Best Keyboard For Music Production

Best Keyboard For Music Production

Producing music and beats is a fun way to use your time in something productive. Playing piano and making beats becomes more comfortable if you acquire the best keyboards for music production.

However, in the market, several keyboards are overadvertised and not useful. Their prices are overrated, and the features are just simple. 

This creates misconception, and the buying experience becomes more difficult. This post evaluated the top 10 keyboards for music production in the market, which will surely grab your attention.

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Key points
1. 10 best keyboards for music production
2. Our Top pickup: AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum
3. Things To Consider Before Buying A Keyboard For Music Production

List of Top 10 Best Keyboard For Music Production that you can buy:

Image Product Feature Price
Recommended



AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum
✔️Music Production and Beat Maker Essential
✔️Total Control of Your Production
✔️The MPC Experience
Check On Amazon
Top Pick



Alesis VI25 | 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 16 Pads, 16 Assignable Knobs,
✔️Manipulate plugins and virtual instruments with hands
✔️16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
✔️Manipulate plugins
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5 Star



Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller Music Mini Key With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 4
✔️Ultra-thin design and portability
✔️AIR-Touch: Touch Bar
✔️Synth-action keys
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Most Selling



M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 | Ultra Portable Mini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
✔️Pro Music Production Wherever You Go
✔️Customizable Response
✔️Immediate Creativity
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Featured



M Audio Oxygen 49 IV | 49 Key USB/MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads & A Full
✔️8 velocity sensitive trigger pads for beat production
✔️Dedicated octave up and down buttons increase the keyboard to the full melodic range
✔️Class compliant, plug and play functionality and USB powered specification for simple user friendly setup
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Best Quality



Alesis Q88 MKII – 88 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Full-Size Velocity Sensitive
✔️Music Production and Beat Maker Essential
✔️Complete Control
✔️Universal Compatibility
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Top Pick



PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production Controller
✔️A complete music production package
✔️32 velocity
✔️Expressive arpeggiator for dramatic
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Top



M-Audio Oxygen 61 IV | 61-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads & A Full-
✔️Compact, ultra-portable performance keyboard controller
✔️8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production
✔️Class compliant, plug-and-play functionality
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Product As You Want



Alesis V25 | 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs, and Buttons
✔️MIDI Keyboard with 25 full-sized
✔️4 assignable knobs
✔️Octave Up and Down buttons let you access the full keyboard range
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TOP



Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Controller Keyboard
✔️32 compact keys to control all your instruments and effects
✔️Sleek and solid design, fused with professional production features
✔️Usb 2.0 bus powered
Check On Amazon

1 – AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum

The first product on our top of the list is a professional beatmaker that you can use to produce music. It comes with 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys, which you can use for studio production.

Moreover, its virtual synthesizer control and beat production are exciting and comfortable. Its innovative four-way thumbsticks are used for dynamic pitch and modulation control.

These are not the only features. They have also provided arpeggiators with adjustable resolutions, ranges, and modes.

You will feel even more reliable after getting eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style beat pads with note repeat. The simplicity of the setup is comfortable that a beginner can set it up quickly.

The price of this product is also affordable. If you doubt the quality, then there is nothing to worry about. It stands in Amazons’ first choice.

There is only one thing that we did not like about this product. Manufacturers have used old-style USB A instead of USB C connector. It comes in three different colors that you can get according to your desire.

The standard and black both are our favorite colors. AKAI made several improvements in this product which increased its popularity among music artists.

Product Details

  • Weight: 1.9 pounds
  • Dimensions: 7.08 x 12.48 x 1.92 inches
  • No. of keys: 25
Pros
  • 25 velocity-sensitive keys
  • Latest 4-way thumbstick
  • 1500+ sounds
  • 2 GB sound content
  • 8 backlit beat pads
  • Affordable
Cons
  • They used old type A connector
Conclusion
There are several innovative features in this best keyboard for music production. Professionals and beginners, both can use this keyboard to improve their skills. On the other hand, the backlit beat pads are exciting ways to produce music.

2 – Alesis VI25 | 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 16 Pads, 16 Assignable Knobs,

Alesis VI25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 16 Pads, 16 Assignable Knobs,

Here we come with a product which will surely grab your attention. This beat maker piano keyboard obtains multiple connectivity options.

Its manipulate plug-ins and virtual instruments with hand-on controls are impressive. You are also allowed to open and close filters on virtual synthesizers with volume adjustment levels in your mix.

On the other hand, you can also activate effects and several other features to make a better mix that you desire.

Its 16 velocity-sensitive keys come with RGB lights, allowing you to launch clips or finger drums with instant response. Most of the customers have complained about the compatibility with Macbooks only.

The integration of this keyboard with laptops and computers is easy and straightforward. You will also get a premium suite of software for a recording to provide you unlimited versatile options.

