Best Cheap MIDI Keyboards in 2024

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MIDI keyboards are an essential tool for any musician or producer looking to create music digitally.

These keyboards allow you to input musical notes into your computer software, giving you the ability to create and edit music on a digital platform.

While there are many different types of MIDI keyboards available on the market, finding the best cheap MIDI keyboard can be a challenge.

When looking for a budget MIDI keyboard, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the number of keys on the keyboard.

If you’re a beginner, a smaller keyboard with fewer keys may be suitable for you.

However, if you’re an experienced musician, you may want a larger keyboard with more keys to give you more range and flexibility.

Another important factor to consider is the keyboard’s sensitivity.

Some MIDI keyboards have weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, while others have unweighted keys that are more suitable for electronic music production.

The sensitivity of the keys can greatly affect the sound and feel of your music, so it’s important to choose a keyboard that suits your needs.

At Burton Acoustix , we spent hours researching and testing various budget MIDI keyboards to identify the best options on the market.

In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the top contenders and help you find the best cheap MIDI keyboard for your needs.

Best Cheap MIDI Keyboards

We understand that not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a MIDI keyboard.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap MIDI keyboards that won’t break the bank.

These keyboards may be affordable, but they still offer great features and functionality that will enhance your music-making experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our top picks below.

midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller

If you’re looking for an affordable MIDI keyboard that can handle your basic needs, the midiplus AKM320 is a great option.

Pros

• The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to take on the go.
• The pitch and modulation wheels, volume slider, and octave and transpose buttons provide flexibility and control.
• The plug-and-play functionality with no additional drivers required makes it easy to set up and start using right away.

Cons

• The keys may feel a bit stiff at first and take some getting used to.
• The sustain pedal is not included and needs to be purchased separately.
• The build quality may not be as sturdy as more expensive models.

We were pleasantly surprised by the midiplus AKM320’s performance for its price point.

The 32-note velocity-sensitive mid-size keyboard is perfect for those who want to play melodies and chords with ease.

The pitch and modulation wheels, volume slider, octave buttons, and transpose buttons offer a lot of control and flexibility.

We also appreciated the USB B type connectivity, which made it easy to connect to our computer without any additional drivers.

While the keys may feel a bit stiff at first, they loosen up over time with use.

We also found that the build quality may not be as sturdy as more expensive models, but it still held up well during our testing.

One downside is that the sustain pedal is not included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want that functionality.

Overall, we recommend the midiplus AKM320 for those who are looking for an affordable and portable MIDI keyboard that can handle their basic needs.

It’s a great option for beginners or those who want to experiment with MIDI without breaking the bank.

Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard, N-25 25 Key MIDI Controller with Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys&Light-up Rocker and Music Production Software Included, Small MIDI Keyboard with 40 Free Courses N25 N-25

If you’re looking for a cheap MIDI keyboard that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard might be the perfect choice for you. We’ve tested it out and here’s what we think:

Pros

• The compact design with 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys makes it easy to carry around and perfect for creating melodies and riffs full of emotion.
• The simple layout and user-friendly functions, including programmable banks, arpeggiator, sustain, octave, and tap tempo make it easy for novice users to learn and use.
• The multifunctional pitch-bend wheel and cool light-up buttons ensure a rich and expressive timbre and provide a fun visual display of your playing.

Cons

• The mini keys might not be suitable for users who prefer full-sized keys.
• Some users might find the light-up buttons distracting and unnecessary.
• The complimentary software requires you to ask customer service, which can be inconvenient.

The Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard is a great choice for beginners or musicians on a budget who want a reliable and easy-to-use MIDI keyboard.

The compact design and user-friendly functions make it easy to carry around and use on the go.

Plus, the multifunctional pitch-bend wheel and light-up buttons add a fun and creative touch to your playing.

In terms of cons, the mini keys might not be suitable for users who prefer full-sized keys, but they are still velocity-sensitive and responsive.

Some users might also find the light-up buttons distracting or unnecessary, but they can be turned off if needed.

Finally, the complimentary software requires you to ask customer service, which can be inconvenient, but the 40 free and entertaining keyboard-teaching courses are a great bonus.

Overall, we highly recommend the Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard for anyone looking for a cheap and reliable MIDI keyboard with great features and functions.

AKAI Professional LPK25 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

If you’re looking for a compact and affordable MIDI keyboard, the AKAI Professional LPK25 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The mini keys are surprisingly responsive and allow for expressive playing.
• The built-in arpeggiator and clock provide creative control over your sound sources.
• With plug-and-play compatibility and USB power, setup is effortless and quick.

Cons

• The small size may not be comfortable for those with larger hands.
• The lack of additional knobs and pads may limit your ability to control your software instruments.
• The included production software may not be as feature-packed as other options on the market.

We’ve had a great experience using the AKAI Professional LPK25. Despite its small size, the mini keys are surprisingly playable and responsive.

