The best MIDI keyboards and MIDI controllers from Native Instruments 

Modern music production is full of exciting possibilities, but it has some limitations. It can be difficult to express your musical vision with the swipe of a trackpad or the click of a mouse. MIDI controllers and MIDI keyboards solve this problem. 

 

What does a MIDI keyboard do?

A MIDI controller or MIDI keyboard is a music-making interface that can be plugged into your production setup via USB or MIDI. It gives you keys, pads, knobs and sliders to interact with, opening up creativity and offering new modes of expression. The best MIDI controllers can help you create music faster and easier than ever before. 

 

What are the different types of MIDI controllers? 

MIDI controllers come in many forms. Some are tiny and ultra-portable, while others are packed with sophisticated features. Some are piano-style production keyboards, while others offer touch-sensitive pads for intuitive beatmaking. Most have a range of additional controls, letting you select and tweak plugins on the fly, start and stop playback in your DAW, and much more. Some controllers even double as standalone production machines, allowing you to ditch the laptop completely.

 

Are MIDI keyboards good for beginners?

MIDI keyboards are great for beginners. The Komplete Kontrol A-Series is the best MIDI keyboard for producers who are starting out, or who like to keep things flexible. This pro-grade MIDI controller combines portability with professional-grade features and a wealth of additional software. Whether you choose 25, 49, or 61 semi-weighted keys, the A-seres is USB-Bus powered, meaning you can plug and play anywhere without hunting for an outlet. It also comes with Maschine Essentials, which allows you to work on ideas directly on the keyboard without needing additional software.

The Komplete Kontrol M32 can take your creativity on the road. This compact 32-key controller is the best MIDI controller keyboard for portability and ease of use. USB-Bus powered and just 48cm wide and 17cm deep, it’s small enough to slip into a backpack, and quick to set up in a cafe, hotel room, or on your couch at home. 

 

What is the best MIDI keyboard for music producers? 

The Kontrol S-Series is the best MIDI keyboard for all-round production tasks. This advanced producer keyboard is available in three sizes: with 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys. Whichever you choose, a bunch of additional features make playing a breeze. The intelligent Light Guide, for example, shows you key zones and scales right on the keyboard, while Chord Mode and Easy Mode will help you play without hitting bum notes. You can add extra expression to your performance with the intuitive touch strip and sophisticated polyphonic aftertouch. 

S-Series is more than just a keyboard, though. It integrates seamlessly with many DAWs, meaning you can hit record and stop on the keys, and see all your project’s channels on the hi-res display. It also integrates with countless plugins via NKS technology.