Product Details

  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 12.4 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches
  • Brand: Alesis Store
  • No. of keys: 25
Pros
  • 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
  • 24 assignable buttons
  • Premium production software
  • Durable quality
  • Easy Integration
  • Full onboard control
Cons
  • Compatibility issue with macbooks
Conclusion
There are several innovative features about this keyboard that you can use for music production. Its full on-board controls are great and easy to integrate. The price is another positive factor in it.

3 – Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller Music Mini Key With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 4

Donner DMK 25 MIDI Keyboard Controller Music Mini Key With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 4

This donner DMK music keyboard has an ultra-thin design, and the components are lightweight. It has 25 velocity-sensitive keyboards that you can use or adjust according to your music genre.

You will also get virtual synthesizer control for improving your music production more effectively. This top-rated keyboard is a perfect lightweight product for studio recording.

The best thing that we love about this music beat maker is the octave up and down touch bar which provides full access for creative control of the entire MIDI keyboard range and pitch. You will get eight hyper-sensitive backlit pads for drum beats.

The compatibility is good, but the setting of these music keyboards is a little bit complicated. It has compatibility with all kinds of music equipment, so there is nothing to worry about external connectivity.

It has six dedicated transport buttons that you can map for controlling, rewinding, forwarding, stopping, playing, and recording. You will get these buttons below the display of drum pads.

The overall weight of this product is 2.3 pounds, and it comes in white color.

Product Details

  • Weight: 2.3 pounds
  • Dimensions: 15.35 x 8.82 x 2.64 inches
  • No. of keys: 25
Pros
  • Velocity-sensitive keys are great
  • Type C interface
  • Ultra-thin design
  • Air touch bar
  • Virtual synthesizers
  • 4 program presets
Cons
  • Setting is difficult
Conclusion
This music keyboard is an award-winning product that you can use for professional recording, studio recording, or even as a hobby. The specifications are simple and exciting. The build quality is long-lasting. There are several good things about this product which make this keyboard favorable.

4 – M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 | Ultra Portable Mini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 Ultra Portable Mini USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

We have brought something attractive and unique that will surely grab your attention in this review. It is a mini portable USB MIDI keyboard controller with 32 mini piano-style sensitive keys for a natural feel.

You will also experience customization of mini keys according to your desire. It is a simple plug-and-play keyboard that you can use for improving your skills and creativity.

The best thing is that it does not require any driver to be used with laptops and MacBooks. 

Improve your piano skills with up and down octave buttons for extended keyboard range. There is only one drawback about this product, and it does not have any drum pads for beats.

The price tag of this music beauty is quite affordable for every person. Moreover, the overall weight is just one pound which is exceptionally lightweight.

You will feel even more reliable after getting a premium software suite such as pro tools, first M audio edition recording software/Daw, air music, and many more.

Product Details

  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Dimensions: 16.44 x 0.72 x 4.2 inches
  • Brand: KEYSTATION
  • No. of keys: 32
Pros
  • 32 mini keys
  • Customizable responsive keys
  • Premium software suite for music artists
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Reliable & comfortable
Cons
  • It does not have drum pads
Conclusion
This product is one of the best keyboards for music production that stands perfect in almost every aspect. The features and portability are reliable and comfortable. Plus, they have provided a premium suite of software that you can use to improve your skills.

5 – M Audio Oxygen 49 IV | 49 Key USB/MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads & A Full

M Audio Oxygen 49 V 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads A Full

If you want a product that Amazon sold itself, then this music production keyboard is for you. It has 49 full-size keys that you can use for improving your piano skills.

Moreover, the compact design and the portability of this product are quite impressive. You will also get an eight velocity-sensitive trigger pad for beat production, which is another good option.

They have offered a dedicated octave up and down button for more comfortable use, which gives a full melody range.

Amazon has also featured the latest direct link that automatically maps controls to popular daws such as Ableton live, pro tools, logic, Cubase, and many more.

It has a friendly and straightforward setup that you can do by yourself via a USB connector. You will also get in-demand sound content that will help you produce a creative genre of your demand without compromising anything.

The weight of this product is 7 pounds which are relatively heavier as than the other. Moreover, it has nine assignable faders, which you can use for manipulating virtual instruments, daw parameters, and plugins.

Product Details

  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.56 x 32.04 x 3.7 inches
  • Brand: Oxygen 49
  • Keys: 49
Pros
  • 49 full size piano keys
  • 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
  • Durable construction
  • 9 assignable faders
  • Plug and play setup
  • Comprehensive production software
  • Reliable & comfortable
Cons
  • Heavier
Conclusion
This innovative product has several latest features that you can use. The comfort level and the reliability of this music keyboard are excellent. On the other hand, the price tag is also affordable. Keep in mind that Amazon is selling this product itself, which means nothing to worry about the manufacturing quality.

