Top 10 Best 88 Keys MIDI Controller for 2024

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An 88 keys MIDI controller is an essential tool for any musician or producer looking to create music in a digital environment.

These controllers offer a wide range of features and capabilities that allow you to control your music production software with ease.

The 88 keys MIDI controller is particularly useful for those who want to play the piano, as it offers the same number of keys as an acoustic piano.

When looking for the best 88 keys MIDI controller, there are several critical factors to consider. The first thing to consider is the quality of the keys.

You want to make sure that the keys are responsive and have a good feel to them.

The weight of the keys is also an important consideration, as it can affect the overall playing experience.

Other factors to consider include the number of knobs, faders, and pads, as well as the overall build quality of the controller.

We spent countless hours researching and testing ten 88 keys MIDI controllers to identify the best ones on the market.

Our goal was to find controllers that offered a great playing experience, a wide range of features, and excellent build quality.

In the following sections, we will break down our findings and provide you with everything you need to know to make an informed purchasing decision.

Top 10 Best 88 Keys MIDI Controllers

As a team of music enthusiasts, we understand the importance of having the right equipment to produce the perfect sound.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best 88 keys MIDI controllers on the market.

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, these controllers offer a range of features to enhance your music production experience.

From weighted keys to customizable controls, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect MIDI controller for you.

1. M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that can help you with your music production, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is a great choice.

It’s a versatile and affordable option that can help you control your virtual instruments, software samplers, and plug-in synthesisers with ease.

Pros

• The 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys are perfect for expressive performances and MIDI control.
• The volume fader, transport & directional buttons, pitch & modulation wheels, octave up & down buttons, and sustain pedal input make it easy to customize your controls and achieve immediate creativity.
• The slimline design of the keyboard fits any desk, studio, or stage setup perfectly, making it a great centrepiece for your music studio equipment.

Cons

• The keyboard doesn’t come with a power supply, but it’s USB-powered, so you can easily connect it to your Mac or PC without any drivers or additional power supply required.
• The semi-weighted keys may not be suitable for professional pianists, but they’re perfect for music production and MIDI control.
• The keyboard doesn’t come with a stand, but you can easily find one that fits your needs and budget.

We’ve tested the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 and we’re impressed with its performance and functionality.

The keyboard is easy to set up and use, and it comes with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, and Velvet, which are great tools for pro music production.

The semi-weighted keys are responsive and offer a great feel, and the pitch and modulation wheels are perfect for adding expression to your performances.

The volume fader and transport buttons are also useful for controlling your DAW parameters and making adjustments on the fly.

Overall, we recommend the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 for anyone who’s looking for a versatile and affordable MIDI keyboard controller that can help them with their music production.

It’s a great investment that can help you unleash your creativity and achieve your musical goals.

2. Finger Dance Folding Piano

We highly recommend the Finger Dance Folding Piano for anyone looking for a portable and lightweight 88 key midi controller.

Pros

• The folding design makes it easy to carry and transport.
• The touch-sensitive lighted keys with upgrade wood grain provide a realistic piano playing experience.
• The built-in wireless connection allows for easy connection to teaching applications and online music lessons.

Cons

• The keys feel a bit cheap and plastic.
• The demos play too loud and can hurt your ears.
• The lack of separate buttons to change tone vs volume, tempo, etc. can be frustrating.

The Finger Dance Folding Piano is a great option for those who want to play and practice piano on-the-go.

The folding design is a game-changer for those who need to transport their keyboard frequently.

The touch-sensitive lighted keys with upgrade wood grain provide a realistic piano playing experience, making it easier for beginners to learn.

The built-in wireless connection allows for easy connection to teaching applications and online music lessons, making it a perfect choice for those who are looking to learn or improve their piano skills.

While the keys may feel a bit cheap and plastic, the other features make up for it. Just be careful with the demos, as they can play too loud and hurt your ears.

3. MAGICON Foldable Splicing Piano

If you’re looking for a portable piano that can be easily transported, the MAGICON Foldable Splicing Piano is a solid option.

Pros

• The foldable design makes it easy to store and transport.
• The piano has 88 full-size keys with touch response, allowing for expressive playing.
• The built-in double HIFI stereo speakers provide a high-quality sound.

