The Best 88 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards In 2024
If you are looking into an 88 Key MIDI controller keyboard but don’t need a weighted action, then read on to see the best picks of the bunch!
Alternatively, if you are still undecided about whether you need weighted keys, check out the reviews below to help you find the piano of your dreams:
Related:
Digital Piano vs. Midi Piano – Which is the Better Solution?
Digital Pianos – The Best Pianos for Beginners in 2023
The Best 88 Key MIDI Controller Keyboards in 2024
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1. Novation Launchkey Mk3 88 Key
The Novation Launchkey takes the pole position for a few reasons. The Novation has a great semi-weighted action and feature set and offers the best bang for your buck right now in 2023.
You get seamless DAW integration with the Launchkey Mark 3, and a great amount of control over your sounds with the knobs and faders.
16 premium pressure-sensitive pads can be used as drum pads but also act as a sequencer, which is a unique feature that sets the novation apart from its competition. The pads also have polyphonic aftertouch and RGB lighting.
What else makes novation feel premium? The keybed has a scan rate of 10khz and is very expressive for a synth-style keybed, and you can see scales, modes, and zones, instantly with the feedback from the RGB lighting.
You also get several LCD screens which Novation says are excellent for use in Ableton Live, as are the keyboards, as a whole, but this keyboard is great for any DAW you choose to use including Logic Pro and Reason.
You have premium-feeling mod wheels on the left (where they should be!), and the keyboard feels sturdy. The Novation MK3 also comes in a mini version, 37, 49, 61, and 88 key variants.
2. Nektar LX88
Design
The Nektar LX is a fantastic beast. If you want 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 8 knobs, and 9 faders, the LX series has you covered.
The LX88 is lightweight with a slim build that enhances its portability (18 Kilos). However, its editing settings via LED display and key entry might feel somewhat old-school to some users.
The keys feel good, and the mechanical noise is quite low. This is something that is often lacking in more affordable keyboards. The keyboard is semi-weighted, providing a balanced and enjoyable playing experience.
It also features nine sliders, nine buttons, eight knobs, eight pads, and transport controls, offering extensive control over your music production.
DAW Integration
The LX88’s DAW integration has been improved significantly, with assignments standardized across over 100 common VST instruments.
This standardization allows for predictable control over various functions such as amplitude and filter envelopes, filter cutoff and resonance, oscillator pitch, and level.
Conclusion
The LX88+ is a bargain at £300, and it comes bundled with a free copy of Bitwig 8-Track, making it a worthy semi-weighted midi controller for pro studios.
Whilst the GX is a better bargain, it is missing the drum pads, knobs, and faders on the LX. If you need those extra controls, then the Nektar LX is for you.
3. Nektar GX88
Design
While the GX series from Nektar may seem basic, what you get may impress you.
With a surprisingly good semi-weighted keybed, a few useful transport controls, buttons, two mod wheels, connectivity that ticks your boxes on the back panel, and a very attractive price tag, what’s not to like?
DAW Integration
Nektar keyboards work seamlessly with all major DAWs. Their integration is well known, and I think for a MIDI controller under £400, these are hard ones to beat.
Conclusion
The key action is extremely playable for a semi-weighted keybed, and if I had around £200-£300 to spend on a MIDI keyboard, the GX and LX series would be high on my list.
4. M-Audio Keystation MK3
Design
One great budget option is the Keystatin by M-Audio. This Midi keyboard comes in all sizes with decent semi-weighted action on the 88-key model and synth-style keys on the smaller models.
The Keystation is a great beginner keyboard option as well as a home-studio Midi controller for professionals.
It is well-built and sturdy and is a great option for gigging keyboardists who are looking for a semi-weighted keyboard with low weight.
M-Audio has been around for quite a while and tends to always deliver good products. You do get a few nice add-on software downloads with the Keystation Mark 3 which helps to set it apart and increase its bargain factor.
Software
What comes bundled with the M-Audio Keystation Mk3?
Pro Tools
Ableton live lite
Air music tech mini Grand – 7 acoustic pianos
Air Music tech velvet virtual electronic pianos
Air music tech Xpand multitimbral
M-Audio also boasts that the Keystation can be connected to IOS devices such as your iPhone and iPad.
This is an appreciated feature for musicians who like to use their devices to power their MIDI keyboard instead of a PC and allows for extremely small setup rigs.
Conclusion
The Keystation is a keyboard that every musician can get by with, and proves to be a good all-rounder. Similar to the Nektar GX, it is very minimal and sleek in design, without knobs, faders, or drum pads cluttering the front panel.
You get decent keys, and with its plug-and-play functionality with DAWs, you are ready to go with minimal fuss.
5. Alesis Q88 Mark 2
Design
Another great budget option is the Alesis Q88 Mark 2. This one is plug-and-play with all major DAWs like the M-Audio Keystation and also has a bunch of add-on software.
Software
The software you get with the Alesis Q88 includes:
Akai Professional MPC Beats with seven expansion packs
Producer Kits
LoFi Producer Collection
Trap Soul & LoFi Beats
Soulful Drums
Deep House
F9 Instruments Library
Urban Roulette
60 free MIDI controller lessons from Melodics
Conclusion
The Q88 is a keyboard with a uniquely small form factor, and its thin and sleek design allows it to fit snuggly in most home-studio desk setups.
If you want a good 88-key semi-weighted midi keyboard that won’t be too hard on your wallet, give the Alesis Q88 a look.
6. Arturia Keylab Essential
Design
You can pick up an Arturia Keylab Essential for a similar price to the novation Launchkey. Again, you have options for all sizes of the keyboard from mini keys up to the 88-key version.
With regards to the action on these keybeds, some users have said the keys are quite bouncy and take some getting used to, but several velocity settings can help you fine-tune your playing style.
Controls
You get control features such as 8 pads, a master knob right in the middle (very tactile and useful), knobs and faders, and access to Analog Lab V with 7000 sounds.
Sounds and Software
You can get lost for hours in this huge library of sounds, and I have many times! This is the best software package bundled with any midi-keyboard on the market right now, and the sounds are all high-quality.
You can of course buy this software separately, and have access to these sounds with a different MIDI keyboard.
If you get your hands on one of these fabulous 88-key Midi controller keyboards, you may be on the lookout for some high-quality VST instruments and plugins for your performances or music production.
Fortunately, at Between-The-Keys, we have compiled a list of the best virtual instruments and plugins that money can buy, and also the best free software around. Read the following articles to take your music to the next level!
Related:
Best Free VST Plugins
Best Paid VST Plugins
Conclusion
If you have the budget and appreciate the feature set, then go for the Novation Launchkey MK3!
If you want a no-nonsense Midi keyboard with decent semi-weighted action and you are on a budget, either go for the Nektar, M-audio Keystation, or Alesis.
The Arturia is for you if you value software and have access to some of the best Virtual Instruments currently available (Analog Lab V).
Lastly, if you are looking for a more premium midi keyboard but do not need a full-size 88-key Midi keyboard, then take a look at the AKAI MPK 49.