6 – Alesis Q88 MKII – 88 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Full-Size Velocity Sensitive

Alesis Q88 MKII - 88 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Full Size Velocity Sensitive

This Alesis music keyboard is the latest release with 88 full-size velocity-sensitive keys for piano play, studio production, virtual synthesizer control, beat production.

You have octave and transpose buttons in this product which gives you access to a full piano range. The compatibility of this universal keyboard is comfortable.

You can connect it with any music app or controller for cheering up your music. It also works with iOS.

Alesis is giving a professional music software suite with the product, which is a great option. The price of this best keyboard for music production is a little bit expensive.

In the professional software suite, you will also get 60 free controller lessons for improving your melodies.

Product details

  • Weight: 17 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.99 x 8.54 x 54.25 inches
  • Brand: Alesis
  • No. of keys: 88
Pros
  • 88 full size velocity-sensitive keys
  • Octave & transpose buttons
  • Easy to use
  • Compatibility is good
  • Production software included
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Does not have beat pads
Conclusion
This new release product is a perfect keyboard for producing melodies. Moreover, affordability is the only issue. But, the build quality and reliability of this music gadget are impressive. Its 88 velocity-sensitive keys provide a full range of piano operating.

7 – PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production Controller

PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Keyboard

This hybrid music keyboard of PreSonus provides an exciting way to produce music and beats. It is a complete music production package that independent artists can use without sacrificing anything in their careers.

It has 32 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads with RGB LED lights, giving this music keyboard an attractive look. You will also get a context-sensitive screen display that shows valuable parameter information such as CC assignments, swings, and many more.

The best thing is that it has eight endless rotator controls that a person can easily configure for controlling every software.

The price of this music keyboard is high. Those who always want something unique and special rather than simply can buy this product without fearing anything.

You will also experience custom-curated content for improving your melodies at different scales. The connectivity and portability of this music keyboard is another positive factor in it.

Product Details

  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 6.77 x 14.25 x 0.98 inches
  • Brand: Atom SQ
  • No. of keys: 32
Pros
  • Complete music production package
  • 32 velocity and pressure-sensitive keys
  • RGB LED pads
  • Context-sensitive screen display
  • Easy to use
  • Custom-curated content
Cons
  • Expensive
Conclusion
There are several good options about this product that an independent artist can use. Its unique RGB LED lights are great and give this product an attractive look. The portability and reliability is another favorable thing about this music package.

8 – M-Audio Oxygen 61 IV | 61-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads & A Full-

M-Audio Oxygen 61 IV | 61-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard

Here we come with a product which will surely grab your attention. It has 61 full-size keys that come with eight velocity-sensitive trigger pad keys for beat making.

The compact design and the portability of this product are quite impressive. It enables a music artist to practice his/her music skills wherever he/she wants.

They have offered a dedicated octave up and down button for more comfortable use, which gives a full melody range.

Oxygen 49 has also featured the latest direct link that automatically maps controls to popular daws such as Ableton live, pro tools, logic, Cubase, and many more.

It has a friendly and straightforward setup that you can do by yourself via the USB connector. You will also get in-demand sound content that will help you produce a creative genre of your demand without compromising anything.

The weight of this product is 7.5 pounds which are relatively heavier as than the other. Moreover, it has nine assignable faders, which you can use for manipulating virtual instruments, daw parameters, and plugins.

Professionals and beginners, both types of artists, can use this music keyboard.

Product Details

  • Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.56 x 38.46 x 3.7 inches
  • Brand: Oxygen 49
  • No. of keys: 61
Pros
  • 61 full size piano keys
  • 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads
  • Durable construction
  • 9 assignable faders
  • Plug and play setup
  • Comprehensive production software
  • Reliable & comfortable
Cons
  • Heavier
  • Expensive
Conclusion
This latest music keyboard has more keys than other versions of Oxygen 49. The comfort level and the reliability of this music keyboard are great. On the other hand, the price tag is also affordable. Keep in mind that this product is one of the best-selling products on Amazon.

9 –Alesis V25 | 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs, and Buttons

Alesis V25 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs and Buttons

The second last product on our top of the list comes with 25 full-size keys perfect for playing virtual instruments.

You will get eight velocity and pressure-sensitive backlit pads that will help you in beat production. It comes with four assignable buttons and four assignable knobs.

Moreover, its octave ups and a down button enables a person to access the keyboard’s full range and pitch. Its attractive black finishing upgrades the entire look of the music keyboard.

The weight of this product is 3.8 pounds which is easy to carry. There is only one thing that we did not like about this product.

It is not compatible with MacBooks. But, the build quality of this music keyboard is durable and long-lasting.

