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Desktop size weighted midi keyboard recommendations?

reddit.com › r › composer › comments › 1js5mop › desktop_size_weighted_midi_keyboard

Weighted keys = 88 keys. You can sometimes find 76 key weighted keys. What you don’t see are weighted keyboards that are any smaller. Like, 61 keys? Forget about it. There’s a certain minimum size. The weight is given by a something like a simulated hammer action inside the keyboard. This takes space! IMO, most of the good options for weighted keys are branded as digital pianos. I don’t know how much you care about feel. The more compact options are “semi-weighted” which is the familiar synth, plastic-key and spring feeling. Answer from EpochVanquisher on reddit.com

reddit.com › r/composer › desktop size weighted midi keyboard recommendations?

r/composer on Reddit: Desktop size weighted midi keyboard recommendations?

April 5, 2025 -

I’d love something minimal but suitable for composition in a DAW with a midi keyboard. Weighted keys a must! Anyone have a favorite? Thank you!

Weighted keys = 88 keys. You can sometimes find 76 key weighted keys. What you don’t see are weighted keyboards that are any smaller. Like, 61 keys? Forget about it. There’s a certain minimum size. The weight is given by a something like a simulated hammer action inside the keyboard. This takes space! IMO, most of the good options for weighted keys are branded as digital pianos. I don’t know how much you care about feel. The more compact options are “semi-weighted” which is the familiar synth, plastic-key and spring feeling.

When I was looking for a midi keyboard with the same requirements in mind I had to put up with the fact that it didn't exist and had to settle on Alesis VI49 with semi-weghted keys. You probably need to test how the keys would feel for you though. As I see it it's a personal thing. I'm not a professional pianist so the semi-weghted keys definitely didn't feel for me like the synth keys of my previous Yamaha with a 16-track sequencer and a floppy drive (I don't remember the exact model), my fingers/hands got tired the first night I was using it being accustomed mostly to synth keys at that time. Compared to the fully weighted keys of my digital piano Alesis does have some spring feeling I have to admit that. But I can't mount the digital piano on my desk 🤷‍♂️ And one more thing: frankly speaking, I soon discovered that even this 49 keys midi keyboard feels more comfortable to work with on a stand, not on the desk where it's too high and there's barely enough space left for the computer mouse.

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › best midi controller for realistic piano weighted keys?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: Best MIDI Controller for realistic piano weighted keys?

May 16, 2025 -

Hi Everyone!

So, I'm looking to buy a new 88 key midi controller and I want the feel of the keys to be as close as possible to a piano feel.

I had the Arturia Keylab mk2 49 key for my controller and used a Casio Privia PX-350M for my piano feel, but wanted to consolidate into one unit for both.

I've been looking at the Arturia Keylab MK3 88 key, Studiologic SL88 Grand and the Kontrol S88 Mk3 88-key.

I do have a lot of Arturia VSTs from buying the mk2, but not married to their ecosystem. Ideally, I want the most realistic piano feel while still offering some easy DAW integration with the unit.

I've wanted to try them out, but nowhere seems to have them on display. I could buy and return if I don't like it, I suppose, but would prefer to avoid that hassle if possible.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

How much are you willing to spend? Kawai makes an awesome controller that contains most of a real piano action, but it ain’t cheap: Kawai US Store

In my experience - since controller manufacturers all tend to source their boards from Fatar anyway - you'll want to look at digital pianos for different action. Personally I really like the feel of my Roland FP7. Yes, there's a whole digital piano attached to it and it has no knobs/sliders/pads, but - I don't care about the internal piano sounds, and you can always buy a LaunchControl XL or something if you need knobs/sliders/pads. Your DAW will merge everything into one big pile anyway.

