Best 88 Key MIDI Controller

Whether you want to play with sound modules, synthesizers, or just plain old piano, a midi-controller offers the solution for modern recording musicians. If you want to record music on your computer or MacBook, the best 88 key MIDI controller is the way to go.

The reason 88 key MIDI controllers are so popular is because they offer you the closest experience a digital recording musician can get to a full size piano. What makes them really cool is that you are not limited to just a piano sound. MIDI controllers offer limitless access to any sound imaginable. You can use your existing knowledge of music theory and playing piano and use that to play any instrument you like.

The Best 88 Key MIDI Controller

In the grand scheme of recorded music, MIDI is relatively new. Essentially, a MIDI controller takes what you are playing and converts it into a digital signal that your digital audio workstation (DAW) can read as music. You can play a part using a piano function and switch it to a horn section, strings, or any other sampled sound. Since the language is MIDI, the computer just swaps one sound out for the other.

MIDI controllers have opened up the floodgates for musicians everywhere to create and express themselves in ways that are unparalleled to any other time in history. An independent composer in a small studio apartment suddenly has access to a full orchestra of sounds. A solo artist no longer needs to hire a studio of session musicians to get the music in their head out to the world.

All this is possible through MIDI and the best way to harness these opportunities is through an 88 key MIDI controller.

There are a ton of options out there; some better than others. We are here to analyze each of the top contenders so you don’t have to and can get back to what you do best; creating great music!

Our Favorite MIDI Controllers

Check the list below for finding out the best 88 key MIDI controllers.

• Donner DEP-20 Best Overall
• Alesis Recital | 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano Best Budget
• M-Audio Hammer 88 | Premium 88-Key Hammer-Action Best Features

Our Top 10 Picks

Product Name	Weight type	Hammer action	Other features
Alesis Recital Best Budget	Semi-weighted	88-key hammer action	Comes with three months smooth subscription
RockJam 88-Key	Semi-weighted	88-key hammer action	Has inbuilt stereo speakers
M-Audio Keystation 88 II	Semi-weighted	88-key hammer action	Has expressive and high-performance features
Costzon 88-Key	Weighted	88-key hammer action	Waterproof and heavy duty
M-Audio Hammer 88 Best Features	Fully-weighted	88-key hammer action	Dual keyboard options
Nektar (IMPACT LX88+)	Semi-weighted	88-key hammer action	Comes with ultra-sensitive pads
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2	Fully-weighted	88-key hammer action	Comes with 14 premium effects
Studiologic SL88	Fully-weighted	88-key hammer action	Has diversity
Donner DEP-20 Best Overall	Fully weighted	88-key hammer action	238 tones available
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII Best For Piano Lovers	Semi-weighted	88-key hammer action	88 keys hammer action

Best 88 Key MIDI Controller Review

1. Alesis Recital | 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano Best Budget

First, on the list comes Alesis’ Recital digital piano. Let us talk more about it, find some information, and show you a few reasons to make it your choice. 

Great sound quality

One of the best features on this MIDI controller is that you do not need an external sound library. This device also functions as a standalone piano with a powerful 20 watt speaker.

You can use any of the preloaded instrument voicings or even layer two at a time. Additionally, there are fully adjustable reverb and chorus effects you can use with any of the preloaded sounds.

Compatibility 

This keyboard is compatible with many other devices. You will have dual 1/4″ jacks for both input and output. That means you can connect a sustain pedal or a set of headphone. Additionally, this device supports USB, RCA, and USB-MIDI output.

User-friendly 

The device is intuitive, user-friendly, and easy to understand, making it ideal for you to use even if you are a beginner. It offers 5 different modes and styles for you to play with; Acoustic Piano, Bass, Electric Piano, Organ, and Synth. Another great feature is its various playing styles and it’s best for a budget price tag.

2. RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano with Full-Size Semi-Weighted Keys

RockJam is a known brand for producing excellent quality features in such a compact design. Not only is its craftsmanship impressive, but the pianos produced are worth giving a try and help you learn the instruments better. 

The multi-functionality is what I like the most about this model, and indeed a reason to be included as my top pick. 

All Around Music Making Machine

This is one of the coolest keyboards on this list. It has a 24 watt speaker so you do not need external amplification. Really get your creative juices flowing with the wide variety of different tones, voicings, and playing functions.

Additionally, this unit comes with a built in metronome to keep your practice sessions efficient and productive.

Perfect For Beginners

The Rockjam 88 hails itself as a very beginner friendly tool. If you are just learning where the notes are, you can use the key stickers that come along in the package to keep track of where everything is. You will also have access to the Simply Piano app which is designed to “gamify” piano lessons and accelerate the learning process.

