Good External Midi Keyboard

brian-hill wrote on 1/2/2019, 1:45 PM

I would like a quality Midi Keyboard, that doesn’t break the bank, and which works with Magix Music Maker. I found this one (link below) on Amazon and despite the negative reviews about the error message, I bought it to try it out. Well I had the same problem as the 1-star reviewers and had to return it. So, what keyboards do any of you use and what works well (in regards to functionality)? I figure my budget is about $150. Thanks

midiplus Midi Controller, 32-Key (AKM320) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHKMK64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2mrlCbV4QZTDZ

Comments

Vincent-Allain wrote on 1/2/2019, 2:26 PM

I'm not an expert in this area, but I did buy an entry-level midi keyboard recently. I did a bit of research, and my final choice fell on the Arturia MiniLab MkII 25. I wanted something small, and well built. And this one is also very well rated for the price. It's $100USD on Amazon.

Graham-Hawker wrote on 1/2/2019, 2:45 PM

Depends on what you want to do. If you want traditional instrument sounds go for 49 keys and if you want real time controllers go for something with knobs while pads are good for triggering things.

johnebaker wrote on 1/2/2019, 4:01 PM

@brian-hill

I would advise the following:

go for a reputable named brand eg Roland, Korg, M-Audio, Novation etc.
go for the best quality you can afford
as @Graham-Hawker has commented at least a 49 key version, smaller (mini) 25 key controllers can be a pain trying to transpose the keys while playing

and, IMO very important,
Go to a local shop/dealer and try the keyboards, different makes have different feels to the key action and what I may like (ie Korg and Roland) you may not.

HTH

John EB

Vincent-Allain wrote on 1/2/2019, 5:08 PM

A 49-key version from a reputable brand will not be in his budget. Of course, the idea is always to get the best you can afford, or are willing to spend. In this case, OP did mention his budget, which is around $150. Around that price is still possible to by from a reputable company, but it will be a smaller keyboard.

Cheers!

johnebaker wrote on 1/2/2019, 5:34 PM

@Vincent-Allain

. . . . Around that price is still possible to by from a reputable company, but it will be a smaller keyboard. . . . .

Not necessarily - I found these in a very short time which are within/close to the budget

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 $100
Alesis V49 $129
Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller $170
Roland A-49 49-key MIDI Keyboard Controller $200

However if the requirement includes the need for a load of pads on the keyboard as well, then the budget is going to be blown or a potentially lower quality or smaller keyboard is in order.

The only brand I have no experience of is the Alesis

John EB