Keystep 37 unless you want lots of cheap knobs and pads. Answer from Legitimate_Horror_72 on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/synthesizers › best cheap midi controller for complete beginner?
r/synthesizers on Reddit: Best cheap MIDI controller for complete beginner?
April 3, 2022 -
Hey guys,
As the title states, I'm looking to pick up a cheap ($100 - $150) MIDI controller to play around with as a complement to my guitar playing. BUT, I have no idea what I'm looking for or what I would be doing. None. I've never even used a DAW other than goofing off in Garage Band for a couple minutes. I play my guitar through my pedalboard and into my amp.
I want a controller so I can write some basic drum, bass, and keyboard type stuff to play along with on guitar, and maybe some more ambient/lofi/hip hop type stuff if I'm feeling unusually creative haha. I'm planning to order an audio interface as well so I can eventually put everything together.
Any thoughts? There seem to be a bunch of popular options in that price range. I was hoping maybe there's a standout that's easy to use and has good free software/plugins.
Thanks!
Top answer 1 of 15
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Keystep 37 unless you want lots of cheap knobs and pads.
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I have a Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3 , which is a great little do-it-all keyboard controller in that price range. It will work with any DAW, but it really shines with Ableton Live (and Bitwig Studio using a 3rd party controller script) since it's really designed to integrate with that workflow.
MusicRadar
musicradar.com › tech › midi controllers
Best cheap MIDI keyboards 2025: Inexpensive MIDI controllers starting at just £39/$49
February 5, 2025 - The Alesis V49 MKII MIDI controller offers a decent balance of full-size, firmly-sprung, synth-action keys and assignable hardware controls for not a lot of money at all - making it a great contender for the best cheap MIDI keyboard.
What's a Cheap but Decent MIDI Controller? - LMMS • Forums
Any suggestions for an affordable but decent enough MIDI controller? I guess the main thing is that it is velocity sensitive, and the keys aren't TINY. I do have small hands so if the keys are a bit smaller, that is actually better for me. But I just don't want to be smashing neighboring keys ... More on lmms.io
Looking for the best mini midi controller for around $100
Hi, I've been looking to upgrade from my KMI K-Board to something that offers a better keyboard feel and also some knobs for midi CC control. More on forum.loopypro.com
Best cheap USB MIDI interface for iPad to control synths?
Roland um one mk2 has a tablet mode. Cheaper alternatives are often unreliable. Alternatively you could consider an audio interface that also has midi ports . I recommend the zoom u24 as it can operate on batteries and its only a bit more expensive than the ilum one. You will need two midi cables though
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September 12, 2018Best cheap MIDI controller for complete beginner?
Keystep 37 unless you want lots of cheap knobs and pads. More on reddit.com
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April 3, 2022Do I need a MIDI controller to make music?
No—but it helps a lot. You can click in notes with a mouse, but a MIDI controller makes the process faster, more intuitive and expressive. It’s especially useful for playing chords, recording performances or automating effects live.
guitarcenter.com
guitarcenter.com › MIDI-Controllers.gc
MIDI Controllers | Guitar Center
What’s the best size MIDI controller for beginners?
It depends on your space and goals. A 25-key controller is great for portability and simple parts. A 49- or 61-key layout gives you more range for two-handed playing or full performances. Most beginners start with 49 keys, but you can go bigger or smaller depending on how you plan to use it.
guitarcenter.com
guitarcenter.com › MIDI-Controllers.gc
MIDI Controllers | Guitar Center
What are the pros and cons of using a MIDI controller?
Pros: A MIDI controller gives you hands-on control over your digital instruments, making your workflow more musical and expressive. They're compact, affordable and often come bundled with great software, such as Ableton Live Lite or MPC Beats. You can customize layouts, assign functions and even take them on the road with ease.
Cons: Unlike a traditional keyboard or synth, MIDI controllers don’t make sound on their own—they rely on being connected to a computer or external module. Some entry-level models may lack features like aftertouch or dedicated transport controls. Also, DAW integration can vary depending on the model and software.
Cons: Unlike a traditional keyboard or synth, MIDI controllers don’t make sound on their own—they rely on being connected to a computer or external module. Some entry-level models may lack features like aftertouch or dedicated transport controls. Also, DAW integration can vary depending on the model and software.
guitarcenter.com
guitarcenter.com › MIDI-Controllers.gc
MIDI Controllers | Guitar Center
Videos
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Amazon
amazon.com › Computer-Recording-MIDI-Controllers-25-50 › s
Amazon.com: Computer Recording MIDI Controllers - $25 To $50 / Computer Recording MIDI Contr...: Musical Instruments
MIDI Controllers · Brands · Midiplus · Customer Reviews · 4 Stars & Up · Condition · New · Price · Reset price range · Clear · Up to $50 · $50 to $150 · $150 to $250 · $250 & above · Deals & Discounts · All Discounts · Included Components · USB Cable · Key Count ·
Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › MIDI-Controllers.gc
MIDI Controllers | Guitar Center
Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of MIDI Controllers at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.
