We get it; sometimes you just need to play on a MIDI controller with a full range of keys, like you'd find on a good, old-fashioned piano (remember those?).

But, while there are fewer 88 key MIDI controllers on the market than their less well-endowed counterparts, there's still a multitude to choose from.

And that's where we come in. This article is written to help you figure out exactly what you need to sort the wheat from the chaff, and feel confident choosing the best 88 key MIDI controller for your needs.

The 10 Best 88 Key MIDI Controllers

Editor's Note: Prices will always change, but to help you find the right MIDI controller for your budget we've categorized each controller into the following price groups:

• $ < $400
• $$ = $400-800
• $$$ = $800-$1,200
• $$$$ > $1,200

1. Arturia Keylab 88 Mk II

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Weighted, Fatar TP/100LR Keybed
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : Yes
• Other Controllers : 16 pads; 9 x rotary encoders; 9 x faders
• MIDI I/O : 5-pin In/Out, USB
• Pedals : Sustain pedal input, expression pedal input, 3 x 1/4" aux inputs
• Software included : Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, Piano V, Wurli V, Vox Continental V
• Weight : 32.4lbs
• Price : $$$

Overview

The Arturia Keylab 88 MKII is one of those master controllers designed to do it all. Aimed at music producers, session players, and professional composers who need expression, durability, and an enhanced workflow, this MIDI controller boasts weighted keys, powerful DAW integration, and a multitude of other controllers to help sculpt your sound and performances.

For live performances, it's worth noting some great features.

In addition to standard 5-pin MIDI in/out connections, there's also a slew of CV outputs to control hardware analog synths.

Another couple of features you don't often see in MIDI controllers are the removable sheet music/iPad stand and the extension shelf that enables you to plop your laptop on the right side of the keyboard, where there are no controls.

The durable build is also sturdy enough to withstand life on the road, and the knobs and faders are all solid enough to handle regular use.

But that doesn't mean the Keylab 88 is only meant for stage use. The multitude of faders, buttons, knobs, and pads will enhance your workflow in the studio, and DAW integration is bolstered by the inclusion of magnetic overlays for all of the major players, so you'll always know what parameters you're fiddling with.

Pros

• Excellent quality build
• Aftertouch enabled
• DAW smart mapping
• Included Analog Lab software is the bomb
• CV inputs and outputs control hardware analog synths

Cons

• A steep price tag
• Some users complain of heavy key action (but honestly, not many)

Our Conclusion

If you're a music producer who wants a dynamic feel in their playing while maintaining control over every aspect of the production process, the Arturia Keylab 88 MKII is for you.

2. Arturia Keylab Essential 88

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Semi-weighted keys
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : Yes
• Other Controllers : 8 pads; 9 rotary knobs; 9 faders; 1 clickable jog wheel
• MIDI I/O : Out/USB
• Pedals : Sustain pedal
• Software included : Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Grand Piano Model D
• Weight : 18.7lbs
• Price : $

Overview

The little brother to the Arturia Keylab 88, the Essential packs a lot of punch and comes at nearly a third of the price.

Admittedly, you lose some features, like only having 8 drum pads, and the weighted keys are replaced with semi-weighted. The Essential also doesn't feature the CV outputs for controlling external gear.

But for those on a budget, or perhaps who want an 88 key MIDI controller without the effort of playing on weighted keys, the Keylab Essential is a good choice.

There are still plenty of MIDI controllers to fiddle with. These come pre-mapped to the included instruments and to some DAWS. You can make custom layouts with the MIDI Control Center software.

Pros

• Great value
• Good for newcomers to music production
• Included Analog Lab Software gives access to over 6,000 classic sounds

Cons

• Only semi-weighted keys
• Velocity curves are only adjustable via the app, and are also not editable
• Not a great choice for piano players

Our Conclusion

For musicians who want the Arturia Keylab vibe, but can't afford the price tag, the Keylab Essential is a great option.

3. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Fully weighted keys, Fatar keybed
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : Yes (DAW dependent)
• Other Controllers : Touch strip, 4-directional push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive knobs
• MIDI I/O : 5-Pin I/O; USB
• Pedals : Two assignable pedal inputs
• Software included : Komplete 13 Select (includes synths, instruments, and effects
• Weight : 29.1 lbs
• Price : $$$

Overview

The S88 from Native Instruments offers a high-quality, playable keybed for those of you looking for a piano-playing experience. And the MK2 offers some useful updates to the first iteration, most notably replacing the pitch bend and modulation sliders with actual wheels.

