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This gear guide is sponsored by Sweetwater, and you can click through to their website to read customer reviews, check prices, or make a purchase, however, all of the recommendations below have been made by the Gearank team.
MIDI Keyboard Guides
For many years, the MIDI keyboard controller has been a ubiquitous tool in the home studio. Along with your standard fare of piano keys, these useful instruments often double up as controllers. They usually come with a slew of buttons, faders, and knobs to streamline workflow.
The 61 key keyboard MIDI format is popular among music producers and multi-instrumentalists. It offers a sweet spot of 5 octaves, capable of handling most contemporary popular music without craving for more range.
Sure, you could go with a smaller 25-Key or 49-Key MIDI Controller, but those might leave you wanting more.
On the other side of the spectrum, classically trained pianists might prefer a full 88-Key MIDI Controller. But they sacrifice portability and take up a lot of desk space. The 61 key midi controller format offers a good in-between, having a wide note range while still being reasonably portable. Some prefer them over standalone Portable Keyboards because the laptop provides more sound options.
So without further ado, here are the best 61 key keyboard picks for studio and live performances. These are the top picks as dictated by the market and measured with our proprietary Gearank rating.
The Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards
Gearank* | SRC* | Check Price | ||
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Yamaha MX61 V2 | 92 | 325+ | |
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Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII | 92 | 550+ | |
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Nektar Impact GX61 | 92 | 2250+ | |
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M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 | 90 | 2400+ | |
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Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MkIII | 92 | 375+ |