Need Recommendations for Desktop MIDI Controller Keyboard

If you give us the maximum amount you'd be willing to spend then we could do a better job of making suggestions.

 

AlesisV25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis v25 decent budget controller. I have the 61 key version of this. It's pretty great for what you pay. Ticks you boxes with a few extras.

Nektar TechnologyImpact LX25+ USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
Nektar lx25 Right at the top of your budget. It'll cost more with tax and shipping. More features. Way more functionality for like $15 more than the Alesis. Worth the extra money if you're willing to spend.

AcornMasterkey 25 - USB MIDI Controller
Acorn Masterkey 25 Cheapest one I could find. Well below your limit. Has your required features.

I assumed you wanted full sized keys. If you don't mind mini keys there are way more options. Too many for me to narrow them down for you.

 

I use iRig keyboards. I have 2 of them, but I could easily get away with one.

25 keys, and got them on clearance for less than $50 each.

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd first search Atlanta's Craigslist for keyboards w/ a max price of $100, to find a handful of small-format M-Audio, Akai, and Nektar MIDI controllers in your price range. (As well as a bunch of larger keyboards w/ MIDI output.)

Then I'd look for my own danged shoes.

 

I've got the Alesis v25 that's linked above. Works great with Cubase.

 

M-Audio Oxygen 25, or Novation Launchkey Mini or Akai MPK mini. I own the first two and have played around with the third. The "drum pad" features are pretty useful if you plan to write drum tracks.

 

Congrats. I'm confident that somewhere, both Cesar Romero and Burgess Meredith are nodding in approval.

 

And J.J.J. offering (even if it wasn't asked for) counterpoint to said approval!

I'm nearly ready to pull the trigger on the Arturia MiniLab MkII for some live (and very basic) synth bass parts. 25-mini key, and comes with Arturia's much-lauded Analog Lab Lite (and something like $29 USD upgrade to the full version), UVI's Grand Piano Model D, and Ableton Live Lite, all for $100. Also, the touch-strips for pitch & mod look absolutely wild to me! Then, if I really get into VST synths, I might venture into hardware synths with something like the Yamaha Reface CS or the Korg Monologue...

 

Danger, Will Robinson! If you think bass G.A.S. is bad...

 

I think the Minilab is a great choice, but if you can manage 20.00 more, the Arturia Keystep is also one you should consider. Better quality keys than most midi controllers in this price range and an excellent feature set.

 

I’ve had a MiniLab for quite a few months and it works great. Highly recommend.

 

I’ve had a MiniLab for quite a few months and it works great. Highly recommend.

 

I have promised myself not to venture into Euroracks or synth modules - they would need to be self-contained synths with a keyboard manual!

That said, Bass G.A.S. will remain unaffected and unending.