This post contains affiliate links. For more information, visit my disclosure page.
- Premium Choice
- Novation Launchkey Keyboard (49-Key)
- CHECK AVAILABILITY
The way artists create and record music is now very different from how it was before. Everything has become more compact, convenient, and uncomplicated- and the same can be said for recording devices and instruments. Innovations to traditional instruments are now more affordable and accessible to the general public.
A good example would be the USB Piano Keyboard- all you need to do is connect it to a computer, laptop, or tablet through a USB port and voila! You can create beautiful music for yourself, for your friends and loved ones, or to share with everyone.
Curious about what this handy, little instrument is? If you want to learn more about USB Piano Keyboards, the factors to consider when buying, and what the best ones on the market are right now, then keep reading- this article has all the answers for you!
Best USB Piano Keyboard
First off, we have compiled a list of the 10 best USB Piano Keyboards on the market to help you get started on creating good music, or on improving your musical abilities.
This list showcases brands that are on the top of the industry, and are known for their high-class and affordable products- if you have a unit with specific requirements in mind, there most likely will be one for you here. So, let’s start!
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII Keyboard
The Akai brand’s world-class MIDI keyboards are at the top of the game- so for our first pick, we have the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller.
It has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, octave up and down buttons to give the user access to the full melodic range, and is, of course, USB powered. It boasts giving the user an ultimate, complete experience whenever and wherever- perfect for artists who have a lot of gigs, or just generally love to travel!
And, it also has the following features: it comes with a downloadable production software package compatible for both MAC and PC, such as the Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech.
- Affordable and accessible
- Portable and lightweight
- 4-way thumb stick for dynamic pitch and modulation
- 8 back lit velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with note repeat
- 1,400 sounds that can be used in professional production
Ammoon Worlde Panda Keyboard Controller (25-Key)
Next up, we have the Ammoon Worlde Panda Portable Mini USB Keyboard Controller, with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 back lit trigger pads. It’s hassle free and ready to use, since it doesn’t need a driver installation. If you’re a beginner, this unit is ideal for you.
Additionally, it’s also easy on the eyes, so you’re sure that it can blend well with your decor! Aside from this, it has four each of MIDI controls and banks, so you can play around with many different settings.
The only downside is that it’s not compatible with older Windows versions, and does not work with G3 or G4 accelerator cards.
- Affordable and accessible
- 4 MIDI control groups and 4 banks for different settings
- 8 control buttons for Pitch, Octave, CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Prog,
- designed with a plug and play USB 2.0 cable
- USB bus powered, meaning you don’t need additional power cables
Novation Launchkey Keyboard (49-Key)
The Novation Launchkey USB Keyboard Controller is one of the best-selling USB Piano Keyboards in the market.
Made by a brand who is also considered one of the best in the USB Piano Keyboard market, it’s an advanced unit with a lot of great features, such as 16 full-color, velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons.
The keys on this one are narrower than the standard keyboard, but feels good for the user. For a functional and versatile keyboard especially constructed for experts, go for this!
- Affordable and accessible
- LED display with pitch bend and modulation wheels
- USB powered and can work without a driver or a power cable
- Comes with a downloadable production software package compatible for both MAC and PC, such as: Ableton Live Lite and XLN Audio Addictive Keys
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard (61-Key)
We really can’t deny Akai’s ability in producing competent and quality keyboards. So for this pick, we have another one- Akai’s 61-key unit, which are full-size and velocity-sensitive.
The keys feel premium and natural as that of a traditional piano, a characteristic that Akai products are known to have. its style pads are equipped with 4 banks for 64 pads and 24 assignable Q link controllers.
The Akai Professional MPK261 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller also offers a lot of mainstay controls, such as MPC note repeat, arpeggiator, MPC full level, tap tempo, and time division.
- Affordable and accessible
- 16 RGB illuminated MPC style pads each with
- Hassle-free mapping and unprecedented digital audio workshop (DAW)
- 5-pin MIDI input and output
- MPC mainstay controls
- Comes with a downloadable production software package for both MAC and PC
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Keyboard (37-Key)
There are so many reasons why the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 MIDI Keyboard Controller is a favorite among users. It showcases an efficient keyboard that produces a high-level sound, and is sure to make any user feel like they’re giving an unbeatable performance.
It’s also one of the rarer kinds of USB Piano Keyboards, with its 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys. Not to mention, it’s easy to clean and maintain. plus, it has a standalone mode that lets you control your MIDI outboard gear.
Moreover, this keyboard is hassle-free and easy to use, especially for beginners.