Multi I/O Functions

If you want to get the full piano playing experience, you will love the multi-pedal support this device offers. There are 1/4″ inputs for a sustain and soft-pedal, as well as a 7-pin input for an additional sostenuto pedal. In addition to the pedal inputs, there is an additional 1/4″ microphone jack.

Not only do you have several input options, you also have several output options, as well. There is a 1/4″ headphone jack and a stereo AUX jack. Both of these outputs allow you to connect to an external speaker, PA, or amplifier.

You will also find additional USB and MIDI support for all of your recording and digital music needs.

3. M-Audio Keystation 88 II – 88 Key USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller

What attracts me the most about M-Audio is its excellent customer service; where you are the priority. Even if you are calling to complain about quality or a broken product, the staff is cooperative and provides you with the most comfortable solutions. Let me give you a detailed review of this keyboard.

DAW controller

The piano has a DAW controller so that you can adjust the performance based on your previous sessions. Well, it may seem a bit difficult to do so. Thus, I will suggest you go through the manual thoroughly or ask the retailer for the details first. 

Sound library 

The Touch Loops Sound Library is a perfect way to spark your creativity during the songwriting process. This 2GB library features over 500 loops and samples to give your next creation the perfect touch.

Plug and play

I know being an enthusiast may give you a tough time, but not now, as this piece of perfection has got your back. If you want to enjoy the music, all you need to do is plug-in the device and play whatever you like. There are over 60 free lessons offered by the brand so that you can improve your skills.

You can quickly get the hang of it with the controls and midi features offered here.

4. Costzon 88-Key Portable Digital Piano, Touch Sensitive Knocking

With a unique and sleek design, Costzon has won the race. Having a black matte body enables you to carry it along and fit in, seamlessly, with your other instrument. Its external speakers are what I prefer the most. 

Long-lasting battery

1750 mAh battery is excellent and works perfectly well. The lithium battery is long-lasting, making the work hassle-free and extremely solid. It is supposed to last for at least 12 hours, even if you are working continuously. Moreover, the charging time is not that long, making it preferable to use in any circumstances. 

Connectivity

Here you can either use an MIDI cable or headphones. In addition, there are a few more options you can explore to avoid echo and record your best versions. The piano is best at connectivity and works fine as well.

Dynamic curves

The box also comes with a cover so that you can travel with the piano quickly. Also, there are 128 rhythms and 20 demos, which are worth investigating.

The digital piano is a steal deal for anyone looking for the ideal product as a beginner. The investment is worth the hype and surely you will not regret this option.

5. M-Audio Hammer 88 | Premium 88-Key Hammer-Action USB Best Features

If you want value for money this digital piano must be bought. Blended with fantastic sound quality, compatibility, and a fast-acting keyboard, it is all you want. This one, introduced by M-Audio, comes with A grade software technology to make it much more advanced than ever before. 

Premium design

The product is excellent for day to day use, such that you can quickly train yourself using this digital piano. There is nothing you can compromise on, as the design is just top-notch and made of premium quality materials. Furthermore, it is practical to use and works professionally, as well. 

The performance is tremendous and sleek to use.

Impressive integration

Don’t worry about the controls; it’s creativity as it’s one of the best features. The USB and HDMI cables are worth giving a try, as it provides you with the most seamless experience. What’s more interesting is that it works great if you are an iOS user. It works with any version of the iPad or Macbook that you own. 

Three months free subscription 

The brand has taken care of its customer for so long and hence came up with the idea of free subscription. Now you can enjoy three months of Skoove, an interactive digital teaching platform, without paying a single penny from your pocket.

Well, what else do we need at such a low cost? So pocket friendly yet so useful. The keyboard is user-friendly and expressive in both ways. Such that it is responsive at the press every time you are working on its pressure.

6. Nektar (IMPACT LX88+)

The Nektar is a leading company renowned for their music instruments globally in the market and is worthy of staying in the competition. They are mostly known for their keyboards, including pianos, synthesizers, keyboards, organs, and more. They always come up with new ideas to improve the quality and reliability of their products.

Keyboard

The Nektar keyboards are both sturdy and reliable, with each key producing pitch perfect sounds and oscillations. It is designed as such that it can be used by beginners to learn the keyboard. The LX88 keyboard can be used for in-depth control, and regarding lightness and power, it is perfect.

Interface

Nektar’s LX88 is the perfect extension of their SL CONTROLLERS line, which gives on touch the authentic feel of the product. The interface that LX88+ provides is an interface that is ideal for navigation and setup. 

Nektar used the latest hammer action key bed technology in LX88+ adapted from FATAR, giving the original piano touch feeling.

