Today’s keyboard musicians have more options than ever before for their home or recording setup. But the more options hit the market, the harder it becomes to cut through the noise. If you’re looking for the best 61 key keyboard for your budget and needs, we’re here to help you save time and find the right solution.
Below, you’ll find a quick guide to the various types of electronic keyboards. Then we’ll give you our honest feedback on the top 7 61 key MIDI keyboards, plus a few top 61 key keyboards with onboard audio to round out this review.
Understanding Keyboard Types
Before we dive into our top recommendations, it’s important to understand the various types of digital pianos and keyboards available. Each category has a different set of uses, so make sure you know exactly what you want to do with your new instrument before you buy.
Also worth noting up front: even within these categories, there can be a ton of variations in feature sets. For example, some digital pianos support MIDI out, while others don’t. And some — but not all — MIDI keyboards include additional buttons for drum control. Only you know what exactly you need to make your music shine. With that in mind, make sure to examine the specs of a given instrument closely before purchasing.
Mainstream electronic keyboards can be classified in numerous ways. We’ll break them down into four broad categories.
MIDI Keyboards (Keyboard MIDI Controllers)
The MIDI keyboard, or keyboard MIDI controller, is the ideal keyboard device for producing many types of music and for manipulating MIDI data. This device never has onboard speakers— it doesn’t make a sound without help. Keyboardists buy MIDI controllers to manipulate MIDI data and patches, either in real-time performance or for recording purposes. You’ll typically use a MIDI keyboard with a Mac, PC or iPad. Use cases include producing, working with MIDI software, or as an input device for musical notation software like Finale or Sibelius.
MIDI keyboards are very popular for at-home musicians, and this category is where we’ll focus for the bulk of our reviews.
Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are on the other end of the spectrum from MIDI keyboards, in the sense that they seek to recreate the experience of playing a real, acoustic piano. They have onboard speakers that sound as lifelike as possible at your chosen price point, and their audio out similarly prioritizes a lifelike piano sound.
At-home digital pianos are typified by the Yamaha Clavinova, a console or even mini-grand style instrument that mimics the look of a real piano. Beginners might even be fooled into thinking a Clavinova is a real piano.
More portable or stage-ready digital pianos are also available. The Casio Privia line is pretty representative. Again, this category tends to have a limited feature set, as makers focus most of their budget on reproducing the piano experience.
Digital pianos are likely to offer weighted keys, and some mimic hammer action to feel like the real thing. Most offer a limited selection of other instruments and effects, and some offer onboard recording functions.
Because digital pianos mimic the real thing, most have the full 88 keys. There are a few 61-key models, but not many.
Electronic Keyboards (Digital Keyboards)
This is the broadest category, which includes everything from stage pianos to keyboard workstations, including arranger keyboards. These are the workhorses that do everything from live performance audio (with sometimes thousands of voices) to complex onboard recording and playback.
We won’t go super deep into this category, but if you want to explore it more, Musician’s Friend has a great resource.
Synthesizers
Synthesizers have a great history in rock and electronic music, serving up all those fuzzy and ethereal pad sounds. This category is all about those ambient electronic sounds; you won’t find any samples that sound like a real piano here.
While the pros still use dedicated synthesizers, most musicians will be more than satisfied by the synthesizer patches on other electronic keyboards.
If you’re just starting out, be sure to check out our guide on the best synthesizers for beginners to find the right one for you.
Top 61 Key MIDI Keyboards
If you’re looking for the best 61 key MIDI keyboard, start with this curated list. We’ve scoured manufacturer information and user reviews (combined with our own musical experiences) to come up with these top recommendations.
Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk2: Best Overall 61 Key MIDI Keyboard
Our top pick for the best overall 61 key MIDI keyboard is the Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk2 from Native Instruments. This controller sits in the solid upper midrange with an MSRP of $779, and it’s a powerhouse of functionality and included software and plugins.
You’ll enjoy deep integration between your MIDI controller and your existing hardware thanks to the included KOMPLETE KONTROL software. In the box, you’ll gain access to over 50 GB of samples and other audio content— 11,000 high-quality sounds in total. It’s a mind-blowing amount of content, giving you the freedom to create a near-endless variety of soundscapes.
The hardware is great, too: a pro-grade keybed with semi-weighted keys controls dual color screens. You also get integration with MASCHINE and intuitive control of any DAW.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk2
Akai Professional MPK261: Another Top Contender
The Akai Professional MPK261 is another top contender for a high-level 61 key MIDI keyboard. This beauty features full-sized keys residing in a luxe piano-style keybed. It boasts semi-weighted keys that are also velocity sensitive, and there’s even aftertouch.
Of course, the keyboard is just the beginning. You’ll also discover 16 MPC-style pads with RGB illumination. Each offers 4 banks, giving you 64 pads total. Set up samples, drums, loops, pads or whatever else you like and enjoy live production freedom. You’ll also find 24 Q-link controllers you can map to your DAW, giving you even more control.
With MIDI in and out plus a USB-MIDI interface, you can control your other MIDI devices from this powerful workstation. There’s also support for two foot switches.
The software bundle is capable as well, including these offerings:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Hybrid 3 by AIR
- SONiVOX Twist 2.0
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Akai Professional MPK261
Novation LaunchKey 61: Best for Musicians with Limited Keyboard Skills
Some electronic musicians aren’t deeply skilled keyboardists, and that’s OK. If you’re familiar with music production but less so with keyboard fundamentals, the Novation Launchkey offers a lot. The keys here are velocity-sensitive yet unweighted. Where this device shines brightest is in the numerous additional controls beyond the keyboard itself. The 16 included RGB pads are also velocity-sensitive and add in great flexibility. You’ll also find nine faders and eight rotary encoders, giving you a deep level of control over instrument channels, effects and more.
