best 49 key midi controller weighted keys

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r/ableton on Reddit: Best Weighted 49-key Controller

July 21, 2024 -

I’m looking for a midi controller with 49 keys, but I can’t decide which one to get. The only thing I care about is that the controller has the best weighted keys, and easily works with ableton, (and is as cheap as possible, but I’m willing to spend more if necessary).

I know they all come with a lot of bells and whistles, little drum pads and sliders and pitch wheels, etc... I don’t care about any of that, it’s a nice add-on, but I only care about the key weight.

From the research I’ve done, it sounds like you can’t get a fully weighted controller with 49 keys, but I guess I want the one that’s the closest, that’s at least semi-weighted and has the most sensitive touch control. The closest to playing like a real piano (knowing that it can’t replace a piano but is the closest)

Some of the models I’ve seen are

Arturia keylab essential 49 Novation launch key 49 M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 Komplete Kontrol A49/S49

But let me know if you know of a better one

Thanks!

Top answer

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None of those controllers are close to the feel of a real piano unfortunately. Even 88 key midi controllers are not great in that regard. If you have the space, you'd be better off getting a dedicated 88 key digital piano with midi out (like Roland FP10) and a separate controller for midi control duties... Either one of the keyboards you mentioned or something keyless that can sit on top of the piano. Or, get one of the 49 key controllers and forget about the piano key action.

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None of those keyboards are even semi weighted. I dont know of any of the big brands with anything but synth/keyboard action on the 49 key keyboards, I think you’ll need at least 61 for that

Piano Dreamers

pianodreamers.com › best-midi-keyboards

Best MIDI Keyboards: An In-Depth Look at the Market (2025)

May 17, 2025 - The 49- and 61-key variants of the Komplete Control (henceforth known as the S49 and S61) are virtual carbon-copies of the Nord Stage 3 73’s semi-weighted keyboard, and I have to say they’re hard to beat.

Discussions

Options for 49-key midi controller?

Arturia Keylab. I have the Essentials 61 keys, but 49 has the same amount of buttons. 8 pads (not good for fingerdrumming, but you can send MIDI CC through them). Great integration with Studio One (and you can map macros to the pads, through MIDI CC). Includes Analog Lab with very good vintage synth sounds. More on reddit.com

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9

2

October 23, 2021

What is the best 49 midi keyboard on the market?

Launchkey m4. Best value hands down and the best integration with ableton. The sl mk3 by novation is definitely cooler and has more stuff but is way more expensive. More on reddit.com

r/ableton

43

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August 31, 2025

Best Weighted 49-key Controller

None of those controllers are close to the feel of a real piano unfortunately. Even 88 key midi controllers are not great in that regard. If you have the space, you'd be better off getting a dedicated 88 key digital piano with midi out (like Roland FP10) and a separate controller for midi control duties... Either one of the keyboards you mentioned or something keyless that can sit on top of the piano. Or, get one of the 49 key controllers and forget about the piano key action. More on reddit.com

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13

9

July 21, 2024

Best feeling midi keyboard?🤔🎹

I recomend maudio keystation 61. Semi weighted keys, Midi and usb out and affordable (~$120) More on reddit.com

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26

1

March 19, 2024

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