Smooth textured keys 

Each key in the LX88+ provides three contacts for superior performance and helps setting one’s hand on the keyboard with absolute fluency. LX88+ is equipped with a high-performance keyboard, which makes it lightweight and portable. The compact profile of the LX88+ makes it a portable professional keyboard that is loved by many.

To ensure the keyboard’s sturdiness, Nektar encased it in a rugged full metal casing, which also makes it staged and studio-ready. The keyboard is shielded by a highly resistant synthetic material, which does its job well. The shielding of the keyboard firmly to the key bed provides a safe grip and easy handling.

The Nektar can be a synonym for high-quality keyboards, organs, and pianos renowned for their reliability and no compromise on quality.

7. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk2 Keyboard

Native is one of the most competitive brands out there. The reason is the quality of the products it launches with exceptional features to consider everyone’s needs. They have it all, as per your preferences, so that you can get the hang of this device quickly. 

Smart control

The piano provides you with control over 88 keys at once. Thus, you can quickly get used to it even as a beginner. What I like most about this product is the hammer action that allows you to get visual feedback right away.

Variety of effects

The body of this piano is genuine and feels solid. Even if this is your first time owning one, you will not feel any challenges learning it. There are many effects and presets  to choose from that are easy to use; including Gentleman, Massive, and Monark.

Pitch and DAW settings

Through the options, you can work with the DAW settings and compatibility features. Get access to a bunch of apps like GarageBand and make your music in one-go. Isn’t it amazing?

8. Studiologic SL88 Studio Lightweight Midi Controller with 88-Key Hammer Action Keyboard

If you look up customer reviews, this product has 10/10 reviews due to the quality of products it is manufactured from. What’s more, is that the customer service is excellent and liked by most of the users. Thanks to Studiologic, who listens to the worries of customers and has improved a lot.

Lightweight and portable

The digital piano is designed in a way that you can easily carry it from one place to the other. It is because the material is lightweight and easy to move around. What’s more appealing is that it has a stand so you can go to your next gig, making it hassle-free and handy. 

Sturdy design 

Studiologic has made the SL88 appealing for all users to enjoy the experience with ease. The piano is built well and has used all the top-quality products for a sturdy design. It not only looks pretty at first sight but performs well. 

The manual comprises all the necessary information you would need while using the digital piano at home. It is user friendly and easy to understand. I can assure you that you will not find any difficulty understanding and operating your new MIDI controller.

88- key hammer action

The product is excellent at what it claims. Such that you don’t need to look for another device any longer. Its 88 key action is worth spending your money on and has a responsive touch. 

The overall piano is compact and has various velocity curves.

9. Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano 88 Key Full-Size Weighted Keyboard Best Overall

If I were to choose among all, this would surely be the one I would go for. One of the reasons for doing so is that this piano is so easy to work with. So, even if you are buying one for practice, it will be your best option. The piano also has all the midi controlling features you have been looking for. 

Affordable 

What I compliment the most about Donner’s instrument is the affordability they offer. All of the products, specifically this digital piano, are for sure a steal at such a reasonable price. 

Another thing is that it lasts much longer than several other high-end brands. If you want to spend your hard-earned money on something worthy, then this is what you should try.

Premium tones

The digital piano provides you with 238 of the best tones. Such that everything is ready to work with and get you creating. Simply, turn the device on and get started.

High quality built

The piano is made up of excellent quality zinc material so that it does not give you a tough time even if used roughly. Its single sustain pedal works pretty smoothly as well. 

Once you touch it, it feels nice, and the texture is excellent as well. 

The dual-tone settings are great to work with and the features that divide the keyboard to use it with ease. If you need something for everyday use, then this piano is a must to buy at the moment. The keys are smooth and work great too. What else do you want?

10. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII Hammer-Action MIDI Controller and Software, White II Best For Piano Lovers

Arturia is a French electronics company founded in 1999 and based in France. KeyLab 88 is an 88 note Fatar key bed that offers excellent performance and grand piano feels. This keypad controller’s dimensions are 4.4″ x 50.9″ along with a depth of 12.7″. 

Are you in search of a keyboard controller that is highly professional and productive too? Well, here you got something which is worth it all. Arturia has come up with an irresistible and impeccable keyboard for music lovers. 

Sleek design 

You get fantastic software along with a sleek design that is wonderful for any musician. This is the best keyboard for piano lovers. It has 9 x rotary encoders and 9 x faders. It uses Type B of USB connectivity for making it useful with computers as well.