Facebook
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What are good cheap midi controllers with knobs and ...
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Sweetwater
sweetwater.com › home › keyboards & synthesizers › midi controllers
MIDI Controllers - Sweetwater
Digital Saxophone with 73 Voices (Including 56 for Saxophone), Standard Sax Key Layout, Breath Sensor, Analog Controller, Headphone and Aux In Jacks, and USB or Battery Power · $599.99 Bundle Savings Available! Certified Open Box available for $539.99 ... 25-key MIDI Controller Keyboard with ...
Audio Mentor
audiomentor.com › home › blog › 12 best midi controllers which are ‘actually’ worth buying
12 Best MIDI Controllers Which Are 'Actually' Worth Buying - Audio Mentor
August 10, 2021 - I know many producers who spend more time troubleshooting their controllers than actually making music. Third, are they made to last you a few years? Do they break after a few uses or get its technology (functions) phased off after only a few months? Here are some of my picks for the best MIDI keyboard/controllers from prices ranging from below $300 to $1199.
Novation
us.novationmusic.com › home › midi controllers
MIDI Controllers | Novation
The compact creative controller: 25 keys, Scale and Chord Modes, generative arpeggiator, and powerful DAW integration
The Gear Page
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Best cheap MIDI controller for complete beginner?
April 3, 2022 - FS Numark MixTrack Pro FX DJ Controller · Yesterday at 4:01 PM · Welwitschia ·
Bedroom Producers Blog
bedroomproducersblog.com › home › studio equipment › best midi keyboards for music production (2024)
Best MIDI Keyboards for Music Production (2024)
August 23, 2024 - AKAI MPK Mini MK3 is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry around in a small bag or a backpack. Arturia MiniLab 3 is another excellent choice if you’re looking for a portable and cheap MIDI keyboa...
PopuMusic Store
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Best Cheap MIDI Controllers in 2025: Budget Picks for Beginners & Creators
August 12, 2025 - Your first banger might be only a few LED flashes away. Expect “midi keyboard cost” anywhere from $49 for the Nektar SE25 up to about $169 for premium mini‑boards like the Korg microKEY Air.
Higher Hz
higherhertz.com › home › the 6 best budget midi controllers under $100-$200 for beginners
The 6 best budget MIDI controllers ($100-200) for beginners
May 20, 2025 - James Nugent shares an updated pick of the best budget MIDI keyboards and controllers to buy under $100/$200 that are great for beginners.
LMMS
lmms.io › forum › viewtopic.php
What's a Cheap but Decent MIDI Controller? - LMMS • Forums
I am just guessing here ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It would aslo be great if I could plug a MIDI guitar in to it and use it as a synth live, but I guess that would be a different thing altogether? A bonus would be if it had a (velocity sensitive) drum pad, but that is just a bonus. I guess I could just map out the keys on the keyboard for a drum sound?!?!?! Thanks in advance. ... Cheap midi guitars don't exist as far as I know.
Quora
quora.com › What-is-the-best-MIDI-controller-for-under-300
What is the best MIDI controller for under $300? - Quora
Answer: Going from specs alone - because nobody can have hands-on experience with everything - my vote would go to the Nektar Panorama T6 for right at your $300.00 price point. Unlike almost any other alternative, this keyboard has 61 keys and ...
Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › midi › midi controllers › midi keyboard controllers
MIDI Keyboard Controllers | Guitar Center
Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of MIDI Keyboard Controllers at Guitar Center. Most orders are eligible for free shipping.
Facebook
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What is the best small and portable midi controller for input?
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Piano Dreamers
pianodreamers.com › best-midi-keyboards
Best MIDI Keyboards: An In-Depth Look at the Market (2025)
May 17, 2025 - The cheapest Seaboard Block is many times the price of other 25-key controllers, and the Seaboard Rise 49-key variant costs nearly as much as the Kawai VPC1! That’s no small investment.
Digital Piano Kraze
digitalpianokraze.com › best-mini-midi-controllers
Best Mini MIDI Controllers - I tested 13 Options
January 2, 2024 - View Price At Sweetwater · We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The Akai Professional LPK25 Wireless is the first wireless MIDI keyboard controller.
Amazon
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Amazon.com: Computer Recording MIDI Controllers - Computer Recording MIDI Controllers / Comp...: Musical Instruments
Looking for MIDI Controllers? Amazon.com has a wide selection at great prices.
Loopy Pro Forum
forum.loopypro.com › discussion › 24555 › looking-for-the-best-mini-midi-controller-for-around-100
Looking for the best mini midi controller for around $100 — Loopy Pro Forum
November 15, 2017 - I have the Minilab, it's pretty nice but it has no transport controls. The M-Audio offerings might be the best bet, they have the widest range of controls - unless you need the extra dials on the Minilab. ... This one is really good, it has midi and USB.