Best 88-key keyboard controller: Bring home a midi piano

88 Key Keyboard Controller Reviews: Here’s how to bring home the right 88-key midi controller piano keyboard. If you have been playing the piano for a very long time, then I am sure you would appreciate a controller keyboard that has 88 keys and has piano like keys. Though the compact Midi Keyboard controllers are more popular, the larger 88 keys controller keyboards also have many takers. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00967T7DY” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Skip to the best 88-key keyboard controller on Amazon[/easyazon_link]

Best 88-Key Midi Keyboard Controller Models

Here are some of the better options when it comes to 88-key controllers

Akai Pro MPK88 Hammer Action USB Midi Controller

Full 88-key hammer action USB controller with 16 MPC Pads, Assignable Knobs, Faders, and Buttons, and Transport Controls. Fully weighted hammer-action keyboard will appeal to piano players.

The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads.

This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.
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M-Audio Keystation 88 Keyboard Midi Controller
If you appreciate the full range of a piano keyboard in a lightweight package, the 88-note Keystation is for you. You get great-feeling, semi-weighted action that’s velocity-sensitive, to convey all the nuances of your playing to your computer and most popular music education and studio software.

The pitch and modulation wheels plus slider and buttons make it a great controller for playing and programming synths, samplers, drum sounds and more. At just 22 lbs., the Keystation is equally at home on stage and in the studio. It’s even bus-powered, so one simple USB cable is the only connection you need.
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Alesis Q88 88-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
The Alesis Q88 comes with 88 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys that gives you piano-like responsiveness and range for professionals or practice sessions. It has Pitch bend and modulation wheels, gives you the ability to quickly transpose in any key.

Is lightweight (around 22 pounds…10kg), and can be used at home, on stage or in the studio. Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software is included with the purchase.

Weighted Hammer Action Keys

As mentioned above, if you are more comfortable playing the piano, if it is your primary instrument, and if you compose a lot of piano-related music…then it makes sense for you to go in for a 88 key keyboard controller with weighted hammer-action keyboard.

Manufacturers use different methods to mimic the “real” feel / action of an acoustic piano. Some 88 key controller keyboards use a weighted action keyboard and employ different velocity curves, so that you can choose what is the most comfortable for you.

88 Key Keyboard Controller – Uses

Even though you have 88 keys and the keyboard seems to look a lot bigger, you would still have the usual knobs and sliders to control various parameters and functions.

If you are performing live, you can connect your midi keyboard controller to a rack of synth modules and effects processors, and perform complex functions like combining or splitting devices using simple button pushes.

Keyboardists, guitarists, DJs have the option of going in for smaller and compact midi controller keyboards, with synth keys. A few models have semi-weighted keys as well.

Final Thoughts

Irrespective of the size, the more the number of knobs and sliders on your midi controller keyboard, the easier it is for you to remotely control the various functions. If you want to record vocals and live instruments as well, look for a model with a built-in audio interface. Some of the popular brands of include – CME, M-Audio, and others.

KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.