Best 61 Keys MIDI Controllers of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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61 Keys MIDI controllers are a popular choice among musicians and producers looking for a compact and versatile option for their home studio or live performances. With 61 velocity-sensitive keys, these controllers offer a wide range of playing expression and can be used to trigger virtual instruments, control DAW software, and manipulate sound effects. Many models also feature assignable knobs, faders, and buttons, allowing for customizable control over various parameters. Compact and easy to transport, 61 Keys MIDI controllers are a great option for those looking for a balance between functionality and portability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Cover #TOP 1
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard
ftb score rating icon 9.8
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller Cover #TOP 2
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 Keyboard Controller Cover #TOP 3
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 Keyboard Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 61 Keys MIDI Controllers

#TOP 1

M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard

Keystation 61 MK3
Black
61 Keys
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard Cover
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 - Synth Action 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, and Software Included

The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 is a USB MIDI keyboard controller with 61 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys that capture every subtle nuance of your performance. It features volume fader, transport and directional buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, Octave up and down buttons, and sustain pedal input for expressive performances. With easy plug-and-play connection, the keyboard is compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter. The compact design makes it perfect for any desk, studio, or stage setup. The product includes a premium software suite that consists of MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand!2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops.

What We Like
61 full-size velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys capture every subtle nuance of your performance
Volume fader, transport and directional buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, Octave up and down buttons, and sustain pedal input provide total control for expressive performances
Easy plug-and-play connection with Mac, PC, and iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter
Compact design fits any desk, studio, or stage setup perfectly
Premium software suite includes MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Velvet, XPand!2, Mini Grand, and Touch Loops

M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Oxygen Pro 61
black
61 Keys
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller Cover
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 – 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI Assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included

The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller is an essential tool for music production. It features 61 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones, as well as 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads with Note Repeat. The controller also includes 8 assignable knobs & buttons and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control. Other useful features include auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters, Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes, Arpeggiator, pitch & modulation wheels, sustain pedal input, and 5-pin MIDI Output. Furthermore, the controller comes with a complete software production package, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs.

What We Like
61 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones
16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable drum pads with Note Repeat
8 assignable knobs & buttons and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control
Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters
Complete software production package included
#TOP 3

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 Keyboard Controller

AMS-LAUNCHKEY-61-MK4
Black
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 Keyboard Controller Cover
Novation Launchkey 61 [MK4] – 61 key Semi-Weighted, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord & Scale Modes, 8 Drum Pads, & Arpeggiator — Includes Software Bundle for Music Production

The Novation Launchkey 61 is a versatile MIDI keyboard controller designed for seamless integration with major digital audio workstations (DAWs). You can enjoy smooth workflows with software like Ableton Live, Logic, and FL Studio. The 16 responsive drum pads are perfect for creating beats and launching clips, while their polyphonic aftertouch allows for expressive drumming. With included software like Ableton Live 12 Lite and various instruments, you have everything needed to kickstart your music production journey. The Scale Mode helps you play in key effortlessly, ensuring you hit the right notes every time.

What We Like
Seamless DAW Integration
Responsive Drum Pads
Included Software Bundle
Scale Mode for Easy Playing
#TOP 4

Nektar Impact LX61+ Keyboard Controller

Impact LX61+
Dark Grey
61 Keys
Nektar Impact LX61+ Keyboard Controller Cover
Nektar Impact LX 61+ 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The Nektar Impact LX61+ is a MIDI controller keyboard with 61 velocity sensitive keys. It features 8 hyper-sensitive backlit pads and is compatible with Mac, PC and iOS. This keyboard automatically maps software instruments to controls, making it easy for you to get started. Additionally, it includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW.

What We Like
Velocity sensitive keys
Compatibility with Mac, PC and iOS
Automatic mapping of software instruments to controls
#TOP 5

Alesis V61 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

V61 MKII
black
61 Keys
Alesis V61 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Cover
Alesis V61 MKII – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Velocity Sensitive Keys, 8 Full Level Pads, Arpeggiator, Pitch/Mod Wheel, Note Repeat and Software Suite

The Alesis V61 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller features 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys, 8 backlit beat pads, 4 MIDI-assignable knobs, and an arpeggiator with 6 modes for creating unique melodies. It also includes pitch bend and modulation wheels for added expression, and comes with the MPC Beats software suite and 60 piano lessons from Melodics. The keyboard is USB-powered and can be used with PC, Mac, or iOS devices.

What We Like
Full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
Backlit beat pads with full level and note repeat controls
Arpeggiator with 6 modes for creating unique melodies
Comes with MPC Beats software suite and 60 piano lessons from Melodics
USB-powered and can be used with PC, Mac, or iOS devices
#TOP 6

Nektar SE61 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

SE61
Black
61 Keys
Nektar SE61 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard Cover
Nektar SE61 - USB MIDI Controller Keyboard with Nektar DAW Integration, Black

The Nektar SE61 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard offers comprehensive MIDI functionality and Nektar DAW integration for popular DAWs, making it compatible with all MIDI music software applications. It works with Mac, PC, and iOS, and comes with the added bonus of a Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package. With all the necessary features and expressive control to start making music with your computer, it delivers amazing value for money.

