Top 10 Best MIDI Keyboard Under $200 In 2024

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MIDI keyboards are an essential tool for musicians, producers, and composers who want to create music digitally.

They are a versatile and cost-effective way to create music without the need for expensive hardware.

MIDI keyboards are used to control virtual instruments, software synthesizers, and digital audio workstations (DAWs). They come in various sizes, shapes, and price ranges.

In this article, we will be discussing the best MIDI keyboards under $200.

We understand that not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on a MIDI keyboard, and that’s why we have compiled a list of the best affordable options.

We spent hours researching and testing various keyboards to find the ones that offer the best value for money.

When looking for a MIDI keyboard under $200, the critical thing to consider is the number of keys.

Most keyboards in this price range have 25, 49, or 61 keys. The number of keys you need depends on your music production needs.

If you’re a beginner, a 25-key keyboard might be enough, but if you’re a professional, you might need a 61-key keyboard.

We tested ten MIDI keyboards under $200 to identify the ones that offer the best features, build quality, and performance.

In the following sections, we will discuss each keyboard in detail and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Top 10 Best MIDI Keyboards Under $200

We understand that finding a quality MIDI keyboard that fits your budget can be a daunting task.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best MIDI keyboards under $200.

These keyboards offer a great combination of affordability and functionality, making them perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

Whether you’re looking for a keyboard to use in your home studio or to take on the road, we’ve got you covered.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best MIDI keyboards under $200.

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3

If you’re looking for an affordable, compact MIDI keyboard controller that packs a punch, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great option.

With its 25 mini keys, 8 backlit drum pads, and 8 assignable knobs, this device offers a lot of functionality in a small package.

Pros

• The 4-way joystick for dynamic pitch and modulation control is a unique and intuitive feature that allows for more expressive playing.
• The included MPC-style drum pads with Note Repeat and Full Level make it easy to program beats and trigger samples.
• The compact size of the MPK Mini MK3 makes it a great travel companion for musicians on the go.

Cons

• The mini keys may take some getting used to for those accustomed to playing on full-sized keys.
• Some users have reported issues with the included software not working properly or being difficult to install.
• The overall build quality of the device feels somewhat flimsy.

Despite its limitations, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable, affordable MIDI keyboard controller.

Its unique features and versatile functionality make it a great option for both beginners and professionals alike.

In our experience, the 4-way joystick is a standout feature that allows for more nuanced and expressive playing.

The drum pads are also a nice touch, although they may not be as responsive as some users would like.

Overall, we would recommend the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 to anyone looking for a reliable MIDI keyboard controller under $200.

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard controller that has everything you need to create music, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great choice.

Pros

• The 25 mini keys are velocity-sensitive and responsive, making it easy to play and record melodies.
• The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads are great for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual instruments.
• The 8 360-degree knobs can be assigned to any parameter in your DAW, giving you complete control over your virtual instruments and effects.

Cons

• The keys may feel a little stiff for some users.
• The drum pads may be too small for those with larger fingers.
• The included software may not be suitable for advanced users.

We’ve had the pleasure of using the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 for a while now, and we have to say that we’re impressed.

The keyboard is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. The build quality is excellent, and the controls are well laid out and easy to use.

One of the standout features of the MPK Mini MK3 is the 4-way thumbstick, which allows for dynamic pitch and modulation control.

The built-in arpeggiator is also a nice touch, with adjustable resolution, range, and modes.

The MPC Note Repeat and Full Level features are also great for programming drums and triggering samples.

The 8 360-degree knobs are assignable to any parameter in your DAW, providing complete control over your virtual instruments and effects.

The 25 mini keys are velocity-sensitive and responsive, making it easy to play and record melodies.

The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads are also great for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual instruments.

However, the keys may feel a little stiff for some users. The drum pads may also be a bit small for those with larger fingers.

Additionally, the included software may not be suitable for advanced users.

Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent MIDI keyboard controller that offers a lot of features and functionality for a budget-friendly price.

If you’re a beginner or a professional looking for a portable MIDI controller, this is definitely worth considering.

Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard that doesn’t skimp on features, the Donner DMK25 Pro is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The intelligent dynamic scale mode makes playing bass lines, melodies, and leads a breeze, and the 16-scale tones allow you to switch between many musical genres.
• The real-time multi-mode control functions, including arpeggio, note repeat, and chord, allow you to create music clips whenever and wherever you need them, opening up a world of expression and creativity.
• The personalized touch bar with light scale and innovative wheels provide greater visual control and comfort when turning, custom mapping to allocate the information you need to control, and 6 transport controllers to improve arrangement efficiency.

Cons

• The complimentary software requires you to ask for customer service, which can be a hassle.
• The keyboard may feel a bit small for those used to full-sized keyboards.
• The build quality may not be as durable as more expensive MIDI keyboards.

We were impressed by the Donner DMK25 Pro’s high-definition OLED screen display, which shows specific parameters in real-time, making arranging and creating timbre easier.

The keyboard is small and lightweight, making it easy to bring with you to outdoor places such as the studio or cafe, and the USB Bus Powered feature means you can forget about the driver and power supply and just plug and play.

The velocity-sensitive keys and eight velocity-sensitive pads have the pressure and touch of a standard keyboard, but they are also very responsive.

The keyboard is compatible with a variety of DAWs, such as Cubase, Live, Logic Pro, Protools, Studio One, and more, providing you with a complete music production experience to help you in your arrangement and creation.

The Donner DMK25 Pro 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, giving you the free time to create.

Overall, we highly recommend the Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller for anyone looking for a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard that doesn’t skimp on features.

It’s an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate users alike.

Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included White

If you’re looking for a versatile MIDI keyboard that won’t break the bank, the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 is a solid choice.

It offers a range of creative features that make composition, songwriting, and beat-making more intuitive than ever before.

Pros

• The Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator features are incredibly helpful for coming up with new ideas and getting inspired.
• The custom DAW integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more allows for deeper control over your software.
• The 2000 presets included with Analog Lab V are incredibly versatile, with unique hybrids, modern synths, orchestral sounds, and more.

Cons

• The RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity can be a bit finicky at times, and may require some tweaking to get just right.
• The contextual button can be a bit confusing to use at first, and may take some time to get used to.
• The 2.5” LCD screen is a nice touch, but can be a bit small for some users.

Overall, we think the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard that still offers a lot of features and versatility.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this keyboard is sure to inspire you and help you create great music.

Arturia KeyStep 32-Key Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller

If you’re looking for a versatile and highly playable MIDI keyboard, the Arturia KeyStep 32-Key Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The slimkey keyboard action provides the perfect balance between compact mini-keys and full-sized keys, giving you a highly playable and portable instrument.
• With its polyphonic step sequencer, you can control both analog and digital devices, making it compatible with a wide range of synths and keyboards, hardware or software.
• The KeyStep comes with a range of creative software, including Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, and MIDI Control Center, making it easy to edit your MIDI setups and sequences.

Cons

• Some users may find the smaller keys take a little getting used to, particularly if they are used to playing on a full-sized keyboard.
• The KeyStep’s polyphonic step sequencer can be a little complex to use at first, so it may take some time to get to grips with all of its features.
• While the KeyStep is compatible with a wide range of devices, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a keyboard that is specifically designed to work with a particular instrument or software.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Arturia KeyStep 32-Key Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller to anyone who is looking for a versatile and highly playable MIDI keyboard.

Whether you’re a professional musician or a hobbyist, this keyboard is packed with features that make it perfect for real-time composition and live performance.

The slimkey keyboard action is a real highlight, providing a great balance between compact mini-keys and full-sized keys.

This makes it easy to play and perform, even when you’re on the go. The polyphonic step sequencer is also a great feature, allowing you to control both analog and digital devices with ease.

While there are a few downsides to the KeyStep, such as the smaller keys and the complexity of the step sequencer, these are relatively minor issues that most users will be able to overcome with a little practice.

Overall, we think the Arturia KeyStep 32-Key Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a versatile and highly playable MIDI keyboard.

M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini

If you’re looking for an affordable MIDI keyboard with a lot of features, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The semi-weighted keys feel great to play.
• The RGB backlit drum pads are very responsive and fun to use.
• The Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes make it easy to create complex chords and melodies.