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reddit.com › r/synthesizers › budget midi keyboard with good weighted keys

r/synthesizers on Reddit: budget midi keyboard with good weighted keys

January 14, 2023 -

I'm looking for a keyboard with at least 61 keys that has nice heavy action. I play classical piano and usually play on a baby grand but I've gotten more serious about production so I'd like to get a keyboard with midi that has good weighted action. My favorite I've felt was yamaha's cp88 but that's out of my budget. I'm looking for around $600 or less. Are there any keyboards like this? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated :)

If you can go to a store try a Roland FP30x with the PHA4 action. A lot of people like that piano as a controller. And as a side note it's pretty common for people to buy this piano specifically to use as a controller and basically ignore the built in piano sounds.

AFAIK, good hammer-action workstation MIDI controllers usually start around $700+ unless you want to scour the used market. If you don't want/need a bunch of sliders and buttons, you could get a cheap digital piano--most of which support USB MIDI but lack proper DIN or even TRS MIDI jacks--for about $350-400 and a USB MIDI host box for another ~$75.

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › looking for a quality weighted or semi-weighted, 32 or 37 key midi controller. does it exist?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: Looking for a quality weighted or semi-weighted, 32 or 37 key midi controller. Does it exist?

February 21, 2025 -

I realize the terminology of "Semi-weighted" is not exactly standardized, but I'm coming from a weighted grand and doing more electronic work on Logic. I've tried a few controllers mainly using amazon retailing, and all of the mini controllers I've used feel so cheap and toyish.

Looking for something that is at least 2.5-3 octaves, so 32-37 keys, and would prefer something with weighted keys, but am opting for semi-weighted keys since the former is somewhat of a unicorn and might actually just be unfit for synth-styled melodies.

I'm familiar with the Yamaha PSS-A50, but am looking for other options...

Bonus points for anything that can live comfortably in a backpack.

You should watch this video about adding weights to MIDI keyboard keys to make them semi-weighted https://youtu.be/J_3SgV6zpsU

Look for a used Novation Remote 37 SL for $100-200. It's got a really solid semi-weighted Fatar keybed, though it's still far from fully-weighted. It runs off USB, DC, or battery power, has 2x MIDI out, through, in, plus expression and sustain pedal inputs. Otherwise, the Novation Ultranova synth has the same keybed and goes for around $300 used, or you could maybe find a used Cobalt8 for $450-500.

reddit.com › r/edmproduction › weighted midi keyboard?

r/edmproduction on Reddit: Weighted midi keyboard?

February 9, 2024 -

Is it a bad idea to get a weighted midi keyboard if i'll also be doing drums and synths and stuff?

IMO not just a good idea, a better idea.

I got some classic piano training and love weighted keys. The problem is that these are usually very big controllers and it's harder to fit them in a desk workflow with mouse and computer keyboard.

reddit.com › r/wearethemusicmakers › composer-producers: do you prefer a fully-weighted midi controller or semi-weighted?

Composer-Producers: Do you prefer a fully-weighted MIDI controller or semi-weighted? : r/WeAreTheMusicMakers

November 10, 2022 - If how hard I'm playing isnt going to be a factor in how loud or quiet the synth sounds, I'm happy to use a non-weighted midi keyboard. But if I'm recording something that requires some softer sounds and some harder in the same piece, I tend to use my electric piano with weighted keys as a midi controller.

reddit.com › r/edmproduction › best midi keyboard with semi/weighted keys?

r/edmproduction on Reddit: Best midi keyboard with semi/weighted keys?

January 2, 2018 -

I'm looking for a midi keyboard with weighted or semi-weighted keys. The one I currently have, Novation Launchkey Mk2, isn't really cutting it. It doesn't feel good at all.

My budget is around £300 (preferably less) but I can go a little over if its worth it. Litterally anything that feels more similar to a real piano. It doesn't have to be perfect, just feels nice to play on.

Edit: I use FL Studio but I don't really care about compatibility, just as long as I can use the keyboard.

Edit 2: I think I'm just going to go for a regular keyboard with midi out. Much cheaper since I don't need any of the other stuff.

Arturia Keylab MK2 : Its been a month ive been using it. The key bed is super nice and the included software Analoglab3 is really great!