Product Details

  • Weight: 3.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.6 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches
  • Brand: Alesis
  • No. of keys: 25
Pros
  • 25-full size keys
  • 8 velocity backlit pads
  • 4 assignable knobs
  • 4 assignable buttons
  • Octave up and down button
  • Premium software included
Cons
  • Not compatible with Macbook
Conclusion
This mini keyboard has an ultra-slim design that has specific and effective features. The build quality is durable and long-lasting. Moreover, the comfort level and the reliability which a music artist gets from premium Softwares are great

10 – Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Controller Keyboard

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Controller Keyboard

The last product on our top of the list is a native instrument keyboard for music production. It has 32 compact keys that you can use for controlling instruments and effects.

It comes with a powerful premium software package that will help you improve your melodies and studio recording without compromising anything.

The best thing that we love about this product is the OLED display with touch sensitive-knobs for tweaking your sound’s essential parameters. It is easy to plug-in.

The key pressing gives a satisfactory feeling while producing melodies. The overall weight of this product is 2.2 pounds. It is easy to carry for creating melodies wherever you want.

Product Details

  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 6.57 x 18.7 x 1.96 inches
  • Brand: Native Instruments
  • No. of keys: 32
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Compact size
  • Affordable
  • 32 keys
Cons
  • Does not have drum pads
Conclusion
This product is one of the best keyboards for music production that a beginner can use for improving skills. The features are simple and the built quality is great. Moreover, the design is also friendly and easy to carry.

Our Top Pickup

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum

Our top pickup for you is a professional beatmaker that you can use to produce music. It comes with 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys, which you can use for studio production.

Moreover, its virtual synthesizer control and beat production are exciting and comfortable. Its innovative four-way thumbsticks are used for dynamic pitch and modulation control.

These are not the only features. They have also provided arpeggiators with adjustable resolutions, ranges, and modes.

You will feel even more reliable after getting eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style beat pads with note repeat. The simplicity of the setup is comfortable that a beginner can set it up quickly. 

The price of this product is also affordable. If you doubt the quality, then there is nothing to worry about. It stands in Amazons’ first choice.

There is only one thing that we did not like about this product. Manufacturers have used old-style USB A instead of USB C connector. It comes in three different colors that you can get according to your desire.

The standard and black both are our favorite colors. AKAI made several improvements in this product which increased its popularity among music artists.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Keyboard For Music Production

You need to consider several things before buying a keyboard, no matter if you are a beginner or a professional. These aspects are required to consider in every scenario that we mentioned below:

Actions

Actions are an essential factor to consider before buying any music equipment. By action, we mean how the keys of the keyboard are working or how the piano response when you press the key.

Moreover, every product is specifically designed for a specific purpose, and its functionality differs from one another. Lightweight keys are easy to use and push down. We will recommend you to use those kinds of keys for studio recording. 

Compatibility of MIDI

The second factor you need to consider is MIDI which stands for “ Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” It is the language of instruments that helps them communicate with one another by sending or receiving signals.

This feature is not necessary for beginners, but if you want to improve your skills, you should consider it. On the other hand, this factor is essential when connecting a keyboard with a computer or laptop.

Storage Capacity

It is an option that comes with most of the music keyboards. Choosing the best keyboards for music production means that your keyboard has enough space to download different sounds and patches for recording melodies and making mixes.

On the other hand, you also need to check which type of sound quality your music keyboard is producing when you use multiple keywords simultaneously.

At this point, the size of a keyboard matters a lot. If you are a professional, then always go with those keyboards that are weighted and offer full-size keys for learning piano.

Otherwise, students and music artists interested in electronic music of beat making can use lightweight and portable music keyboards.

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Keyboard Types

In the market, there are several types of keyboards that you can use according to your demand. Let’s start with the workstation keyboard.

They are the most expensive type of keyboards in the market. You will get several compositions and innovative features with advancements. Mostly, hip-hop and pop artists use such kinds of keyboards.

The best thing about these types of keyboards is that they are great for composition, enabling a person to pre-program multiple played music features simultaneously. Moreover, they meet professional industry standards.

Arranger Keyboard

The arranger keyboards are designed for auto-accompaniment. You only need to select a few options, and the keyboard automatically matches the style, rhythm, and tempo of the music being played. It mostly helps students to get a better feel of the music in solo compositions.

Controller Keyboards

Controller keyboards are affordable and cheap as compared to others. They are perfect for beginner students who want to learn piano.

It has built-in sound generating abilities that boost the confidence of students. you can use them for computer composition and outputs MIDI information to synthesizers and computers

Keys On The Keyboards

The last and the most crucial factor is the number of keys. Mostly, keyboards come with 25, 32, 66, and 82 keys offering different functionalities and features.

You need to identify which stands perfectly for you. If you want a keyboard for synthesizers, we will recommend that you go for a keyboard with less than 66 keys. They are good to produce electronic genre music.