The 7 Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers For FL Studio (2023)
MIDI keyword controllers are great to help fluidly capture your ideas and performances in the studio or on stage. You need a good controller to get the most out of FL Studio. Luckily, there are many great MIDI controllers that 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 MkII, a budget option with a cost-effective and compact design for beginners with all the essentials.
The 7 Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers For FL Studio (2023)
Let’s compare these controllers in more detail:
1. Arturia Keylab 49 Essential
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 MkII
The Arturia MiniLab MkII 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, 16 encoders, 8 pads, a pitch bend, modulation touch strips, and a good software pack.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Highly portable
- Easy-to-use design
- Good software bundle
Cons
- Slim keys
- Not really feature-packed
- Touch strip controllers are not the best
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 Grand Piano. 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 touch strip controllers are not the best. The device also lacks the features of higher-end controllers, but it has more than enough features for the price.
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Key Style | Velocity-sensitive slim keys |
| Pads and Knobs | 16 encoders, 8 pads (x 2 banks) |
| Bonus Features | Octave up-down buttons, Pitch bend, and modulation touch strips |
So, if you do not want to break the bank and have a good beginner MIDI keyboard with all the essentials, the Arturia MiniLab MkII is a great choice.
3. AKAI Professional MPK249
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+
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
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 the feel quite cheap. But, for the price, it’s not a huge letdown.
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Key Style | Synth, mini velocity-sensitive keys |
| Pads and Knobs | 8 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, 8 knobs |
| Bonus Features | 4-way Pitchbend/Modulation Joystick, Built-in Arpeggiator, Octave Up-Down buttons |
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
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.
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Key Style | Mini synth-action velocity-sensitive keys |
| Pads and Knobs | 16 velocity-sensitive RGB Pads, 8 knobs |
| Bonus Features | Pitchbend Touch Strip, Modulation Touch Strip, Transpose, Fixed Chord Mode, Arpeggiator |
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
The Alesis V25 is a compact MIDI keyboard with 25 good-feeling, full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys and 8 velocity-sensitive backlit 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 keys
- Bundled with premium quality software
- Good range of controls
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Pads sometimes double trigger
- Wheels and pads are too close making them harder to control
The software package includes Ableton Live Lite, Xpand 2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech, and MPC Beats, which are all great for the stage and studio. With the controls like 4 assignable buttons to control plugins and other functions, Octave Up and Down 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 wheels 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 keys |
| Pads and Knobs | 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads, 4 knobs |
| Bonus Features | 4 assignable buttons, Octave Up and Down buttons, Pitch and modulation wheels |
Overall, the Alesis V25 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 MkII, an entry-level MIDI keyboard controller with all the essential features and a compact yet quality design.
