In recent years, mini MIDI keyboards have become an essential instrument for anyone who wants to produce music. They are great for both newbie musicians and experienced producers who want to utilize more virtual instruments. They are a great alternative to full MIDI keyboards because they are super lightweight and portable so that can be used at home, on stage, and in the recording room. There are a lot of mini MIDI keyboards that are sold in various platforms, most of which come with varying features, but we wanted to share with your the best mini MIDI keyboards we have found which actually are worth spending money on.
The MIDI keyboards we recommend are both excellent in terms of quality and affordability. They are all great options to make recording your music easier.
Overall Best Mini MIDI Keyboard
This plug & play mini MIDI keyboard has everything you need to get started producing music.
Features:
• 25 keys
• 4-way thumbstick
• 8 backlit drum pads
Best Mini MIDI Keyboards
Table of Contents
What to Look for in Mini Midi Keyboards
Before we begin talking about the best mini MIDI keyboards, it is important that you become acquainted with the things that a particular product should have. Knowing these features is essential because it is with these features that you can find out what an ideal mini MIDI keyboard should be. When you see that a keyboard has these characteristics, then you can be sure that it is a product of high quality. So without further ado, here are a few of the features that you should look for before you purchase the best mini MIDI keyboards.
Playability
One of the first things that you should look for in mini MIDI keyboards is playability. When choosing a keyboard, you should consider the physical response of the keys. By physical response, we are referring to bounce or the response of the keys when pressed. See to it that the keyboard that you will choose will have the mechanism that a standard piano would have. This way, you can play expressively as if you are playing an acoustic instrument.If you are not comfortable with a weighted keyboard, there are also semi-weighted keyboards that offer less resistance. Moreover, there are also keyboards with synth action that tend to have a feel like an electronic organ. Hence, the keys are light and are able to be moved quickly.
Connections
Whether you will be using it at home or on stage, you have to make sure that the keyboard has connectivity options so you can play it anywhere and with any amplifier. Many modern keyboards include a DIN MIDI jack. However, we discovered the USB is the most common connectivity option for the modern mini MIDI keyboards. This will allow you to connect to computer-based DAWs directly. In addition to this, with its USB option, you can connect your keyboard to music apps that are running on smartphones and tablets. If you are lucky, you can also spot keyboards with a wireless connection.
Additional Features
Finally, you have to consider the additional features and options that come with it. Without these additional perks, the MIDI keyboard will just be a plain electronic keyboard. So what are these features that we are talking about? These include the performance pads, afterthought, buttons, faders, and knobs, among others. Depending on what you need, these additional features would surely help you improve your musical performance. You have to take note, however, that not all of these are needed by all musicians. So you have to pick the instrument based on what you need.
The features that we have just talked about are just a few of the many things that you have to keep in mind when picking the best mini MIDI keyboards. You should keep in mind that these features should always be a part of your picking process so that you can pick the most appropriate mini MIDI keyboard that would suit your preference.
All Mini MIDI Keyboards
To give you an overview of the best mini MIDI keyboards, we have provided below the particular features of each of the products. If you would scan through these features closely, you would find it more convenient to pick what would suit your preferences. We also recommend that you compare the different products from each other while taking into account the factors to consider. If you do so, you can easily narrow down the list to the ideal one for you.
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK II MIDI Keyboard Controller
Commencing our list of the best mini MIDI keyboards is the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK II MIDI Keyboard Controller. It consists of 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave buttons, allowing you to have a full melodic range. It also consists of an innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control. In addition to this, this keyboard has a built-in arpeggiator.
2. Akai Professional LPK25 Mini MIDI Keyboard
The Akai Professional LPK25 Mini MIDI Keyboard works with virtually all audio software, hence it is perfect for controlling soft-synths and sequencing MIDI data. With its 25 velocity-sensitive keyboard keys, you can capture every nuance and subtlety of your performance. This keyboard is packed with features such as an arpeggiator, octave controls, and sustain pedal input, among others.
3. Alesis V25 Keyboard Controller
The Alesis V25 Keyboard Controller consists of 25 full-sized velocity-sensitive square-front keys that are ideal for playing virtual instruments. It further features eight velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive backlit pads, allowing for beat production and clip launching. Its octave up and down button allows you to have access to the full keyboard range and pitch.
4. Midiplus MIDI Controller (AKM320)
We also think that the Midiplus MIDI Controller (AKM320) is a good option if you are looking for the best mini MIDI keyboards. It consists of 32 velocity-sensitive keys. In addition to this, it also features a pitch wheel, a modulation wheel, octave buttons, and transpose buttons. It also has a sustain switch interface included.
5. M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 Mini USB MIDI Keyboard
The M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 Mini USB MIDI Keyboard consists of a slimline footprint and 32 piano-style velocity-sensitive keys for a more natural feel. With its simple plug and play to your computer, you can immediately play the keyboard and express yourself through music. This keyboard also features up and down buttons for extended keyboard range and a sustain button that adds expressive capability.
6. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 MIDI Keyboard features an intuitive Ableton Live control that allows you to trace select, record, and capture MIDI, among others. It includes a creative arpeggiator that you can easily use and control. Hence, you can conveniently change rhythm, beat, patterns, and octaves. With its fixed chord mode, you can play a chord with just a finger.
7. M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini MIDI Keyboard
Our next product is the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini MIDI Keyboard. It comes with 32 mini piano keys for programming synths and VIs. This mini MIDI keyboard consists of complete MIDI control. Its effortless setup hyper control unites your software and hardware by mapping the controller’s parameters to popular music production software.
8. Akai Professional MPK Mini MIDI Keyboard
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MIDI Keyboard is a portable mini keyboard with 25 velocity-sensitive synthesizer action keys. Furthermore, it comes with a pitch/mod joystick control, 128 sounds, and ten drum skits. It also consists of two banks of eight ultra-responsive backlit MIDI drum pads with note repeat and full level functions.
9. Midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller (AKM322)
The Midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller (AKM322) comprises 32 velocity-sensitive keys, three rotary knobs, and 11 function buttons with LED-backlit. The internal arpeggiator of this keyboard can build sequences with flexible possibilities. This keyboard also has a chord mode that can punch out different combinations of keys. The scale mode, on the other hand, helps you to hit the right key every time.
10. Alesis VI25 USB Midi Keyboard
Completing our list of the best mini MIDI keyboards is the Alesis VI25 USB Midi Keyboard. It consists of 25 full-sized semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. It also consists of 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching. Its modulation and pitch wheels deliver expressive and creative control.
Conclusion
We hope that the list that we have curated has made you more aware and knowledgeable of the best mini MIDI keyboards that you can choose from. Whatever product you choose, we are confident that you will have a high-quality keyboard that would also be highly functional. Just consider the ideal features that a good mini MIDI keyboard should have, then you are good to go. Weighing in on their benefits and drawbacks would make it more convenient for you to pick the product much better.