The A-800PRO follows Roland's tried and tested formula of combining technology, quality and reliability in a package that is priced just right to appeal. It comes packed with features for its price, with 45 assignable controls that include sliders, knobs, transport, buttons and more. But its more than just a numbers game because its main feature is still the quality of its velocity sensitive keys and pads. In addition to its wealth of controls, Roland also designed the A-800PRO to be easy to use, with convenient software integration. Finally, this MIDI Keyboard is surprisingly light compared to other 61-key controllers, especially when considering the many things that it can do.

Key Features:

• Keys: 61 / synth-action / velocity-sensitive / aftertouch
• Pads: 8 pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
• Controls: 45 assignable controls: knobs, sliders, buttons, transport and more
• Automap: With any Active Controller Technology enabled DAW
• Bundled Software: Cakewalk Production Plus Pack and three other instruments and production software
• Power: USB powered and can use an optional power adapter (sold separately)
• Connectivity: USB, 5-pin MIDI Connectors (IN & OUT), DC IN Jack, Footswitch and Expression pedal jacks
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, Windows XP (SP2) Vista, & 7 compatible
• Dimensions: 3.63 x 39.5 x 9.88 inches
• Weight: 9 lbs

Pros

Reviews have been consistent in praising the A-800PRO's soft touch synth-action keys, easy software integration, iOS compatibility and portability. The 61-key synth-action keybed got the most positive mentions among the reviewers, with many saying that it is easy and inspiring to play, especially for non-piano players. It is popularly used with Sonar, but it works just as well with other mainstream DAWs like Reason, Ableton Live and more.

Cons

Piano players who prefer weighted keys will have to look elsewhere, because this one is as synth as it gets. Some users expressed concern on the unit's durability because of its mostly plastic components, but this is the price to pay if you want a portable lightweight 61-key controller. There are some experienced users who complained about deep editing problems, thankfully all of which are workable and may not effect the unit's majority of functions.

Overall

If you want a reliable and portable MIDI controller, then the Roland A-800PRO is your best bet. With its big name backing and good user ratings, this is well worth taking a close look at.

While the original Launchkey 61 is still well loved, the MK2 version has taken its place in this list with its upgraded features. Its most notable update is improved compatibility with Ableton Live, further establishing the Launchkey series as the MIDI Keyboard Controller to get for said DAW. Hardware improvements were also implemented, including reliability improvements for the knobs and pads, as well as the addition of RGB color-matching feature to its 16 velocity sensitive pads. It retains its 61-key velocity sensitive synth style keys and its class compliant design. Note that with its extra features, the iPad can no longer power the Launchkey 61 MK2, using a powered USB hub can be a good workaround.

Key Features:

• Keys: 61 / semi-weighted / full-size / synth-style / velocity-sensitive
• Pads: 16 full-color RGB backlit velocity sensitive drum pads
• Controls: 8 knobs, 9 sliders, 6 dedicated transport controls
• Automap: with Ableton, Reason, Protools and other mainstream DAWs
• Bundled Software:: Ableton Live Lite 9 (version 9 required for InControl), Novation Bass Station and V-Station, 1GB library of session-ready samples from Loopmasters
• Power: USB powered and can use an optional power adapter (sold separately)
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain pedal jack
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher, Windows 7 & 8 compatible
• Dimensions: 39 x 4.7 x 12.6 inches
• Weight: 9.3 lbs

Pros

The Noavation Launchkey 61 MK2's upgraded color-lit pads continue to impress users and experts alike, while its synth action keys have also received plenty commendations. Some users even compare the keys to units like the Ultranova, SH-101, DX-7 and more. Convenient Ableton Live integration is also one of its strong points, but there were some users who found that it works just as well other DAW software, including ones that are not meant for live performance like Protools.

Cons

There were a few non-Ableton Live users who complained that they could not make full use of its features, but this is to be expected. One valid concern however is the use of plastic parts which translates to reduced durability and reliability. But it is still respectably durable, and only requires reasonable care in handling and storage.

Overall

The Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 is a pretty good and reasonably priced keyboard controller, especially if you are using or planning to use Ableton Live.

