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THE KING'S CHOICE

M Audio Keystation 88

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Pros & Cons

Full-sized keyboard, no need to adjust by octaves

Plug-and-play is compatible most PC and Mac software

Keyboard action is pleasant and tactile

Can be hard to make work if there are compatibility issues

Some devices require an additional power supply

Special Features

Pitch and modulation wheels, transport and directional buttons, volume fader, octave up and down buttons, and a sustain pedal

Bundled Software

MPC Beats, Ableton Lite DAW, Pro Tools, Mini Grand, Velvet, and Xpand

Number of Keys

88

Connections

USB-A

Dimensions

2.88 x 8.52 x 54.24 inches

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M Audio Keystation 88 Full Review

MOST POPULAR

Akai MPK Mini Mk.3

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Pros & Cons

Good for those without much space

Many complex and advanced features

Plug-and-play works with lots of popular software

Doesn't have a USB-C output and needs an adapter for Macs

First-time setup can be confusing

Special Features

Eight drum pads, eight assignable infinite turning knobs, built-in arpeggiator, thumbstick for pitch and modulation control

Bundled Software

MPC Beats, AIR Hybrid, Mini Grand, and Velvet

Number of Keys

25

Connections

USB-A

Dimensions

12.5 x 7 x 2 inches

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Akai MPK Mini Mk.3 Full Review

Novation Launchkey 61

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Pros & Cons

Available in four sizes

Has multiple chord modes that allow users to make a chord with just one button

Sets up easily with many software systems

Difficult for beginners to use

Not compatible with previous Ableton software

Special Features

Five-pin MIDI output works with any MIDI-compatible device.

Bundled Software

Ableton Live 10 Lite, virtual instruments, plugins and sample packs

Number of Keys

61

Connections

USB

Dimensions

3.03 x 37.48 x 10.16 inches

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Novation Launchkey 61 Full Review

BEST VALUE

Arturia MiniLab Mk. II

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Pros & Cons

Good for portable work or working on a laptop

RGB backlights on the drum pads

Keys work easily and well

Can be hard to make work with some software

Some feel that the keys are flimsy

Special Features

Eight drum pads, sixteen assignable knobs, pitch and modulation touch pads, octave up and down buttons, and a sustain pedal

Bundled Software

Analog Lite, Ableton Lite DAW, and UVI Grand Piano

Number of Keys

25

Connections

USB-A

Dimensions

14 x 9 x 1.5 inches

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Arturia MiniLab Mk. II Full Review

Nektar GX61

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Pros & Cons

Designed with award-winning DAW integration

Supports a large variety of systems

An overall excellent quality midi keyboard

The note velocity is not always constant

Special Features

14 MIDI assignable buttons

Bundled Software

Mac, PC and iOS compatible

Number of Keys

61

Connections

USB

Dimensions

37.99 x 7.76 x 2.76 inches

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Nektar GX61 Full Review

Nektar Impact LX25+

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Pros & Cons

Software instruments map automatically to the controls

Doesn't need to be plugged into a computer to be used

The keys are good quality

The keys make a physical noise when pressed

Special Features

Software instruments automatically mapped to controls

Bundled Software

Mac, PC and iOS compatible

Number of Keys

25

Connections

USB

Dimensions

18.34 x 10.5 x 2.34 inches

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Nektar Impact LX25+ Full Review

AKAI Professional MPK

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Pros & Cons

Uses a thumbstick to control pitch and modulation

Provides virtual instruments and over 1,500 sounds

Solid and well-made

The instructions can be difficult to follow

Special Features

1,500+ sounds, MPC beats, 6 virtual instruments, and 2GB of sound content

Bundled Software

Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes

Number of Keys

25

Connections

USB

Dimensions

7.08 x 12.48 x 1.92 inches

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AKAI Professional MPK Full Review

Korg NanoKey 2

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Pros & Cons

Keys are solid and give tactile feedback

Recommended by industry professionals

Good for portable use and use with smartphones

Keys aren't velocity sensitive

Pitch and modulation functions have some annoying automation

Special Features

Pitch up and pitch down keys, octave up and octave down keys, and a sustain pedal

Bundled Software

Korg Kontrol and Ableton Lite DAW

Number of Keys

25

Connections

USB-A

Dimensions

14.6 x 1.6 x 3.7 inches

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Korg NanoKey 2 Full Review

Alesis V49

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Pros & Cons

Can adjust the latency and velocity sensitivity

Built-in LED lights for ambience

Bundled software is almost worth as much as the keyboard

Keyboard can flex in the middle on some stands

Some users say the keys are too stiff

Drum pads occasionally register double hits

Special Features

Eight drum pads, four assignable knobs and four assignable buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons

Bundled Software

Pro Tools, Ableton Lite DAW, Eleven Lite, Mini Grand, DB-33, and Xpand 2

Number of Keys

49

Connections

USB-A

Dimensions

9.6 x 37.6 x 4.53 inches

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Alesis V49 Full Review

MIDI Keyboards