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Best computer recording midi controllers - September 2026

Last Updated - September 12, 2026

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Best Choice

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Our rankings are cleverly generated from the algorithmic analysis of thousands of customer reviews about products, brands, merchant’s customer service level, popularity, trends and more. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping.

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV 25-Key USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller, Black

Akai Professional

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Main highlights
- Studio Instrument Collection Included - A powerful VST/AU and standalone virtual suite packing 1000+ pro-grade drums, keys, synths, bass, FX from AIR, Akai Pro and Moog, plus MPK Mini IV integrated controls
- Real-Time Control and Navigation - 8x assignable 360° knobs, a vibrant full-color screen and push/turn encoder for hands-on access to settings, presets, and DAW functions, without reaching for a computer
- Pre-Mapped DAW Integration - Get producing in under 15 minutes with Ableton Live Lite 12, Logic Pro, FL Studio and more; comes with an expanded DAW-mapped transport section for uninterrupted workflow
- Portable Pro Controller Connected to Everything - Lightweight and durable with USB-C connectivity over USB 3.0 port, full-size MIDI Out, and plug-and-play operation for Mac, PC, and mobile setups; no fuss, no adapters, no limits
- Plug-and-Play Software and Learning Tools Included - Beginners and pros who want instant results get a 30-day Melodics trial for keyboard and pad lessons, and 2 months of Splice for royalty-free loops and samples
- Next-Gen Music Production and Beat Maker Essential - USB-powered MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys, optimized for studio or beat production, piano-style performance, synth leads, sample triggering
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series; choose 1 of 3 complimentary Native Instruments sound bundles
- Iconic MPC Pads with RGB Feedback - 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads deliver an iconic finger-drumming experience, plus dynamic visual feedback to match your performance in studio or on the go
- Designed for All Creators - Ideal for beginners learning to produce, pros on the road, and content creators needing a reliable compact controller for streaming or travel setups
- Advanced Performance Tools - Arpeggiator with Pattern, Freeze, and Mutate functions plus Chord and Scale modes to spark new musical ideas fast, ideal for songwriting and live jamming
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Our rankings are cleverly generated from the algorithmic analysis of thousands of customer reviews about products, brands, merchant’s customer service level, popularity, trends and more. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping.

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Akai Professional

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Main highlights
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential -USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Get Two Months of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC; Register your product and redeem 60 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Customize your MPK Mini MK3 - Download the Editor and learn how to manually map the knobs and joystick, adjust the keyboard and arpeggiator, store your own programs, and more
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- 1500+ Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production -Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 3 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
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Best Value
18% Off

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Our rankings are cleverly generated from the algorithmic analysis of thousands of customer reviews about products, brands, merchant’s customer service level, popularity, trends and more. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping.

Akai Professional
18% Off

Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Akai Professional

(18% Off)

More Details
Main highlights
- Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for melodies or chords, with up to 8 notes each
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- MPC Beats Software Included - Based on the iconic MPC hardware, MPC Beats features thousands of drum samples and plugin instrument presets for powerful, inspired beat making and music creation
- Handle Any Style Or Genre - 8 premium RGB MPC Pads with responsive feel and durable construction for dynamic performance and music creation; Use the Chords and Scales modes to simplify and enhance your performance
- Get Two Months of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC; Register your product and redeem 60 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance; Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
- Control Your DAW - Transport section for intuitive hardware control of your DAW; Arm and start recordings, stop playback, rewind or fast-forward for easy navigation of large sessions and projects
- Complete Command Of Your Productions - 8 assignable rotary knobs for tactile control of your DAW; Dial in EQ, adjust volume, or write automation with the endless rotary knobs to mix your songs
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O; Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new sound sources into your music production
(18% Off)
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Our rankings are cleverly generated from the algorithmic analysis of thousands of customer reviews about products, brands, merchant’s customer service level, popularity, trends and more. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping.

Novation

Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Novation

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Main highlights
- The Creative Controller: Launchkey is an all-in-one DAW controller with premium keybeds and 16 responsive FSR pads for drumming, clip launching, and more
- Seamless DAW Integration: Launchkey works with all major DAWs, offering intuitive workflows for Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Reason, Reaper, FL Studio, and Ardour
- Powerful Creative Tools: Never hit a wrong note with Scale Mode, trigger lush chords from a single key or drum pad, and create and mutate wild arpeggios
- NKS-ready: Launchkey now works seamlessly with Native Instruments software, giving you hands-on control via Native Kontrol Standard
- Go Beyond Finger Drumming: Launchkey’s FSR drum pads with polyphonic aftertouch also serve as step sequencers, clip launchers, chord triggers, and more
- Everything in the box: Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, Novation Play, sounds from GForce, Klevgrand, Orchestral Tools, Native Instruments, and free Melodics lessons
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Our rankings are cleverly generated from the algorithmic analysis of thousands of customer reviews about products, brands, merchant’s customer service level, popularity, trends and more. The rankings reflect our opinion and should be a good starting point for shopping.

Arturia

Arturia MiniLab 3 Universal MIDI Controller, White

Arturia

More Details
Main highlights
- GO WITH YOUR FLOW: MiniLab 3 is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. It lets you control instruments, mute tracks, punch in your 8 pad drums, and adjust your 4 faders with a flow so fluid you’ll forget you had a mouse. Hook it up, discover fresh sounds, enjoy premium velocity-sensitive keys, and get hands-on with your music like never before!