Perfect keyboard and controller

With its premium hammer-action keypad and an excellent command center,  KeyLab 88 MkII makes a perfect controller for gigging keyboardists. Weighing in at just 32 pounds, KeyLab 88 MkII is an ideal stage and studio performance solution that sets a new standard for portable professional keyboard controllers.

Excellent craftsmanship 

No ordinary MIDI controller, Key Lab 88 MkII is a finely crafted instrument and an inspiring music creation tool that brings out the best of your creativity. 

In addition to controlling the levels in your DAW, the nine faders are your drawbars. You can even store custom chords in the performance pads for intuitive, lighting-quick live triggering.

When you’re in the creative zone, you need music tools that encourage you.

Buying Guide (Things To Consider When Choosing An 88 Key MIDI Controller Keyboard)

While looking for an excellent 88 key midi controller keyboard, you may need to consider a few things first. Of course, it may be difficult for you to choose the best one. The question is, how?

First, let’s talk about the most critical aspects of choosing the best controller for you. We’ll start with possibly the most important piece; the keys.

Type of keys

There are a few types of keys available in 88 key midi controller keyboards. 

Weighted keys

Weighted keys are fantastic. Personally, we prefer weighted keys since they feel and respond almost identically to a traditional piano. If you are switching from acoustic to digital instruments, or just adding a new skill to your musician toolkit, weighted keys will likely feel the most natural to you.

Semi-weighted keys

Semi-weighted keys, like weighted keys, are designed to feel more like playing a traditional piano. They use a spring action to emulate the feeling of piano keys. The main difference between weighted and semi-weighted keys is simply the amount of resistance you experience when pressing them.

Unweighted keys

Unweighted keys are exactly what it sounds like; piano style keys but with very little resistance behind them when pressed. The lack of weight makes playing them feel a bit different than weighted keys and requires a different approach.

If you are new to MIDI keyboards, this may not be an issue for you. However, those coming from a piano background may find unweighted keys to be a small, but not insurmountable, hurdle.

Hammer Action

This is another feature that is desirable for veteran pianists but may not warrant the increase in price for a newer player. Hammer action, much like weighted keys, is another way to simulate the piano playing experience.

In a traditional piano, when you press a key, a padded hammer strikes a string. It is essentially a lever type of action and you can feel it in your fingers while playing. For pianists, this is a very familiar feeling. 

MIDI controller manufacturers have used various methods of resistance to simulate the hammer action feel to coincide with weighted keys to provide the most authentic piano playing emulation.

Again, however, if you are not a pianist, weighted keys and hammer action may be unnecessary features for you.

Price/budget

This is a subject that is probably relevant to all musicians, new and old, classic pianists and digital creators alike; price!

You will want to figure out what your overall budget is for a MIDI controller. Once you know how much you can afford, you can start looking at the controllers that fall into your budget range.

Take into consideration the features that are most relevant for you, such as hammer action or weighted keys versus unweighted.

Other features 

Other important things to look for are things like weight and portability. If you are a gigging musician or play every week at your church, you don’t want something that is a beast to lug around.

Also, if you are transporting it regularly, you want something that is strong and durable. Accidents happen and you want an instrument that can withstand the occasional mishap.

FAQs

Q1. Why do you want 88 keys?

A traditional piano keyboard has 88 keys. MIDI controllers do come in much smaller sizes, such as 25 keys, or somewhere in between, like 64 keys. An 88 key MIDI controller just gives you the most options.

Q2. What is a midi controller keyboard?

A MIDI controller keyboard is a device used to transmit musical notes as a digital signal to your computer DAW for the purposes of editing and recording. MIDI keyboards often look like a piano because that is the most effective way to layout the notes in a universal way that most musicians will be able to understand. 

Q3. What is the difference between a keyboard and a MIDI controller?

MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) is a digital language in which a MIDI controller can “speak” to a computer or DAW. It does not produce any sound on its own. It is a control device similar to a typing keyboard or a mouse.

A musical keyboard is a musical instrument. You can play it the same as a MIDI controller but it will produce its own sound. It does not require being connected to an external source for it’s sound library.

Nowadays, many keyboards also have MIDI functionality built in. That means you can use a keyboard as a standalone instrument as well as a MIDI controller. Get the best of both worlds!

Our Favorite MIDI Controllers

Check the list below for finding out the best 88 key MIDI controllers.

• Donner DEP-20 Best Overall
• Alesis Recital | 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano Best Budget
• M-Audio Hammer 88 | Premium 88-Key Hammer-Action Best Features

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post has been a great introduction to the wonderful world of MIDI or helped you find an awesome new MIDI controller for your home studio! MIDI really has been a game changer for the modern musician. 

The creative world has opened up in so many new ways due to digital technology. Grab yourself one of these MIDI devices and make something new and creative!