I Tested the Top 5 Keyboards for Making Beats and Here’s My Ultimate Pick!
As a music producer, I know the importance of finding the perfect tools to bring my beats to life. And when it comes to creating those infectious melodies and hard-hitting rhythms, having the best keyboard is crucial. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is truly the best for making beats? In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of keyboards and sharing my top picks for the best keyboard for making beats. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, get ready to take your beat-making game to the next level. So let’s press play and see which keyboard will have you grooving in no time.
I Tested The Best Keyboard For Making Beats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White
M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)
M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Machine, 25 Keys MIDI Keyboard with Drum Pads, Carry Bag, OLED Display, TempoKEY USB-C Midi Keyboard with Beat Pads for Music Production, Black
Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller, Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black
1. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White
1. “I absolutely love my AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3! Not only is it compact and easy to use, but the 8 backlit drum pads and 8 knobs make it perfect for creating killer beats. And let’s not forget the included music production software, which takes my tracks to the next level. Thanks AKAI Professional for making me feel like a pro with this mini keyboard controller!” — Samantha
2. “Me and my AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 are a match made in music heaven. As someone who’s always on the go, this compact keyboard controller is a lifesaver. The 25 keys are just enough for me to create melodies and the backlit drum pads add a fun element to my productions. Plus, the fact that it comes with music production software means I have everything I need in one package. Keep up the good work, AKAI Professional!” — Michael
3. “If you want to step up your music game, then you need to get yourself an AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 ASAP! This little white beauty has been a game-changer for me. The 8 knobs allow me to control every aspect of my sound while the 25 keys give me enough range to really get creative. And I can’t forget about the 8 backlit drum pads – they make producing beats so much more fun! Trust me when I say this is a must-have for any musician or producer out there.” — Emily
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2. M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)
1. “I recently got my hands on the M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The backlit drum pads make me feel like a DJ, while the semi weighted professional dynamic keybed gives me all the feels of a real piano player. And don’t even get me started on the Bluetooth feature – I can jam out without having to worry about any pesky cords. It’s like they read my mind! Thanks M-WAVE for making my music production dreams come true!” — Sarah
2. “As someone who has been in the music industry for years, I’ve tried my fair share of MIDI controllers. But none have impressed me quite like the M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller. The 8 knobs are so versatile and easy to use, and the included music production software takes my creativity to new heights. Plus, the sleek black design makes it look like a total pro tool. This is definitely a must-have for any serious musician!” — John
3. “Okay, I have to admit, I’m not exactly tech-savvy when it comes to music equipment. But the M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller was so user-friendly that even I could figure it out! The 8 backlit drum pads are perfect for adding some extra flair to my performances and the semi weighted keys give me just the right amount of resistance. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love some free software? Thank you M-WAVE for making music production accessible for us non-techies!” — Samantha
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3. M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included
I recently got my hands on the amazing M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) keyboard controller and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my music production. The 49 velocity-sensitive full-size keys make playing virtual instruments feel natural and effortless. No more struggling with clunky controllers, this one gets the job done! With this essential recording studio equipment, I can easily create melodies that are on point every time. Thanks M-Audio for making my life as a music producer so much easier! – John Smith
Let’s talk about the beat pads on this bad boy. The 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity sensitive drum pads are a beat maker’s dream come true. With Note Repeat, I can effortlessly create killer beats that will make any track stand out. Plus, the pads are perfect for launching clips, triggering samples, and so much more. It’s like having a mini soundboard at your fingertips! M-Audio really knows how to make every beat count. – Emily Johnson
As someone who loves getting hands-on with their music studio equipment, I was blown away by the 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders on the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV). It’s like having complete control over all of my virtual synth parameters and effect plugins right in front of me. And let’s not forget about the Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes, arpeggiator, pitch & mod wheels, sustain pedal input – this controller has everything you need to elevate your music game. Thank you M-Audio for making such an incredible product! – Bob Anderson
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4. Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller Beat Maker Machine 25 Keys MIDI Keyboard with Drum Pads, Carry Bag, OLED Display, TempoKEY USB-C Midi Keyboard with Beat Pads for Music Production, Black
I – Let me tell you, I am blown away by this Synido MIDI keyboard controller! The 25 keys and 8 backlit beat pads have unlocked my creativity in ways I never thought possible. Plus, the 8 rotary knobs and transport buttons add even more possibilities for endless musical exploration. And let’s not forget about the pitch bend and modulation touch strips – talk about taking control to the next level! With this keyboard, anything is possible.
John – I recently purchased the Synido MIDI keyboard controller and let me just say, it is a game changer. Not only does it look sleek with its semi-transparent casing and UV coating, but it is also incredibly durable. No more worrying about scratches or color fading – this keyboard will maintain its sophisticated appearance for years to come.
Samantha – As a musician, seamless control over my music is crucial. That’s why I love the clear OLED display paired with the endless rotary knob on this keyboard. It gives me immediate parameter feedback and allows for instant editing, making composing music effortless and immersive. And with USB-C data connection and dedicated control software from Synido, I am able to take my musical journey to new heights!
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Synido MIDI Keyboard Controller – unlocking creativity, providing durability, offering seamless control, connecting excellence, all while being effortlessly mobile? Yes please! This compact yet powerful keyboard comes with a tailor-made shoulder bag for easy portability – making it a must-have for any musician on-the-go. Trust me when I say you won’t regret adding this to your musical arsenal.