Novation recently brought out the MKIII of the SL keyboard range.i still have a MKII and their keybeds are amazing.probably one of the best standalone MIDI controller keybeds that isn't a synth

Nektar controllers have semi-decent keybeds too

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › midi-keyboard w/ weighted keys and pads & controls?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: MIDI-keyboard w/ weighted keys and pads & controls?

April 19, 2023 -

Hey there!

I want to buy a keyboard with weighted keys for practicing piano, but I'd also like it to have pads and controls for adding some razzmatazz.

I'm a total n00b, so something beginner-friendly (and not too expensive) would be great!

Any recommendations would be much appreciated 🙏😎

Maybe Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 MkII

Find elsewhere

Google Bing Mojeek

reddit.com › r/musicproduction › are weighted keys important for midi keyboards

r/musicproduction on Reddit: Are weighted keys important for midi keyboards

April 28, 2021 -

The question is would they truly matter if My only goal is to play notes in my daw and not to play the actual piano in real life. Will it affect the sound of the Instrument plugin if it’s not weighted?

No it’s just a feeling preference really, but you should have good velocity keys

Fully weighted keys are meant to imitate a real piano feel. They can sometimes be slow to come back up. Ill say this, being able to play a keyboard well, and especially fast, is a very useful skill to have, so I’d definitely recommend getting a keyboard that you can use as an actual instrument (instead of basically a substitute for clicking the piano roll) and learning to play piano in your spare time Also, trust me when i say this, if your goal is just to play notes in your daw, you might as well not get a keyboard in the first place. All you’re getting out of it really is pitch bend. This isnt to say dont get a keyboard, but rather to say, expand your goals. I made the mistake of going into music production not knowing how to play an instrument and thinking "i have decent relative pitch i guess how hard can this be?" And then i come out with a bunch of karaoke board presets thinking "wow! What a masterpiece!" for 3 years. What im basically trying to say it, its not a good idea to try music production and not learn at least one instrument, in your case preferably a midi capable one (like of course, a keyboard) and if a piano isnt right for you, there’s wind controllers, midi guitars, etc.

reddit.com › r/edmproduction › best weighted key midi controller under $1000?

r/edmproduction on Reddit: Best weighted key MIDI controller under $1000?

July 15, 2016 -

I am looking for low-latency MIDI controller (49 keys) with weighted keys (piano feel). I don't need all those shitty pads and other useless stuff. Just good keys, pitch wheel and eventually expression pedal.

Can you recommend something?

You're asking for something that doesn't exist. There's no such thing as a fully weighted 49 key MIDI controller.

The smallest keyboard with weighted keys was the Roland RD64. But it was just discontinued. So you're out of luck until you make room for something with 88 keys.

reddit.com › r/wearethemusicmakers › key size and -weighting : what to look for in a < 88-key midi controller as a pianist

r/WeAreTheMusicMakers on Reddit: Key size and -weighting : What to look for in a < 88-key MIDI controller as a pianist

July 29, 2022 -

Dear all,

I'm currently looking to buy a 3- or 4-octave MIDI controller. Reason being space restriction on my desk, but still not needing to have to turn around (away from my DAW) to play in a take of keys.

I've only ever played (digital) 88-key pianos with full-sized, properly weighted/hammer-action keys. Whenever I play a keyboard in a music store, I'm turned off by one or both of the following:

key response feels "flimsy" , due to them being spring loaded
keys are smaller than standard piano keys and I start hitting several keys at once because the spacing feels off.

I completely understand that, in the 37/49/61-key sizes, this something I'll just have to "suck up" and get over.

What I am curious about, though, is : How do you, as a keyboard player, experience adapting your playing style between fully weighted, full sized keys and reduced-size, spring-loaded keys?

Following as a fellow piano player, but I recently posted a similar question in the r/edmproduction subreddit. The advice I got was that unweighted keys isn’t necessarily bad depending on what you want to do. If you’re trying to play other sounds besides piano, such as synths, then unweighted might be better. I’m going to go to a music store and just feel them out. And since I’m going more for edm, I’m okay with a 61 key keyboard for now.

