Best Pitch Wheel MIDI Controllers of 2025

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

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Pitch Wheel MIDI Controllers are a popular and versatile tool for musicians and producers alike. These controllers allow for real-time manipulation of pitch and modulation in MIDI signals, providing a range of creative possibilities for users. They are typically designed as a wheel or lever that can be easily manipulated, and can be used with a wide variety of MIDI-compatible instruments and software. Whether you're looking to add expressive flourishes to your performance, or to create complex and dynamic soundscapes in your productions, a Pitch Wheel MIDI Controller is an essential tool for any musician or producer.

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
Alesis V25 MKII Cover #TOP 2
Alesis V25 MKII
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Asmuse 25 Key MIDI Keyboard Cover #TOP 3
Asmuse 25 Key MIDI Keyboard
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Pitch Wheel MIDI Controllers

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
#TOP 2

Alesis V25 MKII

V25 MKII
black
25 Keys
Alesis V25 MKII Cover
Alesis V25 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Velocity Sensitive Keys, 8 Full Level Pads, Arpeggiator, Pitch/Mod Wheel, Note Repeat and Software Suite,black

The Alesis V25 MKII is a USB MIDI keyboard controller that turns your PC, Mac, or iOS device into a production studio. With 25 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys and 8 backlit beat pads, this compact and portable controller is perfect for beginner bedroom/home studio producers, vloggers, and DJs on the go. It features 4 MIDI-assignable knobs for virtual instrument and DAW control, as well as octave and transpose buttons for accessing the full keyboard range. The pitch bend and modulation wheels add expression to your performances, while the arpeggiator with 6 modes allows you to create unique melodies. The V25 MKII comes with MPC Beats Software Suite and 60 piano lessons from Melodics, making it easy to start creating music right away. Compatible with both Mac and PC software, this controller is a versatile tool for musicians of all levels.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Wide range of control customization
Includes MPC Beats Software Suite and piano lessons
#TOP 3

Asmuse 25 Key MIDI Keyboard

1027764
Black
Asmuse 25 Key MIDI Keyboard Cover
Asmuse 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard, Bluetooth Sensitive Keys MIDI Controller with Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels (Black)

The Asmuse MIDI Controller features 25 velocity-sensitive keys that respond to your touch, allowing you to express every nuance of your music. With its easy plug-and-play setup, you can quickly connect it to your Mac or PC without needing extra drivers or power supplies, making music production effortless. Its compact design and built-in battery mean you can create music anywhere, whether at home or on the go. Additionally, the built-in arpeggiator lets you easily modify rhythms, beats, and patterns, enhancing your creative possibilities.

What We Like
Velocity-sensitive keys
Plug-and-play connectivity
Portable design
Built-in arpeggiator
#TOP 4

M-VAVE 25 Key MIDI Controller

M-VAVE
white
M-VAVE 25 Key MIDI Controller Cover
M-VAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, MIDI Controller with Bluetooth Responsive Synth Keys for Mac and PC, Assignable Controls, Pitch and Mod Wheels, White

The M-VAVE MIDI Keyboard is a compact and portable 25-key controller designed for musicians on the go. With its velocity-sensitive keys, you can capture every subtle detail of your performance, enhancing your recording experience. The plug-and-play feature allows you to connect effortlessly to your Mac or PC without needing additional drivers or power supplies, making music production a breeze. Plus, the built-in battery means you can create music anywhere, ensuring that inspiration is never out of reach. The keyboard also includes an arpeggiator, enabling you to easily play with rhythm and patterns, adding depth to your compositions.

What We Like
Portable and lightweight
Velocity-sensitive keys
Plug-and-play connectivity
Built-in battery
Arpeggiator for easy rhythm
#TOP 5

AZOR KOKKO KB-25 MIDI Keyboard

AZOR KOKKO KB-25 MIDI Keyboard Cover
AZOR KOKKO MIDI Keyboard, Mini KB-25 25 Key MIDI Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8Knobs and Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel for Music Production, Cubase LE Software Included

The AZOR KB-25 Controller is designed to make music production a breeze. It easily connects to your DAW software, allowing you to control everything with its user-friendly MINI mixer feature. You can quickly adjust virtual instrument settings thanks to its MIDI functionality, giving you precise control over your sound. With 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys, you can effortlessly produce beats and melodies. The controller also features 8 backlit drum pads, which are perfect for programming drums and triggering samples, adding an interactive element to your music creation process.

