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MIDI Keyboard Guides
We have a range of helpful keyboard guides for you:
With the advent of home recording and room studios, small MIDI controllers have become the norm. Here, we look at the best 25 key MIDI controller options that will fit the modern workflow.
Full format controllers not only take up more space, but it’s not always necessary to have a full range of keys for the compositional aspect of music production.
Having a compact form factor also benefits producers on the go who prefer to work on laptops.
These slim MIDI controllers aren’t meant to replace full sized keys. What they provide is a more streamlined approach to make sound library navigation easier. Another benefit of using a compact setup is being able to get ideas down faster, especially for touring musicians.
This edition combines the best 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards across all price ranges to find the best fit for your needs.
The Best 25 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards
| Gearank* | SRC* | Check Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arturia Minilab 3 | 92 | 1250+ | |
 | Novation Launchkey Mini mk3 | 92 | 1700+ | |
 | Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III | 94 | 8200+ | |
 | Nektar Impact LX25+ | 92 | 1450+ | |
 | Akai Professional MPK225 | 92 | 500+ | |
 | Editor's Choice: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 | 89 | 175+ |
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Arturia Minilab 3
Cons
- No lockable shift feature
Pros
- Responsive keybed and pads
- The mini Drum Pads can double as a transport control
- Has an arpeggiator, chord, and hold mode
The competition for the best 25 MIDI controller keyboard has proven steep. Arturia has outdone itself with their newest iteration of the Minilab 25 keys.
While the form factor and design are almost identical, they applied some cool features with this one. The critical action was slightly improved. It does feel like the MK2, but with this 25-key keyboard, it has more of a gradient response with its velocity sensitivity.
This applies to the pads as well. However, the pads' resistance encourages dynamic playing, and you can feel it pushing against your fingers much better.
But the pads feature more than that. By holding shift, the device doubles as a transport for stop, play, record, forward, and rewind. This detail was missing from the MK2, and it’s a really helpful feature.
One point of improvement I could think of is to have the option of a lockable “shift” button for easy transport access.
Since the 3rd generation, they’ve also included an arpeggiator, chords, and an LCD screen for a quick overview of your settings and patches.
Regardless of whether you’re an Ableton, Logic, or Bitwig user, they’re automatically assigned, and the parameters they control are easily seen on the LCD. This takes away the guesswork when you’re adjusting knobs and faders.
This mini midi keyboard has comprehensive, intuitive features for any music producer, DJ, or pianist.
Specifications
- Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Synth action, Slim-keys
- Pads: 8 with RGB backlight 2
- Buttons & Knobs: 4 x button modes 8 x knobs, 4 x faders (pitchbend, modulation, preset browsing) 2
- Octaves: +/- 4
- Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track, Arturia Analog Lab Intro, UVI Grand Piano Model D
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- I O Connectivity: USB cable, MIDI Out
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- Bundled Software: Tracktion DAW and 150 downloadable instrument/effect plug-ins
- Compatibility: Ableton, Logic, Bitwig, FL Studio, Reason
- Dimensions: 14" x 8.7" x 2"
- Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 Kg)
Novation Launchkey Mini mk3
Cons
- Limited integration with other DAWs
Pros
- Great integration with Ableton and Logic Pro
- Chord Mode and Scale functions makes composing intuitive
Ableton Live is one of the most popular DAWs used for live performance. The clip-based workflow is perfect for those making improvised layering of existing song parts.
Some MIDI Keyboards are designed with a specific DAW in mind. Case in point is the Novation LaunchKey Mini mk3, designed to integrate primarily with the Ableton Live DAW for full control over sample triggering, note for note performances and on-the-fly knob tweaking.
It also works with other DAWs, but may require more setup time to map controls.
Its deep integration of Ableton Live makes it stand out compared to other mini keyboards. It's an essential piece of gear for those who not only want to trigger clips but also perform notes and chords. The Launchpad is capable of this but for those that prefer keys, the Launchkey series is the way to go.
While the compact size enables portability, it may be too compact for some people more used to larger-spaced pads and keys. It's also not as comparably optimal for use with other DAWs and may need manual parameter assignment in those cases.