It depends a lot on what you play. For piano parts (with a piano sound) you will definitely feel a lack of control of dynamics compared to hammer action, but for organ and synth sounds the different action doesn't bother since I don't expect the same response. 49 and 61-key keyboards typically have standard width keys, so no problem there. The keys may be shorter (especially the distance to the pivot point which is not visible), but again this mostly affects fine control over dynamics and is often not a problem. 61 keys will allow you to play with both hands for a variety of styles, 49 keys might sometimes not give you the range you'd like (but again, it depends on what you want to do). Now mini-keys and 25 or 37 key sizes are a different story, but I have no experience with those.

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › affordable keyboard with weighted keys and midi out?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: Affordable keyboard with weighted keys and MIDI out?

December 13, 2023 -

Hello everyone,

I am currently on the hunt for a MIDI keyboard with weighted keys and a MIDI out to connect to an audio interface, this way I can play all of my Kontakt instruments through my DAW. I don't really need a full digital piano with sound generation or speakers or anything.

I am relatively new to this space, and so I am not quite sure what things I should watch out for in terms of brand or quality. Ideally I wouldn't want to spend much more than $500, at least not right now. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thank you for reading :)

I don't really need a full digital piano with sound generation or speakers or anything. Funnily enough those tend to make pretty good candidates. They depreciate quickly in price, are most likely to have 5-pin MIDI outputs (in addition to perhaps a no-longer working USB), and if you get a top of the line model that's older, you get a great keyboard feel that's usually also not available on newer cheaper models. so I am not quite sure what things I should watch out for in terms of brand or quality The more widgets it has, the less money that is that went to the keyboard quality. A Studiologic SL88 Studio might be an option. Studiologic uses Fatar keyboards (Fatar sells just the keyboards themselves to OEMs, Studiologic builds actual products around them). Numa Compact 2 is also an option, but that's semi-weighted. That said - test the feel of the keys and the hardware in person. Really play it for a while - if you don't like the keys, it's not likely that they'll improve if you break 'm in a bit. Not all keyboards are created equal, and what may be heavy action to me might feel flimsy to you.

I really like my Studiologic SL73. Also comes in an 88 key version. If you don’t mind a heavier action, it’s a great option. Build quality is great. Has aftertouch too.

reddit.com › r/wearethemusicmakers › anyone know of a midi keyboard that has weighted keys but isn't super bulky?

r/WeAreTheMusicMakers on Reddit: Anyone know of a midi keyboard that has weighted keys but isn't super bulky?

July 21, 2016 -

Hey there, I own a Yamaha KX8 and it's done wonders for me as I use it strictly as a midi controller. The weighted keys have been absolutely helpful especially with all the new kontakt libraries that vary the note sample or expression based on how hard you press a key.

Unfortunately my den (which is used as a recording/production room as well as a streaming/video recording room for my brother) is really tight and it's been a pain in the ass setting up the massive and heavy keyboard in and out every time I have to step out of the room for something.

Because I don't use any of its internal functions, I literally just need the keys themselves and am wondering if anyone knows of a more compact midi keyboard with weighted keys that isn't quite as thick? 88keys preferred but I'm not opposed to 64 either

The Kawai ES110 is 3 cm shorter, 16 cm less deep, 1cm less high and 3kg lighter.

http://www.kawai-global.com/product/es110/

https://www.digitalpianoreviewguide.com/kawai-es110-review/

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ES110--kawai-es110-88-key-digital-piano-with-speakers-gloss-black

DIN MIDI in and out, Bluetooth MIDI in and out

Nice keybed

Gig bag is an option

The Roland A-88 comes to my mind, I recently got one for its form factor and key quality. It’ll weigh about the same as your kx8 but dimensions wise it’ll be not as tall and not as deep (though a little longer still)

Kx8: 1340 x 445 x 157mm

A-88: 1443 x 273 x 116mm

Let me know if you have any questions, hope that kind-of helped!

