Hi everyone!
recently decided to add an arrangement to my tracks, I decided to take myself a MIDI-keyboard
the choice fell on 25 keys. I chose for a long time, but I could not decide .. tell me, please, what can I choose

 

https://nektartech.com/impact-lx25-plus/

 

I recently bought my midi
I myself settled on nektar, I really like it
you can see options here https://soundsmag.com/product-category/keys/midi-master-keyboards/master-keyboards-25-keys/
do not rush to choose if you are afraid to spend money, but I still think that nektar is a good choice

 

Nektar, Arturia, AKAI or Native Instruments.

 

About Nektar, give it a try before you buy as their lower end keyboards are clunky. When you release the key, they make a noise.
My Arturia Keylab died recently, and after trying several Keyboards I bought a Alesis V61, it's a synth feeling keyboard, and it works very well. It have only 4 knobs and 8 pads, but I can expand this with any external device.

 

If you want semi weighted keys but can spend a bit more then try the Akai Professional MPK225. I'm a Novation fan myself but their 25 key offering has soft keys as far as I know.
https://www.thomannmusic.ch/akai_pr...InqQDYqwF_-EKqQYD3pb1GWw9NmWyhDxoClecQAvD_BwE

 

Arturia stuffs have good keys and are built like tanks. I've had Akais, but their products always felt hollow to the touch for me, keys were squeaky as well.

The Alesis ones are solid as well, my friend had one and I kinda took to it.

M-audio is also rated. Had a Code 61 that I used for years before moving.

 

On which DAW are you Producing?

I recently checked for 25 Key Midi Controllers and my Choice is Aturia Minilab 3. Best Keys if you compare with Novation Launchkey or Akai Mini. Good Size and Price and good DAW integration.

 

arturia where horrible with their software support for their hardware.
maybe they are better now, but bugs and longevity aren't always addressed.

Akai seems better, and talking about feel, if that's really important than a 25 key wont cut it
i would opt for a slim air key and an control surface, or something with a good keybed.

 

It definitely depends on what you're looking for. I have the Nektar Impact LX25+. It's a good keyboard, but I'm going to sell it this year and get an Arturia Keystep 37. I've got two other devices for pads and knobs/sliders now, a Novation Launchpad X and Novation Launch Control XL. Both are great. The Launchpad in particular is unreal though, and I'm happy to have this. I don't use it for drum beats.. I use it for entering melodies and such. Anyways, enough rambling.. the point here is I was able to trim the fat off the keyboard and not worry about how many knobs/dials/pads/transport buttons/etc it had.

My decision to get a Keystep 37 is mainly because it's nice and small, but I am also probably far too infatuated with the arp/sequencer on it, but I'm really excited to play around with that. the Keystep 37 compared to the LX25+: Smaller keys, of course (and synth action) and slightly wider, but an extra octave of keys, plus less deep, and less high. I think probably lighter too. As a somewhat long term LX25+ owner and "noodler", I actually would like 1 more octave.

 

Last edited: Nov 25, 2022

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Last edited by a moderator: Feb 28, 2023

Arturia MiniLab, I have mk 2, quality stuff for good price

 

I totally disagree with you.
Receiving information from experienced users is much better than looking at main retailers webpages and chose by your guts.
Discerning the answer made by experienced user from the rest is the first key.
The sedond one is to see if some critics / problem are repeatedly mentioned about a specific keyboard, so you can shorten the list of eligible models.
Then, you can go to a store and try the ones on your list.

 

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Last edited by a moderator: Feb 28, 2023

Sorry, I totally misunderstood your first comment, because of this "respective recessions" I didnt understood ... sorry again. Yes our view are very close.

 

I think 2 octaves+1 is way too small. I often play RH only on the Grandma and even the 3 octaves is restrictive. And you guys are talking about chords and Pollys. Too small. I think 49 is the best amount of keys if you have a limited workspace. It's still too small to really play LH+RH but you can get away with the restrictive aspect. just imho.

 

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Last edited by a moderator: Feb 28, 2023

Roli Lumi is also nice a little High priced but MPE Support and you can expand if you need more Keys. It's on Black Friday Sale 20% off at the moment.

https://roli.com/products/blocks/lumi-keys-studio-edition

 

You can also consider these:
Studio Logic SL88 (88 notes weighted)
Roland A800 PRO (61-note light weight)