We were able to play with feel and dynamics, and the dedicated octave up and down buttons allowed us to transpose the range of our software instruments with ease.

The sustain button also provided expressive performances.

The built-in arpeggiator and clock were also a nice touch, allowing us to get creative with our sound sources.

We were able to use the LPK25 with a variety of popular applications, including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Digital Performer, Adobe Audition, and more.

The LPK25 also comes with 8 programmable preset slots, allowing us to instantly recall our mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, and more.

We were able to create, edit, and manage all our presets from the computer.

Overall, the AKAI Professional LPK25 is a versatile and affordable USB MIDI keyboard controller that’s perfect for songwriting, beat-making, and DJ remixes.

It’s a great option for those who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use MIDI controller.

Nektar SE25 | USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration Black

If you’re looking for a compact, expressive, and rugged MIDI keyboard to make music on the move, the Nektar SE25 is a great solution. We’ve had the chance to test it out, and here’s what we found:

Pros

• The Nektar SE25 is a highly portable MIDI keyboard that is perfect for musicians on the go. It’s about as wide as a laptop and weighs just over 13 ounces, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
• The Nektar SE25 features Nektar DAW integration for most popular DAWs, which means you can use it with your favorite music software applications right out of the box.
• The Nektar SE25 offers comprehensive MIDI functionality and is compatible with all MIDI music software applications. It’s also Mac, PC, and iOS compatible, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of musicians.

Cons

• The keys on the Nektar SE25 are mini keys, which can be a bit of a challenge if you’re used to playing on a full-sized keyboard. However, they do play well, and with a bit of practice, you should be able to adjust to them fairly quickly.
• Some users have reported that the Nektar SE25 can be a bit finicky to set up, particularly if you’re using it with a Mac. However, we didn’t experience any issues during our testing.
• The Nektar SE25 doesn’t come with a sustain pedal, so if you need one, you’ll need to purchase it separately.

Overall, we think the Nektar SE25 is an excellent choice for musicians who need a highly portable MIDI keyboard that offers a lot of functionality. It’s well-built, easy to use, and compatible with a wide range of music software applications. If you’re looking for a cheap MIDI keyboard that won’t let you down, the Nektar SE25 is definitely worth considering.

Nektar Impact GX Mini – USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration, Black

If you’re looking for a portable and affordable MIDI keyboard, the Nektar Impact GX Mini might be perfect for you.

Pros

• The mini keys are surprisingly playable and responsive.
• The Nektar DAW integration is seamless and makes it easy to control your music software.
• The compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around.

Cons

• The keys are a bit stiff and may take some time to get used to.
• The USB port can be a bit finicky and may require some adjustment to stay connected.
• The overall build quality feels a bit cheap and fragile.

We’ve had the chance to use the Nektar Impact GX Mini for a few weeks and we’re impressed with its performance. Despite the small size, the mini keys are surprisingly playable and responsive, making it easy to play melodies and chords. The Nektar DAW integration is a standout feature, allowing you to control your music software without having to reach for your mouse or keyboard. The compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around, whether you’re going to a gig or working on music in a coffee shop.

However, the keys are a bit stiff and may take some time to get used to. This can be a bit frustrating if you’re used to playing on a full-sized keyboard. Additionally, the USB port can be a bit finicky and may require some adjustment to stay connected. We also noticed that the overall build quality feels a bit cheap and fragile, so you’ll need to be careful when handling it.

Overall, the Nektar Impact GX Mini is a great option for anyone looking for a portable and affordable MIDI keyboard. While it may not be perfect, it offers a lot of value for the price and is a great tool for music producers and performers on the go.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a cheap MIDI keyboard, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size and Number of Keys

The first thing to consider is the size and number of keys on the keyboard. If you’re looking for a portable option, a smaller keyboard with fewer keys may be the best option. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional feel, a full-sized keyboard with 88 keys would be ideal.

Connectivity

Another factor to consider is connectivity. Most MIDI keyboards connect to your computer via USB, but some also offer Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, some keyboards have MIDI in/out ports, allowing you to connect to other MIDI devices.

Features

When it comes to features, there are a variety of options available. Some keyboards offer drum pads, faders, and knobs for additional control. Others have built-in sound libraries or come with software for recording and producing music.

Price

Of course, price is also an important factor to consider. While cheap MIDI keyboards can be found for under $100, it’s important to balance price with features and quality. Look for keyboards that offer the features you need at a price point that fits your budget.

Overall, when choosing a cheap MIDI keyboard, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences to ensure you get the best product for your money.

Conclusion

There are several high-quality, affordable MIDI keyboard options for musicians and producers on a budget.

The midiplus AKM320, Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard, AKAI Professional LPK25, Nektar SE25, and Nektar Impact GX Mini all provide great bang for your buck.

Consider your needs in terms of size, keys, features, connectivity, and price to determine the best cheap MIDI keyboard for your creative setup.

With quality no longer limited to expensive models, musicians today have excellent access to compact, portable, and easy-to-use MIDI controllers.