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › weighted key midi controller?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: Weighted key midi controller?

September 15, 2020 -

I want to buy a midi keyboard but I want it to have weighted keys, I really don't like the feel of them otherwise. Im looking for something small (preferably exactly 37 key, but somewhere around 30) that isn't super expensive. Any recommendations?

You're not going to find 37 weighted key controllers. The Nektar T4 (49) is semi-weighted. I'm gonna go for the T6 (61). They have aftertouch and folks say the keybed feels good.

Steinway concert grand with usb midi

reddit.com › r/wearethemusicmakers › best midi keyboard with weighted keys?

r/WeAreTheMusicMakers on Reddit: Best midi keyboard with weighted keys?

April 9, 2016 -

Looking for something I can hook up to Ableton/Pro Tools but can also play with the feel of a regular piano. Thanks!

I use a Roland FP-30 as my midi controller, bonus that it works as a standalone piano. I also like the Arturia 88 key controller if you need knobs and stuff.

Don't go for an M-Audio key station pro. The keys are weighted, but the response was not even from one key to the next on both I had.

reddit.com › r/midi › looking for a budget midi keyboard with 6+ octaves and weighted keys

r/midi on Reddit: Looking for a budget MIDI keyboard with 6+ octaves and weighted keys

October 25, 2024 -

As the title suggests. I've been using smaller controllers like Oxygen 25s for a while now but honestly can't stand non-weighted keys for playing, they don't feel musical at all like the keys on a piano.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any budget friendly MIDI keyboards that are more similar to the feel of a piano with at least 5-6 octaves. I'm not looking for having any knobs or faders (unless they don't drive up the price too much).

To get fully weighted keys like an acoustic piano will cost you $1k minimum and an average of $1,300. There's no getting around that. However, if you can handle semi-weighted (somewhere between mini-keys and weighted), there are options like Nektar's Impact LX88+, which is $319 from Amazon.

Studiologic SL73 Studio No longer in production: Akai MX76 Akai MX1000 Elka MK76 Studiologic Acuna 73

reddit.com › r/piano › does it exist : synthesizer or midi keyboard with a good weighted action keybed ?

r/piano on Reddit: Does it exist : Synthesizer or MIDI Keyboard with a good weighted action keybed ?

January 25, 2023 -

Hey,

I'm looking for a stage keyboard that has a really good keybed, or at least one good enough to not be completely lost when playing on acoustic pianos, because that stage keyboard would be my only proper keybed at home. I would use it to control my synths/piano VSTs to compose and play live. Having an internal piano sound engine would be a great plus : Saves me from turning on the computer to practice piano pieces...).

After much reading and testing, I'm leaning towards the Yamaha CP88 or Kawai MP7SE, almost solely for the quality of their keybed (couldn't try the RD2000).

The thing that bugs me is that I don't need all the sounds they offer, which are mostly super cheesy apart from the piano/rhodes section... Specifically, the synth section and brass/wind/plucked instruments "emulations" are terrible compared to, let's say, VST offerings or "real" synths.

So I'm feeling like I'm paying full price, only for a keybed and 1 piano sound.

My ideal would be a synthesizer (digital, analogic or even sample based) with customizable sounds, or at least a "simple" MIDI controller, but with a really good keybed like Yamaha's NW-GH3, Kawai's RHIII, Roland's PHA-50, etc... Couldn't find one.
- Tried the Korg G1, didn't really liked the keybed, at least, it felt less qualitative that the other keybeds mentioned above.

- The Studiologic SL88 didn't feel too good either, and I expect the Native Instruments S88 mk2 to feel a bit the same since it's also a Fatar keybed. And I had the S88 mk1 which was meh, the mechanism quickly wore out and became unconsistent... Sold it.

Maybe I missed something ? Any suggestions or feedbacks ?

Thanks for your help !

