The 7 Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers For FL Studio (2024)
By Berk OztunaLast Updated:
December 27, 2023
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MIDI keyword controllers are great for aiding fluidly and capturing your ideas and performances in the studio or on stage. You need a good controller to get the most out of FL Studio. Luckily, many great MIDI controllers work great with this popular DAW.
With so many choices, it might be a hard task to choose the most suitable MIDI keyboard controller for FL Studio that is in line with your needs, budget, and playing style.
My top recommended MIDI keyboard controller is the Arturia Keylab 49 Essential, a feature-packed MIDI controller with good integration with most DAWs.
My second recommended MIDI keyboard controller is the Arturia MiniLab Mk3, a budget option with a cost-effective and compact design for beginners with all the essentials.
The Arturia Keylab 49 Essential is a premium quality MIDI keyboard controller with a feature-packed design and great integration with most DAWs. It features 49 synth-action keys and 8 velocity-sensitive pads, along with 9 rotary encoders, and more control options.
Pros
Velocity sensitive pads
Works well with most DAWs
Analog Lab virtual instrument with 6,500 sounds from 17 Arturia V Collection instruments
Comes with Ableton Live Lite DAW software and UVI Grand Piano Model D virtual instrument
Cons
No aftertouch and sequencer
The knobs are pretty sensitive
The MIDI keyboard also features a quite rich software bundle as it comes with Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model virtual instrument. The Analog Lab is quite versatile as it provides 6500 sounds from 17 Arturia V Collection instruments.
The controller also features extra controls for greater playability, such as pitch bend, mod wheel, 9 faders, and 4 command switches. Besides the MIDI and USB connectivity, the device also has a sustain pedal input for added expression.
Number of Keys
49
Key Style
Synth-action keys
Pads and Knobs
8 x Backlit velocity-sensitive pads, 9 x Encoders
Bonus Features
Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, 9 x 30mm Faders, 4 command switches, 6-button transport section
The lack of aftertouch and a sequencer might be the drawbacks, but the Arturia Keylab 49 Essential has all the essential features to get you started playing on the stage or in the studio. It is a great all-rounder MIDI keyboard controller.
2. Arturia MiniLab Mk3
Budget Pick
Cost-effective beginner-friendly MIDI keyboard controller with a portable design.
The Arturia MiniLab Mk3 is an affordable yet effective MIDI mini-keyboard with all the essential features you need to create music with FL Studio or other common DAWs. It comes with a 25-note slim-key keybed, 8 encoders, 8 RGB back-lit pressure-sensitive pads, pitchbend/modulation capacitive touch sensors, and a good software pack.
Pros
Great value for the price
Highly portable
Easy-to-use design
Good software bundle
Cons
Slim keys
The pads require a firm touch
Very small display
The mini-keyboard is quite straightforward, making it great for beginners. It has 500 high-quality sounds and comes with Ableton Live Lite and UVI Model D grand piano VI. The compact design also makes the MIDI controller highly portable for on-the-go musicians.
On the down part, the slim keys might be hard to play for some musicians, and the pads do need a firm push to produce a full-velocity sound. The device also lacks a larger display for better navigation, but it has more than enough features for the price.
Number of Keys
25
Key Style
Velocity-sensitive Synth slim keys
Pads and Knobs
8 encoders, 8 pads, 4 faders
Bonus Features
Pitchbend/Modulation capacitive touch sensors
So, if you do not want to break the bank and have a good beginner MIDI keyboard with all the essentials, the Arturia MiniLab Mk3 is a great choice.
3. AKAI Professional MPK249
Pro Pick
Pro-grade MIDI keyboard with a great range of controls, features, and top-quality design.
The Akai Professional MPK249 is a professional-grade MIDI keyboard controller with a great range of high-quality features and controls for live settings as well as studio production. It features 49 semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch along with 16 backlit velocity-sensitive pads.
Pros
Great-feeling keys
Responsive, backlit pads
Feature-packed design with a great range of controls
Rock solid integration with most common DAWs
Great software pack
Cons
Pricey
A bit bulky and heavy in design
Wobbly faders
It comes with many premium quality controls making the music workflow easier. The controller has great integration with most common DAWs, including FL Studio. It comes with a premium software pack with VIP3.0, Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, and MPC Beats.
