Midi keyboards are essential tools for musicians and producers looking to create music digitally.
They allow for a more tactile and expressive playing experience compared to using a computer keyboard or mouse.
Weighted keys, in particular, provide a more realistic piano-like feel, making them a popular choice among pianists and keyboardists.
When searching for the best midi keyboard with weighted keys, there are a few critical factors to consider.
First and foremost is the quality of the keybed. A high-quality keybed will provide a realistic feel and response, allowing for more nuanced and expressive playing.
Additionally, the number of keys and overall size of the keyboard should be considered, depending on the user’s needs and available space.
After researching and testing various midi keyboards with weighted keys, we have identified the top options on the market.
In the following sections, we will detail the features and benefits of each keyboard, as well as any potential drawbacks, to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Best MIDI Keyboards with Weighted Keys
We’ve scoured the market to find the best MIDI keyboards with weighted keys.
Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, a weighted keyboard can make a big difference in the feel and responsiveness of your playing.
We’ve tested and reviewed a range of options to bring you our top picks. Check out our list below to find the perfect MIDI keyboard for your needs.
M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller
If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that delivers a natural, player-centric response, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is an excellent choice.
With its 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys, you can control virtual instruments, software samplers, and plug-in synthesizers with ease.
Pros
- Effortless plug-and-play USB connectivity to Mac or PC
- Pro-grade virtual instruments from leading developer Velvet and Mini Grand
- MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and everything you need for pro music production
Cons
- No aftertouch
- Some users find the keys too stiff
- No LED indicators for the octave buttons
The Keystation 88 MK3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that delivers a natural, player-centric response.
With its 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys, you can control virtual instruments, software samplers, and plug-in synthesizers with ease.
One of the standout features of the Keystation 88 MK3 is its effortless plug-and-play USB connectivity to Mac or PC.
There are no drivers or power supply required, and the controller is compatible with iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately).
Another great feature of the Keystation 88 MK3 is its pro-grade virtual instruments from leading developer Velvet and Mini Grand.
Whatever your performance demands, the Keystation 88 MK3’s virtual instrument suite guarantees to meet all your expectations with immediate creative potential right-out-the-box!
The Keystation 88 MK3 also includes Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats, so whether you’re looking to record, sequence, or enter an exciting world of beat making, this controller includes must-have industry-leading platforms to help you realize your creative vision.
While the Keystation 88 MK3 is a great MIDI keyboard controller, it does have a few drawbacks.
Some users find the keys too stiff, and there are no LED indicators for the octave buttons. Additionally, there is no aftertouch, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
In conclusion, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 is an excellent MIDI keyboard controller that delivers a natural, player-centric response.
With its pro-grade virtual instruments, plug-and-play USB connectivity, and everything you need for pro music production, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their music production to the next level.
FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard
If you’re looking for a portable and foldable keyboard that delivers a full-size playing experience, the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 88 semi-weighted keys offer a more sensitive touch response to suit different playing styles, making it suitable for beginners.
- The keyboard can be folded in half, making it ultra-portable and easy to carry with the included handbag.
- The Bluetooth and MIDI connection allows you to connect with your smartphone or tablet to make learning piano fun and easy.
Cons
- The speakers’ sound quality is not very good, but with headphones, it’s good enough.
- The other sounds, besides the piano, are poor.
- The sustain pedal may not work correctly, but the manufacturer is quick to address and fix any issues.
We’ve been using the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard for a while now, and we’re impressed with its portability and full-size playing experience.
The semi-weighted keys offer a more sensitive touch response to suit different playing styles, making it suitable for beginners.
The keyboard can be folded in half, making it ultra-portable and easy to carry with the included handbag. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to practice or perform on the go.
The Bluetooth and MIDI connection allows you to connect with your smartphone or tablet to make learning piano fun and easy.
You can use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly with piano games apps such as Garage Band, Perfect Piano, and Pop Piano, or online music lessons.
The MIDI/USB interface makes it possible to connect to your computer to edit music or recording.
The FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard has a clear LCD display, 128 types of tones, 128 types of rhythm patterns, 20 built-in demo songs, and other functions such as metronome, transpose, chords, sustain, recording, vibrato, and more.
It can perfectly meet the usual practice needs of beginners. The headphone jack allows for immersive learning without disturbing parents and neighbors.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a portable and foldable keyboard that delivers a full-size playing experience, the FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard is an excellent choice.
It’s ultra-portable, easy to carry, and offers a variety of features suitable for beginners.
Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard
If you’re looking for a portable and affordable keyboard with weighted keys, the Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard might be right up your alley.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great sound quality
- Full-size semi-weighted keys
Cons
- Pedal quality could be better
- Keys are a bit noisy
- Not fully hammer-weighted
We were impressed with the Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard’s sound quality, which simulates the real piano sound and includes 128 kinds of tones and rhythms, as well as 20 classic piano demo songs.
The full-size semi-weighted keys provide a similar playing performance to an actual triangular piano, making it a great option for beginners and advanced pianists as a backup piano.
The keyboard’s built-in high-capacity battery allows you to play without plugging in, making it suitable for travel carrying and open venue performances.
Additionally, the keyboard has MIDI jacks that can be connected with MIDI music equipment, allowing you to connect to a computer for music arrangement.
The Bluetooth wireless connection to a laptop or piano games apps makes it easy to realize online music practice.
The Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard comes with a piano, carrying bag, music holder, manual, charger, USB cable, sustain pedal, and 365 days of after-sale service.
However, the pedal quality could be better, and the keys are a bit noisy. It’s also important to note that the keyboard is not fully hammer-weighted, so it may not feel exactly like a traditional piano.
Overall, the Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard is a great option for those looking for an affordable and portable keyboard with weighted keys.
TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard
We highly recommend the TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard for those looking for a portable, lightweight, and foldable digital piano with 88 full-sized semi-weighted keys.
Pros
- The TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is incredibly portable and easy to store, thanks to its foldable design.
- The 88 full-sized semi-weighted keys provide a comfortable finger touch and make for similar depth in keys to an actual piano.
- The built-in 1800mAh rechargeable lithium battery allows for up to 8 hours of non-stop playing time after only 2-3 hours of charging.
Cons
- The sound quality from the built-in speakers is not as good as when using headphones.
- The keys are not as responsive as a traditional piano with weighted keys.
- The sound quality can be distorted when playing more than four or five keys at the same time.
The TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is an excellent choice for beginners and amateurs who want to practice playing the piano anywhere, anytime.
The 128 tones, 128 rhythms, and 21 demos make it fully able to meet various needs for a piano keyboard.
The LCD display and knob button make it easy to use, and the sleep mode, chords function, and sustain pedal input make it a versatile option for private practice.
The stereo headphone output allows for private practice, and the stereo outputs can be used to connect to a recorder, mixer, or amplifier.
Overall, the TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard is a great investment for those who want a portable and lightweight digital piano with 88 full-sized semi-weighted keys.
With Bluetooth connection and MIDI function, it’s easy to connect to your phone or tablet to make learning piano fun.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 88
If you’re looking for a versatile and responsive MIDI keyboard controller, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The keyboard is semi-weighted, which provides a good balance of playability and expressiveness.
- The included software bundle is extensive and offers a wide range of sounds and instruments to work with.
- The control layout is intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to navigate and adjust settings while playing.
Cons
- The keys aren’t fully weighted, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer a more piano-like feel.
- The build quality is somewhat plasticky and not as robust as some other MIDI controllers on the market.
- The software can be a bit overwhelming at first, and it may take some time to get used to all the features and options available.
Overall, we think the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and responsive MIDI keyboard controller.
The semi-weighted keys provide a good balance of playability and expressiveness, and the included software bundle is extensive and offers a wide range of sounds and instruments to work with.
The control layout is intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to navigate and adjust settings while playing.
However, the keys aren’t fully weighted, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer a more piano-like feel.
Additionally, the build quality is somewhat plasticky and not as robust as some other MIDI controllers on the market, and the software can be a bit overwhelming at first.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a MIDI keyboard with a weighted keyboard, there are several factors to consider.
We’ve compiled a list of important features to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision.
Weighted Keys
The most important feature to consider when buying a MIDI keyboard with a weighted keyboard is the feel of the keys.
Weighted keys simulate the feel of a traditional piano and are essential for musicians who want to replicate the experience of playing a real piano.
When shopping for a weighted keyboard, look for one with keys that feel sturdy and responsive.
Number of Keys
The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard can vary from 25 to 88. The number of keys you need will depend on your personal preferences and the type of music you play.
If you’re a beginner or don’t have much space, a smaller keyboard with fewer keys may be sufficient.
However, if you’re a professional musician or play classical music, you may want a full-sized keyboard with 88 keys.
Connectivity
Another important factor to consider is connectivity.
Look for a keyboard that has USB, MIDI, and audio outputs. This will allow you to connect your keyboard to your computer, digital audio workstation, or other devices.
Some keyboards also have Bluetooth connectivity, which can be convenient for wireless use.
Additional Features
There are several additional features to look for when shopping for a MIDI keyboard with a weighted keyboard. Here are a few to consider:
- Aftertouch: This feature allows you to control the sound of your instrument by varying the pressure you apply to the keys after they are pressed.
- Modulation and Pitch Bend Wheels: These wheels allow you to add expression to your playing by adjusting the pitch and modulation of your notes.
- Drum Pads: Some MIDI keyboards come with drum pads, which can be useful for creating beats and rhythms.
- Faders and Knobs: These controls can be used to adjust the volume, pan, and other parameters of your sounds.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best MIDI keyboard with a weighted keyboard for your needs.
Conclusion
When searching for the best midi keyboard with weighted keys, focusing on key aspects like keybed quality, number of keys, and connectivity ensures you select the right fit for your needs.
The M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3, FVEREY Folding Piano Keyboard, Kmise Folding Piano Keyboard, TERENCE Folding Piano Keyboard, and Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 we covered provide versatile weighted and semi-weighted options with useful features at different price points.
For piano players and keyboardists prioritizing realistic, responsive feel, the 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys on the M-Audio Keystation MK3 mimic an authentic piano playing experience.
The FVEREY and Kmise folding keyboards offer excellent portability without sacrificing key size, while still providing sensitivity suitable for new players.
For maximizing expression and software integration, the Arturia controller gives intuitive creative control.
No matter your skill level or musical style, choosing a weighted MIDI keyboard from these recommendations will give you an enjoyable, practical instrument to practice technique, record compositions, produce tracks, and perform.
Focusing on the keyboard mechanics and connectivity fits your preferences provides a solid foundation to improve your musicianship with these digital pianos.
