Top 10 Best Beginner MIDI Keyboards for Aspiring Musicians

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If you’re new to music production, getting started with The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great optiona MIDI keyboard is a great first step.

MIDI keyboards are versatile instruments that allow you to play virtual instruments, record and edit MIDI data, and control your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.

When looking for the best beginner MIDI keyboard, there are a few critical factors to consider.

First, it’s important to think about the size and number of keys. A full-size keyboard may not be necessary for a beginner, but having at least 49 keys can be helpful.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider the keyboard’s compatibility with your DAW and any software you plan on using.

Another important factor is the keyboard’s features. Some MIDI keyboards come with drum pads, faders, and knobs that can be used to control various parameters in your DAW.

These features can be helpful for beginners who want to experiment with different sounds and effects.

After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the best beginner MIDI keyboards on the market.

In this article, we’ll go over the top picks and explain why they’re great choices for beginners.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, we’ve got you covered.

Top 10 Best Beginner MIDI Keyboards

We understand that starting out with music production can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right equipment.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beginner MIDI keyboards to help you get started on your musical journey.

Our team of experts has tested and reviewed numerous keyboards to bring you the top picks for quality, affordability, and ease of use.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to upgrade your setup, our list has got you covered.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the best beginner MIDI keyboards on the market.

1. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3

If you’re looking for a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great option.

It’s perfect for beginners who want to start producing music, as it comes with a complete music production starter kit that includes MPC Beats, 6 virtual instruments, and 2GB of sound content.

Pros

• The 4-way joystick is an innovative feature that provides dynamic pitch and modulation control, making it easier to create expressive performances.
• The MPC-style beat pads are backlit and velocity-sensitive, allowing you to program drums, trigger samples, and control virtual synthesizers/DAW controls with ease.
• The 8 360-degree knobs can be assigned to all your music studio plugins, giving you complete command of your virtual instruments and FX.

Cons

• The keys are mini and velocity-sensitive, which might not be ideal for those who prefer full-sized keys.
• The arpeggiator has adjustable resolution, range, and modes, but it may take some time to get used to.
• The software suite that comes with the keyboard may not work for everyone, as some users have reported issues with registration and activation.

Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a solid choice for beginners who want a versatile and portable MIDI keyboard controller.

Its compact size makes it easy to take on the go, and its intuitive controls and features make it a great tool for music production.

2. Donner DEK-610 Piano Keyboard

If you’re looking for a beginner keyboard that’s portable and packed with features, the Donner DEK-610 is a great option.

Pros

• The two 4-inch 20W speakers provide high-quality sound that’s perfect for indoor or outdoor activities.
• With 500 tones, 300 rhythms, and 40 demo songs, the DEK-610 has a huge music library that’s great for professional players.
• The LCD display panel shows the running functions and there are many practical and interesting functions to enhance your playing experience.

Cons

• The accessories are on one or both sides of the white foam, which can be confusing for some users.
• The microphone that comes with the keyboard is of low quality and may not be suitable for professional use.
• Some users have reported issues with the keys not working properly.

We’ve tested this keyboard and found it to be a great option for beginners.

The 3 elite teaching modes are perfect for helping beginners get familiar with traditional piano and meet the needs of different learning styles.

The DEK-610 is also designed to meet different usage needs, supporting U disk, USB MIDI, external audio, microphone, headphones, and extra sustain pedal.

The keyboard is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

The sound quality is impressive, and the LCD display panel is easy to read and navigate.

Overall, we highly recommend the Donner DEK-610 Piano Keyboard for beginners who want a portable, feature-packed keyboard that’s easy to use and provides high-quality sound.

3. Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard, N-25 25 Key MIDI Controller

If you’re looking for an affordable and compact MIDI keyboard controller that’s perfect for beginners, the Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard is a great option.

Pros

• The 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys make it easy to create melodies and riffs full of emotion.
• The simple layout and user-friendly functions, such as arpeggiator, sustain, octave, and tap tempo, make it easy for novice users to learn.
• The pitch-bend wheel and light-up buttons provide a fun visual display of your playing.