The two high-res color screens are great for scrolling through sounds and providing parameter feedback from the auto-mapped controls. But, and there's a but, this has to be done within the NI ecosystem. If you own third-party plugins that are NKS compatible, you can open them within the Komplete Kontrol software, and make use of all the controls that way.

If you don't, you're s**t out of luck, although you can still assign the controls to send CC messages to your software. That said, a lot of developers embrace the NKS standard so you may be pleasantly surprised. And Komplete Kontrol (which is free with a NI account) is actually a cool piece of software for browsing through all your samples and instruments from within one hub.

But I digress. If you're already utilizing NI products in your music, the S88 will boost your workflow and give you a realistic piano-playing experience.

Pros

• Integrates seamlessly with the Native Instruments universe
• Great feeling keys

Cons

• DAW control doesn't work with Pro Tools
• No drum pads or faders
• Touch strip under pitch and mod wheels can get in the way

Our Conclusion

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 offers an excellent quality 88-key MIDI controller for producers who utilize NKS-compatible software. Also, an excellent choice if you already use Maschine hardware in your setup.

4. Nektar Impact LX88+

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both (wheels)
• DAW Controls : Yes
• Other Controllers : 8 pads, 9 faders, 8 rotary knobs, 9 buttons
• MIDI I/O : Out/USB
• Pedals : 1 x 1/4" input
• Software included : Bitwig 8-Track
• Weight : 18lbs
• Price : $

Overview

The Nektar Impact LX88+ is a super affordable option for those of you on the hunt for an 88 key MIDI controller on a budget. At a little over $300, it's more affordable than some 49-key controllers, but it does only offer semi-weighted keys, and they are most definitely made of plastic.

So if you're after a real piano feel in your controller, skip ahead. But if you want smart integration, full control over your DAW and software instruments, and an enhanced workflow, the Impact LX88 could be the board for you.

Putting aside the issue of the key weight, the Impact is an excellent MIDI controller. It offers smart integration with multiple DAWs, and programming custom set-ups is very easy, thanks to Nektar's 'Grab' feature.

The drum pads are fabulously sensitive, making flams and rolls easy to play. They can also be assigned to markers.

There's a multitude of knobs, buttons, and faders, and all of these can be user-assigned and saved in one of 5 presets. I find the buttons especially handy for assigning to commands that are hidden deep in the menus.

Split and layered zones are also available, making the Impact a useful tool for live performances.

Pros

• Lightweight for portability
• Store up to 5 user presets for custom control setups
• A large number of controllers on board

Cons

• Semi-weighted keys
• Black keys slant down away from the player
• Some users report key response is not uniform across the board

Our Conclusion

The Nektar Impact LX88 offers an affordable entry point for producers just beginning to learn the magic of having all-in-one control from their MIDI controller.

5. StudioLogic SL88 Grand

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Hammer action weighted Fatar TP/40 wood, with Ivory Touch
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Spring-loaded X-Y stick
• DAW Controls : No
• Other Controllers : 3 programmable X-Y stick encoders
• MIDI I/O : 1 in/2 out/USB
• Pedals : 2 switch, 1 universal, 1 continuous
• Software included : None
• Weight : 45.8lbs
• Price : $$$

Overview

The StudioLogic SL88 Grand is geared heavily towards musicians who want the feel and response of a real piano.

The keys are wooden, with Ivory Touch (a textured material that absorbs finger moisture to help with playing control - much like a real piano), and offer hammer action response. Each key has 3 contacts, meaning the SL88 will pick up on the subtlest nuances in your playing.

For a fully-weighted, 88-key controller, the StudioLogic SL88 is not too heavy, especially when you consider the all-metal casing that houses (and protects) the gubbins inside. This makes it a good consideration for folks wanting to use their keyboard controller in live situations.

A nice feature for live players is the magnetic rail system on the rear of the board allowing you to attach accessories for holding sheet music or iPads/laptops.

The 3 X-Y joysticks can be programmed to any MIDI parameter, but that's about it in terms of controllers on this board. Access to the internal SL88 functions is via the rotary encoder and function buttons by the color screen, or additionally through the downloadable SL Editor software.

Pros

• Excellent quality keys and keybed, for a true piano feel
• Adjust the response of individual keys using SL Editor
• Aftertouch enabled

Cons

• Not much in the way of controllers

Our Conclusion

If you don't need the bells and whistles of faders, pads, and DAW integration, but you do want a high-end, hammer-action keybed, with an authentic piano feel, the StudioLogic SL88 is a great choice.