What We Like
Comprehensive MIDI functionality
Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
#TOP 7

M-Audio Oxygen 61 (MKV) - MIDI Keyboard Controller

Oxygen 61 MKV
Black
61 Keys
M-Audio Oxygen 61 (MKV) - MIDI Keyboard Controller Cover
M-Audio Oxygen 61 (MKV) – 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included,Black

The M-Audio Oxygen 61 (MKV) MIDI keyboard controller is an essential piece of equipment for your recording studio. With 61 velocity-sensitive full-size piano-style keys, 2 banks of 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders, you can have tactile control over your virtual synth parameters, effect plugins, DAW controls, and more. Additionally, the keyboard controller includes Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes, an arpeggiator, pitch & mod wheels, and a sustain pedal input. Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters, USB MIDI cable, and complete software production package that includes MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, 2 virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech, and 5 Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs are also included.

What We Like
61 velocity-sensitive full-size piano-style keys for a natural response
2 banks of 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat for beat production
8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control
Complete software production package included

Nektar 61-Key MIDI Controller

GX61
Black
61 Keys
Nektar 61-Key MIDI Controller Cover
Nektar 61 Note USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The Nektar 61-Key MIDI Controller is a premium instrument with 61 expressive synth-action keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, 14 MIDI assignable buttons, and Nektar DAW Integration for most popular DAWs. It is compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS, and includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW for seamless music creation. Refer to the User Guide before use.

What We Like
High-quality synth-action keys
Seamless integration with popular DAWs
14 assignable MIDI buttons for customization
Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS
Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW for easy music creation
#TOP 9

Novation Impulse MIDI Controller Keyboard

AMS-IMPULSE-61
Grey/Red
medium
Novation Impulse MIDI Controller Keyboard Cover
Novation Impulse 61 Keys USB bus-powered MIDI Controller Keyboard – Robust, ultra-responsive, full-size piano keyboard with aftertouch and velocity-sensitive pads – works on Mac or Windows

The Novation Impulse MIDI Controller Keyboard is a robust and ultra-responsive 61-keys USB bus-powered keyboard that is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It features an ultra-responsive semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, full DAW/plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 9 faders and buttons, and multi-function drum pads that allow you to warp arpeggios, roll beats, and launch clips in Ableton Live. The Automap 4 control software enables instant hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins. The package includes Ableton Live Lite, Novation's Bass Station Synth, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and a Loop masters sample pack.

What We Like
Ultra-responsive semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
Full DAW/plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 9 faders and buttons
Multi-function drum pads enable warping arpeggios, rolling beats and launching clips in Ableton Live
#TOP 10

Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3

KeyLab Essential mk3 61 Alpine White
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 Cover
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included

The Arturia KeyLab mk3 is a versatile 61-key MIDI controller designed to enhance your music production experience. With 2,000 presets available, you can easily find sounds that inspire your creativity. The controller features 8 RGB backlit pads, perfect for triggering samples and playing beats with visual feedback. You can also take advantage of 9 rotary encoders to adjust parameters in real time, giving you control over your music. Additionally, the pitch and modulation wheels allow for expressive performances, letting you manipulate sounds in a way that feels natural and intuitive.

What We Like
Large preset library
RGB backlit pads
Real-time control
Expressive performance features
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 61 keys enough for MIDI controller?

If you're looking to play piano arrangements, you'll want 61, 76 or possibly all 88 keys. The most popular size for MIDI controllers is 49 keys -- big enough to play two-handed, but not too big to fit on your studio desk.

2. What is the best 61 key MIDI controller?

Best 61 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers. 1) Arturia Keylab MKii 61 – Under $500.2) Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol 61 – Under $1000.3) Akai Professional MPK261 – Under $500.4) Nektar Panorama T6 Keyboard Controller – Under $300.5) Roland A-800 61 – Under $400.6) MIDIplus 61 Key Under $100.

3. How many keys should I get on my MIDI controller?

A MIDI controller needs at least 25 keys, or two octaves, to be useful. The average number of keys is 49, or four octaves. However, the type of music you play, whether you need your controller to be portable, and how much space you have in your studio will impact how many keys are right for you.

Editor's Notes

During our 61 keys midi controller research, we found 24 61 keys midi controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 57,084 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 61 keys midi controllers list. We found that most customers choose 61 keys midi controllers with an average price of $237.92.

The 61 keys midi controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 61 keys midi controllers, including M-Audio, Novation, Nektar, Alesis, ARTURIA. 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.