There are several features here that could be useful for an experienced musician who’s a novice keyboard player. The Launchkey includes three distinct chord modes, for one-finger triggering of several styles of chords. You can also choose a scale mode, which will automatically transpose what you’re playing to the key you need. The arpeggiator is also quite interesting, giving you some automated virtuosity with plenty of room for innovation and creativity.
The Launchkey has some limitations. The two-line screen leaves a lot to be desired, and there’s not much in terms of I/O. USB and 5-pin MIDI out are the only options here; no inputs allowed.
On the software side, you’ll get deep integration with Ableton Live. Ableton Live Lite is included, along with a range of samples and plugins from companies like Spitfire Audio and Applied Acoustics Systems to get you started.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Novation LaunchKey 61
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3: Respectable Budget MIDI Controller
If your production needs or budget (or both) are a little lighter, you may not need or want everything the previous models have to offer. For a more streamlined and budget-friendly approach, we recommend the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3. This compact 61 key MIDI keyboard has a small footprint but still manages to build in full-size, semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys for accurate MIDI capture and a natural feel.
The Keystation 61 is great for sequencing and as a budget-friendly interface to your PC or Mac. Controls are slim and straightforward: no pad controllers, faders or knobs here.
As a slimmer device with much lower power consumption needs, the Keystation is powered by USB. No need for a clunky wall wart!
The software included here is extensive, as is typical for devices from M-Audio. Check out everything you gain access to with this sub-$200 keyboard:
- Pro Tools First
- Ableton Live Lite
- Eleven Lite
- Velvet
- Hybrid 3
- Loom
- Vacuum Pro
- Eighty Eight Ensemble
- Xpand 2
If you’re just getting started with at-home recording, the Keystation 61 MK3 is worth considering. All this software and capable hardware at such a low price point are hard to ignore.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
Alesis V61: Slim, Functional, Budget-Friendly
The Alesis V61 is a strong contender if you’re looking for a compact profile 61 key MIDI keyboard that adds more advanced functionality than our other budget pick, the M-Audio Keystation. This Alesis model is compact: it’s only about an inch, maybe less, deeper than the full-sized keys.
The trick here is that the additional controls have been moved to the left side of the instrument. This means that the Alesis V61 is wider horizontally than other compact models, so make sure you have the desk space for it.
In addition to the 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, the Alesis V61 has eight backlit pads that are both pressure- and velocity-sensitive, plus four additional buttons and four knobs that you can assign to the functions of your choice in your production software. That’s a lot more functionality than the Keystation, without a whole lot of extra cost.
On the software side, this MIDI keyboard includes both Pro Tools First (Alesis Edition) and Ableton Live Lite, giving you multiple DAW options. There are also a handful of additional plugin and instrument bundles, including Mini Grand and Xpand!2.
In the sub-$200 tier, the Alesis V61 is our pick for the most versatile 61 key MIDI keyboard.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Alesis V61
Top 61 Key Keyboards with Onboard Audio
Controllers are great if you don’t need the ability to hear what you’re playing natively. But they aren’t right in every situation. If you’re looking for a 61 key keyboard with onboard speakers, here are a couple of top picks.
Roland GO:KEYS 61-Key Keyboard
Roland is a storied brand with a long history of powerful onstage keyboard workstations. Its GO:KEYS 61 is an innovative addition to the lineup. This 61 key keyboard uses integrated Bluetooth speakers to create sound as you play, and it offers both Bluetooth and MIDI support for integrating with your computer or mobile device.
It’s a Roland, so you know the build quality is high. You also gain access to over 500 professional-grade sounds, including many of Roland’s famous synths. The included loop mix mode is a great addition for quickly looping and layering your music, too.
The keys here are plasticky and not weighted. It’s great for band keyboardists, but it’s not the most pleasant for those used to a real piano feel.
If you’re trying to decide between models, be sure to check out our review comparing the Roland GO:KEYS and the Roland GO:PIANO to see which might be better for your needs.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Roland GO:KEYS 61-Key Keyboard
Casio CT-X700 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Casio is the go-to brand for portable electronic keyboards. Just about anything in its lineup at this price point or higher will be a solid option. That said, be sure to pay attention to inputs and outputs. This model offers full-sized, touch-responsive keys that are semi (but not fully) weighted. It also offers over 600 tones and nearly 200 rhythm loops. With USB MIDI connectivity, the CT-X700 can control your DAW. Optional battery power could get you out of an occasional pinch as well.
The price is low enough to make pros suspicious, and the device does have its limits. The onboard audio quality leaves room for improvement, for example. But if you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly portable keyboard that’s equally at home controlling your DAW as it is producing on-site audio, the Casio CT-X700 is worth a look.
Check Amazon for current pricing of the Casio CT-X700 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Final Thoughts
In the end, what’s the best 61 key keyboard for you? The answer varies from person to person based on skill level, desired functions and features, and budget. Our top overall pick is the Komplete Kontrol S61, while our favorite more budget-minded option is the Alesis V61. If you need onboard audio, the
Whichever you choose, you’ll be well on your way to years of music-making. Enjoy the journey!