Cons

• The user interface and DAW setup can be a bit difficult to navigate.
• The keys are shorter than a standard keyboard, which may take some getting used to.
• The build quality is not as sturdy as some other MIDI keyboards.

We’ve been using the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with what it can do.

The 32 semi-weighted keys feel great to play and are very responsive. The RGB backlit drum pads are a lot of fun to use and make it easy to create beats and trigger samples.

We also appreciate the four assignable knobs, buttons, and faders, which allow you to control a wide variety of parameters in your DAW.

One of the standout features of the Oxygen Pro Mini is the Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes.

With Smart Chord activated, pressing a single key or pad will play a full chord with easy-to-use options to set chord properties and customized progressions across the keybed.

With Smart Scale, the keybed can be configured to one of 16 scale variations, so only notes in the selected scale are played.

This makes it easy to create complex chords and melodies, even if you’re not a trained musician.

The only downside to the Oxygen Pro Mini is that the user interface and DAW setup can be a bit difficult to navigate.

It may take some trial and error to get everything working the way you want it to.

Additionally, the keys are shorter than a standard keyboard, which may take some getting used to.

Finally, the build quality is not as sturdy as some other MIDI keyboards on the market.

Overall, we think the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable MIDI keyboard with a lot of features.

If you’re willing to put in a bit of effort to get everything set up properly, you’ll be rewarded with a powerful and portable tool that will help streamline your creative process.

M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV)

If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard with a variety of features that won’t break the bank, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) is a great option.

Pros

• The 49 full-sized, velocity-sensitive piano keys feel natural and responsive, making it easy to get the most out of virtual sampler and synthesizer plugins.
• The 16 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat are perfect for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering, and more.
• The 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders provide tactile MIDI control of virtual synth parameters, effect plugins, DAW controls, and more.

Cons

• The keybed is synth action, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
• Some users have reported issues with the arpeggiator.
• The knobs and faders may feel a bit flimsy.

We’ve had a chance to use the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) and we’re impressed with its feature set.

The auto-mapping for DAW controls and plugin parameters is a breeze to set up, and the Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes are a nice touch.

The included software suite is also a great value.

That being said, the keybed is synth action, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a more piano-like feel.

Additionally, some users have reported issues with the arpeggiator and the knobs and faders may feel a bit flimsy.

Overall, if you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard with a variety of features that won’t break the bank, the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) is definitely worth considering.

LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard

We highly recommend the LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard to anyone who is looking for an affordable and portable MIDI controller that delivers a professional performance.

Pros

• The compact design makes it easy to carry around and use on the go.
• The pitch bend function and bright buttons allow for expressive and precise control of music arrangement.
• The LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard is compatible with a wide range of devices and digital audio workstations, making it a versatile tool for music production.

Cons

• The sustain input requires a 1/8 inch TRS to 5-Pin Din adapter cable, which is not included in the package.
• The mini keys may feel a bit cramped for some users, especially those with larger hands.
• The CubeSuite app needed for Bluetooth pairing on your phone may not be user-friendly for some.

The LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard is a lightweight and portable controller that can be connected to your device wirelessly via Bluetooth or by USB power.

It features 25 velocity-sensitive keys and a built-in 780mAh battery that can work for about 8 hours, making it easy to take with you to the studio, cafe, or hotel to compose music.

The pitch bend function ensures a rich and expressive tone, while the bright buttons make it easy to program in dimly lit environments.

The 360-degree knobs and parameter displays allow for precise control of every detail of the music arrangement.

The LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard has an easy-to-learn layout for novices, with arpeggiator, scale, smart chord, sustain, and octave functions that deliver a professional and versatile performance.

It is compatible with Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, and works with all digital audio workstations, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Bitwig, Reason, Studio One, and GarageBand (iOS).

In conclusion, the LEKATO Mini MIDI Keyboard is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable and affordable MIDI controller that delivers a professional performance.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this versatile tool will help you create and produce music with ease.

Nektar SE49 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

If you’re a budding musician looking for a budget-friendly MIDI controller, the Nektar SE49 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The Nektar SE49 comes with all the features and expressive control you need to start making music with your computer, and at a price that delivers amazing value for money.
• The Nektar DAW integration feature allows you to control your most popular DAWs easily.
• The comprehensive MIDI functionality makes the SE49 compatible with all MIDI music software applications.

