A MIDI controller is a device which helps in conversions of physical actions into the form of digital messages MIDI format. It transmits signals to controlled devices and computers. Since the best 25 key midi controller is small and lightweight, it is thus the most suitable tool for recording automation.
Besides, it is facilitating and simplifying the process of mixing and arrangement. It is more comfortable using the mouse while working with Virtual instrument DJ programs and Traktor and with the assistance of MIDI keyboards. More also, it will be easier to move the scroll and fader handle rather than grabbing of mouse and running through the whole area.
In this review, you will have a look at the Best 25 key midi controllers, factors to consider, and advantages of these products. Read through and but the product that pleases you most.
What is the Best 25 Key MIDI Controller?
- MIDI Keyboard with 25 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys, perfect for playing Virtual Instruments
- 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production and clip launching
- 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons interface with your music software. Seamless, visual feedback via illuminated buttons and knobs
- Octave Up and Down buttons let you access the full keyboard range and Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control
- Premium Software Included - Includes ProTools | First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite, plus Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand!2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech
Factors to Consider When Buying a 25 Key MIDI Controller
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Need for Controls
Many of MIDI keyboards are coming with modulation controls and fundamental pitch. Its buttons will help in shifting octaves in the keyboard. The controls are beneficial as they will be acting as parameters. They will assist you in mixing songs, and thus, you will stop on mouse usage.
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Drum Pads
There is a necessity of determining the purpose for which you will be using the controller. MIDI keyboard is best for sketching out and playing piano on chord melodies and progressions.
In some cases, the drum pads beat programming controller is the best bet. They are designed to help in hitting beats efficiently.
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App Controllers
With the growing tablet/mobile apps and market, there are many apps present which you will use on your devices. They will help you in creating templates with necessary faders and knobs.
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DAW Dedicated Controllers
Developers are creating controllers that are integrating better with various applications. While using Ableton, you may prefer using push in the music productions as the tight integration will assist in improving workflow.
7 Best 25 key MIDI Controller Keyboards On the Market
Top 7 Best 25 key MIDI Controller Keyboard Reviews
1. Best Overall -Alesis V25 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Features
- 25-key MIDI controllers with assignable knobs and pads and full-sized keys
- Four rotary responsive knobs for purposes of tweaking effects
- Eight sensitive velocity drum pads for the tapping of various drum patterns
- Semi-weighted keys to prevent cramped feeling while playing
- Compact and light to occupy small space
Congratulations! You have finally landed at the best overall MIDI keyboard containing square front and velocity-sensitive keys with 25 full size. It has eight velocities backlit pads that are pressure sensitive for purposes of clip launching and beat production.
The four assignable buttons and four assignable knobs play a vital role in the item’s music interface. It is also seamless since it has visual feedback through the knobs and illuminated.
The octave down and up buttons will help you in accessing full pitch and full keyboard range. The wheels also play a significant role in delivering creative and expressive control. Ensure you buy this keyboard controller today to acquire the best quality and reliable services.
2. Best Budget -Korg 25 Key MIDI Controller
Features
- USB MIDI Keyboard which is USB-powered, lightweight and thin
- Natural-touch velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard bearing excellent playing feel
- 25-key highly portable model
- Three models in which you will be choosing from
- Versatile controls which include a joystick, tap/sustain button, buttons and arpeggiator
This Korg MIDI Controller is one of the best budget midi controllers. It is a compact keyboard ideal for all musicians who wish to assemble a small and convenient system for music production. All the models are featuring velocity-sensitive and acclaimed natural touch present in instruments, for instance, micro Arranger and microKORG XL.
Its micro KEYS are the best USB MIDI keyboards for use by musicians who wish to assemble a compact and convenient system for music production. Additionally, the lineup has been expanded using the 25-key model, which will be performing keyboardists. The discount coupons and bundled software are including 25 and 37 keys models.
3. Best Weighted -Akai Professional 25 Key MIDI Keyboard
Features
- 12 Q Link assignable controllers
- Eight illuminated RGB MPC style pads
- Full-size velocity-sensitive keys
- Onboard USB MIDI interface containing five-pin MIDI output and input
This is a 25-key semi-weighted MIDI Controller. The full-size keys are velocity-sensitive. More also, it has a style keybed for a natural feel and unprecedented response. The illuminated MPC style pads are containing 8RGB, all with four banks for use by the 32 pads. It is thus the ideal solution for triggering melodic, one-shots, loops, and samples.
The item also has 12 different assignable Q Link controllers, which consist of 4 backlit buttons and eight control knobs. They have been engineered for purposes of the unprecedented draw and hassle-free mapping, virtual effect control, and virtual instrument.
It is high moment that you start taking command of peripheral MIDI equipment as a result of the onboard USB MIDI interface containing five-pin input and output of MIDI. The controls of MPC mainstay are including Time Division, Tap Tempo, MPC Full Level, arpeggiator, and MPC Note Repeat.
4. M-Audio Oxygen 25 Key MIDI Controller
Features
- Octave up and down buttons
- Eight sensitive velocity trigger pads
- Velocity synth-action sensitive keys
- Innovative DirectLink to map controls
Ultra-portable and compact performance keyboard controller with synth action velocity and 25 full-size velocity-sensitive keys. Besides, its modulation wheels and board pitch bed paves the way for expressive performances.
