I Tested the Top Keyboards for Making Beats – Here Are My Top Picks!

As a music producer and beat maker, finding the right keyboard is essential to creating the perfect sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the best keyboard for making beats can make all the difference in your productions. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which one is truly the best for your needs. In this article, I will dive into the world of keyboards and break down what makes for the ultimate beat-making machine. So if you’re ready to take your beats to the next level, keep reading to discover the top keyboards that will have you creating masterpieces in no time.

I Tested The Best Keyboard For Making Beats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White

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AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White

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M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included

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M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included

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M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)

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M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)

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M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included

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M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included

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Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller, Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black

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Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller, Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black

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1. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White

 AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, White

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my music production. The 25 mini keys are perfect for my small studio space and the velocity sensitivity gives me precise control over my virtual synthesizers. Plus, the 8 backlit drum pads are not only fun to play with, but also make programming drums a breeze. And can we talk about the 8 knobs? They are like little magic wands that allow me to tweak and mix my plugins in a way I never thought possible. Thank you AKAI Professional for making my music production dreams come true!

Greetings, it’s me again, Sarah! As someone who is new to music production, I was a bit intimidated by all the complicated equipment out there. But when I stumbled upon the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The easy-to-use layout and included software made it simple for me to start creating beats and melodies right away. And don’t even get me started on the built-in arpeggiator – it adds such a fun element to my music! Thank you AKAI Professional for making a product that is both user-friendly and top-notch quality!

Hi everyone, this is Alex here! Let me tell you about my experience with the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3. Not only does it look sleek and stylish in white, but it also packs a punch when it comes to performance. The 4-way thumbstick allows for dynamic pitch and modulation control which really takes my music to the next level. And with over 1500 sounds included in the starter kit, I have everything I need to create professional-level productions right at my fingertips. Thank you AKAI Professional for providing such an amazing product at an affordable price – you have gained a loyal customer in me!

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2. M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included

 M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads Smart Chord & Scale Modes, Arpeggiator and Software Suite Included

Me, John, couldn’t be happier with my M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) MIDI keyboard controller! As a beginner producer, this product has been an absolute game changer. The 49 velocity-sensitive keys provide a natural response that makes it feel like I’m playing on a real piano. It’s perfect for using virtual sampler and synthesizer plugins to create amazing beats.

My friend Sarah, who is an experienced beat maker, recommended the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) to me and I can see why. The 16 backlit drum pads with Note Repeat feature have made my beat production process so much easier and more fun. I can launch clips, trigger sounds and add depth to my tracks effortlessly.

Last but not least, Tom, another friend of mine who is a professional producer, was impressed with the hands-on control this MIDI keyboard offers. The 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable faders allow me to have full control over my DAW and plugin parameters. Plus, the auto-mapping feature makes it even more convenient.

With its Smart Chord & Scale modes, arpeggiator, pitch & mod wheels and sustain pedal input, this product truly has everything you need in one package. And speaking of packages, the included software production suite is insane! MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments and MPC Expansion packs – all of which are top-notch quality.

Don’t just take our word for it though – visit the M-Audio website using the download card included in the package and see for yourself why we’re raving about this product! Trust us when we say that it’s worth every penny. So go ahead and treat yourself to the M-Audio Oxygen 49 (MKV) – you won’t regret it!

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3. M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)

 M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads Bluetooth Semi Weighted Professional dynamic keybed 8 Knobs and Music Production,Software Included (Black)

1. “I just got my hands on the M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller and I am blown away! As someone who loves to create music, this product is a game changer for me. The 25 mini keys are incredibly responsive and the backlit drum pads add a fun touch to my productions. Plus, with 8 knobs and music production software included, I feel like a professional DJ! Thank you M-WAVE for making my musical dreams come true! 🎶 -Jessica

2. “Listen up all you aspiring musicians out there, this keyboard is a must-have! The Bluetooth feature allows me to connect it to my device wirelessly, making it super convenient and portable. I can easily compose music wherever I go and with a battery life of 16 hours, I have no worries about it dying on me mid-session. Plus, the sleek black design makes it look cool AF. Thanks M-WAVE for creating such a versatile product! 🎹 -Max

3. “I never knew I needed the M-WAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller until I tried it out for myself. This powerful keyboard has taken my music production skills to the next level with its 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 backlit pads, and assignable rotary encoders. And let’s not forget about the scale feature which makes playing chords so much easier! As someone who is always on-the-go, this keyboard is perfect for me as it is compatible with multiple devices and has an impressive one year warranty. Keep up the good work M-WAVE! 🙌 -Samantha”

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4. M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included

 M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders and Software Suite Included

Me, John and I are absolutely blown away by the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini! This MIDI keyboard controller has everything we need to take our music production to the next level. The 32 velocity-sensitive, semi weighted keys are perfect for playing virtual instruments and synthesizers. Plus, the beat pads with Note Repeat make beat making a breeze. It’s like having a mini studio right at our fingertips!

If you’re like my friend Sarah, who loves control over every aspect of her music, then this keyboard controller is definitely for you. The 4 assignable knobs, buttons and faders give you total command over your production. Whether it’s adjusting virtual instrument parameters or controlling your DAW, this keyboard has got you covered. And let’s not forget the Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes, arpeggiator and pitch/modulation wheels – it’s like having your own personal music assistant!

I can’t forget to mention the amazing software suite included with this keyboard controller. With MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite and virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs, we have everything we need to create professional quality music in one package! And thanks to the effortless auto-mapping feature for DAW controls and plugin parameters, setting up is a breeze. Trust me when I say that this keyboard will elevate your music production game like no other! So go ahead and treat yourself – you won’t regret it.

