Ever dream of making your own music, but think you need super expensive gear? Think again! Many people want to start making beats or playing cool synth sounds, but a big price tag can stop them. It’s tough to know which MIDI keyboard is good without spending a ton of money. You want something that works well, feels nice to play, and doesn’t break the bank.
Choosing a MIDI keyboard under $100 can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and features! You might worry about getting something cheap that just doesn’t work right, or one that’s missing the important stuff you need. This post will help you sort through all the choices.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in an affordable MIDI keyboard. We’ll show you how to find a keyboard that’s perfect for beginners, or even for someone who wants a second controller. Get ready to discover some awesome options that will help you start your music-making journey without emptying your wallet!
Our Top 5 Midi Keyboard Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Midi Keyboard Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads
Rating: 9.2/10
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a fantastic tool for anyone diving into music creation. This compact USB MIDI keyboard controller packs a punch with its 25 velocity-sensitive keys, perfect for laying down melodies and chords. It also features 8 backlit MPC-style drum pads for crafting beats, along with 8 assignable knobs to control your virtual instruments and effects. Plus, its integration with Native Instruments’ NKS opens up a world of sound possibilities.
What We Like:
- It’s a music production and beat maker essential, making it easy to create songs on your computer.
- The 4-way thumbstick gives you great control over pitch and modulation, and the arpeggiator helps you create cool musical patterns.
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration means you can control Native Instruments sounds directly from the MPK Mini.
- You get to choose a free Komplete 15 Select bundle, adding over 1500 sounds to your collection.
- The MPC-style drum pads feel great for drumming and triggering samples.
- The 8 knobs let you tweak your sounds and mix your music easily.
- It comes with MPC Beats software, virtual instruments, and sound content to get you started.
- You can customize the MPK Mini MK3 using the editor software.
- You get two months of Splice, a huge library of samples, with your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keys are mini-sized, which might feel a bit cramped for players used to full-size keyboards.
- While it’s great for beginners, advanced producers might want more hands-on control options.
Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent all-in-one package for aspiring and intermediate music producers. It offers a wealth of features and sounds to fuel your creativity.
2. Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard
Rating: 9.2/10
Unleash your inner musician with the Donner N-25 Mini MIDI Keyboard! This compact controller is designed for beginners and seasoned producers alike, making music creation accessible and fun. Its small size means you can take it anywhere, and its easy-to-use features help you get started right away.
What We Like:
- Its compact design makes it super portable for making music on the go.
- The 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys let you play with lots of feeling.
- Simple buttons and controls make it easy for anyone to learn and use.
- It works with computers, phones, and tablets, so you can connect it to lots of devices.
- The cool light-up buttons add a fun visual element to your playing.
- It comes with 40 helpful lessons to teach you about music production.
- It’s compatible with popular music software, giving you a full production setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mini keys might feel a bit small for players with larger hands.
- While great for beginners, more advanced users might want more knobs and faders.
The Donner N-25 is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to dive into music production. Its user-friendly design and included lessons make it a great value for aspiring musicians.
3. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads
Rating: 9.3/10
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to create music. It’s a compact and powerful device that connects to your computer via USB, making it super easy to get started. Whether you’re making beats, controlling synthesizers, or just exploring new sounds, this controller puts a lot of creative power right at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- It has 25 mini keys that feel great to play and respond to how hard you press them.
- The 4-way thumbstick lets you easily change pitch and modulation, adding expression to your music.
- You can directly control Native Instruments sounds and presets right from the controller thanks to NKS integration.
- It comes with a choice of three free Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select bundles, which are packed with amazing sounds.
- The 8 MPC-style drum pads are backlit and sensitive, perfect for drumming and triggering samples.
- 8 knobs can be assigned to control almost anything in your music software, like mixing or tweaking synth sounds.
- It includes MPC Beats software, virtual instruments, and sound content to get you making music right away.
- You get two months of Splice for free, giving you access to tons of samples and loops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keys are mini-sized, which might feel a bit small for players with larger hands.
- While it’s great for beginners and intermediate users, advanced producers might want more keys or features.
This controller is a solid choice for aspiring music makers. It offers a lot of bang for your buck and provides a fun and intuitive way to bring your musical ideas to life.
4. M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 – Synth Action 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls
Rating: 9.5/10
The M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 is a fantastic USB MIDI keyboard controller that helps you make music. It has 49 keys that feel natural and respond to how hard you play. You can easily control your music software with its buttons and wheels. It’s simple to set up and comes with lots of useful music software and lessons.
What We Like:
- The 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys give you a great feel for playing music.
- You get total control with a volume fader, transport buttons, and easy-to-use pitch and modulation wheels.
- Octave buttons and a sustain pedal input let you play with more expression.
- It’s super easy to connect to your computer or even an iOS device.
- The compact design looks good on any desk or in your studio.
- A big bonus is the included premium software suite, which is perfect for starting out.
- You also get free online lessons to help you learn and improve your skills.
What Could Be Improved:
- An Apple to USB Camera Adapter is needed for iOS compatibility, and it’s sold separately.
The M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 is a powerful and user-friendly tool for any aspiring musician. It makes creating music accessible and enjoyable.
5. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads
Rating: 9.2/10
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to make music. It’s a compact USB MIDI keyboard controller that packs a lot of power. You can use it to create beats, control virtual instruments, and mix your songs. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. This controller also comes with helpful software to get you started right away.