There are eight sensitive and trigger pads for clip launching and beat production. The eight knobs allow manipulation of virtual instruments, plugins onboard, and DAW parameters. Its LCD screen is providing feedback on the instant setting. It is popular because of buttons that are dedicated to increasing the keyboard to the fullest melodic range.
The transport buttons will help you in controlling DAW without necessarily reaching for the mouse. More also, the direct link is innovative for purposes of monitoring maps to the popularly known DAWs, which are including Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Live, and Ableton.
5. Best With Bluetooth -CME Xkey Air 25 Key MIDi Controller
Features
- Synth-action 25 Full Synth keys with aftertouch
- Modulation, Pitch Bend, and octave change controls
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Rechargeable built-in Lithium battery
- XKEY Plus App Bundled Software
The best controller regarding Bluetooth presence. It is portable, and thus you will carry it around with ease and get to practice whenever you wish. However, the keyboard controller is not containing extra features and is mainly focusing on portability and playability. It is easy to use, and thus if you are still learning, it is the best keyboard controller that you need to consider buying.
More also, it has a lightweight besides having a slim profile. It is for this reason that the keyboard is standing out from the others in the market. Its thin profile is making it visually compatible with the various modern small laptop, tablets, and keyboards. Similar to laptops, it is coming with a built-in rechargeable battery. You will thus be using it without necessarily draining power on the mobile device.
Besides being portable and sleek, the CME has the capability of packing the keyboard using essential controls and 25 full-size keys, which most people, after considering fun for usage.
6. Novation Launchkey 25 Key MIDI Keyboard
Features
- Includes samples and software
- Bus-powered by USB
- Controls different DAW software
- 16 RGB Pads
- Designed for use in Ableton live
Novation Launchkey 25 Key MIDI Controller is very easy to use. It is the easiest and quickest way of producing and performing electronic music. They have been designed for the performance of live music. All you require is plugging in through USB, and the pads, knobs, faders, and keys get to spring into life. As a result, you will have control over the mixer, effects, instruments, and grid.
The heart of any kind of keyboard is the keyboard itself. Launchkey is fast, lightweight, and also easy to play. The fact that it is a velocity-sensitive guarantee you of its capability of creating expressive performances.
The less you mess with the mouse, the more time you will have in playing music. You need to ensure you use this up to date key controller for excellent services. It will help you add keys, change programs to hardware synths, and send apps.
7. Akai Professional 25 Key MIDI Keyboard
Features
- Dedicated octave down and octave up buttons
- Ultra-compact design for creation in all places
- Pedal input full-size sustain jack
- 8 Q-Link Assignable Knobs for tweaking plugins and mixing
- 4-way thumbstick for modulation control and dynamic pitch
A mini keyboard controller that has been designed for use by desktop producer and traveling musician. It has hardware controls that will help you record, compose, and perform with the use of effect plugins and virtual instruments. Besides, it is featuring modulation manipulation, dynamic pitch 4-way thumbstick, and synth-action keys.
MPK Mini includes all the different essential for quickly expanding and laying down of musical ideas. Its octave up and down buttons help in increasing the keyboard to the fullest melodic range. It is this ideal for sustaining pedal input for purposes of expressive recording and playing.
The onboard arpeggiator has adjustable modes, range, and resolution making it more accessible in the creation of intricate melodic lines while putting just little effort.
Benefits of a 25 Key MIDI Controller
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Highly Portable
You will quickly work, transport, or move with the compact MIDI version with the absence of extra keys. Many people will be using this with recording software and other instruments. Therefore, they will be offering effect, which includes recording while working with the track. In the absence of extra keys, you are likely to have control over more outcomes and moving the keyboard as required.
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Focused Recording
Most artists are focused on additions, effects, and loops on current tracks. With fewer keys, you will be focusing on loops and results that you are creating. If you wish to transport or changing pitch, you will need to add on effect.
It is much better rather than focusing on the keys number. You may consider looking at natural and quick ways of recording sounds.
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Added Controls
The 25 keypads are integrating more pads and controls rather than the keys. You will realize that 25 MIDI controller has different drum pads for a varying recording approach. It is including the alternative control features which the more significant additions are not carrying. The 25 key edition focus offers better sounds and compatibility than the use of more keys that are using electronic connectivity.
Are 25 Keys Enough for a MIDI Controller?
A 25 MIDI key controller is enough for use in the whole production. It is likely to take you farther while performing live as long as it has more control elements than those present in the actual keys. Some people are capable of playing fantastic stuff using 25 keys since they learn on the best way of using octave buttons both up and down efficiently.
In case you have been using a guitar in the past, a 25 MIDI keyboard controller will be an excellent upgrade for you. The 25 keyboards are offering a mix of three things which are including ease in use, portability, and price.
The keyboard has limited features and keys, making it cheap, and therefore with under $100, you will get this product. The features are limited, and thus the keyboard is easy to use. There are no many knobs and buttons which will be getting in your way. All you will require is a handful of knobs, a few pads and a bunch of keys.
3 Top Recommended 25 Key MIDI Controllers
Conclusion
The best thing concerning mini MIDI keyboards is that they are acting as the middle man between the outside world and studio. While traveling, you need to carry one of the discussed keyword controllers with you. They are contributing a lot to the outlook and performance of any home or studio. Therefore, make your choice wisely on the product to purchase.
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