Best Keyboard Pedals & Footswitches of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Keyboard pedals and footswitches are essential accessories for any keyboard player. These devices allow musicians to add expressive dynamics to their playing by controlling sustain, volume, and other effects with their feet. A sustain pedal, for example, can hold notes longer, while a volume pedal can fade in or out. Footswitches can also be used to trigger different sounds or effects, making them a valuable tool in a live performance or recording setting. With a variety of options available, including single and multi-pedal setups, keyboard pedals and footswitches are a must-have for any serious keyboardist.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal Cover #TOP 1
M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and Pianos Cover #TOP 2
Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and Pianos
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal Cover #TOP 3
Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Keyboard Pedals & Footswitches

#TOP 1

M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal

SP-2
Original Version
1 Function
M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal Cover
M-Audio SP-2 - Universal Sustain Pedal with Piano Style Action For MIDI Keyboards, Digital Pianos & More

The M-Audio SP-2 is a universal sustain pedal designed for MIDI keyboards, digital pianos and other electronic keyboards. Its chrome foot pedal provides a natural, realistic pedal action, while the polarity switch ensures compatibility with all electronic keyboards. The pedal is built to last, with a heavy-duty mechanism and specially designed rubber pads that grip the floor and stay put while you play. The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Responsive sound quality
Good activation pressure
Stays in place well
Great value for the price
What We Don't Like
Occasional inversion issue
#TOP 2

Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and Pianos

YH01
black
Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal for Keyboards and Pianos Cover
Soraco Sustain Pedal Universal for Yamaha Casio Roland Korg Behringer Moog Piano Midi Electronic keyboards Style with Polarity Switch, 1/4'' Input Plug

The Soraco Universal Sustain Pedal is a sturdy and durable accessory for keyboard and piano players. It is compatible with any electronic keyboard or digital piano, and features a 6.5 feet cable with a 1/4 inch phone plug. The chrome plated metal pedal and high strength plastic shell ensure long-lasting use, while the polarity reverse switch provides compatibility with any electronic keyboard, synth, or digital piano. The high toughness soft prevents pedal sliding and makes it perfect for the studio and the road.

What We Like
Versatile and compatible
Solid and durable build
Responsive and smooth feel
Great value for the price
Non-slip rubber base
What We Don't Like
Not heavy-duty
Metal prone to fingerprints
#TOP 3

Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal

Yamaha FC5
black
Yamaha FC5 Sustain Pedal Cover
Yamaha FC5 Compact Sustain Pedal for Portable Keyboards, black

The Yamaha Sustain Pedal is a compact accessory with a 5-foot cable and a 1/4" TS plug. As a genuine Yamaha product, the FC5 is designed for portable keyboards. The 5-foot cable allows you flexibility in your setup, while the 1/4" TS plug ensures compatibility. Being a genuine Yamaha accessory, you can trust its quality and performance for your keyboard needs.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Non-slip rubber backing
Compact and lightweight design
Cost-effective solution
Versatile for multiple uses
What We Don't Like
Different feel than traditional pedals
#TOP 4

Donner Piano Sustain Pedal

DSP-001
Black
DSP-001 Basic
Donner Piano Sustain Pedal Cover
Donner DSP-001 Sustain Pedal for Keyboard, Universal Piano Pedal with Polarity Switch for Digital Piano/Piano Keyboard/MIDI KeyboardSynthesizer, 1/4'' (6.35mm) Input Plug, 63'' (1.6m) Cable

The Donner Piano Sustain Pedal is a sturdy and durable keyboard pedal suitable for a variety of brands of piano/keyboard. It has a polarity switch and 1/4″ (6.35mm) Jack Input that ensures strong compatibility. The sustain pedal has an anti-slip design that grips the floor to keep it perfectly in place. The pedal is a classical design, suitable for most electronic keyboards and digital pianos. It has a quick response, enriching the sound quality, and a 63-inch cable that lets you move the pedal under the piano into the best position.

What We Like
Comfortable pressure
Good price
Versatile with polarity switch
Easy to use
Stable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Slides on carpet
Somewhat lightweight
#TOP 5

Yamaha FC4A Piano Sustain Foot Pedal

FC4A
Multicolored
Yamaha FC4A Piano Sustain Foot Pedal Cover
Yamaha FC4A Assignable Piano Sustain Foot Pedal

The Yamaha FC4A Piano Sustain Foot Pedal comes with a 6-Feet cable and 0.25-Inch plug, improved anti-slip rubber and reduced mechanical noise, which allows you to create more realistic sustain effects and expressiveness while playing the piano.

What We Like
High build quality
Smooth and responsive
Easy to set up
Reliable performance
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Minor design flaw with wire
Initial setup confusion
#TOP 6

Aodsk Piano Sustain Pedal

U005PedalBK
black
Aodsk Piano Sustain Pedal Cover
Aodsk Piano Sustain Pedal,Keyboard Sustain Pedal for Digital Piano With Polarity Switch and Anti-Slip Rubber Bottom For MIDI Keyboards,Digital Pianos,1/4'' (6.35mm) Input Plug

The Aodsk Sustain Pedal is equipped with a polarity switch, allowing you to adjust it to fit your keyboard. It offers quick response, enriching the sound quality when playing. The non-slip rubber base provides protection and a nice feel underfoot. Made of high-quality chrome-plated metal, it is durable and features a noise reduction system for a quiet experience. The 63-inch cable allows for flexible positioning under the piano.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy to set up
Good build quality
Polarity switch feature
Feels authentic to play
What We Don't Like
Durability concerns with cable
Compatibility issues with Alesis
#TOP 7

Yamaha FC7 Volume Pedal

1 Year
Yamaha FC7 Volume Pedal Cover
Yamaha FC7 Volume Expression Pedal for Keyboards

The Yamaha FC7 Pedal is a versatile volume controller designed for keyboard players. It allows you to easily adjust the volume of your instrument, providing precise control over your sound. With its heavy-duty construction and unique "fortissimo function," you can emphasize specific parts of your performance, enhancing your musical expression. The pedal comes with a 5-foot cable and 1/4" jacks, making it convenient to connect and use in various settings. This pedal not only improves your playing experience but also adds depth to your performances.

