If you are a passionate music maker, a MIDI keyboard can be a fantastic solution via USB connectivity. It allows you to control different software on your workstation. The good news is that even with a limited budget, you can still find a good option for you who can even fit in your backpack.

Features to Consider in Cheap MIDI Keyboards

In reality, every controller is different and it is why you need to take a look at.

Weight and size

The weight and size can limit the number of buttons you get on your controller. It is also true that you might need a solution which can fit your backpack but at the same time, you cannot sacrifice your much-needed controls for weight alone. If your workstation is already limited in space, you might need to consider the options you have when it comes to proper production. With different buttons and button sizes, you might even be tempted to look for solutions which are minimalistic. However, even affordable MIDI keyboards can come with various faders and more advanced functionalities which are not necessarily limited by space.

Functionality

Functionality such as programmable beats or drums can prove to be great for many music producers. The functionality is also given by the number of keys you can use. It is not unusual to see up to 25 buttons on a budget MIDI keyboard. Pitch wheels, modulation wheels, knobs or faders are highly recommended as well.

The debate between pads and keys is also an important aspect to consider. Some users prefer the pads because they are similar to actual drums with their membranes. Others prefer keys and you will have to make your own decision when making a purchase. Rotary encoders are to be considered as well. Some of them are clickable and you need to consider the number of encoders you need if any at all within this budget.

Other characteristics such as illumination of the pads are also to be considered. In the end, you can get most of them even with a budget controller. If you are unsure on the right direction and the MIDI keyboard for you, the following solutions can be considered:

Best Cheap MIDI Keyboards Under $100

1. Nektar IMPACT LX25+ MIDI Controller

Design features
There are 25 synth-action keys on the controller. They work for most producers and they are compatible with various systems. You can make your own music with the keys on Mac computers or devices, PCs and of course, mobile devices.

The full-size piano-style keys are made for durability. They are constructed against dust and with medium tension required, they feel comfortable as well. But the design of the controller also features pads which are aimed at the groove and beat creation. With 8 illuminated pads, the controller can be among the leading options when you want a membrane fit, which is closer to actual drums than just regular keys. Made to be controlled with a light touch, the pads offer an even velocity response. So you don’t necessarily have to hit them in the center every time. The good news is that they are still highly customizable. So you can assign a MIDI note number or cc messages to each pad.

Convenient features
One of the most convenient features of the controller comes with the capacity to store your selected preferences such as with the pads. So your settings are stored with each power cycle. Even if you switch the keyboard off, you still get to save your settings.

The keyboard also comes with 4 octave and transpose buttons. This facilitates function selection and you can use these buttons to quickly send MIDI program messages, to select the MIDI channel or to even select the impact of the 5 user profiles which the keyboard comes with.

Verdict
With full customization, 25 synth-action keys, 8 backlit pads, 4 octave, and transpose buttons, the keyboard offers a great experience on a budget.

2. Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note USB Keyboard Controller

Design features
With 16 drum pads, the MIDI keyboard is among the most recommended designs for full customization. Even more, the drum pads come in different colors so you can begin to learn and customize them for your own preferences. They are velocity sensitive and the good news is that they do not need too much force for activation.

The controller comes with 25 keys which are enough to get started with. However, if you want a fuller experience you can go up to its 49 or 61 keys options. Essentially, the keyboard is recommended to make your own beats and to play like an instrument. Of course, you can also control the effects of the instruments such as reverb or filters.

Convenient features
Connected via USB, the controller is easy to use. Similarly to other controllers in its class, the connectivity is quick and it works with multiple systems and programs. At its core, it is made to be the best with Ableton Live. But you can use the controller, its keys, its faders or knobs to control instruments with other software as well.

With velocity-sensitive keyboards, the controller is a true solution when it comes to the ultimate production freedom. When it comes to durability, the compact controller is recommended for users of all ages. From children to adults, it can be used for years and it is also why it comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

If you are new to MIDI controllers, you will also be happy to know that the device doesn’t need a complex installation. You simply plug it via USB and you can start playing straight away. There are no drivers which you need to install on your computer either, which makes it a straightforward solution for any type of user.

Verdict
With a good degree of customization and a plug-and-play construction, the controller is recommended for most beginners.

3. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

Design features
Available in black and white, the controller stands out from the crowd with its impressive aesthetics. It comes with good functionality but it also looks apart and this makes it an interesting option for many producers. With a design which easily fits a backpack, it can be an on-the-go solution which can be used both at home and in the studio. At the same time, it comes packed with features which allow it to stand out on a crowded market.

For example, it comes with 25 synth-action mini keys. They are recommended for quick sounds and a music experience to remember. The mini keys need reduced pressure which makes them a top choice even if you are just starting out. Together with the synth keys, you also get 8 rubber drum pads. For a device which is so small, having the 8 illuminated drum pads can only be seen as a major advantage. Next, to them, you also have your 8 assignable control knobs for added production freedom. So even if you are not at your first MIDI keyboard, it can still be a recommended solution.

Convenient features
The controller is truly convenient for its size. With X-Y controller with a configurable thumbstick, it can be the solution even for the dedicated producers. Users can also benefit from its 10-octave range with up and down buttons. Repeat, full level, and tempo buttons can also be configured.

The good news is that the controller also works well with multiple programs. You can use it with Hybrid 3 if you are a fan of digital manipulation. It also works with SoniVox Wobble if you are a fan of spectral morphing synthesis. With individual filtering and harmonic controls, it can be software to use along MPC Essentials. The VIP alternative is a top choice when you want access to various instruments. With integrated collections, it offers a true hardware experience in the digital space.

Verdict
As one of the most versatile compact solutions, the affordable controller can be a good way to start your music production

4. Midiplus AKM320 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Design features
The MIDI keyboard comes with a simplistic design which is recommended when you want a straightforward music creation experience. But even so, it still comes with 32 velocity sensitive keys. But maybe the biggest attraction of the keyboard comes from its reduced size. With a compact design, it can be a solution for most workstations and it can also work well when it comes to meeting your standards with transportation to and from the production studio. With a simple plug-and-play design, the keyboard is easy to install as well.

Convenient features
Made with pitch and modulation keys, up and down an octave and transpose buttons, the keyboard is convenient for most users. The volume slider also works well in all situations with all sounds as it allows you to control and customize your own work. One area which could have seen improvements is the non-existent drum functionalities but with such a compact design, it is really beyond the scope of the keyboard. At a weight of just 0.72kg, it is also one of the lightest designs in its class and this makes it a highly attractive solution when it comes to the ultimate portability, even if you don’t get all the adjustability you would be used to in mid-range devices.

Verdict
With a compact design and 32 keys, the keyboard is one of the affordable solutions which can be recommended for traveling producers.

5. M-Audio Keystation Mini

Design features
As you would expect from a compact design, the keyboard comes with advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are mainly in the area of portability and simplicity. The disadvantages come with fewer controls. However, if you are new to music production, the keyboard can offer enough functions in a friendly design.

It is why it comes with 32 keys which are velocity sensitive as you would expect in this class. The good news is that you can always upgrade if you need to use the systems with 49 or 61 keys. But even the smallest version is enough to play chords, bass-lines, and melodies. Virtual instruments can be at the core of some of the most impressive music and you don’t need to invest in a premium MIDI controller to get there yourself.

Convenient features
However, the keyboard is recommended for a few numbers of software solutions. They include Pro Tools First which is a simplified version used in the production of today’s music. Ableton Live is another solution which is recommended with the keyboard. With various instruments and effects, it is one of the most popular solutions in production, even if you are working with a budget controller. For individual MIDI channels, you can use Xpand 2.

The keyboard itself comes with a sound library of 2GB. With simplistic bass sounds too complex drums hits, you can find everything you need in this library, at least in the learning process as the keyboard is made for those with at the beginning of their production journey.

Verdict
Even in a compact design, the keyboard offers plenty of sounds and controls which can be integrated with popular production software.

6. Ammoon Worlde Panda Mini

Design features
It is not hard to see that the MIDI keyboard comes loaded with keys, pads, and knobs. With ultimate customization, it is among the recommended solutions when it comes to the ultimate production freedom. With 25 velocity keys, you can get started on your own masterpiece. Even more, the design includes 3 assignable control knobs which make it one of the most interesting options when it comes to fading. With pitch down, pitch up and octave, it offers various functions which beginners need to master.