Cons

• The small size may be a drawback for some users who prefer larger keyboards.
• The lack of aftertouch may limit the expressiveness of your playing.
• The build quality feels a bit cheap and flimsy.

This MIDI keyboard controller is compatible with Mac, iOS, PC, iPhone, and iPad, and it’s easy to connect to music editor apps on your smartphone via a mobile phone OTG adapter.

Additionally, it is compatible with various DAWs such as Cubase, Live, Logic Pro, Protools, and Studio One, providing you with a complete music production experience to help you in your arrangement and creation.

The Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard also comes with 40 free and entertaining keyboard-teaching courses, which are ideal for zero-based players who want to try arranging music.

These courses are sufficient to master all aspects of arrangement creation.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, compact, and easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller that’s perfect for beginners, the Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard is a great choice.

It provides a complete music production experience and is compatible with various DAWs, making it a versatile tool for any musician.

4. MUSTAR Piano Keyboard

If you’re a beginner looking for a keyboard that’s easy to learn and use, the MUSTAR Piano Keyboard is a great choice.

With its lighted keys and intelligent teaching modes, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to improve their performance ability quickly.

Pros

• The lighted keys make it easy to follow along with the lessons and learn at your own pace.
• The keyboard features 65 demo songs, 600 tones, and 500 present rhythms, giving you an authentic piano experience.
• The dual voice mode allows you to combine two voices together for a rich playing experience.

Cons

• The sustain pedal could be sturdier.
• The sound quality is not as good as some higher-end models.
• The included headphones and microphone are not of the highest quality.

We found the MUSTAR Piano Keyboard to be a great value for the price.

The lighted keys and intelligent teaching modes make it easy to learn and improve your playing, while the dual voice mode allows you to create a more complex sound.

The keyboard is also easy to connect to your smartphone or computer, allowing you to download apps for more convenient teaching or playing.

Overall, we would recommend the MUSTAR Piano Keyboard to anyone looking for a beginner-friendly keyboard that’s easy to learn and use.

5. M SANMERSEN Piano Keyboard for Beginners

If you’re a beginner looking for a portable piano keyboard, the M SANMERSEN Piano Keyboard is a great option.

It has a lot of features that will help you learn and practice, and it’s easy to take with you wherever you go.

Pros

• The 37 keys and 200 rhythms, 200 Tones, and 50 demos make it easy to learn and practice.
• The built-in rechargeable battery is convenient for taking the keyboard with you on the go.
• The LED display is helpful for seeing what functions you’re using and the built-in teaching function makes learning easier.

Cons

• The keyboard is small and may not be suitable for more advanced players.
• The speakers are not very powerful, so you may need to use headphones or an external speaker for better sound quality.
• The microphone that comes with the keyboard is not very high quality.

We were impressed with the M SANMERSEN Piano Keyboard for Beginners. The keyboard is easy to use and has a lot of features that make it a great option for beginners.

The LED display is helpful for seeing what functions you’re using, and the built-in teaching function makes learning easier.

The built-in rechargeable battery is also a great feature, as it makes it easy to take the keyboard with you on the go.

We also appreciated the headphone and microphone modes, which allow you to practice without disturbing others and sing while playing.

However, the keyboard is small and may not be suitable for more advanced players.

The speakers are also not very powerful, so you may need to use headphones or an external speaker for better sound quality.

Additionally, the microphone that comes with the keyboard is not very high quality.

Overall, we would recommend the M SANMERSEN Piano Keyboard for Beginners to anyone looking for a portable keyboard with a lot of features to help them learn and practice.

6. FVEREY 61 Key Folding Piano Keyboard

If you’re looking for a beginner MIDI keyboard that is portable and easy to use, the FVEREY 61 Key Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option.

Pros

• The semi-weighted keys provide a realistic feel for beginners.
• The folding design makes it easy to store and transport.
• The keyboard has a wide range of tones and rhythms to choose from.

Cons

• The built-in speakers don’t provide the best sound quality.
• Some users have reported issues with the stand and sustain pedal.
• The keyboard may not be suitable for more advanced players.

