Hi everyone, I want to get a new MIDI keyboard but wonder if my money would be better spent getting a synth that can double as my main MIDI keyboard?

For example this one looks ideal for my MIDI uses (I dont want or need a lots of pads sliders buttons and stuff)-

M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 (100 $/€ give or take)




But what if I buy a synth that can be my MIDI controller too, even if spending a little more money, my first choice would be a analog synth. I think 200-300 $/€ would be the most I can spend. any ideas guys?

Thanks!

- forgot to say, I mostly use Ableton Live 12 and Cubase 15 sometimes. I am not a professional pianist, but I can play chords and plunk out leads easily so the key size and feel does matter to me.

 

Most synths suck as controllers, the primary issue is that the pots/encoders, ribbons, etc can't be reassigned in 99.5% of synths. You can get around this if everything you want to control is under the reach of a midi learn function but you'll still run into problems you wouldn't with a controller... eg, most synths have fixed 9-5 pots or encoders, that isn't ideal with a controller as you'd want endless encoders.

If you have no controllers atm, getting a dedicated controller first is the way to go. It will always work regardless of how your setup changes. There is no analog synth you could get for 200-300 that would be anywhere near as functional as a similiar priced controller for, well, the purpose of controlling.

All that cautionary aside, if all you truly want/need is note on/off, velocity, and pitch bend... then yes, an inexpensive analog synth could work (assuming it sends the messages).

 

You might also get mod wheel messages out. Very limited, but besides the points you make above, even with a more capable synth with more controls, you are typically beating up a synth that costs more than an equivalent controller.

 

You’re probably better off with a dedicated controller, you can remap the controls with midi learn and assign parameters to your controller, plus they won’t be too much more expensive, it depends on what size and how many keys you’re getting. I have a minilab mk2 and lumi keys but I’ve been using lumi more because it’s smaller, more portable and connects to my Mac via Bluetooth, even if minilab has more encoders I can use to control my plugins. A keyboard with synth built in is more likely to be less programmable and most often just let you control the hardware via midi instead of control your plugins.

 

Korg Monologue - $292 - www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/monologue
Korg Monologue Blue - $259 - www.thomannmusic.com/korg_monologue_blue.htm
https://www.korg.com/us/products/synthesizers/monologue

FINALLY bought a Korg Monologue — still worth buying?

 

M-VAVE SMK Pro 37
probably would do

 

I personally like the M-Audio keyboards not for its quality (pretty cheap) but for its portability.
I still use an old 32keys for testing sounds and for transcribing, of course if you need to play fluently those are not your beasts.
In that case I would suggest minimum 61keys, no matter if controller or synth (that in anyway can be controller). But with 300$ for both features you won't get much.

 

Most of today's MIDI keyboard controllers are powered via USB. And that's a great thing, at least to me.
A synth would require yet another power supply to struggle with.

Also, such a MIDI keyboard takes less real estate than a synth with an equal number of keys. Which is good.

 

@Rolfy there are already so many plugins you can play.
You'd be better off buying a quality MIDI keyboard controller with a good keyboard.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 White - 213 €
- with 61 touch-sensitive keys
www.thomann.de/de/arturia_keylab_essential_61_mk3_white.htm

Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 Black - 224 €
- with 61 touch-sensitive keys
www.thomann.de/de/arturia_keylab_essential_61_mk3_black.htm

 

...And a word about M-Audio Keystation 49: I own an earlier version of this model. After 17 years of using it I can say it is reliable and durable. While some other keyboards that I bought in the meantime went already to the trashcan.

 

Thanks for suggestions I am looking at those now.

To answer questions and statements, like I said I dont care about pads knobs or sliders (although I guess it would be a bonus and could be fun) I only want keys for a more natural feel rather than always use the mouse on grids type of notes input and writing. I already have some vintage synths and MIDI does work but not perfect and newer with USB would be better I think. I get bored with most plugins and most require long chains of processing to sound how I like, I always like the raw powerful sounds of analog hardware for filters and immediacy among other things. It might be very wishful thinking and I dont really have a tight budget but I was hoping to keep it very low for this desktop main MIDI/analog synth.