- Affordable and accessible
- iPhone, iPad, MAC, and PC compatible
- Headphone output
- 3.5 mm MIDI input and output
- Has a standalone mode for MIDI outboard
Alesis Recital Beginner Digital Keyboard (88-Key)
The Alesis Recital Beginner Digital Piano/Keyboard can cater to all the needs of a musician when it comes to virtual samples and plug-ins. It has 88 full-sized keys, and adjustable touch response.
With this, you have everything you need to learn the keyboard and at the same time, create a high-level performance. It’s recommended for beginners as it’s adaptable and can easily suit your preferred playing style.
The Alesis Recital Beginner Digital Piano/Keyboard is also versatile to use for a lot of editing and manipulation projects, and features education and lesson modeas, as well as crystal clear speakers.
- Acoustic, Electric, Organ, Synth, and Bass sounds
- Built-in FX, Chorus and Reverb
- Educational features and lesson modes with 128 note max polyphony
- Skoove 3-month premium subscription for expert online piano lessons
- 2 built-in 20W crystal clear speakers
- 1 power adapter
M-Audio Oxygen IV USB MIDI Keyboard (49-Key)
For our seventh pick is a reliable keyboard and drum pad controller- the M Audio Oxygen IV USB MIDI Keyboard! It comes with 49 full-size, velocity sensitive keys and 8 velocity sensitive trigger pads that can be modulated to produce expressive performances.
It gives off a natural piano feel, but with ultra portability. To add, it can also record, pause, and play audio, which can be very helpful for practicing beginners and recording professionals.
With all the built-in sounds and free software, this unit is full of features and therefore more competent than others in the same price range. How great is that?
- Affordable and accessible
- User-friendly, convenient, and can be easily adjusted to your preference
- 8 knobs and 9 faders for manipulating and mixing instruments
- Octave up/down buttons that gives the user access to the full melodic range
- Comes with a downloadable production software package compatible for both MAC and PC, such as: Ableton Live Lite, Sonivox Twist, and AIR Music Tech XPand 2
Midiplus MIDI Controller X4 Mini
This unit is perfect for experimental and adventurous musicians. The Midiplus MIDI Controller X4 Mini is equipped with 49 weighted keys and 3 segment back lit LED capacitive touch sensors for pitch and modulation control. It’s very customizable!
To add, the Midiplus MIDI Controller X4 Mini is made out of high-quality materials, so it’s best for beginners who are looking to have a keyboard that can last years of practice and usage.
Aside from its sleek design, it’s also hassle free, features several customizable knobs for easy sound manipulation, and is easy to use.
- Affordable price
- Sleek and simple design
- 4 customizable knobs
- USB powered keyboard
- Hot plug supported for a hassle free use
- No driver and external supply needed
Novation Impulse USB MIDI Controller Keyboard (49-Key)
The Novation Impulse USB MIDI Controller Keyboard is one of the best selling keyboards in the market, with its 49 velocity-sensitive keys and ultra-responsive keyboard with aftertouch.
It’s easy to manage, too- prop it up on any table, desk, or workbench and it’ll work just fine, and for cleaning, just wipe the dirt off. It’s an affordable and reliable keyboard suited for beginners and intermediate users alike.
Plus, it gives you instant hands-on access to your digital audio workstation (DAW), and is compatible with a variety of software such as Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station synth, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and a Loopmasters Sample Pack.
- Affordable and accessible
- Full plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 9 faders and buttons
- Designed with a 4-control software
- Multi-function drum pads
- Comes with a production software package compatible for MAC and PC
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Roland MIDI Keyboard Controller A-800PRO-R (61-Key)
Lastly, we have the Roland MIDI Keyboard Controller A-800PRO-R, a functional and efficient keyboard which has 61 velocity-sensitive keys with channel after touch. it’s affordable yet durable, and easy to operate.
It is hassle-free and gives an inspiring feel and response, which is sure to give any user (especially beginners) the motivation to keep performing! it even comes with a wide variety of assignable controls!
To add, Roland products are made out of quality and durable products. This keyboard is surely a good investment for the musician on-the-go.
- Affordable
- 45 assignable controls in the form of buttons, knobs, sliders, and more
- 8 dynamic pads for finger drumming and MIDI triggering
- USB bus powered; AC adaptor is optional but not required
- Compatible on both MAC and PC
- Works with any digital audio workstation (DAW)
USB Piano Keyboard Buying Guide
Regardless if you’re a beginner or a professional musician, it’s always important to read up on what you’re thinking of investing in first. In this case, we have the USB Piano Keyboard- what is it exactly? What does it do, what sets it apart, and will it be beneficial to your craft?
