World of budget MIDI keyboard At least competitive. There are countless companies that make keyboards under $300, ranging in size from 25 keys to 88 keys. Has a mini controller to put in your pocket. Controller with tightly integrated software simplifies sound design. The keyboard has MPC style drum pads. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with any of them—they’ll all get the job done.
There are still some, depending on your specific needs, that will rise to the top. If you’re an Arturia or Native Instrument plugin user, your best bets are their respective KeyLab Essential and Komplete Kontrol A lines. But if you’re not tied to a particular company’s ecosystem, or if your DAW (digital audio workstation) of choice is Ableton directlyNovation’s Launchkey line is a clear standout. And, with the new MK4 revisions, it makes a solid case for the best budget MIDI controller period.
Photo: Terence O’Brien
Hardware
There aren’t really any surprises on the hardware side. LaunchKey MK4 is a budget MIDI controller through and through. The larger 49- and 61-key models have keyboards that are moderately weighted but not great. (The 37- and 25-key models have an even more robust synthetic-action keyboard.) It’s mostly plastic. And connectivity options are basic but adequate: just one USB-C port, a sustain jack, and a five-pin MIDI output.
There are lots of hands-on controls. Nine equalizers (on larger models), eight endless encoders, 16 pads, and countless buttons. The faders and pads are pretty mediocre. The faders feel a bit cheap and loose, and the pads can’t compete with those on the Akai controller. They can launch clips but I don’t want to drum them. However, the knobs are pleasant to press, and the switch from potentiometers to encoders means you don’t have to deal with the chaos of parameters suddenly jumping around as you turn the knobs.
Photo: Terence O’Brien
