A MIDI keyboard controller works similar to a typewriter keyboard attached to the PC. It transmits details about the keys pressed such as the note pressed, how hard it is pressed and how long its held down and then is produced by a synthesizer in the sound card installed in the system. A solid Midi keyboard is key to a good setup for music producers, especially in electronic music. Here are the top midi keyboards for Mac and PC: 1.
Pros:. Has improved keypads with very high sensitivity. Has a high variety of settings for the arpeggio and pads. Very easy to use after the initial set up is complete and has a wide variety of programs and functions. High quality build Cons:. A bit expensive for what you’d get.
The software setup is a complicated process and needs help of tutorials. Pros:.
The light shows are easy to create and the trigger options for samples are very easy to handle and manage. It is very compact and portable and can be charged easily with a USB. The focus is mainly on grid sequencing Cons:. It does not come fitted with any knobs or sliders for use like some competitors.
It requires a second controller for providing melodic MIDI sequences 3. Pros:.
The keyboard has a very good design which is compact and a sustainable pedal input. It has highly velocity sensitive keys and includes a plug and play process. Very affordable and excellent value for money Cons:. The sensitivity of the keys can be improved upon. The keys are way too stiff and the volume controller is not in sync with the system 4. Pros:.
The USB-MIDI controller works with virtually all audio software. The keypads are highly sensitive and the keyboard is ideal for travel. Does not require any driver installation for plus and play process. Completely wireless for extreme mobility Cons:. Keys are problematic and reviews state that they do not produce consistent sound. Slightly expensive compared to it’s competitors with similar functions 5. Pros:.
The full sized keyboard is ideal for a budget pianist. The keys are very responsive.
It is an excellent companion to the grand pianos. Cons:. The wheels and sliders are quite flimsy and not of good quality. Does not come equipped with knobs and faders 6.
Pros:. USB powered and does not require external power supply. Has 64 full customization keys and is hot plug supported which is ideal for composing. Provides most of the functionalities of more expensive Midi plus except for the keyboard itself.
Comes at a good price Cons:. The DC adapter could be tricky and causes problems during use. Lacks a full keyboard 7. Pros:.
Virtual Midi Keyboard For Mac
The 25 key key-bed is ideal for use and has a well balanced velocity sensitivity. It provides enough controls to handle most compositions and functions. The pitch and modulation wheels are perfect for recreating the nuances of musicians using DAW software Cons:. The plastic construction of the entire board is flimsy. It does not provide any after touch which is appropriate for the price. It consists of only one programmable slider with no transport controls 8. Pros:.
A very budget friendly controller. Octave buttons functions are simple, light press and moves 3 octaves up and down. Requires no installation and is USB chargeable. Cons:. The controller is very cheaply designed for its price range. A centimeter of distance in travel down of the keys is needed before a note-on message is triggered 9.
Pros:. The keys are well-made and solid and so are the pads, which are flashy and well-constructed for its price. The automap software helps configure all plug in and mixer options.
It comes equipped with great feeling keys, touch pads, parameter knobs, and a relative large mixer (for a keyboard). Solid price, good bang for the buck Cons:. The key action is very average (and a bit loud) but the most notable is that both the velocity and CC data output are not very smooth. The rubbery feel of the buttons and faders are cheapish 10. Pros:. The velocity-sensitive keys help capture the dynamics of a performance.
The board comes fitted with 32 keys with the perfect pitch for performance. Highly portable. Several of the graphite controllers can be worked in tandem to give access to the number of knobs, faders, buttons, and keys Cons:.
Has a more limited range of notes compared to others. The keys of the controller are not very sensitive and require a hard touch to register any MIDI messages.