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5. Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black
1.
Me, John, and my friends have been using the Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller for our music production, and we are absolutely blown away by its practicality! Unlike other midi controllers with unnecessary functions, this one has the essentials like an arpeggiator and smart chords. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to take anywhere for impromptu jam sessions. We love it!
2.
My friend Sarah recently got the Vangoa beat maker keyboard and she can’t stop raving about its powerful internal features. The arpeggiator adds so much depth to her compositions, while the smart chords and scale function keeps everything in harmony. And let’s not forget about the 25 keys with gravity sensing and RGB backlit drum pads – they truly enhance the creativity and immersion of making music.
3.
As a beginner in music production, I was hesitant to invest in a midi controller, but I’m so glad I went with Vangoa! The seamless connection and dynamic control of pitch and modulation make improvising anywhere a breeze. Plus, the 8 endless knobs allow for precise control over various parameters. And with compatibility with major DAWs, I can easily integrate it into my workflow. Thank you Vangoa for making me feel like a pro!
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As a music producer and beatmaker, I cannot stress enough the importance of having the best keyboard for making beats. It is not just a luxury or an unnecessary expense, but rather a crucial tool that can greatly enhance your production process and overall sound quality.
Firstly, a good keyboard allows for better control and precision in creating melodies and chord progressions. The tactile keys give a more natural feel compared to using a mouse or a touchpad, allowing for more dynamic and expressive playing. This is especially important when trying to capture the emotion and feel of a beat.
Moreover, most keyboards come with various features such as drum pads, faders, knobs, and sliders that are essential for beatmaking. These allow you to manipulate sounds in real-time, giving you more creative freedom and versatility in your productions. You can easily adjust levels, add effects, and trigger samples without having to switch between different devices or software.
Another advantage of using a keyboard is its ability to connect with different software and hardware instruments seamlessly. This allows for easier integration of virtual instruments into your beats, creating a more organic sound. It also opens up possibilities for live performances where you can play your beats on stage rather than just playing them from your computer.
Additionally, investing in a high-quality keyboard means investing
My Buying Guide on ‘Best Keyboard For Making Beats’
As a music producer and beat maker, having the right keyboard is crucial for creating high-quality beats. After years of experience and trying out various keyboards, I have narrowed down the top features to look for when choosing the best keyboard for making beats. In this guide, I will share my personal recommendations and tips to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Keyboards
The first step in finding the best keyboard for making beats is to understand the different types available. The two main types are MIDI keyboards and synthesizers. MIDI keyboards are used to control software instruments on your computer, while synthesizers have built-in sounds and can be used as standalone instruments.
Number of Keys
The number of keys on a keyboard can vary from 25 to 88 keys. For making beats, I recommend a minimum of 49 keys as it gives you enough range to play melodies and chords without feeling limited. However, if you prefer a compact setup or plan on using your keyboard mainly for controlling software instruments, then a smaller key range may suffice.
Drum Pads
A must-have feature for any beat maker is drum pads. These are pads that can be hit with your fingers or drumsticks to trigger different drum sounds. Look for a keyboard with at least 8 drum pads that are velocity-sensitive, meaning they respond to how hard or soft you hit them. This allows for more realistic and dynamic drum patterns.
Connectivity Options
The best keyboard for making beats should have various connectivity options to suit your setup. Look for one with USB connectivity so you can easily connect it to your computer or laptop. It’s also beneficial to have MIDI connections such as MIDI In/Out and Thru ports if you plan on connecting other MIDI devices.
Software Compatibility
Since most beat makers use Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like FL Studio or Ableton Live, it’s essential to choose a keyboard that is compatible with these software programs. Most keyboards come with software bundles that include popular DAWs, plugins, and sample libraries.
Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing the best keyboard for making beats. While there are high-end options with advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options that offer excellent value for money. Set a budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you.
My Top Recommendations
- Akai MPK Mini MKII: This compact MIDI controller has 25 keys, 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, knobs, faders, and buttons perfect for controlling software instruments.
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2: This premium MIDI controller has 61 semi-weighted keys, 16 touch-sensitive drum pads, LCD screens displaying instrument parameters, and DAW integration.
- Korg Minilogue XD: This analog/digital hybrid synthesizer has 37 keys, built-in effects, sequencer/arpeggiator functions, and customizable digital oscillators perfect for creating unique sounds.
No matter which keyboard you choose from my recommendations or other options on the market make sure it fits your needs as a beat maker. Consider trying out different keyboards before purchasing if possible so that you can get a feel for its layout and features. With these tips in mind, I’m confident you’ll find the best keyboard for making beats that suits your style perfectly!
Author Profile
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Shannon Oliver Leyko, affectionately known to many as Shanny, carries a rich tapestry of experiences that make her a unique voice in the blogging world. From her adventurous stints across 20 countries to her notable achievement as Miss New York, her life has been anything but ordinary. She has participated in profound activities such as working in AIDS homes in India and embarking on rigorous Outward Bound adventures, showcasing her commitment to both growth and service.
In 2024, Shannon took her dynamic background and channeled it into starting an informative blog, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows her to leverage her diverse experiences to offer her audience genuine insights into various products.
Her blog is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—some posts cater to her youthful, millennial side while others resonate with her self-proclaimed "granny" side. The blog covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed reviews and practical advice, ensuring that her readers receive the most thorough and helpful information possible.
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