My Keylab 61 Mk 2 is my favorite other than my newly made custom 61 made with a TP/9S with useless AT - I made it 4x splittable with CV/Gate out for each. Unity and Duo are also doable. Just something I threw together with a spare STM32MP15 I had. Nothing like a 800Mhz processor for a keyboard. Answer from Icy_Jackfruit9240 on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/synthesizers › which 61 keys midi controller should i get?
r/synthesizers on Reddit: Which 61 keys midi controller should I get?
January 2, 2024 -
So, I'm searching into getting a good 61 keys midi controller.
I have a Launchkey mini and I really like it for its implementation with Ableton (which is the DAW i use). The thing that bugs me the most are they keys – the velocity response and how "soft" and cheap they feel. I'm a trained piano player so this is a big deal for me.
I've looked into the Launchkey 61, all the features look amazing, but the keys really put me down...
I've thought about getting something simpler like an Alesis V61. The down-side is that it lacks many features. But I also have an AKAI APC mini, so maybe joining the two in my workflow can kinda help in that area..? Of course the problem here is that is much simpler and sexier to just connect one single all encompassing device, then having to connect two.
I wanted to know your thoughts and also other controllers I might have not considered. My budget is not super high and I will probably go down the used market route.
Thanks <3
Top answer 1 of 8
5
While semi weighted keys are meant to feel familiar to pianists, only the weighted hammer action keyboards (rarely in fewer than 73 keys) will give you the touch. Personally, for general production, I don't like hammer action, as it feels a poor match for a range of instruments outside piano. The benefit of piano action is mostly in the capacity to control lower velocities subtly. What I settled on was the akai mpk 261; it's a synth action keyboard with rounded synth style keys, but the action is heavy and not rattly/wobbly at all. Some people actually find it too heavy, but I adapted to it quickly and quite enjoy it.
2 of 8
4
My Keylab 61 Mk 2 is my favorite other than my newly made custom 61 made with a TP/9S with useless AT - I made it 4x splittable with CV/Gate out for each. Unity and Duo are also doable. Just something I threw together with a spare STM32MP15 I had. Nothing like a 800Mhz processor for a keyboard.
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.
Videos
08:24
THE BEST MIDI KEYBOARD! (you probably already have it) - YouTube
06:19
The BEST Midi Keyboard for FL Studio! Novation FLkey 61 Review ...
19:46
Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers for Beginners - YouTube
09:50
The Best Midi Keyboards and Controllers REVIEWED for 2023 | Ditto ...
12:23
BEST 61 Key MIDI Keyboards | Budget 61 Key Keyboards Under $300 ...
07:12
🏆 TOP 3 BEST 61-KEY MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS 2023 ( COMPARISON ...
Gearank
gearank.com › home › best 61 key midi controller keyboards for every setup
Best 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards in 2025
June 27, 2025 - When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. The Yamaha MX61 V2 is a hybrid of a synthesizer and MIDI controller with some DAW Control features.
Digital Piano Kraze
digitalpianokraze.com › best-61-key-midi-keyboard-controllers
Best 61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers In 2026
2 weeks ago - I believe this is a great 61 key MIDI keyboard. You get great software, aftertouch, pads, and instant playability out of the box. This is also made with 49 keys, to view some of the best 49 key MIDI controllers, click above.
MIDINation
midination.com › home › blog › the best 61 key midi controller in 2025 for pc, mac, and ipad
The Best 61 Key MIDI Controller in 2025 for PC, Mac, and iPad - MIDINation
January 2, 2025 - After covering the best 88-key and 49-key keyboards on the market, it is only natural that we write about the best 61 key MIDI controller as well. Internally, we call this the “Goldilocks Controller – it’s not as large and unwieldy as ...
Prime Sound
primesound.org › home › studio (recording) › midi controllers › 10 fantastic 61-key midi controllers for your most ambitious creations
10 Best 61 Key MIDI Controllers Reviewed in Detail [Jun. 2025]
Alesis V61
MIDI controllers can be used to create a much wider variety of sound than a digital keyboard, especially if you get a 61 key model. These models will allow you to create musical masterpieces, no matter what type of music you are trying to play. With the best 61 key MIDI controller, this process ... Take your musical masterpieces to a whole new level with the best 61-key MIDI controller available! Check this guide out for the latest bestsellers....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/synthesizers › looking for simple 61 key midi keyboard with good keys
r/synthesizers on Reddit: Looking for simple 61 key midi keyboard with good keys
June 10, 2023 -
Hello, I am looking at all available options like Novation Launchkey 61 and Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 and they all have features that I don't need: like pads, sequencers, etc.
All I need is a decent keyboard with nice feeling keys, similar to M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3.
I will consider aforementioned Novation and Arturia if their keys and overall build quality is better than M-Audio. Any other keyboards I want to look at?
Thank you very much.