If your workflow revolves around Ableton Live and want a controller that fully integrates with it, the Novation Launchkey Mini mk3 is a great place to start
Specifications
- Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Synth action Mini-keys
- Pads: 16 x Velocity-sensitive RGB Pads
- Buttons & Knobs: 8 x Rotary Knobs , Octave +/-, Pitch, Modulation
- Octaves: +/- 4
- Bundled Software:Ableton Live Lite, AAS Session Bundle, Additional Bundled Plug-ins
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- Connectivity: USB, 1 x 1/4" (sustain), 1 x 1/8" (MIDI out)
- Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or Later, Windows 7 or later
- Dimensions: 12.9" x 1.22" x 6.77"
- Weight 1.55 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| MusicTech | John Andrews | 90/100 |
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III
Cons
- Joystick/Thumbstick isn't the best substitute for mod/pitch wheels
Pros
- Keybed one of the best in its price range
- MPC Pads
- Comprehensive software suite
Despite being smaller than most MIDI controllers, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III Packs a lot of features not usually found on similarly sized and priced controllers.
8 backlit, velocity sensitive pads enable nuanced rhythmic performances while assignable knobs integrate with many major DAWs.
In place of a pitch wheel, the Pitchbend/modulation joystick enables more control from less space, keeping the MPK Mini MKIII at a featherweight 1.65lbs.
For the price, the MPK Mini MKIII compromises very little with regard to production flexibility. The pads carry over Akai's famed feel and the joystick control is a new way to modulate pitch and other parameters.
The only cons would be that the keys might be too small for larger hands, but this is a common issue among compact keyboard controllers. The joystick feature might not be to the liking of some that are more used to wheel controls.
Overall, If you're looking for a suite of features in a small package, the MPK Mini MKIII is a good, affordable pick.
Specifications
- Keys:25 Synth Mini-keys
- Pads: 8 x Backlit, Velocity-sensitive Performance Pads
- Buttons & Knobs: 4-way Pitchbend/Modulation Joystick, 8 x Assignable Knobs, Pad controls, Arpeggiator
- Octaves: +/- 4
- Bundled Software: MPC Beats Software, Sample Packs
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal
- Compatibility: OS X 10.8.5 or later, Windows 7 SP1 or later
- Dimensions: 12.5" x 1.75" x 7.13"
- Weight 1.65 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Sound On Sound | Simon Sherbourne | 96/100 |
| ask.audio | Hollin Jones | 96/100 |
Nektar Impact LX25+
Cons
- Build quality and materials could be better
Pros
- Great value with many essential features
- Seamless integration with most DAWs
- Easily portable
The Impact LX25+ features Nektar DAW Integration that provides pre-mapped controls for most major DAWs. It has dedicated navigation and transport controls and presets that allow you to integrate controls within your DAW. The velocity sensitive keys come in a full-size piano-style build.
This MIDI controller has all the essentials for most users, which makes it a good value for its price. It works seamlessly with most DAWs, such as Logic Pro, FL Studio, Garageband and BandLab. The controls, keyboard, and pads were responsive and easy to manage when it comes to different kinds of production workflows.
Even with its multiple features, it has a lightweight build that makes it portable enough to carry around.
Despite its reported durability, the plastic build leaves much to be desired.
Versatility at this price price point is headlined by the Nextar Impact LX25+. This MIDI keyboard controller is a jack-of-all trades for musicians, producers and songwriters.
Specifications
- Keys: 25 note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard
- Pads: 8 velocity sensitive pads
- Buttons & Knobs: 1 Pitch bend wheel, 1 Modulation wheel, Octave Up and Octave Down shift buttons, Transpose Up/Down shift buttons, 8 potentiometers, 1 30mm faders, 6 dedicated transport buttons, 5 preset locations store control settings, 1 Page button (for Nektar DAW Integration only)
- Octaves: 9 octaves
- Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track
- Power: USB powered
- Connectivity: 1/4” TS jack foot switch input (MIDI Assignable), USB port on rear panel, and USB bus powered. Connects to iOS via Apple Camera Connection Kit (separate purchase)
- Compatibility: USB Class compliant. iOS, OSX, Windows XP, or higher, Linux (MIDI driver software required)
- Dimensions: 18.75" x 10.5" x 2.75"
- Weight 4 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Musician Wave | Brian Clark | 80/100 |
Akai Professional MPK225
Cons
- Needs manual configuration for some DAWs
Pros
- Semi-weighted keys
- Great pad and key quality
- Robust build
The Akai MPK 225 keyboard controller bridges the gap between controller and instrument. The semi-weighted keys with aftertouch make it feel more familiar for pianists. The RGB MPC-style pads give beatmakers a great platform for laying down grooves.
Akai is more known for using synth style keys for their controllers. The use of semi-weighted keys give this compact controller a premium feel. However, one of the primary reasons to get this controller is the pads. Performance pads were actually invented by Akai so it's no surprise that these would be the controller's strongest selling points.
Aside from the pads, other features it shares with the MPC series include note repeat for glitchy sounds, full level for all full velocity hard hits, and an arpeggiator.
