Best Midi keyboard Under 100 – We have given you our thoughts on how to find the very best cheap MIDI keyboard for you. Our top 10 reviews cover some awesome affordable MIDI keyboards. The trouble is you might want them all!
In conclusion, I would just recap what I mentioned earlier. The best cheap MIDI keyboard very much depends on the buyer. It’s not about being the best, it’s about being the best for you.
We began by seeking out the most highly rated MIDI keyboard controllers with street prices below $100, taking into to consideration the latest reviews up to mid May of 2021.
ROUND UP
It is now possible to have a MIDI controller that is functional for under $100. I didn’t think I would be saying this 5 years ago.
Years ago, controllers were more expensive and they really weren’t that great. I had many options that I went through that just weren’t fully functional.
back to menu ↑1.Akai Professional MPK
Features
- Compact keyboard controller easily fits backpack and studio production desk (12.4" long, 1.6 lbs)
- Powered by USB connection to computer, with free virtual-instrument download packages
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑2.midiplus
Features
- AK490+ is 49-note semi- weighted piano-style key master keyboard controller which includes Pitch and Modulation wheels , Octave buttons (Up & Down) and Sustain pedal input
- It's powered via a single USB cable and works instantly with computer building Mac OS X or Windows XP and above
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑3.Samson Graphite
Features
- 25-key velocity-sensitive mini keyboard
- Programmable master encoder, eight MIDI assignable knobs and transport control for hands-on control over your DAW and virtual instruments
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑4.Novation Launchkey
Features
- Deep and intuitive Ableton Live control - including device Macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends
- Creative arpeggiator – easy to use but deeply controllable: change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, Gate and more
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑5.Nektar
Features
- 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
- 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys with a choice of velocity curves to adjust the keyboard response to your playing style
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑6.GK61 Keyboard
Features
- ✅【RGB Backlit 】: 16.8 Million Color combinations , multiple backlit mode ( Aurora, Ripple, Music, Rainbow , Waves, Gradient, Windmill, Spectrum and single light), no drivers needed. Plug & Play small form factor keyboard
- ✅【Gateron Optical Switches 】Gateron optical switches can be hotswapped at wish and replaced by other switches. Hot swap keyboard do not recquire you to solder / desolder switches. (Hot Swappable with Optical switches only)
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑7.Xkey 25
Features
- Full Size Piano Keys, Ultra Mobile Award Winning Keyboard
- Only 0.6 inches thick and weighs less than 2 lbs. – Goes wherever you go
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑8.M Audio Keystation
Features
- Pro Music Production Wherever You Go: USB MIDI keyboard controller with slimline footprint and 32 mini piano style velocity sensitive keys for a natural feel
- Customizable Response Mini keys with selectable velocity curves match any playing style inc’l traditional piano, synthesizer, key based beat making; Pitch bend/ modulation buttons add expression
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑9.Korg
Features
- Low-profile, 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard, ideal for use with laptop and netbook computers
- Advanced-design keyed offers improved accuracy and velocity-sensitive keys
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑10.Arturia MiniLab
Features
- Looks awesome: cool inverted color scheme
- Intuitive controls: master your DAW, plugins and instruments
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑Best Midi keyboard Under 100 – BUYER’S GUIDE
back to menu ↑Key Size, Weight & Action
There are several factors to consider when looking for a keyboard controller, and the first one would be its key size. If you are simply looking for something portable to lay down your ideas, a keyboard controller with smaller keys and build is an ideal choice, thankfully there are quite a variety of them in the entry level market. If you plan to compose for a final project or play live, then you’ll probably have to extend your budget to get ones with more features and full-sized keys.
The number and type of keys that you need will also depend on your playing style, as well as the space you’re planning to use the controller. If you are used to using two hands, a 37 or 49-key MIDI controller would suffice. A 25-key MIDI controller is good enough if you plan on using them for playing or recording lead, bass and drum lines. Additionally, they are more compact and lightweight which makes them portable enough to bring around. Since you are on a budget, most keyboard controllers under a $100 price range come with semi-weighted keys where the keys have less resistance. As long as they have velocity response, they will provide you a more natural performance. If you need more realistic piano style action, then you’ll need to consider more expensive 61-key or 88-key controllers.
back to menu ↑Software Integration
MIDI mapping can be a tedious task whenever you set up your controller, but technology has made this easier with better compatibility and detection and automatic mapping. Another important point to consider is that some keyboard controllers are designed to integrate better with a specific DAW. Thankfully, these DAW specific controllers are also designed to work with other DAWs, albeit with some configuration work required. Most controllers are designed to let you customize your own MIDI mapping by re-assigning controls at your convenience and preference.
back to menu ↑Transport Controls
These buttons are used for triggering essential DAW controls like record, pause and play on your keyboard. Since they transmit MIDI data to your DAW, they give you the same level of control without having to reach for your computer keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen or mouse.
back to menu ↑Knobs, Pads and Other Controls
In addition to transport controls, most MIDI keyboards have extra handy controls, such as knobs, modulation and pitch wheels, and sometimes faders. They can be assigned or automatically mapped to give you more options when it comes to mixing or editing parameters in your DAW. An example of this would be assigning a knob to tweak a synth’s filter. This is very handy when it comes to composing or editing real-time for live performances.
back to menu ↑Power Supply
Most MIDI keyboard controllers come with USB connectivity, which allows you to connect your controller to a PC, Mac or any other computing device. This is sort of a concern when it comes to draining your device’s battery more quickly unless your device is plugged into a power source. It’s more of a concern with iPads, which provide 100mA instead of the common 500mA found in a USB 2.0 slot. In this case, a USB hub or an external power adapter is used to supply power directly to your controller.
back to menu ↑USB MIDI vs 5-Pin MIDI
Some MIDI controllers still come with at least one 5-Pin MIDI input and one output. These are useful if you have any vintage equipment that you want to control with a modern MIDI keyboard. Most MIDI keyboards come USB slots since they are compatible with most devices. As mentioned above, the advantage of USB is that it can draw power from a PC or Mac when connected, compared to 5-Pin MIDI slots where you need a power supply. In some cases, some controllers have both connectors. Unless you are going to control hardware directly, without a computer in the loop, then you won’t need a 5-Pin MIDI out.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
back to menu ↑How to Buy a MIDI Controller On a Very Tight Budget?
As you can see from our reviews, we aren’t taking an in-depth look at each controller. We are giving you enough information to decide which ones you want to check out further.
The good thing is that there are lots of options. Set your budget, in our case, it’s under $100 and stick to it. Before you look at specific keyboards try to decide if there are any features you can’t live without. This will help you eliminate some options and focus on the ones that suit your needs best.
It’s important that you do this because it’s easy to get distracted by things you don’t really need. When you are on a tight budget the last thing you need is an impulse buy.
back to menu ↑WRAP UP
MIDI keyboards have gotten better and better over the years. This is one of the main reasons why I thought it would be great to put together a list of MIDI keyboards under $100.
All of these picks are options that I have played myself and owned as well. With this being said, there a couple of things to keep in mind.
Another thing that I want to be upfront about with these picks is that you are going to be sacrificing size or features in order to get into the under $100 bracket.
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