Recommended MIDI Keyboard Products By Price Range!

Hello!
It’s Kaoru the composer here!

A MIDI keyboard is an essential item for anyone who’s into DTM.
What do you all prioritize when buying one?

If you’re asked to recommend a MIDI keyboard, don’t you find it difficult??

Actually… a friend who’s about to start DTM asked me for a recommendation, and I really struggled because it depends on functionality, size, key feel, price, manufacturer… and so on.

To begin with, I haven’t replaced mine many times, so my knowledge is pretty limited…

So, I decided to go back to basics, research MIDI keyboards myself, and pick out recommended products by price range!

[Up to ¥10,000]

In this price range, there seem to be many compact 25-key and 32-key models.
Personally, I use a 25-key MIDI keyboard for when I’m out and about.

NEKTAR/ SE25

I also use this MIDI keyboard made by NEKTAR.
The reason I chose this MIDI keyboard is because it’s slim.

When storing it in a backpack, thicker keyboards often put stress on the keys and end up breaking…
So that’s why I went with this MIDI keyboard!!

Since it has 25 keys, it will definitely feel insufficient for keyboard players.
However, I think it’s perfectly fine for inputting notes or checking sounds.

By using this product’s unique “Part 2” function, you can:

• Instantly shift several octaves at once
• Add harmonic layers
• Add harmonic layers Switch to a different MIDI channel

These operations can be performed instantly.
It might also be good to use for light performance.

Included software:

• Bitwig 8-Track (DAW)
• UVI Digital Synsations (synth sound library)

That’s how it is.
To begin with, even if you purchase UVI Digital Synsations on its own, it costs about ¥15,000, so the pricing already pays for itself with just the synth sound library.

It’s perfect for beginners or as a sub setup for advanced users!!

[Up to ¥20,000]

IK MULTIMEDIA (IK Multimedia) / iRig Keys 2 Pro MIDI Keyboard

A highly user-friendly full-size 37-key MIDI keyboard.
It can be connected without device restrictions, including Mac/PC, iPhone/iPad, Android, and other MIDI-compatible devices.

Its biggest feature is that it’s equipped with an audio output terminal.
When connecting iOS or Android devices that do not have a headphone jack, you can monitor the output audio through the headphone jack on the iRig Keys 2.
Also, since it doesn’t require an audio interface, you can create the ultimate compact setup.

It’s also equipped with convenient control features, allowing for intuitive operation and enjoyable music production.

Additionally, it comes bundled with SampleTank 4 SE, which is highly regarded even among professionals.
In addition to the full functionality of SampleTank 4, it includes a carefully selected set of 2,000 instruments and a library totaling over 30GB, so you can immediately obtain high-quality sounds.

It’s rare to find such a unique product along with such a generous software bundle for around ¥17,000!!

[Up to ¥30,000]

XKEY / Xkey37

A MIDI keyboard with a beautiful design that resembles Apple products.
It looks stylish when used with a MacBook or similar devices!!

Thin (16mm), lightweight, and highly operable model.

By using the newly developed X cable for the Xkey37, you can use MIDI cable output, sustain pedal input, and expression pedal input.

[Up to ¥60,000]

In this price range, you’ll start to see products used by professionals here and there.
There’s a strong impression of many models excelling in functionality.

Native Instruments / KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 MK2 MIDI Keyboard

A MIDI keyboard from Native Instruments, a top brand in the DTM world.
I’ve personally been using this product since its release.

With two highly visible displays, finding sounds and selecting presets is incredibly quick and easy.

The body comes with a rich set of knobs and switches, which, when synced with your DAW, allow for a wide range of operations.
(It supports nearly all major DAWs)

Additionally, by using software compatible with NativeKontrol Standard (NKS), you can freely control instruments.

Furthermore, with the Smart Play function, you can:

• Check scales and modes with the Light Guide
• Play chord progressions or arpeggios with a single key
• Arrange each scale to be mapped only to the white keys

By making full use of these features, the tedious task of inputting notes becomes much easier.
It’s quite an expensive MIDI keyboard, but it’s packed with Native Instruments' unique features.

That wraps up the introduction to MIDI keyboards.
There are so many good options that you might end up even more confused about which one to choose...
Which one will you go for???

*Prices are as of October 2021

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