Best MIDI Controllers Guide to Buy in December 2025
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)
-
USB-POWERED 25-KEY MIDI CONTROLLER FOR ON-THE-GO MUSIC PRODUCTION.
-
DYNAMIC PITCH/MODULATION WITH 4-WAY THUMBSTICK AND BUILT-IN ARPEGGIATOR.
-
ACCESS 1500+ SOUNDS AND TWO MONTHS OF SPLICE SAMPLE LIBRARY FREE!
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), Black
- USB-POWERED MIDI CONTROLLER WITH 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS.
- INNOVATIVE 4-WAY THUMBSTICK FOR PITCH AND MODULATION CONTROL.
- EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: CHOOSE FROM BEATS, BAND, OR ELECTRONIC.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3-25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), White
- 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR DYNAMIC MUSIC PRODUCTION
- INNOVATIVE 4-WAY CONTROL FOR PITCH AND MODULATION FLEXIBILITY
- CHOOSE A FREE NKS BUNDLE TO ENHANCE YOUR SOUND LIBRARY
RockJam 25 Key Bluetooth Midi Keyboard
-
WIRELESS FREEDOM: ENJOY BLUETOOTH MIDI FOR A CLUTTER-FREE SETUP.
-
PORTABLE POWER: RECHARGEABLE BATTERY LETS YOU CREATE MUSIC ANYWHERE.
-
VERSATILE CONTROLS: 8 TOUCH PADS AND CONTROL KNOBS FOR ULTIMATE PRODUCTION.
Akai Professional LPD8 - USB MIDI Controller with 8 Responsive RGB MPC Drum Pads for Mac and PC, 8 Assignable Knobs and Music Production Software
-
RESPONSIVE PADS: 8 RGB-BACKLIT PADS FOR DYNAMIC SOUND TRIGGERING.
-
TACTILE CONTROL: 8 ASSIGNABLE KNOBS FOR PRECISE MIXING AND MAPPING.
-
PORTABLE DESIGN: LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE, PERFECT FOR ON-THE-GO PRODUCTION.
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O and Native Instruments Sound Package, White Limited Edition
-
DYNAMIC 37-KEY KEYBED: ENJOY FULL CREATIVE CONTROL OVER YOUR MUSIC.
-
ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: CONNECT EFFORTLESSLY TO SYNTHS AND GEAR VIA MIDI.
-
EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: GET CURATED SOUND LIBRARIES WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
Arturia MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads - White
- FLUID WORKFLOW: CONTROL INSTRUMENTS & TRACKS EFFORTLESSLY.
- PREMIUM VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR EXPRESSIVE PLAYING.
- CUSTOMIZE WITH 8 PADS & 4 FADERS FOR ULTIMATE VERSATILITY.
Donner USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller, 25 Key Portable Mini MIDI Keyboard with 8 Drum Pads, OLED Display, 16 Smart Scales, Arpeggio, Replay, 4 DAW Software and 40 Teaching Courses, DMK 25 Pro Black
- SMART DYNAMIC SCALE MODE FOR EFFORTLESS MUSIC CREATION.
- REAL-TIME MULTI-MODE CONTROL MAXIMIZES YOUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL.
- INCLUDES 40 KEYBOARD COURSES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS TO LEARN.
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package
-
FULL CONTROL & CONNECTIVITY: USB MIDI AND CV/GATE PORTS FOR FLEXIBILITY.
-
SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION: INTUITIVE CONTROLS FOR EFFORTLESS MUSIC PRODUCTION.
-
EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLES: ACCESS CURATED NATIVE INSTRUMENTS SOUND LIBRARIES.
Connecting MIDI controllers is a relatively simple process that involves a few key steps. First, you will need to ensure that your MIDI controller has a MIDI output port. This is typically a 5-pin round port labeled "MIDI OUT" or "TO HOST."
Next, you will need a MIDI interface that can connect your MIDI controller to your computer or audio interface. This can be a USB-MIDI interface or a dedicated MIDI interface. Plug one end of the MIDI cable into the MIDI output port on your controller, and the other end into the MIDI interface.
Then, connect the MIDI interface to your computer or audio interface using a USB cable or other appropriate connection. Make sure that your computer or audio interface recognizes the MIDI controller.
Finally, you may need to configure your software or DAW to recognize the MIDI controller. This typically involves selecting the MIDI controller as a MIDI input device in the settings menu. Once everything is properly connected and configured, you should be able to control your software instruments or external MIDI devices using your MIDI controller.
What is a MIDI output device?
A MIDI output device is a piece of equipment that is able to control electronic musical instruments or software through Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol. It receives MIDI data from a computer, controller, or other devices and translates it into signals that can be used to trigger sounds on synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, and other MIDI-compatible devices. MIDI output devices can include sound modules, synthesizers, and virtual instruments.
What is a MIDI controller interface?
A MIDI controller interface is a device that allows musicians and producers to send signals and commands to their music software. It typically consists of a series of buttons, knobs, sliders, and other controls that can be used to manipulate virtual instruments, effects, and other software parameters in real-time. MIDI controller interfaces can be standalone devices or integrated into keyboards, drum pads, guitars, and other musical instruments. They communicate with music software via a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) connection, allowing for precise control over various aspects of the music production process.
What is a MIDI controller drum?
A MIDI controller drum is a device used to trigger digital drum sounds in a computer-based music production setup. It typically consists of drum pads or triggers that can be played like a traditional drum kit, but instead of producing sound on their own, these pads send MIDI signals to a computer or electronic device which then generates the corresponding drum sound. MIDI controller drums are often used by musicians and producers to create realistic drum performances or to trigger electronic drum samples in a live or studio setting.