Cons

• The package doesn’t include a keyboard stand, which must be purchased separately.
• The keys are not weighted, which may not be suitable for more advanced players.
• The touch sensitivity may not be as accurate as more expensive models.

We found the MAGICON Foldable Splicing Piano to be a good choice for beginners or those who need a portable piano for travel.

The foldable design is a standout feature, making it easy to store and transport. The touch response keys are also a plus, allowing for more expressive playing.

The built-in double HIFI stereo speakers provide a high-quality sound, although the touch sensitivity may not be as accurate as more expensive models.

Additionally, the package doesn’t include a keyboard stand, which must be purchased separately.

Overall, if you’re looking for a portable piano that can be easily transported, the MAGICON Foldable Splicing Piano is a solid option.

4. Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard

If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable digital piano with a great sound quality, the Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard is worth considering.

Pros

• The built-in high-capacity battery allows for playing without plugging in, making it suitable for travel carrying and open venue performances.
• The sound quality of this digital piano is beyond its price range, thanks to the built-in dual speakers that simulate the real piano sound.
• The full-size semi-weighted keys provide the same playing performance as an actual triangular piano, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced pianists as a backup piano.

Cons

• The keys are not fully weighted, which may not provide the same playing experience as an actual piano.
• The hammer action is more noticeable in the black keys than in the white keys.
• The sustain pedal may break after a few weeks of use.

We recommend the Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard for those who are looking for a lightweight and portable digital piano with a great sound quality.

The built-in high-capacity battery and Bluetooth＆MIDI Keyboard feature make it perfect for music arrangement and online music practice.

The full-size semi-weighted keys provide the same playing performance as an actual triangular piano, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced pianists as a backup piano.

However, the keys are not fully weighted, which may not provide the same playing experience as an actual piano.

The hammer action is more noticeable in the black keys than in the white keys, and the sustain pedal may break after a few weeks of use.

5. Blackstar, 88-Key Portable Keyboard (FOLDPIANO88)

We highly recommend the Blackstar, 88-Key Portable Keyboard (FOLDPIANO88) for those who are looking for a portable, lightweight, and compact 88-key full-length folding digital piano keyboard.

Pros

• The keyboard is lightweight and compact, weighing just 1.6kg and folds to 33cm, making it highly portable and practical.
• The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of battery life, and the keyboard comes with a built-in USB and Midi for added convenience.
• The keyboard is ideal for beginners, kids, students, and professionals who want to play, learn, and perform piano with full-size keys, realistic feel, and soft touch keyboard design.

Cons

• The tone of the keyboard is tinny and lacks depth, making it unsuitable for professional performances.
• The keys are shallow, requiring only light pressure, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a heavier touch.
• The keyboard’s sound quality is not great, and the audio from the keyboard’s speaker is low.

The Blackstar, 88-Key Portable Keyboard (FOLDPIANO88) is an excellent choice for those who want a portable and practical digital piano keyboard.

The keyboard is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.

The built-in rechargeable battery and USB and Midi connectivity make it convenient for traveling musicians and music enthusiasts.

The keyboard is ideal for beginners, kids, students, and professionals who want to play, learn, and perform piano with full-size keys, realistic feel, and soft touch keyboard design.

The keyboard comes with a sustain pedal, tote bag, and piano note stickers for a full learning and performing experience.

However, the keyboard’s sound quality is not great, and the audio from the keyboard’s speaker is low.

The tone of the keyboard is tinny and lacks depth, making it unsuitable for professional performances.

Additionally, the keys are shallow, requiring only light pressure, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a heavier touch.

6. FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard

If you’re looking for a portable and foldable 88 key MIDI controller, the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 88 keys are full-size and semi-weighted, making it feel like an actual piano.
• The keyboard is ultra-portable and can be folded in half, making it easy to transport.
• It has Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity, allowing it to connect to your smartphone or tablet for learning piano or editing music.

Cons

• The sustain pedal jack may not be durable and may need to be replaced over time.
• The keys are semi-weighted, which may not be suitable for players who prefer full-weighted keys.
• The built-in speakers are not very loud and may require external amplification.

We were impressed with the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard’s slim and compact design, which makes it easy to carry around.

Despite its size, the keyboard is the same size as an actual piano, and the depth at which the keys sink is also made to feel like an actual piano.