There is not much to complain about this controller as it provides you with everything you need. It is a bit pricey and has a heavy keyboard, but that is what you would expect from a pro-quality MIDI controller with so many keys and features.
Number of Keys
49
Key Style
Semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
Pads and Knobs
16 x Backlit, Velocity-sensitive pads, 8 x Encoders
Bonus Features
Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, 8 Assignable Buttons, 8 Faders
With so many features, the AKAI Professional MPK249 is more suited for intermediate and professional musicians rather than beginners. If you are serious about music production, this might be a great choice.
4. Nektar Impact LX88+
Cost-Effective
Cost-effective MIDI keyboard with a well-rounded design.
The Nektar Impact LX88+ is an 88-key MIDI keyboard with 8 LED-backlit pads and semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys. The MIDI controller packs so much value and a good amount of features for the price, which is great if you are after a cost-effective MIDI keyboard for some piano-heavy music production or performing.
Pros
Great value for the price
Highly sensitive and great-feeling keys
Easy setup and solid construction
Good integration with most common DAWs
88-key design great for piano-heavy music
Cons
Slightly small pads
Not very portable
Key velocity is not very consistent
The controller also features 8 encoders, a pitch-bend, mod wheels, and 8 faders, along with Bitwig 8-Track (VST plug-in compatible) software. The keyboard has great integration with most DAWs, such as FL Studio, Cubase, Logic Pro, Ableton, Pro Tools, and more.
On the down part, the pads are quite small, and there are only 8 pads on the device. So, you can use them for music production, but this device is more suited for keyboard-heavy music production. While the keys feel great, and there is no complaint about them, the velocity starts to feel inconsistent at some point.
Number of Keys
88
Key Style
Semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys
Pads and Knobs
8 LED Backlit pads, 8 knobs
Bonus Features
Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, 8 faders
In short, the Nektar Impact LX88+ is a great keyboard for the price with great features and its 88-key good quality design. If you are after a good MIDI keyboard without spending a lot, this might be ideal for you.
5. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Beginner-friendly
Mini MIDI keyboard with a feature-packed, compact, and high-quality design for beginners.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is one of the most popular MIDI keyboard controllers due to its straightforward and feature-packed design that provides beginners with everything they need to start producing music.
Pros
Great value for the price
Feature-packed yet portable design
Great software pack included
Good range of controls and connectivity ports
Cons
Small keys
Plastic, flimsy buttons
Joystick controller is not for everyone
The Akai MPK Mini comes with 25 mini synth velocity-sensitive keys, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 8 knobs, and a 4-way pitch-bend and modulation joystick along with an arpeggiator. Plus, it has USB-MIDI connectivity and a sustain pedal port, as well as the Complete Music Production Starter Kit, and FX suite, for powerful virtual instruments.
The device can fit into a backpack and can be used with a PC or Mac wherever you are. So, with its high quality and portability, it is also a good choice for on-the-go musicians. On the down part, the mini keys and plastic buttons are not the best, making them feel quite cheap. But, for the price, it’s not a huge letdown.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a real Swiss Army Knife for beginners to get familiar with music production. Its compact size also makes it great for traveling musicians to use on the road.
6. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Versatile
An affordable yet highly versatile MIDI keyboard with a good range of features.
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is one of the most versatile mini MIDI keyboards with its highly feature-packed and compact design. The budget-friendly device comes with 25 mini synth-action velocity-sensitive keys and 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, along with many functions for increased versatility.
Pros
Great value for the price
Highly versatile with a feature-packed design
Comes with a great software pack
Good range of connectivity ports
Highly portable
Cons
Mini-sized keys with synth action
No MIDI adapter
No aftertouch
Some of the included features are a great arpeggiator, transpose function, fixed chord mode, Pitchbend, and Modulation Touch Strips, as well as 8 knobs and MIDI out, USB, and sustain pedal input ports.
