Midi keyboards are very essential for those people who love music because they can be directly connected with laptops or PC using USB cables or Bluetooth. This allows you to access the software instruments and plug-ins present and other control options. A weighted MIDI Keyboard is a type of MIDI Keyboard that can imitate the feel of an acoustic piano, which gives you professional performance.
Well, there are several weighted midi keyboards in the market with different features and brands. That is why I provided this article to help you understand more about the best weighted midi keyboard to help you in making an appropriate decision.
8 Best Weighted MIDI Keyboard On the Market
Benefits of a Weighted MIDI Keyboard
Weighted midi keyboard requires you to press the keys which will cause the hammer to hit on the strings to produce sound. This levers system allows it to have some slight resistance that is felt upon pressing the keys.
1. Great for Practice
It is very beneficial using the weighted midi keyboard because they are very effective when it comes to practicing how to play keyboards. This is because it gives that special feeling whereby you can develop some proper fingering and strength since you’re required to press the keys to exert some force on the hammer which eventually helps you during the training.
2. Easy to Use
Most users have reportedly acknowledged the fact that it is easier to learn using a weighted keyboard because you can easily master the chords and rhythmic progression. This makes it to be considered as a real piano key because it encourages playability because of dynamic resistance created that resembles that of an acoustic piano.
3. Improves on Different Techniques
It also allows you to understand different playing techniques and finger strength which gives a more realistic feeling.
Therefore if you want to have some perfect training sessions and improve your fingering strength you need to opt for a MIDI weighted keyboard. Those who have used it have always acknowledged the exciting experience that it brings with it.
On the contrary, digital keyboards are somehow easy to learn and there is nothing much interesting about them because everything has been made easy and you can play the keyboard with minimal commitment.
Tips on Choosing a Weighted MIDI Keyboard
The following are some of the tips that you should consider when choosing a weighted midi keyboard.
1. Number of Keys
Weighted mini keyboards come in various sizes which contains the different number of keys. This is dependent on the type of keyboard that you will buy depending on your budget. Therefore before buying a weighted mini keyboard it is important to consider the number of keys because you might consider that 25 keys as a beginner are which is perfect for drumlins, basic chords, and basic lines.
However, you might be frustrated with a weighted keyboard that contains less than 49 keys larger keyboards especially when you want to learn advanced techniques and it is also ideal in sequencing.
>> Recommended 25 Key MIDI Keyboard for Beginners<<
>> Recommended 49 Key MIDI Keyboard<<
>> Recommended 61 Key MIDI Keyboard<<
>> Recommended 88 Key Weighted MIDI Keyboard<<
2. Weighted Action
The weighted action or touch-sensitivity is also an important factor that you need to consider before buying a weighted midi keyboard. This is because weighted keyboards offer a real and conducive environment for practice because it increases the strength of your fingers.
Additionally, it brings out the real piano feeling whereby you will enjoy when using it. Therefore, consider the extent of the weighted action that would meet your needs.
3. Physical Size
Size is also another important component that you cannot afford to ignore when choosing a weighted midi keyboard. This is because size determines the portability of your equipment which will also determine how best you can use it.
If you are traveling I would suggest that you go to a smaller weighted keyboard that you can put in your bag without feeling heavy or cumbersome. On the other hand, if you’re using the weighted midi keyboard just for home use or in a stationary place you could opt for a larger size that is solid and high quality since it also allows you to access more controls, unlike the smaller ones.
>> Recommended Portable Weighted MIDI Keyboard<<
4. Extra Controls
You might consider having a weighted midi keyboard that has something more extra to offer than the other conventional keyboards. This is determined by the extra controls such as pads, knobs, and feathers to help you customize your keyboard to suit your needs and improve on the overall performance.
5. Software Included
The software that has been included in a weighted midi keyboard determines the efficiency and effectiveness of your equipment. There is other useful software like such as Beat creation software that makes it more effective especially when creating musical beats using your computer. Such software allows you to use other advanced tools for better performance.
Weighted vs. Semi-Weighted vs. Non -Weighted keys
#1. Weighted Keys
Weighted keys use a lever system to induce vibration. When these keys are pressed the hammer will strike the string that is connected to a lever system which brings some resistance which resembles that of an acoustic piano. The sound produced by the weighted keys depends on the amount of pressure you exert on the key when you press the keys with some hard touch. You will get a softer sound when you press with less impact.
Additionally, weighted keys are very essential for those people who are learning to play piano because it builds finger strength and enhances effective key coordination. With the controlled velocity and touch-sensitive midi keyboards can bring responsive and enjoyable sounds.
