With Christmas around the corner and everyone and their granny’s looking to buy a new 25 key Midi Controller Keyboard, we thought we should offer some advice for those stuck in a decision of which keyboard is for them and which brand is the better brand.

Firstly, if you’re looking for an affordable 25 key keyboard then no brand is really better than another. They all do the same thing and offer the general features that are required in a 25 key keyboard such as semi-weighted velocity sensitive keys in a small 2 octave footprint.  Usually if you are looking to buy a small keyboard like this then those features are all you need.  The only difference would be the build quality and brand name.

Many people tout M-Audio to be a great buy and we always hear of people being recommended M-Audio products or even Behringer, however they are only recommended simply because of the price and being affordable.  There are other stronger brands out there such as Akai, Alesis and obviously Korg.  So just remember the next time someone mentions M-audio or Behringer that there are other  maybe even better built keyboards available at improved prices!

Click here to purchase the new Alesis Q25 Midi Keyboard

Recommended Basic 25 Key Keyboards:

1. Alesis Q25 Keyboard **Breakdown Best Buy**
2. ESI Keycontrol 25 XT
3. M-Audio Oxygen 25 3rd Gen
4. M-Audio Keyrig 25

If you are looking for more micro sized keyboards with full velocity sensitive keys to go in your bag with your laptop on your travels then take a look at these below, perfect for mobile performers or producers:

1. Akai LPK25
2. Korg microKEY

For something more advanced with those extra controls for your host software or virtual instrument plugins then take a look at the list below where most of these keyboards have extra rotary pots or sliders and even drum pads.  Some do come with specific clever software included which helps you to ‘automatically map’ your extra controls to your plugins and instruments such as the Novation series, but most come with templates included that map to your host software out of the box.

Click here to purchase the Nocturn 25 Midi Keyboard from Novation

Recommended Advanced 25 Key Controller Keyboards:

1. Novation Nocturn 25 **Breakdown Best Buy**
2. Akai MPK25
3. M-Audio Axiom 25
4. Novation SL25 MkII
5. M-Audio Axiom 25 Pro