4 MIDI Controllers With Weighted Keys You Don't Want To Miss
Mar 29, 2024
MIDI controllers are among the most essential pieces of equipment in any studio environment. MIDIs come in different shapes and sizes, each offering a unique functionality. With all the options available on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. `e piano-like key beds. While some models tweak the key shape, weight, and size for various purposes, some manufacturers put full-size hammer-action keys that mimic the keys on a piano.
If you’re a pianist and want to track piano segments with a MIDI controller, having weighted keys is critical to capture the essence of a real piano. Moreover, weighted keys are preferable by composers and producers who make scores.
In this post, I’ll review 4 of the best MIDI controllers with weighted keys. Here’s a quick look at the products you’ll read in this article:
- Native Instruments Komplete kontrol S88 Mk3
- Studiologic SL88 Grand
- Roland A-88 MKII
- Nektar Impact LX88+
1. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3
Native Instruments is one of the most renowned hardware and software developers in the music scene. Its flagship MIDI keyboard, the Komplete Kontrol S88, has recently been updated, featuring a more minimalistic design language.
The Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 comes with 88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys made by the Italian company Fatar. The keybed feels impressively similar to a real piano. Moreover, the aluminum frame and metal knobs make the whole device feel premium and sturdy.
Besides the keybed, this MIDI controller sports eight rotary knobs and a bunch of buttons to control different parameters and navigate through different menus. Updated for the Mk3, the Komplete Kontrol S88 sports a large color screen that makes controlling your daw and built-in settings more straightforward. The onboard processor makes MIDI programming and using other features much easier.
One of the defining features of the Komplete Kontrol series is the LED light strip placed on top of the keybed. Besides the cool factor, these lights can be programmed to turn on based on different scales as a guide.
Another advantage of the S88 is the vast library of included software. Some of the most notable programs in this bundle are the industry-standard Kontakt 7 instrument platform, Guitar Rig 7 LE, and iZotope Elements Suite.
Overall, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 is one of the best MIDIs on the market that features weighted keys. You can find one on Amazon for $1,299.
2. Studiologic SL88 Grand
If you’re a pianist looking for a MIDI keyboard that resembles your instrument the most, the Studiologic SL88 Grand is one of the best options for you on the market. Similar to the previous device mentioned, the SL88 Grand features a full-size hammer-action keybed made by Fatar. The keys on this MIDI are graded, meaning the low-pitched keys (left) feel heavier than the high-pitched keys on the right, just like an acoustic piano.
The Studiologic SL88 Grand is an excellent MIDI controller for piano purists. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer anything significant other than the premium-quality keybed. You’ll have access to three XY stick controllers, three function buttons, a small screen, and three inputs for connecting pedals. You won’t have control knobs or faders like most other MIDI controllers in its price range.
Studiologic bundles the SL88 Grand with a few software programs, but they’re not nowhere near as practical as those offered with the Komplete Kontrol model. The bundle includes Cubase LE, WaveLab LE, and Digital Synsation The Studiologic SL88 Grand is available on Amazon for $999.
3. Roland A-88 MKII
The Roland A-88 MKII is another excellent full-size MIDI controller with graded hammer-action keys. Despite featuring a considerably compact and portable design, the A-88 MKII packs a decent amount of controls for manipulating different parameters and DAW control, including eight rotary knobs. Moreover.
The keyboard features eight velocity-sensitive pads that you can program to trigger chords, notes, or percussive sounds. The Roland A-88 MKII is one of the best MIDI keyboards that supports USB-C connectivity, so you don’t have to worry about using dongles or adapters.
If you’re looking for a MIDI that resembles the feeling of an acoustic piano without missing out on some functional DAW controls, the Roland A-88MKII can be a solid option. It is priced at $1,299 on Amazon.
4. Nektar Impact LX88+
The other MIDI controllers mentioned in this post are pricey. However, you don’t necessarily need to spend a thousand dollars or more to get a MIDI with a keybed that resembles that of a piano. The Nektar Impact LX88+ is one of the most affordable MIDIs on the market that features 88 full-size keys.
The keys on the Nektar Impact LX88+ are semi-weighted, which means that they don’t feel as close to a real piano as other products mentioned above. However, they still feel nice and smooth with medium tension, making the Impact LX88+ a valuable device for playing synths and other virtual instruments. Just know that it won’t replace your piano.
Moreover, this keyboard features a ton of knobs and buttons to control different parameters, making it an excellent all-in-one package for music producers. The Impact LX88+ features nine faders, eight rotary knobs, eight velocity-sensitive pads, and a handful of buttons for DAW control.
With all of those features coming at a fraction of the cost of most other 88-key MIDIs, the Nektar Impact LX88+ is one of the best MIDI controllers for beginners or musicians on a tight budget. You can get one on Amazon for only $320.
Final Thoughts On Getting A MIDI Keyboard With Weighted Keys
Although weighted keys are preferred by most piano players, you don’t necessarily need a MIDI controller with hammer-action keys to make good music, especially if you’re not going to be tracking piano in your songs.
If you’re new to the world of music production, start with something small. Having expensive and pro-level music gear will only make the music-making process overwhelming at the beginning. If you’re looking for other MIDI keyboards, check out my post about the best keyboards for music production.
