10 Best Budget Midi Keyboard 2025 in the United States

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard controller with 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, making it compact and portable for on-the-go music production. The inclusion of 8 backlit drum pads and 8 assignable knobs offers a solid range of control for beat making and virtual synthesizer manipulation. The innovative 4-way thumbstick and built-in arpeggiator add further versatility for dynamic pitch and modulation control, as well as creative arpeggios.

This makes it a great choice for beginners and budget-conscious music producers looking for an all-in-one solution to start making music right away. The MPK Mini MK3 comes with a comprehensive software package, including MPC Beats and over 1500 sounds, providing a robust starting point for music production. The lightweight plastic build and small size (7 x 12.5 x 1.9 inches, 1.8 pounds) enhance its portability, which is ideal for travel and tight studio spaces.

However, the mini keys may be less comfortable for users with larger hands or those used to full-sized keys. Additionally, while the USB connectivity ensures easy setup, the device is primarily compatible with Windows and Windows 7 platforms, potentially limiting its use with other operating systems. Despite these minor drawbacks, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 offers an excellent balance of features, portability, and price, making it a strong contender in the budget MIDI keyboard category.

The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 is a strong choice if you want a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard with plenty of creative features. It offers 61 semi-weighted keys, which feel more responsive than basic keys and are good for expressive playing but might not fully replace a piano for those used to heavier keys. It has 16 drum pads with pressure sensitivity, useful for finger drumming, launching clips, or triggering chords, making it versatile for electronic music production. The USB connection and MIDI support mean it works easily with most computers and music software.

This keyboard stands out for its excellent integration with many popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic, plus a helpful software bundle included, which can be great if you’re just starting out. The build is lightweight and portable, mainly plastic, so it’s easy to move around but not the most rugged. Features like Scale and Chord modes and an arpeggiator help beginners avoid wrong notes and explore musical ideas quickly.

One downside is that while it has many controls, some users might wish for more knobs or faders to tweak sounds in real-time. Also, the semi-weighted keys might not suit players wanting a fully weighted piano feel. This controller is ideal for electronic musicians and producers looking for an affordable, flexible tool that pairs well with major DAWs and offers fun, creative options in a portable design.

The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard that offers a lot of value for its price. Its 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys provide a natural playing experience, which is uncommon in this price range. The keyboard is USB powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply, and it connects easily to both Mac and PC without requiring drivers. It's also compatible with iOS devices via an additional adapter, making it versatile for various setups.

The inclusion of pitch and modulation wheels, a volume fader, transport and directional buttons, and octave up/down buttons gives users comprehensive control over their music software. Additionally, the sustain pedal input allows for more expressive performances. The compact design and relatively lightweight build (9.24 pounds) make it portable and suitable for small spaces, whether in a studio or on stage.

The package includes a suite of software—MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand!2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops—which provides a solid starting point for music production. However, there are a few drawbacks. The semi-weighted keys, while better than unweighted keys, may not satisfy those accustomed to fully weighted keys. The build quality, while decent for the price, may not withstand heavy usage over time. Additionally, the need for an Apple to USB Camera Adapter for iOS compatibility means extra cost for iOS users. Despite these minor issues, the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is a strong contender for anyone seeking an affordable, feature-rich MIDI keyboard.