M-Audio has a knack for producing music gear with good features at modest price points, case in point is the Oxygen 61 MKIV with its full-size synth-action keys that rival those from more expensive units. Complementing the keys are controls that include 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, and 9 faders. The automap functionality with industry standard DAWs like ProTools, Logic, Reason, Cubase and more also makes first time experience with this unit even more pleasing. And it also helps that the Oxygen 61 MKIV looks sleek and uncluttered, reducing distractions so you can be more productive.

Key Features:

• Keys: 61 / full-size / synth-action / velocity-sensitive
• Pads: 8 velocity-sensitive pads
• Controls:8 assignable knobs, 9 faders, and dedicated transport control
• Automap: Pro Tools, Logic, Reason, Cubase and other popular DAWs
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist spectral morphing synth
• Power: USB bus powered
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain pedal jack
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher, Windows XP and up, iOS devices via Apple Camera Connection Kit
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 38.5 x 3.7 inches
• Weight: 7.5 lbs

Pros

Reviews are consistent in saying that the keys exceeded their expectations considering its price, providing good traction with just the right amount of recoil while maintaining low noise operation

Cons

Interestingly, there's no standout complaint upon checking its many reviews. Most of them are due to user preference, like the few who were looking for heavy piano action keys. There were a few who wanted more features, like color-lit pads and more buttons.

Overall

If you are looking for a reasonably priced good value 61-Key MIDI Keyboard then do check out the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MKIV.

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 bells and whistles, but it does provide what you'd expect in the price range, full keyboard functionality with a bit of 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 conveniently pair with popular DAWs, including Cubase, Reason, Nuendo, Garageband, Sonar, Logic, Bitwig, Reaper, Studio One and FL Studio. Finally, 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
• Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
• Power: USB Bus powered
• Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal Jack
• Controls: Power Switch, Transport Controls, 7 x Buttons, Assignable Knob and Modulation Wheel, Pitch Bend
• Octave: 3/+4 Octaves 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

Many users mentioned in their customer reviews that they started off with low expectations, but where pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the Nektar Impact GX61 once they got it out of the box. Some users found its weight and portable size to be just right for mobile use, while others were impressed with how easy it is to setup. Interestingly, many of the users who gave it high ratings are guitarists/bassists who want a compact piano in their home studio.

Cons

There were a few who found the action to be too light and wished for the same keyboard to have a model with semi-weighted keys. There were a few who also wanted for traditional 5-pin MIDI connectivity - you'll have to chose another keyboard if you want this option.

Overall

All in all, 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 up in your list.

Korg is known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to music gear technology, and the microKEY AIR-61 is an excellent example. This MIDI keyboard offers true wireless operation with its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your software instruments without having to plug-in any cables. It is an ideal match for the iPad and Laptops, great for mobile recording and for capturing ideas while on the go. Running on a pair of AA batteries, the microKEY AIR-61 gives you up to 30 hours of wireless use, much more than the operating times of most laptops and mobile devices. In addition, it can also work as a regular MIDI Keyboard by removing the battery and connecting it via USB, which also powers the unit. Since it is meant for portability, it is stripped down to just the keybed, a pitch wheel, a mod wheel, and octave buttons. As the label implies, it has 61 mini-keys with Korg's natural touch feel, their version of synth action which many users prefer.

Key Features:

• Keys: 61 / synth-action / velocity-sensitive / mini-keys
• Bundled Software: Free software from Propellerhead, Ableton and Korg
• Power: USB Bus powered or 2 x AA Batteries
• Connectivity: USB, 1/4" Footswitch Jack
• Controls: Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Wireless Switch
• Octave: Octave Up/Down buttons
• Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.10 or later / iOS 8 or later / Bluetooth 4.0 (for wireless) / Windows 7 or later
• Dimensions: 5.47 x 33.46 x 2.13 inches
• Weight: 3.77 lbs

Pros

Many of the positive reviews for the Korg microKEY AIR-61 are from iPad and iPhone users. They reported that it works really well while wirelessly connected, with very minimal latency. The feel of the keys also got a lot of commendations, even from non-keyboard musicians.

Cons

Most of the complaints center on the smaller sized mini-keys, which require technique adjustments if you are used to playing regular size pianos and keyboards. There were however others that loved the smaller size, especially since it makes for a compact partner instrument for their mobile device. Some users also cautioned that the bundled software are outdated and can be annoying to install/un-install, they recommend that you just use your existing DAW.

Overall

If you are always on the go, or you just want a keyboard that works wirelessly, then get the MicroKEY AIR-61.