What We Like
Well-made and robust design
Heavy for stability during performance
Smooth full sweep range
Adjustable angle for comfort
Good for various keyboard types
What We Don't Like
Angle may be too steep sitting
Somewhat heavy for transport
#TOP 8

Roland RPU-3 Keyboard Pedal

RPU-3
Black
Roland RPU-3 Keyboard Pedal Cover
Roland RPU-3 Electronic Keyboard Pedal or Footswitch, 3 Pedal

The Roland RPU-3 Pedal is designed to enhance your keyboard experience by combining three pedals into one streamlined unit. Each pedal features its own 1/4" output, allowing you to connect them separately for maximum flexibility. This pedal is compatible with Roland's FP-90, FP-60, and RD-2000 pianos, making it a versatile addition to your setup. With hands-free control, you can effortlessly select registrations or activate vocal effects on the FP-90, giving you more freedom to focus on your performance.

What We Like
High build quality
Durable and heavy design
Continuous MIDI Control Change messages
Stable during use
Great for Roland keyboards
What We Don't Like
May feel a bit expensive
Weight could be improved
#TOP 9

Nektar Expression Pedal NX-P

NX-P
Black
pack of 1
Nektar Expression Pedal NX-P Cover
Nektar Expression Pedal (NX-P) ,Black , pack of 1

The Nektar Expression Pedal offers musicians a versatile tool for enhancing their performances. This universal pedal is designed to work with most expression pedal sockets, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of keyboards. Its rubber feet provide a solid grip on the floor, preventing any slips during use. The upper surface is also rubberized, giving you a comfortable feel while you play. Additionally, the sensitivity pot allows you to adjust the pedal's response to suit your style, while the polarity switch makes it easy to set up with any keyboard.

What We Like
Affordable price
Lightweight and portable
Good sweep range
Plug and play functionality
Durably built for home use
What We Don't Like
Permanently attached cable
Feels somewhat cheap
#TOP 10

VALDI BP-3 Sustain Pedal

VALDI
VDSTPBP3BK
BLACK
VALDI BP-3 Sustain Pedal Cover
VALDI BP-3 Sustain Pedal - Universal Pedal for Keyboard Piano, Digital Pianos, MIDI Keyboards & Synths - Conversion Switch for All Brands - 1/4'' Jack, Anti-Slip Design, Extended Cable (BLACK)

The VALDI Sustain Pedal is designed for universal compatibility, allowing you to use it with any keyboard or MIDI piano setup, no matter the brand. Its non-slip design keeps the pedal securely in place, so you won't have to worry about it sliding during play. Made with durable, impact-resistant materials, this pedal promises longevity and reliable performance. Additionally, it operates quietly and smoothly, ensuring that your music remains uninterrupted by distracting noises. With its extended cable and stylish options, this pedal combines functionality and aesthetics for a seamless playing experience.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Sleek and modern design
Durable and well-built
Good weight and stability
Universal compatibility with switch
What We Don't Like
Compatibility issues with some models
Limited experience for non-pianists
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you add pedals to a keyboard?

The good news: you can easily purchase a sustain pedal for your keyboard, whether you want to add it to your setup or to upgrade the cheap pedal that came with your digital piano kit.

2. Do you need a foot pedal for a keyboard?

At a minimum, you need a pedal called a sustain pedal. If it is a digital piano as opposed to a smaller keyboard, it will likely also have a second or third pedal. Just make sure you get the sustain pedal because it's impossible to play in modern styles without one. So there you have it!

3. What does a keyboard foot pedal do?

When pressed, the sustain pedal "sustains" all the damped strings on the piano by moving all the dampers away from the strings and allowing them to vibrate freely. All notes played will continue to sound until the vibration naturally ceases, or until the pedal is released.

4. Why do I need a sustain pedal for my keyboard?

The sustain pedal removes the dampers from the strings, allowing notes to ring out for longer, even when the keys are not held down anymore. That's why it is also called the “damper” pedal.

Editor's Notes

During our keyboard pedals & footswitch research, we found 24 keyboard pedals & footswitch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 204,201 customer reviews through our big data system to write the keyboard pedals & footswitches list. We found that most customers choose keyboard pedals & footswitches with an average price of $17.34.

The keyboard pedals & footswitches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of keyboard pedals & footswitches, including M-Audio, Soraco, YAMAHA, Donner, AODSK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.

Keyboard Pedals & Footswitches Comparison Table

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Brand M-Audio Soraco YAMAHA Donner YAMAHA AODSK YAMAHA Roland Nektar VALDI
Item Weight 0.88 Pounds 0.43 Kilograms 11.3 ounces 0.62 Pounds 1 pounds 11.8 ounces 1.5 pounds - 1 pounds 1.21 Pounds
Color Name Original Version black, silver black Black Multicolored black 1 Year - Black BLACK
Color Original Version black, silver black Black Multicolored - 1 Year Black Black BLACK
Style Sustain Pedal Modern Compact Sustain Pedal Modern - - Volume Expression Pedal - Compact Modern
Power Source Corded Electric Corded Electric Corded Electric Corded Electric - - - - Corded Electric Corded Electric
Size 1 Function - - DSP-001 Basic 0 8.85x2.95x2.95 inches - - pack of 1 -
Voltage 9 Volts - 9 Volts - - 5 Volts (AC) 9 Volts - 240 Volts -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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