Cons

• The keys on the SE49 are a bit stiff, which might take some getting used to.
• The key stop can be a bit noisy, which might be a problem if you’re working in a quiet environment.
• The pitch bend and mod wheels are not of the highest quality.

The Nektar SE49 is a great option for those on a tight budget who are just starting with MIDI controllers.

The keyboard is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with a full-size keyboard with velocity.

The SE49 also includes all the performance controls you’d expect and even has Nektar DAW control features.

The keys on the SE49 are a bit stiff, but they are still very playable. The key stop might be a bit noisy, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you’re not working in a quiet environment.

The pitch bend and mod wheels are not of the highest quality, but they still work well enough for most purposes.

Overall, the Nektar SE49 is a great value for money option for those looking for a budget-friendly MIDI controller.

It’s compatible with all MIDI music software applications, and the Nektar DAW integration feature makes it easy to control your most popular DAWs.

If you’re just starting with MIDI controllers, the Nektar SE49 is definitely worth considering.

AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2

If you’re looking for a versatile and compact MIDI keyboard controller, the AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2 is a great option.

Pros

• The integration with Ableton Live is seamless and intuitive, making it easy to control your music and launch clips with the 40-pad clip-launching grid.
• The 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys are responsive and handle dynamics with perfect response every time. The dedicated Sustain button is a nice touch that adds to the overall playing experience.
• The 8 assignable rotary knobs allow for precise control of effects and parameters, and the 4 directional arrow buttons make it easy to manage large sessions.

Cons

• The keyboard may not be suitable for those who require a full-sized keyboard, as it only has 25 mini-keys.
• Some users may find the setup process a bit complicated, especially if they are new to using MIDI controllers.
• The lack of a case or bag included in the package may be inconvenient for those who need to transport the keyboard frequently.

Overall, we recommend the AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2 for anyone looking for a compact and versatile MIDI keyboard controller that integrates seamlessly with Ableton Live.

The 40-pad clip-launching grid, 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys, and 8 assignable rotary knobs make it a powerful tool for live performance and studio composition.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best MIDI keyboard under $200, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Here are some of the key features to look out for:

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the keyboard are important factors to consider, especially if you plan on traveling with it.

A lightweight and compact keyboard is ideal for musicians who are always on the move, while a larger keyboard may be more suitable for those who need more keys and a wider range of notes.

Number of Keys

The number of keys on the keyboard is also an important consideration.

A keyboard with fewer keys may be more affordable, but it may limit your playing range.

On the other hand, a keyboard with more keys may be more expensive, but it offers a wider range of notes and more flexibility in playing.

Connectivity

The connectivity options of the keyboard are also important.

Look for a keyboard that has a USB port, as this allows you to connect it to your computer or other devices for recording and producing music.

Some keyboards also have MIDI ports, which allow you to connect it to other MIDI devices.

Features

The features of the keyboard are also important to consider.

Look for a keyboard that has features such as velocity sensitivity, modulation and pitch bend wheels, and assignable knobs and faders.

These features can help you create more expressive and dynamic music.

Price

Finally, the price of the keyboard is an important consideration.

Look for a keyboard that offers the best value for your money, without compromising on quality and features.

There are plenty of great options available in the under $200 price range that offer excellent value for money.

In summary, when looking for the best MIDI keyboard under $200, consider the size and weight, number of keys, connectivity options, features, and price.

By taking these factors into account, you can find a keyboard that meets your needs and budget, and helps you create great music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several excellent MIDI keyboard options available for under $200 in 2024.

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 stands out as our top pick for its compact yet feature-packed design, intuitive controls, and seamless integration with various music software.

However, keyboards like the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3, Donner DMK25 Pro, and M-Audio Oxygen 49 also offer great value for money.

Consider your specific needs and music production workflow when deciding which affordable MIDI keyboard is the right fit for you.

With this guide’s in-depth recommendations and buying considerations in mind, you’re sure to find a keyboard to inspire your musical creativity without breaking the bank.