Convenient features
With plug-and-play USB connectivity, the keyboard is among the interesting solutions in the class of affordable designs. Even with a full set of controls, it comes with a weight of just 742 grams which makes it one of the lightest solutions in its category. You can take it to school, to the studio or wherever you play away from home.

With 4 banks for different settings, it is well organized and convenient. But it only makes sense to purchase it if you are truly passionate about its 8 backlit pads which are as good as some of the more expensive alternatives. One of the few downsides of the keyboard comes with its otherwise limited innovation and lack of customizable color options.

Verdict
The keyboard is a mature choice if you don’t want to miss out on essential controls when starting out in production.

7. Worlde Panda MINI Portable 25 Keys USB Midi

Design features
The controller comes with 32 low profile keys. This allows the design to be a bit larger and to include other controls as well. 8 of them are the assignable knobs but the keyboard also comes with 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads. With this degree of customization freedom, the keyboard can be among the most interesting options when it comes to the ultimate freedom. Since it is made to cater to the needs of producers of all levels, it is still based on the same plug-and-play simplicity expected in this class via USB.

Convenient features
With dedicated pitch bend, octave and transpose buttons, you have immediate access to the entire note range. Even more, the convenient memory features might make it a solution with multiple projects. It works with ten memory locations for custom settings. Compatible with PC and Mac, the keyboard works well with the Pro Tools software.

Verdict
As a solution with 32 keys, the controller has all the functionality you need for music production at home or in the studio.

8. Samson Graphite M25 Mini USB MIDI Controller

Design features
The Samson Graphite M25 really looks apart. It is made with a compact design but it also represents a solution which is easy to work with and which works when connected to a computer or to a mobile device such as a tablet.

With a programmable master encoder and eight MIDI knobs, the keyboard is recommended for all skill levels. Even more, it comes with 4 trigger pads so that you can have your own complex music experience. They work great for drum sounds.

The design of the keyboard is also made for the ultimate freedom. It is why the controller has been made so that it can be charged via USB or via an iPad.

Convenient features
If you are looking for a more custom experience, you can always download the official Graphite software from the company’s website. It gives you the ability to save your own settings and it represents one of the most interesting options when it comes to optimized MIDI workflow.

Verdict
The semi-weighted keyboard offers a responsive platform which is recommended for instrument control.

9. Worlde 25 Key USB Portable Tuna Mini

Design features
It is clear that the controller is one of the innovative solutions in terms of design. Made with an elegant look, the keyboard comes with 2 accurate pressure sensors for a quick touch-pad experience. With its wooden lateral panels, the keyboard is inviting and it represents a solution which allows you to make the most of your instrument controls. For this purpose, it even comes with 8 illuminated pads for a convenient playing experience.

Made with 25 keys with velocity response, the keyboard is a testament that even new brands can offer interesting budget solutions. Established in 2017, the company made a practical solution which even includes 8 faders.

Convenient features
With a weight of just 500g even with the wooden panels, the controller is one of the lightest solutions in its class. It represents a top choice when it comes to travel designs. But most importantly, it comes with a sustain pedal Jack, 8 colorful pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders, pitch and modulation touch bars for the ultimate experience. As long as you don’t mind the small keys, it can be a solution to begin making your own music.

Verdict
As one of the most distinct compact solutions, the MIDI keyboard is recommended for producers and players with improving skills.

10. Alesis V25

Design features
There are only 25 keys on the MIDI controller but this is enough for most situations. It comes with a simplistic design which aims to offer one of the best solutions when it comes to a straightforward playing experience.

But this doesn’t mean that it actually sacrifices functionality. It is why the keyboard comes with 8 LED backlit drum trigger pads, 4 assignable buttons, pitch and mod wheels, and USB connectivity. It is up to date with the latest requirements in its class for a fraction of the price of premium controllers.

Convenient features
The keyboard is compatible with some of the most popular software solutions in the class. It even comes with Ableton Live Lite 9 compatibility. Xpand 2 and AIR Music Tech are also great choices compatible with the device. You can mix, edit and save all of your creations with these solutions.

At the end of the day, the keyboard is a great solution if you are starting out. But you can always upgrade with no learning curve to the 49-key or 61-key alternatives.

Verdict
The MIDI keyboard stands out when it comes to the ease of use which might be enough to make it a serious option for those playing at home.