The semi-weighted keys are also a nice touch, making it easier to play with a more sensitive touch response to suit different playing styles.

The Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity are also great features, allowing you to connect wirelessly with piano games apps or online music lessons.

The LCD display is clear and easy to read, and the 128 types of tones, 128 types of rhythm patterns, and 20 built-in demo songs make it perfect for beginners.

However, the sustain pedal jack may not be very durable and may need to be replaced over time.

Additionally, the built-in speakers are not very loud and may require external amplification.

Overall, the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option for those looking for a portable and foldable 88 key MIDI controller.

7. Arturia KeyLab Essential 88

If you are looking for a versatile and expressive 88-key MIDI controller, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The KeyLab Essential 88 has a durable and stylish design that adapts to your needs and workflow, making it easy to create music just the way you like it.
• With its quality playing surface, multi-purpose performance pads, rotary knobs & faders, and DAW Command Center, the KeyLab Essential 88 has all the essential controls you need to take control of your studio and focus on the music.
• The KeyLab Essential 88 comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes thousands of world-class presets and powerful instruments, making it a great value for the price.

Cons

• The keys are not fully weighted, which may not be ideal for pianists who prefer a more realistic feel.
• Some users have reported issues with the keyboard disappearing in the middle of playing and audio stopping, which may require a power supply upgrade.
• The key bed may be too loud for some users.

Overall, we highly recommend the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 for its versatility, expressiveness, and comprehensive software bundle.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this MIDI controller is a great choice for creating music in your own unique style.

The KeyLab Essential 88 is a joy to use, with its responsive keyboard, tactile DAW commands, and swift preset browsing.

The multi-purpose performance pads are especially useful for triggering samples and controlling effects, while the rotary knobs and faders provide precise control over parameters.

One of the standout features of the KeyLab Essential 88 is its comprehensive software bundle, which includes Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D.

These powerful instruments and effects provide endless creative possibilities, whether you are making electronic music, hip hop beats, or film scores.

The build quality of the KeyLab Essential 88 is impressive, with high-quality components and a smart design that is built to last.

It also comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you are making a solid investment in your music production setup.

8. Pyle Electric Keyboard Piano 88 Keys

If you’re looking for an affordable and portable electric keyboard piano, the Pyle Electric Keyboard Piano 88 Keys might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The foldable design and piano bag make it easy to transport.
• The 88 standard keyboard keys and built-in full range stereo speakers offer a wide range of piano pieces.
• The record and playback mode allows instant audio recording and playback, perfect for learning practice and home theater living room performances.

Cons

• The keys only go down about 1/2 depth compared to a regular piano.
• The keys aren’t at all responsive to touch like a high-quality electronic keyboard.
• The sound quality is not as good as more expensive models.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Pyle Electric Keyboard Piano 88 Keys, and we were impressed by its portability and affordability.

The foldable design and piano bag make it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the 88 standard keyboard keys and built-in full range stereo speakers offer a wide range of piano pieces to play.

One of the standout features of this keyboard is the record and playback mode, which allows instant audio recording and playback.

This is perfect for learning practice and home theater living room performances.

However, we did notice that the keys only go down about 1/2 depth compared to a regular piano, and the keys aren’t at all responsive to touch like a high-quality electronic keyboard.

Additionally, the sound quality is not as good as more expensive models.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and portable electric keyboard piano, the Pyle Electric Keyboard Piano 88 Keys is a solid choice.

9. TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard

If you’re looking for a portable and foldable piano keyboard, the TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option.

It’s designed for beginners and amateurs, and it’s small and light enough to be easily stored.

With 88 full-size semi-weighted keys, it provides a comfortable finger touch and a similar depth to keys, making it a great choice for practicing and playing.

Pros

• The TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is foldable and portable, making it easy to store and transport.
• It has 128 tones, 128 rhythms, and 21 demos, as well as an LCD display and knob button for easy use.
• It has a long battery life of up to 8 hours, making it perfect for practicing and playing on the go.

Cons

• The TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard doesn’t come with a computer cable for MIDI connection.
• The sound quality is better through headphones than through the built-in speakers.
• The keys are semi-weighted, which may not be ideal for more advanced players.

We’ve had the opportunity to try out the TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard, and we’re impressed with its design and functionality.