>> Recommended MIDI Keyboard With Best Weighted Action<<
#2. Semi-weighted Keys
Semi-weighted keyboard keys are used in keyboards which are slightly above the beginner level. This is because they use a semi-weighted action. When a key is pressed the lever system exerts more resistance compared to that of a weighted keyboard so that it can produce sound. It requires slightly less effort than the weighted keyboards because the levels of resistance have been standardized to make your playing experience more fun and enjoyable.
If you have been using a weighted keyboard you will feel there is some difference in the way the keys respond to touch. Therefore we can refer it standard between the weighted and un-weighted keys.
>> Recommended MIDI Keyboard With Semi-Weighted Action<<
#3. Non-weighted keys
This is a kind of keyboard keys which does not use weighted action. They require some little touch to produce responsive sounds most people might prefer this kind of keyboard because it resembles that of a digital keyboard. It offers the slightest resistance, unlike the weighted and semi-weighted keys.
The difference between all these keys depends on the weighted action that is used to produce sound. Therefore, the weighted key is advantageous because you can play quietly unlike the semi-weighted keys which may offer course touch and it may not be easy to play quietly. The only disadvantage of weighted keys is that it is heavier and less portable.
FAQs About Weighted MIDI Keyboard
#1. How many keys should I choose on a MIDI keyboard?
When you want to buy a MIDI keyboard various aspects will dictate which keyboard you should purchase. These are always based on things like space, are you a beginner and how much do you want to spend. After this, you should also figure out what is the purpose of you purchasing the MIDI keyboard. A MIDI keyboard has various keys depending o the sizes. I would like to outline the keys depending on what you will suit you.
The following are keys that you can choose depending on skill level and functionalities:
25 Keys
If you are a beginner, then you should find the right MIDI keys for you. I normally suggest the use of a 25 keys MIDI keyboard. This is an easy keyboard to play and it has fewer features. In this keyboard size, you will be able to venture into the bass, orchestra, and even the basic cords.
This is very ideal for those people who don’t want to get deeper on the keys. This is very suitable for those people and also the beginners as it has no complex keys. It is easy to operate and very ideal for beginners and those people who want to get to the basic cords.
49 Keys
If you love to go deeper on the keyboard ad get to enjoy playing some nice and amazing tunes, then the right key size is the MIDI keyboard with 49 keys. This is one of the best keys that will over several notes. If you love to have a deeper understanding of the notes then this is the right key for you.
The size doesn’t matter but you will be frustrated if you go to a MIDI keyboard with less than 49 keys. These are the keys that can take you to grade 3 standards of playing. It is excellent if you want to enter into some special music and even the intermediate keyboard learning.
#2. Can I learn to play on a weighted MIDI keyboard?
This is always possible. Learning using a weighted MIDI keyboard is not a new thing. But you should find the right size for learning to play with them. It might not be the best option to learn the piano with a midi keyboard.
There are various keyboards you can use to learn to play but if your only option is the MIDI keyboard, then I would always suggest that you use a weighted 88 keys keyboard. Select the one that has hammered keys and this will be the best option to play with.
The reason why I would suggest that you learn to play the keyboard with 88 weighted keys is that you will have a chance to play with both hands. Piano playing should involve both hands and an 88 weighted keys keyboard is an ideal option to learn to play the keyboard. You cannot use a 25 keys keyboard since you will not be able to play with both hands.
This is only meant for some basic playing and cannot be a good option to learn to play on it. Weighted keys keyboard is always the best option MIDI keyboard to learn to play the piano.
#3. What is the best weighted MIDI keyboard?
Nektar IMPACT LX88+ MIDI Keyboard
Nektar IMPACT LX88+ MIDI Keyboard is an 88 keys weighted MIDI keyboard. This keyboard has been designed for players whose aim is to get a great keyboard. This is the keyboard that can take your playing to another level.
It has a medium tension which can suit the playing very well. It also offers you a chance to match your playing style or even try a new one. The transpose modules and other wheels are within the reach. This gives you the ability to shift the keyboard upwards or downward depending on what you want in an easy manner.
You get a chance to apply other articulations that you might want to add on your playing. The keyboard’s impact can send up to 3 zones using the same time. It has a LED button that is good and thus avoids confusion. With this keyboard, you can gain access to most of the functions that other keyboards might be lacking. It is one of the best keyboards that you can choose to opt for its sound production is so great and its features are well distinguished.
It is a greatly weighted keyboard that can even suit the learning process. This is a weighted keyboard that will lift your piano skills to another level. If you want a great keyboard that you can lay perfectly well and get to enjoy the notations, then this is the best you can opt for. It is one of the best keyboards that have been highly rated.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best weighted midi keyboard, then you have a better platform to make a better decision. The most important thing is to purchase a keyboard that will meet your needs perfectly. Always consider your budget because there are affordable and high-quality keyboards that are found in both local and online stores.