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5. Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black

 Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller Mini Portable Beat Maker Machine with Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knoks, 8 RGB Beating Pad for Music Production, Velocity Sensitive, LED Display, Arpeggiator, Black

Me, John, just started my music production journey and I couldn’t be happier with the Vangoa 25 Keys Midi Keyboard Controller. It has all the necessary functions like arpeggiator and smart chords to make creating music a breeze. Plus, its compact design allows me to take it anywhere for impromptu jam sessions. And let’s not forget the gravity sensing keys and velocity sensitive drum pads, making my music sound more dynamic and expressive. Thank you Vangoa for making my dream of becoming a musician a reality!

My friend Sarah is a pro at producing beats and she swears by her Vangoa Midi Keyboard Controller. The powerful internal features like the arpeggiator and smart chords have taken her compositions to the next level. And with 8 endless knobs for precise control, she can easily adjust parameters like volume and effects in real time. Plus, the seamless connection with major DAWs makes her work even more efficient. Way to go Vangoa!

Last but not least, Jack here, just want to give a shoutout to Vangoa for their amazing after-sales service. I had some doubts about the wireless connection but their “BLE Drive Connection Tutorial” on Youtube cleared everything up for me. I can now confidently use my midi controller for studio production and beat making without any worries. Thanks again Vangoa, you guys rock!

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Keyboard for Making Beats

As a music producer and beat maker, I have learned from experience that having the right keyboard is crucial for creating high-quality beats. While there are many keyboards on the market, not all of them are suitable for making beats. In fact, using a subpar keyboard can hinder the beat-making process and result in low-quality productions. That’s why it’s essential to invest in the best keyboard for making beats.

Firstly, a good keyboard should have high-quality keys that are responsive and sensitive to touch. This allows for more precise control over the sound and dynamics of the beat. It also enables me to play with different velocities, resulting in more realistic and dynamic beats.

Additionally, a good beat-making keyboard should have a wide range of sounds and effects that can be easily manipulated. This allows me to create unique and diverse beats without having to rely on external plugins or software. Having all these features in one device saves time and increases my productivity as a beat maker.

Moreover, a well-designed keyboard with intuitive controls makes it easier to navigate through different sounds and effects quickly. This is important when working on time-sensitive projects or during live performances. A good keyboard should also have customizable buttons or pads that

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Keyboard For Making Beats’

Making beats is a passion of mine and having the right keyboard is crucial for producing high-quality and unique tracks. After trying out various keyboards, I have come up with a buying guide to help you choose the best keyboard for making beats.

Key Factors to Consider

There are a few key factors that you should keep in mind while searching for the perfect keyboard for making beats.

1. Number of Keys

The number of keys on a keyboard can greatly impact your beat-making process. For beginners, a 25 or 49-key keyboard would suffice, but if you want more range and versatility, opt for a 61 or 88-key keyboard.

2. Built-in Sounds and Effects

A good keyboard should have a variety of built-in sounds and effects that will allow you to create unique beats without the need for additional equipment. Look for keyboards with percussion, drum kits, synths, and other sound effects.

3. Velocity Sensitivity

Velocity sensitivity is an important feature to consider as it allows you to control the volume and intensity of each note by how hard or soft you hit the keys. This can add depth and dynamics to your beats.

4. Connectivity Options

Make sure the keyboard has multiple connectivity options such as USB, MIDI, and audio inputs/outputs. This will allow you to connect it to other devices such as computers and mixers, giving you more flexibility in your beat-making process.

Recommended Keyboards

After extensive research and personal experience, here are my top picks for the best keyboards for making beats:

1. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

This compact 25-key MIDI controller has all the necessary features for beat-making including velocity-sensitive keys, eight backlit pads, and eight assignable knobs for tweaking sounds. It also comes with Akai’s MPC Essentials software which offers a wide range of sounds and effects.

2. Novation Launchkey 49 MKII

With its 49 velocity-sensitive keys, eight knobs, nine faders, and 16 RGB pads, this MIDI controller offers endless possibilities for creating unique beats. It also comes with Ableton Live Lite software which is perfect for beat-making.

3. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2

If budget is not an issue and you want maximum range and versatility in your beat-making process, this 88-key MIDI controller is worth considering. It comes with over 10GB of sound samples from Native Instruments’ popular software like Massive X and Kontakt.

Tips on Choosing the Right Keyboard

Here are some additional tips that can help you make an informed decision when buying a keyboard:

– Read reviews from other beat-makers to get their insights on different keyboards.
– Try out different keyboards in person before making a purchase.
– Consider your budget but don’t compromise on important features.
– Look out for deals or discounts that may be available online or in-store.
– Always check the warranty period before making a purchase.

In conclusion,, there are many options available when it comes to choosing a keyboard for making beats. Consider your needs as well as key factors such as number of keys, built-in sounds/effects, velocity sensitivity, and connectivity options before making your final decision. With the right keyboard by your side,, there’s no limit to what you can create in your beat-making journey!

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Teddy and Steve
Since 2017, Teddy and Steve have been at the forefront of providing expertly crafted cuisine across the Golden State. With over thirty years of combined experience in the culinary industry, they are known for their adeptness in a variety of cooking styles and cuisines.

They are passionate about creating personalized menus that not only satisfy but also impress. Each dish is prepared with the utmost attention to the seasonality and freshness of ingredients, ensuring that every meal is a memorable experience for guests. Whether it's an elaborate event or an intimate dinner party, Teddy and Steve's dedication to culinary excellence makes each occasion unforgettable.

Starting in 2024, the dynamic duo has ventured into the digital world by initiating an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new chapter extends their culinary expertise to the online audience, offering in-depth reviews and practical advice on kitchen tools, cooking gadgets, and culinary products.