend its playability. There are also a good number of users happy with the bundled Komplete software, both in terms of ease of use and sound. Its intuitive design and portability also comes up often in reviews.
Cons
While it integrates nicely with many popular software applications, there are still some complaints from those who are using non-compatible software.
Overall
With its bundled software and good integration, the NI Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 MIDI controller can technically be considered as a true instrument, making it a great buy for many.
Budget Option
Midiplus i61
Budget gear usually brings more compromise than benefit. There are some hidden gems and according to the large amount of positive feedback, the Midiplus i61 is one of them.
It is a simple, affordably priced MIDI keyboard controller with plug and play functionality.
It features one assignable fader and keys with 8 velocity curves.
Key Features:
- Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action / 8 velocity curves
- Pads:No
- Bundled Software: none
- Power: USB power supply or external DC 9V power supply
- Connectivity: MIDI I/O, USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
- Controls: Assignable Fader
- Octave:up/down
- Compatibility: Mac OS 10.10+, Win 7+ PC, iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit
- Dimensions: 8.26" x 35.8" x 2.36"
- Weight:11 lbs.
Pros
Users note that the Midiplus i61 is a controller that "just works". It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that more expensive controllers feature but many users were happy enough with a basic feature set. It is also uncommon to see a 61-Key MIDI controller at this price with good user reviews.
Cons
Some compromises in quality and playing feel were noted by users.
Overall
If you're strapped for cash and need a budget oriented Keyboard MIDI Controller, it's worth checking out the Midiplus i61
Things to Consider When Buying a 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
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Key Size & Weight
Most keyboard controllers come with semi-weighted synth action keys, and the reason is simple, they provide a good balance of playability, dynamics and portability which many prefer. There are some 61-key controllers that come with weighted and full-size keys that cater to pianists, just keep in mind that these are often heavier, bulkier and more expensive.
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Key Sensitivity and Aftertouch
Velocity sensitive keys measure the speed of the keys as you press them, allowing for more accurate and detailed control over the sound. Because of the expressive control it provides, it is now a standard feature for most MIDI keyboards. Some even offer multiple velocity curves to choose from, allowing you to personalize the feel of the keys. Aftertouch detects pressure applied to keys while they are held down, this data is then converted into MIDI for controlling vibrato, volume and other parameters. Since it requires more mechanical componentry, expect to pay a bit more for keyboards with Aftertourch.
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Pads, Mod Wheels, Motorized Controls
The more control options a keyboard has, the more control you can have over your instrument and your DAW software. The downside is that they can distract, and they may take more time to setup, and not to mention they help jack up the price. For example, having motorized knobs and faders is definitely an advantage, and not to mention cool, but it's a feature that you must invest a considerable amount to get.
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Transport Controls
Having dedicated buttons to control your DAW on your keyboard is convenient. Being able to play, rewind, fast forward, stop and more right on your keyboard will save you the hassle of moving back to your computer, and more importantly - help you avoid disrupting your train of thought and inspiration.
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What Do You Want To Control?
USB MIDI keyboard controllers are primarily designed for use with computers or tablets. The USB port has become its standard connection. These days, most USB keyboards are class compliant, using basic USB drivers to work on different operating systems. This means that they can work with iOS devices like the latest iPad and iPhone. If you're looking for a controller that can also work with standalone synths and other non-USB external hardware, you'll want to look for ones with a 5-pin MIDI out connection.
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Auto-Mapping
While manually configuring your keyboard controller allows for better personalization, this can be very time consuming if not downright frustrating, especially for beginners. We recommend going for those that can automatically configure themselves via auto-mapping, which reduces setup time and allows for plug and play functionality. Having auto-mapping for every DAW is next to impossible, but you will want one that works with your preferred software. Note that some manufacturers provide instructions, or better yet, a download link for quick installation and auto-mapping with many of the popular DAWs.
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Power Supply
It's impressive how some of these 61-Key MIDI keyboards can still be USB BUS powered, but it's better when the keyboard offers multiple power options like the ability to be plugged to a power outlet or run on batteries. The more options you have, the easier it is to adapt to various stage and studio scenarios. Note that the iPad's USB port provides lower power levels, which may not be enough to power more complex MIDI keyboards.
Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Selection Methodology
The first edition was published during March of 2016 and the latest edition was published on June 10, 2021.
We looked at all 61-key MIDI keyboard controllers available from US based retailers and put the most promising 26 on our short-list - you can see most of them in our Music Gear Database. We then collected ratings, reviews, forum comments and feedback about each keyboard that we used when reporting on the pros and cons above as well as to process with the Gearank Algorithm to produce ratings scores out of 100 for each one short-listed - we processed over 9,200 sources for this. Finally we selected the highest rated options to recommend above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings, and also I play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Aside from endlessly window shopping and watching hours of gear reviews for leisure, he enjoys playing competitive FPS games, MMORPGs and caring for his 5 cats. He is primarily influenced by guitarists like Kurt Ballou and Paul Gilbert. His favorite pieces of gear are his Ibanez RG550RFR, Orange Brent Hinds Terror amplifier and EQD Acapulco Gold fuzz.
