MIDI controllers with 25 keys are great for different reasons like compact size, ease of use, and price and they come with all the features you need to record or play on stage.
With 25 key MIDI controllers, you can do anything you want and the only downside is the number of keys but for some cases, that’s enough and even better.
And if you are looking for small-size MIDI keyboards with great sound and features, you are in the right place.
What’s The Best 25 Key MIDI Controller?
I have compiled a list of the best 25 key MIDI controllers that have amazing sound, features and are perfect for small studios to record great modern music.
| Image | Model | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25 |  (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Novation LaunchKey 25 | (4.9 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Akai MPK Mini Play |  (4.8 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Korg microKEY Air-25 |  (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
 | Nektar Impact LX Mini 25 | (4.7 / 5) | Check on Amazon |
M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25
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M-Audio Oxygen Pro 25 is a high-quality keyboard with many advanced features. It has Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes that make it easier for beginners to create music. It also has knobs, pads, wheels, and faders that can be customized for more control. This keyboard is great for musicians and producers who want a versatile tool. Also, because it is a small and compact MIDI controller, it’s very easy to carry on if you play live shows.
Pros:
- Sound quality
- Features
- Compact size
Cons:
- Might be complicated for beginners
Novation LaunchKey 25
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Novation LaunchKey 25 is one of the best 25 key MIDI controllers and is known for its tight integration with Ableton Live, making it a go-to choice for electronic music producers. The combination of 25 synth-action keys, rotary encoders, and RGB backlit pads allows for expressive performance and precise control, all in a compact and portable package. You get all the features in a small package which allows you to create amazing recordings because it integrates perfectly with all the DAWs and also, comes with a software bundle. This is a good MIDI controller if you are a beginner.
Pros:
- Controls
- Software bundle
- Price
Cons:
- No faders
Akai MPK Mini Play
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Akai MPK Mini Play is a special 25 key MIDI controller. It has a sound module with 100+ instrument sounds and drum kits. This is great for musicians who want to make music without extra software. It also has pads and an arpeggiator to make it even more useful. Also, the unique feature of its built-in speaker and headphone output makes it a great practice MIDI controller. And last but not least, it includes MPC Beats DAW which is always a good option to have.
Pros:
- Great keys
- Features
- Great for recording
Cons:
- No faders
Korg microKEY Air-25
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Korg microKEY Air-25 is the simplest and one of the best 25 key MIDI controllers on this list. If you want just a small MIDI controller without fancy features, then this one is for you. However, one great feature it has is wireless Bluetooth MIDI connectivity. This tiny keyboard offers a couple of controls such as a mod/pitch joystick, and buttons for arpeggiator, sustain, and up/down octave. Although it might lack some features, the sound it produces is amazing. Like many other instruments in this range, comes with virtual instrument and recording software.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Awesome sound options
Cons:
- No pads or knobs
Nektar Impact LX Mini 25
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Nektar Impact LX Mini 25 is an affordable and feature-packed MIDI controller. It doesn’t offer pitch wheel but instead has a joystick. A great thing is that it works with all the DAWs, comes with Bitwig 8 track, and has options to control some features which makes it easy to work with software while recording or mixing. Control-wise, you get eight velocity-sensitive pads, eight rotary knobs, and various buttons such as octave, function, play, loop, etc.
Pros:
- Controls and features
- Great sound
- Easy to play
Cons:
- Lack of faders
Conclusion
As a beginner in music production, selecting the best MIDI controller for beginners can greatly impact your learning experience and creative journey. Whether you value simplicity, affordability, or versatility, these controllers are perfect for beginners to discover and enhance their musical abilities. With any of these beginner MIDI controllers, you’ll have limitless creative options, making your journey into music production thrilling and rewarding.