6. StudioLogic SL88 Studio

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Hammer action, weighted Fatar TP/100LR
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Spring-loaded X-Y stick
• DAW Controls : No
• Other Controllers : 3 programmable X-Y stick encoders
• MIDI I/O : 1 in/2 out/USB
• Pedals : 2 switch, 1 universal, 1 continuous
• Software included : None
• Weight : 30.2lbs
• Price : $$

Overview

It's worth mentioning the StudioLogic SL88 Studio briefly here. The only difference between this model and the more expensive SL88 Grand is the lighter Fatar keybed, and the construction of the keys.

The SL88 Studio still has 3 contacts on each key, giving you a full-ranging expression when playing. You're just not doing it on wooden keys, with that old Ivory Touch magic going on. The Fatar keybed is also not the same - without getting bogged down in details it's still good, just not as good.

But at nearly half the cost, and 15lbs lighter, the SL88 Studio might be a smart choice for gigging musicians in search of an 88-key midi controller.

Just don't be fooled by the word 'studio' in the name - it doesn't offer any additional features that gear it towards studio use.

Pros

• Excellent quality keys and keybed, for a true piano feel
• Adjust the response of individual keys using SL Editor
• Aftertouch enabled

Cons

• Not much in the way of controllers

Our Conclusion

Weighing slightly less than its wooden-keyed big brother, the StudioLogic SL88 Studio is a solid choice for the live musician looking for a serious 88-key MIDI keyboard for their performances.

7. M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Semi-weighted keys
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : Basic transport controls
• Other Controllers : Volume fader, directional buttons
• MIDI I/O : Out/USB
• Pedals : 1 x 1/4" sustain, 1 x 1/4" expression
• Software included : Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats
• Weight : 13.75lbs
• Price : $

Overview

The M-Audio Keystation 88 is reputed to be the world's top-selling 88-key MIDI controller, and it's not hard to see why.

It's lightweight enough to make it easy to hump around between studios and gigs (side note: it also supports iOS connectivity, so you can use it to play sounds from your iPad on stage).

There's pitch bend and mod wheels to add flair to your playing, plus an assignable fader, and basic transport and directional controls to navigate around your DAW.

The 88 velocity sensitive semi weighted keys are solid enough to allow room for expression when playing intricate piano parts, and light enough to rip out synth lines when the need arises.

And it won't leave a large hole in your wallet.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Simple design means more time being creative on the keys

Cons

• Not piano action keys
• Not much in the way of software control
• Needs additional support when sitting on a stand

Our Conclusion

The M-Audio Keystation 88 is a great MIDI keyboard to have in a studio that already has hardware controllers (such as the Korg Nano Kontrol) for manipulating soft synth parameters. Also a great choice for non-piano players who want an uncomplicated 88-key MIDI keyboard to noodle around on.

8. M-Audio Hammer 88

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Weighted hammer action
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : No
• Other Controllers : Assignable volume fader
• MIDI I/O : Out/USB
• Pedals : Sustain, expression, soft
• Software included : Ableton Live Lite, Hammer 88 software editor, AIR virtual instruments
• Weight : 38.5lbs
• Price : $$

Overview

Sticking with M-Audio for a little while longer, because they have some great options for 88 key controllers to suit every need.

The M-Audio Hammer 88 is the next model up from the Keystation, and this one is geared more towards the serious piano players out there who want to play their virtual instruments with true hammer action feel.

This model loses the transport controls, but you still have the assignable fader, plus the mod wheel can also be assigned to any MIDI parameter for manipulating sounds from the board.

But like I said, this one is for the piano players out there, and the money here goes towards the excellent hammer action keys, and quiet keybed. If the velocity curve isn't to your suiting, it can be adjusted in the included software editor. Some folks report that setting it to 'Hardest' yields great responsive results.

In addition to the key action, there are also three pedal inputs; sustain, expression, and soft - to emulate the left-hand pedal on acoustic pianos.

Pros

• Great piano feel for a very reasonable price
• Adjustable velocity curves via included editor
• Sturdy build
• Multiple zones for layering, splitting, and smart chord playing

Cons

• Only the one assignable fader for soft synth control (two if you count the mod wheel)

Our Conclusion

The M-Audio Hammer 88 is a fantastic choice for the pianist who wants to control virtual instruments on stage or in the studio, without cluttering up the board with additional controls.