Contributors
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using a photograph of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 along with the logos of the brands that appeared in this guide at the time of this edition's publication.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
Publication of our June 2021
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our June 2021 Edition resulted in the following keyboards coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
As a result of our June 2020
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our June 2020 update, the following came off the recommended list above, but you can still access our analysis of it:
Today we removed the
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Today we removed the following due to a lack of availability, but you can still read our analysis of it: Behringer MOTÖR 61.
As a result of our November
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our November 2019 update the following keyboards came off our recommended list above but you can still see our analysis of them:
Can you guys do a list on
Submitted by Malcolm Albert (not verified) on
Can you guys do a list on MIDI keyboards that include sequencers that are not just arps? I'm currently on a hunt for a midi keyboard that has a sequencer that does not work like an arp or have to be step recorded. More like an MPC type of sequencer but does not have to be made by Akai.
Im curious to why the SL
Submitted by Malcolm Albert (not verified) on
Im curious to why the SL MKIII by Novation is not on any of these lists.
The Novation 61SL MkIII was
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The Novation 61SL MkIII was on our short-list for this guide however it didn't have high enough ratings for us to recommend it above.
You can see all 3 Novation controllers that we considered along with their current ratings here.
Quick question, the MAudio
Submitted by Jake (not verified) on
Quick question, the MAudio Code is pretty dope, was it considered for this list?
Yes the M-Audio Code 61 was
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Yes the M-Audio Code 61 was considered but didn't have high enough ratings for us to include it in the recommended list above - you can see its ratings here.
What about Acorn Masterkey 61
Submitted by Nemanja (not verified) on
What about Acorn Masterkey 61? It's a marvelous midi keyboard, synth-sized keys, and it's about 100 USD.
It didn't quite have high
Submitted by Jason Horton on
It didn't quite have high enough ratings for us to recommend it when we published the current version of this guide.
However, I've just updated our ratings for it and it's very close - it would have a good chance of making the recommended list above if we updated today and is currently on our short-list for consideration when we next update this guide.
it says "The 61-key keybed is
Submitted by joe (not verified) on
it says "The 61-key keybed is semi-weighted, which gives it a synth style action..." which is it? semi-weighted and synth action are 2 diff things.
how do we know which do or
Submitted by joe (not verified) on
how do we know which do or don't have full-sized keys? can we assume if it doesn't specifically say so that they aren't?
As a result of our May 2018
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of our May 2018 update of this guide, the following keyboard came off our recommended list but you can still read what we have to say about it: Nektar Impact LX61+
Has anyone used two or more
Submitted by John Hoopes (not verified) on
Has anyone used two or more of these stacked to run Hauptwerk virtual organs? If so, which one and how did it feel to play tracker organs vs other organs?
I read all the reviews and
Submitted by Lisa P (not verified) on
I read all the reviews and you consistently left out the part if they have a built in arpeggiator. Do you know how hard it is to find a 61 key weighted midi controller with a built in arpeggiator that can sync to incoming midi clock and has editable patterns? Why doesn't someone make that? Closest and only one to be found is the Novation Impluse 61, but it's keys are only semi-weighted, and barely at that.
if you're buying a MIDI
Submitted by joe (not verified) on
if you're buying a MIDI controller, why would you need a "built in" arpeggiator? there are tons of plugins that you can use. that's probably why you aren't seeing it on MIDI controllers.
Thank you very much for your
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Thank you very much for your feedback Lisa.
Arpeggiators that sync to MIDI aren't always included in manufacturers' specifications, however we will pay closer attention to this when we next update this guide and will try to include that information for as many keyboards as possible.
what about arturia 61 key lab
Submitted by siddhesh (not verified) on
What about Arturia 61 key lab????
Our Gear Database is designed
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Our Gear Database is available to help you answer questions like this because it lets you look up an individual piece of gear or create lists of gear to compare.
I made a list of all the 61-key MIDI controllers in our database and sorted them by Gearank from highest to lowest rated - you can view the list here.
With a Gearank score of only 69 the Arturia KeyLab 61 is currently the 2nd lowest rated option in our database and as a result we haven't recommended it in this guide.
Does Novation Launchkey 61
Submitted by NSPanicker (not verified) on
Does Novation Launchkey 61 have Full size keys?
Novation hasn't specified it
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Novation hasn't specified it exactly, but based on the length of the keyboard I'd say tentatively yes. I'll post back if I can get more specific information.
I've sent another request to
Submitted by Jason Horton on
I've sent another request to Novation, hopefully we'll have an answer soon.
Novation has sent me the
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Novation has sent me the following answer:
"The Launchkey range features a synth-style keyboard with the key depth/size being full size".
I've updated the details above to make clear that the keys are full size.
Would you recommend a
Submitted by Charlice (not verified) on
Would you recommend a beginner to begin with a 61-key controller?
Yes. The main thing for a
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Yes. The main thing for a beginner is if it has all the controls, buttons and knobs you need to control your DAW or plugins. 61-key controllers typically have more of those than smaller options.
is lAUNCH KEY 61 has
Submitted by ehsan (not verified) on
Does the lAUNCH KEY 61 have Aftertouch?
We mistakenly reported the
Submitted by Jason Horton on
We mistakenly reported the Novation Launchkey 61 as having aftertouch keys but it does not. I have corrected the error above.