MIDI buying guides
MIDI Controllers,
Decoded.
Buying guides, comparisons, and beginner tutorials for MIDI keyboards, pad controllers, and everything in between. No hype, just what does what and what is worth your money.
Controller finder
Three answers, four solid picks
Tell us your workflow, key feel, and budget. We'll match you against our full catalog.
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Keys for playing, pads for drums, or both?
Editor's picks, right now
All reviews →Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
Best all-rounder for beginners: one-cable DAW control, eight pads, and Arturia's Analog Lab Pro bundle.
M-Audio Hammer 88
A no-frills hammer-action 88 with a graded keybed and every pedal input a pianist needs. No knobs, no pads; the whole budget went into the keys.
Novation Launchpad Pro Mk3
The closest thing to a Push at a third of the price: 64 velocity pads, standalone sequencing, and MIDI plus CV outs for hardware.
The guides
Start with what fits, then dig into the details.