I am a little bit confused about what exactly you actually want. First you mention a good keybed, with only a piano sound (very common wish), then a full on synthesizer but with a good keybed (unfulfillable). The second request is really a bad idea, just use a computer, unless you really want to go analog, in which case just hook up the analog module / synth to your keyboard with a midi cable. Otherwise you are paying big bucks for a shitty computer hidden inside a keyboard. The first request is quite a common one - a top tier hammer action but without paying for unnecessary features, while not having to rely on a laptop to play. Since you mention playing live, "digital pianos" are out of the question. You have a few options here: Giving up and buying a MIDI controller. Money and sound-wise this is the best option, since the Kawai VPC1 only costs around 1.3k EUR and VSTs offer superior sound to any "hardware" on the market. Many Pianoteq folks also build "embedded" devices to run their sound, so that you don't have to bother with the "laptop" part too much. Finding a "true" solution to this problem. NORD almost has a monopoly on this since no one really does it. E.g. their Grand has a Kawai action, but it is not even wooden and you pay more than two times more than for a VPC. Go figure. Ignoring it and just buying a regular stage keyboard with all the awful sounds you will never use, but with a decent-ish piano sound. The "normal" way to go. The top Roland boards have decent action, wooden Yamahas are pretty good too, the Kawai MP-x (-10 is a VPC1 but with knobs and sounds) are great, and of course the "professional's choice" Nord Stage. Their piano sounds suck the least of all the brands, but I am not exactly a fan of the Fatar keybeds.

Roland juno 88-key is weighted AF if I remember correctly. It’s got a zillion sounds and can be used as a midi controller. It was too weighted for my tastes tbh, I prefer the action of the Yamaha electric pianos, but if I had to mashup my piano and synth into one I’d probably go Roland.

reddit.com › r › edmproduction › comments › 9l5z25 › recommended_midi_keyboard_with_weighted_keys

r/edmproduction - Recommended midi keyboard with weighted keys?

April 1, 2015 -

I bought an Alesis V49 and I just hate it it feels wrong what are the cheapest yet midi keyboards looking into with weighted keys? Thanks

It'll be hard to find a midi keyboard with weighted keys that's smaller than at least 61 keys, more likely 76 or 88. I really like the feel of the Komplete Kontrol keyboards, I would check those out. There should be some on display that you can feel at your local Guitar Center, if you have one.

Do you mean "weighted" or "hammer action like a piano?"

reddit.com › r/musicproduction › best 88 weighted midi keyboard with good dynamic range / velocity curve

r/musicproduction on Reddit: Best 88 weighted midi keyboard with good dynamic range / velocity curve

May 8, 2020 -

Does anyone have any idea or experience with a very good 88 key weighted (or semi weighted) midi keyboard that has very good dynamic range?

My focus is mainly to play piano, electric piano etc. Synths come 2nd.

M Audio Keystation 88 $200 Absolutely great, have had it for years. Weighted keys, great velocity and dynamic range, etc. has usb and midi out for simultaneous digital and analog midi output

Thank you everyone. I agree. Fully weighted is definitely better. I had come across the P-125 many times, also because of its price range. I love that it also has speakers. Sometimes you just want to turn it on and play some music, instead of turning everything before you hear anything. I also had my Eyes on the M audio 88. But here (The Netherlands) it cost 400+ and many don't have it in stock. For those who have the Yamaha p-125: does it power up by USB also? or does it always need a power adapter?

reddit.com › r/synthesizers › any small (25 key) midi controllers with weighted keys?

r/synthesizers on Reddit: Any small (25 key) MIDI controllers with weighted keys?

November 19, 2020 -

I'm looking for something for my desk, mostly to fidget around with, but everything I look at has semi-weighted keys.

Am I just looking at the wrong market or is there really no one who makes small keyboards with weighted keys?

No or very rare. It drives me nuts.

It's not what you're asking for but as far as tiny midi controllers go the cme xkey line is surprisingly playable imo. It doesn't play like a piano obviously but the key are spaced right and at least for me my brain clicked with it quite easily. I think it was easy for me to get used to it because it is different. You might want to give it a try.