Top answer 1 of 5
7
The best on the market currently, is reportedly the Native Instruments S61. This uses a Fatar keybed. The current MAudio Oxygen Pro 61 reportedly uses the exact same keybed as the Keystation Mk3, and so does the Alesis V61 mkII. The novation launchkeys have a reputation for being worse than these, and the keylab essential is a bit better than the launchkey. The other controllers with good keybeds (better than the keystation) are the KeyLab (proper) mkII 61 and the Akai MPK261, and iirc the higher end novations. Keep an eye out for connectivity, some of these controller keyboards don't have midi out ports: just USB.
2 of 5
1
The 61 key arturia and Launchkey are pretty similar in terms of keys. For me the Arturia eeks it out as better for my taste. They are both very synthy keys in that they are very light to play so dynamics is a little harder to than a weighted keybed. If you want a piano like feel the weighted arturia is pretty great for me but a the keys feel almost too heavy. You get used to it quickly.
Sound Gear Nerd
soundgearnerd.com › home › best 61 key midi keyboard controllers – my personal favorites!
Best 61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers - My Personal Favorites!
June 9, 2023 - If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard with an authentic key feel, Novation’s 61SL MkIII is an excellent option.
Gearspace
gearspace.com › home › the forums › electronic music instruments and electronic music production › looking for a semi weighted, 61 keys midi keyboard
Looking for a semi weighted, 61 keys MIDI keyboard - Gearspace
May 18, 2024 - The PC3LE6 is the 61-key version. Check its MIDI-related features: https://kurzweil.com/pc3le8/ Probably, other older Kurzweils are good as well for your purposes (any PC1/PC2/PC3 keyboard).
Integraudio
integraudio.com › home › the 6 best 61-key midi keyboards 2025 (on any budget)
The 6 Best 61-Key MIDI Keyboards 2025 (On Any Budget)
October 27, 2025 - Arturia’s keyboard controllers are designed to function exclusively with their line of virtual instruments, although they can also be used as general-purpose MIDI devices. The build quality is excellent. The keyboard weighs about 3.3kg, and it features a nice sleek symmetric design with rounded edges. The front of the keyboard has eight pads, 61 keys, nine rotary controls, nine faders, chord mode, DAW controls, and many more utilities that you can use and assign as you see fit.
MusicRadar
musicradar.com › tech › midi controllers
Best MIDI keyboards 2025: Find the perfect match for your studio workflow
November 18, 2025 - Those who own a Mk2 already will ... up to 61 keys from a smaller model. Likely only heavy Kontakt users will consider the Mk3 upgrade, but if you’re new to Kontrol keyboards, the Mk3 remains a brilliant option." ... No. of keys: 37 ...
YouTube
youtube.com › playlist
Best 61-Key Midi Controller! - YouTube
Looking for the best 61-key midi controller? I have curated my reviews on some of my favorite(and least favorite) 49-key midi boards so that you can make the...
AudioSEX
audiosex.pro › threads › whats-your-61-key-midi-keyboard-recommendation.63753
What's your 61 key MIDI Keyboard recommendation? | AudioSEX - Professional Audio Forum
Hi, Im looking to purchase a 61 key controller. I've read and watched a lot of reviews but they seem to strongly disagree on keybed and pad quality. So...
Sweetwater
sweetwater.com › home › keyboards & synthesizers › midi controllers › 61-key midi controllers
61-key MIDI Controllers - Sweetwater
61-key USB Keyboard Controller with Transport Controls, 7 Assignable Buttons, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, and Pre-mapped DAW Configurations for Bitwig Studio, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Reason, SONAR, Studio One, FL Studio, and Reaper - macOS/Windows/iOS ...
Higher Hz
higherhertz.com › home › the 8 best midi keyboards and controllers for studio and live use
The 8 best MIDI keyboards/controllers for studio and live use
May 20, 2025 - Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk2 keyboard controller | Image: Arturia · Arturia’s KeyLab 61 Mk3 is a premium MIDI keyboard controller with 61 keys and aftertouch.
Amazon
amazon.com › Midi-Keyboard-61 › s
Amazon.com: Midi Keyboard 61
M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI-assignable Knobs, Buttons and Faders, and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration) · M-AUDIO Oxygen 61 (MKV) Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Beat Pads, Smart Chord, Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Native ...
Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › midi › midi controllers › midi keyboard controllers › 61 key midi keyboard controllers
61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers | Guitar Center
Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of 61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.
VI-CONTROL
vi-control.net › forums › studio production › gear talk
Recommendations for an Affordable 49 or 61-Key MIDI Keyboard with Aftertouch | VI-CONTROL
April 19, 2024 - Arturia mk2's have aftertouch and all that jazz. I really love my 49's (I have one preset which makes the pads an extension of the keyboard (CC 0 CC -1) so it works as a 61. Pads are good for Keyswitches too, so you won't need extra keys just for that.
Sage Audio
sageaudio.com › articles › top-three-61-key-midi-controllers
Top Three 61-Key MIDI Controllers
Probably the most straightforward, and affordable, of our group, the M-Audio Axiom 61 is an all around excellent MIDI controller. The semi-weighted keys offer enough action to allow your expression to shine through in your samples and the pads ...