What We Like
User-friendly design
Velocity-sensitive keys
Backlit drum pads
MIDI functionality

midiplus AK490

AK490
White
49-Key
midiplus AK490 Cover
midiplus AK490 MIDI Keyboard Controller

The midiplus AK490 MIDI Keyboard Controller is a 49-note velocity sensitive piano style key master keyboard. It features a pitch wheel and modulation wheel, allowing you to add expression to your playing. The octave buttons (Up & Down) provide easy access to different octaves, expanding the range of your performance. With a MIDI out Din Jack, you can connect the keyboard to other MIDI devices, making it versatile for studio and live performances. The sustain switch jack allows you to connect a sustain pedal (not included), further enhancing your playing experience. The keyboard comes with an owner's manual and a USB cable for easy setup and use.

What We Like
49-note velocity sensitive keys
Pitch and modulation wheels
Octave buttons for easy octave switching
#TOP 7

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Keyboard MIDI Controller

KEYLAB49ESS
White
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Keyboard MIDI Controller Cover
Arturia - KeyLab Essential 61 - MIDI Controller Keyboard for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 61 Keys, 9 Encoders, 9 Faders, 1 Modulation Wheel, 1 Pitch Bend Wheel, 8 Pads

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Keyboard MIDI Controller is a powerful device that includes Analog Lab software with 6000 synth sounds. You can perform with 8 pads, Chord Play mode, and a sustain pedal input for added expression. It features a highly responsive 61-note keybed with separate modulation and pitch wheels, 10 encoders, 9 sliders, a 6-button transport section, and 4 command switches. Additionally, it is compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstations, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, and Studio One.

What We Like
Includes 6000 synth sounds and Analog Lab software
Highly responsive 61-note keybed with separate modulation and pitch wheels
Compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstations
#TOP 8

Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard N-25

N-25
Black
N-25
Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard N-25 Cover
Donner Mini MIDI Keyboard, N-25 25 Key MIDI Controller with Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys&Light-up Rocker and Music Production Software Included, Small MIDI Keyboard with 40 Teaching Courses

The Donner N-25 MIDI Keyboard is a compact and portable MIDI controller that features 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys. It is designed to help you create melodies and riffs full of emotion. The layout of the keyboard is user-friendly, making it easy for novice users to learn. It comes with useful functions such as an arpeggiator, sustain, octave, and tap tempo, which can assist musicians with limited music theory backgrounds. The MIDI keyboard is compatible with Mac, iOS, PC, iPhone, and iPad, allowing you to easily connect it to your devices. It also features a multifunctional pitch-bend wheel and cool light-up buttons for a fun visual display. Additionally, the Donner N-25 MIDI Keyboard comes with 40 free keyboard-teaching courses, making it ideal for beginners who want to try arranging music. Overall, this MIDI keyboard offers a complete music production experience and is perfect for musicians of all levels.

What We Like
Compact Design
User-Friendly Functions
Compatible with Various Devices
#TOP 9

midiplus 32-Key minicontrol USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

minicontrol
midiplus 32-Key minicontrol USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Cover
midiplus minicontrol USB MIDI keyboard controller

The midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller is a compact and versatile USB MIDI keyboard that offers a range of features to enhance your music production experience. With its 32 velocity-sensitive mini-size keys, you can play with expression and control the pitch and modulation using the dedicated wheels. The MIDI Data volume slider allows you to adjust the volume of your MIDI data easily. The four edit custom unlimited rotary encoders give you precise control over your sound parameters. Additionally, the keyboard offers octave and transpose functions to expand your playing range. Whether you're a beginner or a professional musician, the midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller is a convenient and powerful tool for creating music.

What We Like
Compact and versatile
Precise control over sound parameters
Easy volume adjustment
#TOP 10

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
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our pitch wheel midi controller research, we found 24 pitch wheel midi controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 51,141 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pitch wheel midi controllers list. We found that most customers choose pitch wheel midi controllers with an average price of $86.00.

The pitch wheel midi controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pitch wheel midi controllers, including M-Audio, Alesis, Asmuse, M-VAVE, AZOR. 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.