One thing to watch out for is that older firmware versions are a hit-or-miss with DAWs like Logic Pro X. Current firmware seems to have addressed this according to some user reports but it's one thing to watch out for if your primary DAW is Logic.
Looking for a compact controller that doesn't compromise on the beatmaking potential? Need a controller/pad setup with very little compromise between both? The Akai MPK225 is your best option.
Specifications
- Keys: 25 full size semi-weighted with aftertouch.
- Pads: 8 which are velocity and pressure sensitive and they light up MPC style (with full RGB).
- Octaves: 10 by using Octave Up and Octave Down controls.
- Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite DAW, MPC Essentials software sampler, and the Air Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Twist virtual synths.
- Power: USB powered and can use an optional 6V DC, 1A, power adapter (sold separately).
- Connectivity: USB and 5-pin MIDI out and MIDI in.
- Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later + Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It is also iOS compatible but you'll need a CCK and external power supply as well.
- Dimensions: 19.25" x 11.75" x 3.63"
- Weight 6.09 lbs
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | Barret's Music | 80/100 |
Editor's Choice: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
Cons
- No pads
- Larger than most 25 key MIDI controllers
Pros
- Seamless integration with any NI Software
- Premapped to major DAWs
- Responsive keybed
If you’re a Native Instruments user, you’ve probably enjoyed the vast library of patches it provides. Accessing the sound libraries, however, can get overwhelming. Tweaking parameters with a mouse click can throw off your workflow.
The Komplete Kontrol A25 removes the complication of “mousing over” those plugin settings, turning your computer into a real-life synth.
The tactile feel of the knobs is smooth, and it has a touch response. When you press them even slightly, the parameter it controls appears on the LCD screen. Thus, there’s no need to review your computer and watch which parameters are moving.
What was once drop-down menus and clicks are now reachable via knobs and buttons. Should you choose to change the plugin, you have the big knob to the right of the MIDI controller for easy access.
There’s also a preset button dedicated to seamless navigation within your chosen plugin. This portable MIDI keyboard saves you minutes and makes everything intuitive.
One thing it lacks, however, is a pad. It’s bulky compared to the 25 best full-size key MIDI controller options out there. However, I understand the pads are in their Maschine Kontrol lineup, and the A25’s forte is simple.
Lastly, the synth-action keybed has a nice feel and can go from low to high velocity without feeling jerky.
This 25-key keyboard is primarily for producers whose bread and butter is the Native Instruments ecosystem. However, it also works well as a normal MIDI controller. I think it’s a must-have. There are just so many it can offer to your workflow.
Specifications
- Keys: 25 velocity ensitive synth action
- Pads: none
- Buttons & Knobs: 8 touch-sensitive control knobs, 4-directional push encoder
- Bundled Software: Komplete Kontrol, Komplete Instruments and Effects, Maschine Essentials
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- I O Connectivity: USB cable
- Compatibility: macOS 11, 12, 13 (latest update), Windows 10 (64-bit, latest Service Pack) or Windows 11 (latest Service Pack)
- Dimensions: 19.2'' x 10.1'' x 3.5''
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
Things To Consider When Buying A 25 Key MIDI Controller
- It's becoming ever more commonplace for 25 key MIDI keyboards to only have USB ports on them, because the latet computer operating systems already know What MIDI is, and works seamlessly. And this is more than enough for a beginner. If you need to directly control instruments that only have the MIDI style 5 pin DIN connector then you'll need to ensure the controller you buy has a standard 5 pin MIDI out port, otherwise you'll also have to buy a USB to MIDI converter (link to Amazon.com).
- Although some 25 Key MIDI controllers have full sized keys, many don't. Most of them also don't have full weighted keys. If you're a piano player and you need these features then read the specifications carefully. If you do need something bigger then take a look at our guide to 49 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards. Smaller keys and overall size makes for an easy instrument to learn the rudiments of MIDI. Anything bigger than 49 key will negatively impact portability.
- If you need one for portable use with a laptop or tablet then you need one that takes its power from USB, however this comes at the cost of draining your device's battery more quickly. You also may have problems getting enough power from the iPad which provides only 20% of the USB 2.0 standard of 500mA - if you have a problem you'll need to get a powered USB hub.
- If you need these features then read through the specifications carefully as some of the lower priced options don't always include these.
What Type Of Connectivity Do You Need?
Key Size & Weight
Power Supply
Pads, Mod Wheels, Aftertouch
Best 25 Key MIDI Controller Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2015 and the current.