We recently had the chance to try out the FVEREY 61 Key Folding Piano Keyboard and were impressed with its overall performance.

The semi-weighted keys provide a good feel for beginners, and the keyboard is easy to set up and use right out of the box.

One of the standout features of this keyboard is its folding design, which makes it easy to store and transport.

The keyboard comes with a sustain pedal and music stand, and the double HIFI stereo speakers deliver a good sound quality with heavy bass and warm tones.

The FVEREY 61 Key Folding Piano Keyboard is also a great choice for those who want a wide range of tones and rhythms to choose from.

With 128 tones, 128 rhythms, and 15 demos, there are plenty of options for beginners and amateurs alike.

The keyboard also has an LCD display and buttons that are easy to use, and it comes equipped with chords function, sustain pedal input, metronome, tempo, transpose, headphone output, and connection stereo output to recorder, mixer, or amplifier.

While the built-in speakers may not provide the best sound quality, the keyboard has a Bluetooth and USB MIDI function that allows you to connect with piano games apps such as Garage Band, Perfect Piano, and Pop Piano, or online music lessons.

The musical MIDI keyboard also allows you to connect your computer and other intelligent devices to edit music and create your own music.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a beginner MIDI keyboard that is portable and easy to use, the FVEREY 61 Key Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option.

Its semi-weighted keys, folding design, and wide range of tones and rhythms make it a versatile and practical choice for beginners and amateurs.

7. TWFRIC Beginners Piano Keyboard 37 Keys Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano Built-in Rechargeable Battery Kids Piano with Headphone Jack Learning Musical Instruments Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 Boys Girls

If you’re looking for an affordable and portable beginner MIDI keyboard, the TWFRIC Beginners Piano Keyboard is a great option.

Pros

• The built-in rechargeable battery allows for up to 6 hours of playtime, making it perfect for outdoor activities and performances.
• The keyboard is equipped with 3 teaching modes, making it easy for beginners to learn and improve their playing skills.
• The keyboard has a recording and playback function, allowing performers to recall and improve their performance.

Cons

• The volume is set high by default and adjusting it can be a bit confusing.
• Some users have reported issues with certain keys falling off or getting stuck.
• The keyboard does not come with a charger, which may be inconvenient for some users.

We were impressed with the TWFRIC Beginners Piano Keyboard’s versatility and functionality.

The keyboard has 200 tones, 200 rhythms, and 50 demo songs, allowing beginners to play different music or create their own songs.

The LED screen displays the status of the functions used, making it easy to navigate and customize the keyboard’s settings.

The keyboard also has a built-in dual speaker and multi-function interface, microphone, and audio input function.

You can use the audio cable to connect it with your mobile phone/MP3 to play music, and the small microphone allows you to sing while playing and fully enjoy the music.

The TWFRIC Beginners Piano Keyboard is a great gift for children on birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s Day, or other festivals.

It’s perfect for young musicians who are just starting to learn how to play the piano.

8. COSSAIN Piano Keyboard 61 Keys, Folding Digital Piano with Light up Key, Semi-Weighted & Bluetooth MIDI Portable Piano Keyboard for Beginners, Teens, Adult (Piano Bag, Stand Included) Black-Lighted

If you’re looking for a portable and affordable beginner MIDI keyboard, the COsemi-weighted keys SSAIN Piano Keyboard may be a great option for you.

Pros

• The folding design makes it easy to store and transport, making it perfect for musicians on the go.
• The 61 semi-weighted keys provide a realistic piano feel, allowing for a comfortable playing experience.
• The MIDI function and Bluetooth connection make it easy to connect to other devices and software for music production and learning.

Cons

• The keys are slightly smaller than a regular piano, which may take some getting used to for those with larger hands.
• The sound quality is not as good as more expensive keyboards on the market.
• The keys are made of cheaper plastic material, which may not be as durable as other keyboards.

We were impressed with the COSSAIN Piano Keyboard’s portability and ease of use. The folding design makes it easy to store and transport, while the semi-weighted keys provide a realistic playing experience. The MIDI function and Bluetooth connection also make it easy to connect to other devices and software for music production and learning.