The device comes with a great software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite, AAS Session Bundle, and Additional Bundled Plug-ins. While the device fully integrates with Ableton Live, it also has great integration with FL Studio and other major DAWs.
There aren’t many things going against this budget-friendly device. With this many features and high-quality design for this price, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is one of the best and most versatile MIDI controllers for the price range.
7. Alesis V25 MKII
Portable, Entry-Level
Highly portable yet versatile MIDI keyboard for beginners and traveling musicians.
The Alesis V25 MKII is a compact MIDI keyboard with 25 good-feeling, full-sized, synth-action keys, and 8 back-lit performance pads, as well as other essential controls to start producing and performing music. The best part of this device is that it comes with a rock-solid software bundle.
Pros
Full-sized, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys
Bundled with premium quality software
Good range of controls
Compact and lightweight design
Cons
Pads sometimes double-trigger
The controls and pads are a little close together
The software package includes MPC Beats with seven expansion packs and 60 free lessons from Melodics. With controls like 4 assignable buttons to control plugins and other functions, Octave Up and Down, Tap Tempo, Arp, Full Level, and Note Repeat buttons, and Pitch and modulation wheels, you get a great mini MIDI keyboard controller for a great price.
On the down part, the pads of the device sometimes double trigger, so you must be careful when using them. Also, the controls and pads are located a bit too close to each other, making them harder to control. But the full-sized velocity-sensitive keys feel quite great, so there are no problems with the keyboard.
Number of Keys
25
Key Style
Full-sized, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys
Pads and Knobs
8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit Performance pads, 4 knobs
Bonus Features
Octave Up and Down, Tap Tempo, Arp, Full Level, and Note Repeat buttons, Pitch and modulation wheels
Overall, the Alesis V25 MKII is a good portable MIDI keyboard controller with a premium-quality software bundle and full-sized, good-feeling keys for beginners or traveling musicians.
Are all MIDI Keyboard Controllers compatible with FL Studio?
As FL Studio is among the major DAWs, almost all MIDI keyboard controllers have great integration with FL Studio. You can use most USB-MIDI controller keyboards, keyboard synthesizers, pad controllers, and other MIDI gear with FL Studio, as the DAW supports most of them.
How to connect a MIDI Keyboard Controller with FL Studio?
To connect and set up your MIDI keyboard controller with FL Studio, first, connect the device via USB. Then click the options menu in FL Studio, go to input settings, select the MIDI device from the list, and click enable. You can press a key or a pad on your device to confirm the connection.
Is a MIDI Keyboard Controller essential for FL Studio?
Using your computer’s keyboard and mouse, you can use FL Studio without a MIDI keyboard controller. But MIDI controllers make music production and performing much easier and give you more functions to increase your flexibility when playing or producing music. So, a MIDI controller is recommended.
What to look for in a MIDI Keyboard Controller for FL Studio when buying?
When buying a MIDI keyboard controller for FL Studio, things to consider are the features, build quality, compatibility with FL Studio, and price. Depending on your needs, you should go for a feature-packed device with good build quality and good integration with FL Studio.
The features to look out for are the number of keys and pads, the style of keys and pads, along with extra controls like pitch and modulation wheels, control buttons, and knobs. Depending on your playing style, you can go for a high number of keys or pads.
The build quality is also important, especially if you will be moving the MIDI controller around. Also, you should check for integration with FL Studio but do not worry, as most MIDI controllers have great integration with the DAW.
Summary
FL Studio is among the most popular and best DAWs, especially for electronic music and hip-hop-style production. That is why there are many choices when it comes to picking a MIDI keyboard controller for FL Studio.
My top pick is the Arturia Keylab 49 Essential, a well-rounded and feature-packed MIDI keyboard with good functions for beginners as well as experienced players.
My budget pick is the Arturia MiniLab Mk3, an entry-level MIDI keyboard controller with all the essential features and a compact yet quality design.
Berk Öztuna is a handpan player, percussionist, and guitarist. He has been playing multiple instruments over the last 10 years. He started his music career as a guitarist, playing with several bands before putting his main focus into playing the handpan.