What We Like:
- It has 25 mini keys that feel good to play and respond to how hard you press them.
- The 8 drum pads light up and are great for tapping out rhythms and triggering sounds.
- You can easily control pitch and modulation with the cool 4-way joystick.
- It works seamlessly with Native Instruments software, letting you control sounds directly from the keyboard.
- You get a choice of three free sound packs from Native Instruments to kickstart your creativity.
- The MPC-style pads have features like Note Repeat and Full Level, making beat-making fun.
- 8 knobs let you tweak your virtual instruments and effects to get the perfect sound.
- It comes with MPC Beats software, virtual instruments, and 2GB of sounds to get you producing immediately.
- You also get two months of Splice, giving you access to tons of samples and loops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The keys are mini-sized, which might feel a bit cramped for players used to full-sized keys.
- While it’s great for beginners, more advanced producers might want more keys or advanced features.
Overall, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent, all-in-one music production starter kit that offers incredible value and creative possibilities.
Your Guide to Finding the Best MIDI Keyboard Under $100
Why a MIDI Keyboard?
A MIDI keyboard is a fantastic tool for anyone interested in making music. It doesn’t make sound on its own. Instead, it sends signals to a computer or other devices. These signals tell the device what notes to play. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating music. You can play virtual instruments, record melodies, and even control music software.
1. Key Features to Look For
What are the essential features?
When you’re shopping for a MIDI keyboard under $100, keep these important features in mind:
- Number of Keys: Most budget keyboards have 25 or 49 keys. More keys give you a wider range to play. 25 keys are great for starting out or for simple melodies. 49 keys offer more room for your musical ideas.
- Key Action: Keys can feel different. Some are “synth-action,” which are light and springy. Others are “semi-weighted,” which feel a bit heavier, like a real piano. For beginners, synth-action is usually fine.
- Connectivity: Look for a USB connection. This is how the keyboard talks to your computer. Make sure it’s compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Included Software: Some keyboards come with free music software. This can be a big bonus! It might include virtual instruments or a basic music production program.
- Knobs and Faders: These are little controls you can turn or slide. They let you adjust things like volume or effects in your music software. They add more creative control.
2. Important Materials
What are keyboards made of?
Most MIDI keyboards in this price range use durable plastic for their bodies. This keeps them light and affordable. The keys themselves are also typically made of plastic. Some higher-end keyboards might use more premium materials, but for under $100, plastic is the standard. This is perfectly fine for most users.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a keyboard good or not so good?
Several things affect how good a MIDI keyboard feels and works.
- Key Feel: This is a big one. Keys that feel cheap or sticky can make playing frustrating. Good quality keys respond well to your touch.
- Build Quality: A keyboard that feels solid and well-built will last longer. You don’t want something that feels like it will break easily.
- Software Compatibility: If the keyboard doesn’t work well with your music software, it’s not very useful. Check reviews to see if users have problems.
- Responsiveness: The keyboard should send notes quickly to your computer. Lag can make playing difficult.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses MIDI keyboards and how?
MIDI keyboards are for everyone who wants to make music digitally. They are perfect for:
- Beginners: If you’re just starting with music production, a budget MIDI keyboard is a great first step. It lets you learn the basics without spending a lot of money.
- Home Studio Enthusiasts: People who make music at home can use these keyboards to add melodies and control their software instruments.
- Songwriters: If you have musical ideas, a MIDI keyboard helps you quickly capture them by playing them into your computer.
- Students: Music students can use them to practice and learn about music technology.
The user experience is usually straightforward. You plug it in, open your music software, and start playing! Most keyboards are designed to be simple and easy to use, even for people new to music technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIDI Keyboards Under $100
Q: Do I need a special computer to use a MIDI keyboard?
A: No, you usually don’t. Most MIDI keyboards connect via USB and work with standard computers (Windows or macOS) that have USB ports.
Q: Will a MIDI keyboard make sound by itself?
A: No, it won’t. A MIDI keyboard sends signals. You need to connect it to a computer or other device that has instruments or sounds loaded into it to hear music.
Q: How many keys should I get?
A: For beginners, 25 or 49 keys are common. 25 is compact and good for simple melodies. 49 gives you more playing range.
Q: What is “synth-action” versus “semi-weighted” keys?
A: Synth-action keys are light and springy. Semi-weighted keys feel a bit heavier, more like a piano. For under $100, synth-action is most common.
Q: Can I use a MIDI keyboard with my phone or tablet?
A: Some smaller MIDI keyboards can connect to tablets or phones with the right adapters. Check the product’s specifications to be sure.
Q: What is included software?
A: This is free music-making software that comes with the keyboard. It can include virtual instruments or programs to record and edit music.
Q: Do I need to install drivers?
A: Many modern MIDI keyboards are “class-compliant.” This means they work automatically with your computer without needing to install special drivers.
Q: Are MIDI keyboards good for learning piano?
A: They can help you learn finger placement and timing. However, the key feel is usually different from a real piano. They are better for learning about music production.
Q: What if the keyboard feels cheap?
A: In this price range, some keyboards might feel less sturdy. Reading reviews can help you find one with better build quality.
Q: Can I use multiple MIDI keyboards at once?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple MIDI devices to your computer. Your music software will manage them.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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