However, the smaller keys and cheaper plastic material may not be suitable for more advanced players or those looking for a more durable keyboard. Overall, the COSSAIN Piano Keyboard is a great option for beginners or musicians on the go who are looking for an affordable and portable MIDI keyboard.

9. aPerfectLife Kids Keyboard Piano

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly keyboard for your child, the aPerfectLife Kids Keyboard Piano is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The keyboard has 37 keys and eight different tones and rhythms to choose from, providing plenty of options for kids to explore and experiment with.
• The ensemble mode allows for multiple people to play together, making it a fun activity for siblings or friends.
• The keyboard is made of non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials and has been certified safe for children.

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the quality of the sound and the accuracy of the chords played.
• The keyboard has a limited range of notes, which may not be suitable for more advanced learners.
• The keys may be smaller and less responsive than those on a full-sized keyboard.

Overall, the aPerfectLife Kids Keyboard Piano is a good choice for young children who are just starting to learn about music.

It’s affordable, easy to use, and offers a range of features to keep kids engaged and interested.

While it may not be the best choice for older or more experienced learners, it’s a great way to introduce younger children to the joys of playing music.

10. HXW Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard

If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable and user-friendly MIDI keyboard, the HXW Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard could be a great option for you.

Pros

• Expressive Playing: The 25 waterfall keys and 9 backlit beat pads are velocity-sensitive and customizable, allowing for dynamic and expressive sound. The unique joystick also provides dynamic pitch and modulation control.
• Assignable Control: The 8 Q-Link knobs support customization of the mode and channel, making it easy to mix and tweak plug-ins.
• Music-making Simpler: The built-in arpeggiator and OTC+ and OTC- buttons make it easy to change rhythm, beat, pattern, and octave. The COPY and PASTE function can easily duplicate the drum pad’s setting.

Cons

• Small Keys: The non-weighted keys may feel like a toy, making it difficult to play comfortably.
• Clunky Hardware: Some users have had difficulty getting it to function with certain DAWs.
• Limited Connectivity: The 1/4″ sustain interface is not included, and the BT5.0 connection is only available for iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac.

The HXW Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard is a great entry-level option for beginners. The keys and beat pads are customizable, making it easy to create dynamic and expressive sound.

However, the non-weighted keys may feel like a toy, and the limited connectivity options may be a drawback for some users.

If you’re looking for an affordable and user-friendly MIDI keyboard, the HXW Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a MIDI keyboard, there are a few key features to consider before making a purchase.

We’ve compiled a list of important factors to keep in mind to help you choose the best beginner MIDI keyboard for your needs.

Number of Keys

The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard is an important consideration, especially for beginners.

A standard keyboard has 88 keys, but most MIDI keyboards have 25, 49, or 61 keys. If you’re just starting out, a smaller keyboard with 25 or 49 keys may be more practical and easier to learn on.

However, if you plan on playing more complex pieces, a larger keyboard may be necessary.

Touch Sensitivity

Touch sensitivity is another important feature to consider. This refers to the ability of the keyboard to detect how hard or soft you are playing the keys.

Most MIDI keyboards have at least two levels of touch sensitivity: soft and hard.

Some higher-end models have more levels of sensitivity, which can make playing more expressive and dynamic.

Connectivity

Make sure to check the connectivity options of the MIDI keyboard you’re considering.

Most keyboards connect to a computer using USB, but some also have MIDI ports for connecting to other MIDI devices.

Additionally, some keyboards have Bluetooth connectivity, which can be convenient for wireless use.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you.

Some MIDI keyboards come with built-in speakers, drum pads, or knobs and sliders for controlling various parameters.

These features can be useful for beginners who want to experiment with different sounds and effects.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best beginner MIDI keyboard for your needs and start making music right away.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best beginner MIDI keyboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

But regardless of which option you choose, starting out with a quality MIDI controller is an excellent way to begin exploring the exciting world of music production.

With consistent practice and experimentation, a MIDI keyboard can open up limitless creative possibilities.