The connection buckle was widened, and the design port faces upwards to increase the stability after closing, which is a thoughtful feature.

The piano keyboard is made from durable ABS material, and the smooth keys prevent skidding during playing time and avoid fading to keep long-lasting high gloss.

We appreciate the sleep mode, chords function, sustain pedal input, stereo headphone output for private practice, and stereo outputs to connect to a recorder, mixer, or amplifier.

The included sustain pedal, earphone, and 3.5mm audio cable make it a complete package.

Overall, the TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option for beginners and amateurs who are looking for a portable and foldable piano keyboard.

It’s easy to use, has a long battery life, and provides a comfortable finger touch.

10. Soulmate Keyboard Piano

We highly recommend the Soulmate Keyboard Piano for anyone looking for an 88 key midi controller.

Pros

• The full-size semi-weighted keys provide a realistic piano-like finger touch and key depth, allowing for a more emotional expression in every note and piece of music.
• The foldable and portable design of the Soulmate Keyboard Piano makes it easy to transport and store, without taking up too much space.
• The Bluetooth connection feature allows for easy connectivity to devices like phones, tablets, and PCs, making it a great tool for learning and practicing piano.

Cons

• The sound quality may not be as good as some of the higher-end midi controllers on the market.
• The keyboard may feel a bit toy-ish until you get used to the semi-weighted keys.
• The built-in speakers may not be loud enough for some users.

The Soulmate Keyboard Piano is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to play the piano.

The keyboard is packed with features, including 128 tones, 28 rhythms, and 20 demos, making it a versatile tool for learning and practicing.

The folding and portable design of the keyboard makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you’re traveling or just need to store it away.

The full-size semi-weighted keys provide a realistic piano-like feel, allowing for a more emotional expression in every note and piece of music.

The Bluetooth connection feature allows for easy connectivity to devices like phones, tablets, and PCs, making it a great tool for learning and practicing piano.

While the sound quality may not be as good as some of the higher-end midi controllers on the market, the Soulmate Keyboard Piano is still a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to play the piano.

The keyboard may feel a bit toy-ish until you get used to the semi-weighted keys, but it’s still a great tool for learning and practicing.

The built-in speakers may not be loud enough for some users, but the keyboard can be easily connected to external speakers for a better sound experience.

Overall, the Soulmate Keyboard Piano is a great choice for beginners who want to learn how to play the piano.

It’s packed with features, easy to transport and store, and provides a realistic piano-like feel.

Buying Guide

When choosing an 88 keys MIDI controller, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.

Here are some features to look for when shopping for a MIDI controller:

Keyboard Action

The keyboard action is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a MIDI controller. There are three types of keyboard actions: weighted, semi-weighted, and synth.

Weighted keys are designed to feel like a traditional piano, while semi-weighted keys are a compromise between weighted and synth keys.

Synth keys are designed to be lightweight and easy to play.

Connectivity

The connectivity of the MIDI controller is also an important factor to consider.

Look for a controller that has USB connectivity, as this will allow you to connect it to your computer easily.

Additionally, some controllers may have MIDI inputs and outputs, which can be useful if you plan to use the controller with external MIDI devices.

Control Features

Consider the control features of the MIDI controller you are interested in.

Look for a controller that has a variety of knobs, faders, and buttons that can be assigned to control different parameters.

This will allow you to have more control over your music and make it easier to create different sounds.

Software Compatibility

Check the software compatibility of the MIDI controller before purchasing.

Some controllers may come with their own software, while others may be compatible with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, or FL Studio.

Make sure that the controller you choose is compatible with the software you plan to use.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the MIDI controller. High-end models can be expensive, but they may come with more features and better build quality. However, there are also many affordable options available that still offer great performance and functionality.

By considering these factors, you can find the best 88 keys MIDI controller for your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right 88 keys MIDI controller is crucial for any music producer looking to enhance their creativity and workflow.

Our top picks provide exceptional playing experiences with fully weighted or semi-weighted keys, ample connectivity through USB and MIDI, plus comprehensive control features.

Whether you need something portable like the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 or a full-featured workstation like the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88, this guide presents high-quality options at various price points.

Invest in an 88 keys MIDI controller that fits your budget and musical needs to start crafting professional productions.