Fret no more, for we’ve got all the answers for you in this USB Piano Keyboard buying guide. Keep reading and be guided!
What is a MIDI Keyboard?
The technology of our world has become so fast-paced that it has innovated even the simplest of things- who knew instruments can be innovated to become even more functional and dynamic?
Basically, a MIDI keyboard, or what some call a controller keyboard, is a piano-style electronic keyboard used for making music and/or sound effects.
It looks like a piano, but with additional features (such as screens, buttons, wheels, knobs, sliders) that send MIDI signals to a computer or recording device through a USB or MIDI-5 pin cable. It’s a revamped, more modern take on the traditional piano!
Below are the different factors of a MIDI keyboard that you can use as a reference while buying:
Weight
In comparison to the traditional piano, MIDI keyboards are more compact and simple in design- it’s basically just the keyboard without the lid and strings.
They were made to become easier to carry and convenient so that on-the-go musicians can easily bring them whenever and wherever they want.
Key Size
MIDI keyboards, much like the traditional piano, usually come in full-size keys. Other MIDI keyboards, however, come in mini sizes or flat mini keys so that they’re lightweight and easy to travel.
MIDI keyboards also come in different numbers of keys. The more common number of keys are the:
- 25-key (the smallest; suitable for basslines)
- 49-key (the smallest upon which a user can play two-handed piano parts)
- 6-key1 (ideal for playing two-handed piano parts)
- 88-key (the heaviest and least portable; has a full key range, the same as the acoustic piano)
However, there are also units with 32-key, 37-key, 73-key, and 76 keys, which are much rarer. These offer a greater melodic range than the common keyboards.
Keyboard Action
Keyboard action is the internal mechanism by which the keys work in order to create sound- but in this case, we call it MIDI data. There are two types of major keyboard actions: the traditional and non-traditional.
Traditional keyboard actions are derived from the traditional European key-based instruments. These are usually likened to that of a grand piano, pipe organ, or synthesizer.
On the other hand, non-traditional keyboard action is more modern and varying in sound. These are best for those going for alternative, experimental, or just different-sounding music in general.
Controls
Other than the keys, MIDI keyboards also have different controls- buttons, wheels, sliders/faders, knobs, pitch bend and modulation, touch strips, pads, breath controller, foot controller, screens- that can manipulate sound and audio, and mix different instruments.
These controls are built to function while the user is playing the keys.
Sensitivity
MIDI keyboards have sensors that aid in tracking key movement. On the other hand, some MIDI keyboards are able to process after touch data. These data are assigned to a variety of effects such as vibrato, pitch bends, and volume swells. Keyboards can have either a channel or polyphonic aftertouch.
Remember, sensitivity helps a lot in producing a good sound and, ultimately, an expressive performance.
But the sensitivity of the keys in a MIDI keyboard vary, so if you’re one who likes to perform without putting in much effort, make sure to buy one that’s extra sensitive to the touch.
Connectivity
Essentially, MIDI keyboards just need a computer with a digital audio workstation (DAW) in order to run. Nowadays, MIDI keyboard set-ups are fairly less of a hassle, since class compliant (also known as plug and play) units are getting more and more popular and accessible.
However, some MIDI keyboard set-ups still require a software driver to be installed before using.
Connecting one of the best disco party lights for example, shouldn’t be too difficult.
As for the power source, it depends on whether or not the keyboard can run with or without an external power source. Some units, when bought, even include batteries.
Material
Always check the materials of the MIDI keyboard you’re getting. Keep in mind if it is something that you’ll be using and/or travelling frequently; so be wary of getting one made out of subpar materials!
The parts of a MIDI keyboard that are the easiest to get wrecked are the keys and touch-sensitive controls.
Price
The price of a MIDI keyboard is a huge factor when it comes to buying one. First, check your budget and then assess yourself as a musician.
List all your needs and wants- if you’re a beginner or a just a hobbyist, perhaps it’s best to get a USB Piano Keyboard that’s not too complicated so you won’t get disheartened while learning.
If you’re a professional, however, a high-performing unit that can withstand hours of practice might be best.
Final Thoughts
And that’s pretty much everything you need to know about USB Piano Keyboards! Who knew that there’s so much to learn about this instrument?
From the aesthetics down to the features, it is a truly worthwhile investment and an interesting addition for musicians everywhere- and whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional, we hope this article satisfied your curiosity.
With this, good luck on touching up your musical skills, and may you create and share beautiful music with your very own USB Piano Keyboard soon!