We looked at all the 25 key MIDI keyboard controllers available at major online American music gear retailers and selected 25 of them to put on our short list for closer examination - see them in the Music Gear Database. We then gathered feedback on each one in the form of ratings, reviews and forum discussions and analyzed that information with the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores out of 100 for each of them. This process provided us with the information to report on each of the highest rates ones we recommended above. Over 25,800 review and rating sources were analyzed during this process. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
Other 25-Key MIDI keyboards that were previous part of this guide include: Xkey Air 25, Nektar SE25, Novation Launchkey 25 MK3, Akai APC Key 25, Korg nanoKEY Studio, and more.
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. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
I use my Arturia MiniLab MKII with sample libraries like NI Miroslav Philharmonik 2, Kontakt, Toontrack Superior Drummer 3, Toontrack EZKeys, and Spitfire Audio. I also use it with virtual instruments like Absynth, Roland ZENOLOGY, and a few other smaller VST instruments.
Contributors
Allen Articulo: Product Research and Supplemental writing.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and Editing.
Jason Horton: Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III, Arturia MiniLab MkII and Novation Launchkey Mini mk3.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
The Best 49 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards
I currently own the Akai MPK Mini with Ableton, however, the keys aren’t wide enough for my fat fingers. Are there any mini keyboards with standard width keys?
When we published the July 2022 Edition the following controllers came off the recommended list:
Publication of our May 2021 Edition resulted in the Novation Impulse 25 keyboard controller coming off the recommended list above,but you can still see our analysis of it here.
USB Midi only keyboards are no good if you want to connect them straight up to a 5 Pin midi DIN sound module or something like a Korg Volca FM etc.
The author’s Amazon link to a USB to Midi adapter is no use in this case. That device only works with an actual computer which also powers it. To connect a USB Midi keyboard to a Volca module or other sound module, you need a ‘USB Midi host adapter’. Google is your friend here.
Good point. I am looking for a very small keyboard with an actual midi output – the only one so far I have found is the Alesis Q25.
As a result of our May 2020 update the following came off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
I really like your review, maybe you can also add novation impulse 49 and not only 25. Thanks
Thanks for your suggestion Chris, however this guide is specifically about 25 Key Controllers so you’ll find the Novation Impulse 49 in our guide to 49 Key Controllers.
The following keyboard has been removed from our recommended list above due to being discontinued by the manufacturer: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S25. The Komplete Kontrol A25 didn’t rate high enough to make it to the list.
As a result of the September 2018 update to this guide, the following keyboards came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis:
Seriously well-considered and well-written article.
Thank you very much Stefan!
I too am waiting for Arturia Minilab MK2 – people say that it has improved much and is better that many competitors for this price in mini MIDI segment.
Also, do you take negative reviews into account? Because there has been some noise around M-Audio Oxygen line quality issues – lots of reports of keys acting weird, triggering double notes, not triggering at all etc. So, I’m not sure if your current pick is safe to recommend unless M-Audio get their stuff fixed in some new M5 edition.
Our ratings take account of all types of reviews including positive and negative. You can learn more about how our ratings are calculated, and what they mean, in How Gearank Works.
It’s so annoying that you didn’t list whether the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S25 has full-size keys. That’s the most important consideration, in my opinion.
I’d be interested in a comparison of Bluetooth-enabled versions of these devices.
Mini keys! Check specs section
Thanks for the feedback – we’ll look at doing that when we next update this guide.
I wonder why the Arturia Minilab is not on the list
The Arturia MiniLab has been discontinued and replaced by the Arturia MiniLab MkII which didn’t have sufficiently high enough ratings to be included in this guide at the time of publication – it is on our watch-list and we may recommend it if it scores high enough when we next update this guide.
NOVATION SL25 MK2 has 8 encoders, 8 pots, 8 touch-sensitive faders, 8 pads, pitch/mod expression stick, XY pad, and 25 full size keys, speeddial, and automap for automatic DAW and VST control.
Thank You best one as far as i can see.
If anyone would like to read meta-reviews about the controllers that we used to recommend until the June 2017 update, you’ll find them here:
I always use 5-pin MIDI. Don’t understand why manufacturers dropped the 5-pins and make things more complicated with USB plug adapters. Happy to see here a clear overview of 5-pins keys, great help to me in buying the right hardware. Thanks a lot!
Great helpful article, thanks! It was really helpful that you included whether or not they each had actual midi ports.
I’m glad you found that part useful. When doing the research for this gear guide I was surprised to find that a number of people had bought keyboards with only USB MIDI when they actually needed one with a classic 5-pin MIDI port.
I have updated the Key Features above to include the weight of each of the keyboards.
I’ve made an additional update to include the dimensions of each keyboard – this is useful when deciding what type of keyboard stand or stand attachment to get.