Of course I could get the MIDI controller and then small analog boxes without keys and link it all up but then it kind of defeats the whole purpose of a single controller/synth on the desk front and center. I guess I need to search more.

 

Nektar Impact GXP61 - 206 €
- 61 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted "full size" keys with aftertouch
www.thomann.de/de/nektar_impact_gxp61.htm

Nektar Impact LX61+ - 159 €
- with 61 velocity-sensitive keys
- extensive DAW integration including track volume and select, patch selection, and much more.
https://nektartech.com/impact-lx49-61-plus

 

4 other BIG factor are your personal choice:
1. the number of octaves/keys you want for
2. after-touch / pressure sensitive = for more expression
3. weighted, semi-weighted, synth-action
4. expression pedal input

The Arturia & Novation are popular for all above + more.
Akai has some nice smaller ones.

You can always look for 2nd-hand ones for cheap.

 

Get a launchkey 49 dude, my MK1 from 2011 is still my main production keyboard. I picked it because i thought it had the best key feel vs other semi weighted midi's and i'm sure the newer ones have only gotten better. even you you're not much of a clip launcher workflow guy the knobs and faders will automap to anything ableton stock and most mainstream VST's. if you're using Live and at this price point there's no better option hands down imo.

if u ever want a synth that can map MIDI i would recommend the Yamaha reface CS, i own one and its nice when you get the dedicated ADSR and other parameters mapped one-to-one. Happens lots of the time where it automaps intuitively but not always. still would heavily recommend getting the launchkey first then dinking around with a synth later if its good with your workflow but frankly just get a launchkey and go in on ableton instead of collecting synths and i think you'll be a way better musician for it a year from now. all the best

 

In 2025, Novation, Arturia, and Nektar are the best of the small midi controller market. I highly recommend the Novatiion LaunchKey 49 MK4. Its a little bigger than the 37, but offers a LOT of value. You can even strum guitar plugins with the modwheel. You get universal transport controls, chord/scales modes, arp, drum pads, faders and rotary encoders.

 

While the OP wrote: "I dont want or need a lots of pads sliders buttons and stuff".

 

Yeah I know...wanted to disclose it anyway. Fact is, quality of the keys will be better, and having the extras is just extra. Bet he won't ignore them if he had it. M-audio quality is just unrealiable, just like any "affordable" Akai, Alesis, or other Numark brand.

Oh one even better... Roland A49...probably the highest quality minimal midi keyboard ever in it's class. I have tossed that thing around on planes, gigs, basements, and still going strong. Its not used often anymore, but realiable every time I plug it in. Great key action and a infrared midi cc sensor that I use for expression or breath control...again extra.

 

My 17-old M-Audio Keystation is doing fine here, used and abused. During the last 20 years I owned 12 different keyboard controllers (including two Rolands) and so far Keystation proved to be reliable.
And in my experience some old Roland keyboards (manufactured in Italy) were of very high quality, while some later models (made in Japan or China) had issues and I got rid of one of them quickly.

Simple things are good.

 

Last edited: Nov 17, 2025 at 4:30 PM

If you are having issues over DIN then USB will at best be no better, at worst exasperate the issues. USB is not a superior transport stream over DIN when it comes to MIDI. Just a nugget to keep in mind.

 

Roland has always had very high manufacturing quality and has therefore earned a worldwide reputation for reliability, especially for live bands. I also own three Roland keyboards and synthesizers; the keyboards are definitely top-notch. Depeche Mode also uses two Roland A800 MIDI keyboard controllers! The Roland A-800 Pro was unfortunately discontinued; the market is brutal...
Roland Keyboard Rigs: on stage with Depeche Mode