9. M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : Weighted, graded hammer action
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Both
• DAW Controls : Yes
• Other Controllers : 16 backlit pads, 8 rotary knobs, 9 faders,
• MIDI I/O : In/Out/USB
• Pedals : Sustain, expression, 2 x footswitch
• Software included : Akai MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech virtual instruments
• Weight : 40.8lbs
• Price : $$$

Overview

Our final pick from the M-Audio collection of 88 key controllers, the Hammer Pro gives music producers and piano players the best of both worlds.

The 88 keys are graded hammer action, giving players the realistic response of an acoustic piano. The verdict from virtually anyone who buys this MIDI keyboard is that the feel of the keyboard is fantastic. The keys are also aftertouch enabled and can be assigned to up to 4 zones.

And then there's the impressive number of controllers on the board itself, which can be assigned (easily, I might add) to any MIDI parameter. In addition, there's smart DAW integration, an onboard arpeggiator with type, gate, octave, and swing controls, and Smart Chord and Scale features.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that all these features come with a hefty price tag. They don't. Considering everything you get in this keyboard controller it represents amazing value for money.

Pros

• Graded hammer action weighted keyboard for the piano players out there
• Packed full of other MIDI controller features
• iOS compatible, with ability to use power supply (not included) for standalone use

Cons

• Lots of additional buttons, faders, etc may be more than you need

Our Conclusion

If you're looking for a full featured 88 key MIDI controller, with the feel of a real piano, the M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro is a fantastic choice.

10. Roland A-88 MKII

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : PHA-4 Fully weighted Keybed
• Pitch/Mod Controls : Pitch/mod lever
• DAW Controls : No
• Other Controllers : 8 pads, 8 rotary knobs
• MIDI I/O : In/Out/USB
• Pedals : Sustain, 2 x 1/4" assignable
• Software included : None
• Weight : 35lbs
• Price : $$$$

Overview

The Roland A-88 falls somewhere between a fully featured MIDI controller, and a basic 88-key MIDI keyboard. It has some controller features, but its main strength lies in the PHA-4 keybed and its ivory-feel, weighted keys.

While nothing will compare to the feel of a real Steinway Model D or Yamaha C-7, the Roland A-88 keyboard is a pleasure to play. You may need to get used to the velocity-sensitive action on the keyboard, to begin with. But this is true with any keyboard or piano - each has its own personality.

In addition to a great-feeling keyboard, the A-88 has a respectable amount of control options, three customizable zones, and an onboard arpeggiator. A dedicated control app allows the user to easily assign controls, splits, and zones, and save these as custom preset snapshots.

One word of warning to folks who've never played a Roland MIDI keyboard before - rather than have separate pitch and modulation wheels, Roland combines these into one spring-loaded lever. While this can be great for playing live, it does mean that controlling expression via the mod wheel is more problematic on Roland keyboards.

Pros

• Excellent keybed and action
• Sturdy wood and metal chassis
• Customizable CC and zone mapping, with instant recall of user presets

Cons

• No aftertouch or faders
• No dedicated modulation wheel
• Arpeggiator functionality clumsy to access

Our Conclusion

The Roland A-88 is a great choice for musicians who demand a realistic response from their studio or live keyboards while maintaining control over DAWs and soft synths.

11. Kawai VPC 1

Quick Look

• Type of Keys : RM311 Wooden key, graded-hammer action, with counterbalancing
• Pitch/Mod Controls : None
• DAW Controls : None
• Other Controllers : None
• MIDI I/O : I/O/USB
• Pedals : Damper, Sustain, Soft (keyboard includes a triple pedal unit)
• Software included : None
• Weight : 65lbs
• Price : $$$$

Overview

Astute readers will notice this is actually keyboard #11 on our list of the top 10 best 88-key midi controllers. That's because the VPC-1 is kind of in its own league when it comes to 88-note keyboards.

Kawai makes great acoustic pianos. And they've adapted their engineering in this department to replicate the feel in a digital form.

The wooden keys perfectly emulate the action of a real piano, and counterweights on the bass keys mimic the resistance felt as you play lower notes on an acoustic piano. The ivory touch finish on the keys wicks away finger oils and moisture as you play.

There's space on the top to put an iPad or laptop running virtual piano software, and no features like knobs, buttons, or faders to distract you while you're playing.

In short, it's as close as you'll get to playing the real thing while using virtual instruments.

But this natural feel comes with a hefty price tag. At over $2,000 the VPC-1 is for serious players only.

Pros

• Ultimate piano realism when playing
• No pads or knobs to distract - just use it like an acoustic piano
• Pre-loaded with touch curves for major piano VST software

Cons

• Absolutely no controllers
• Heavy
• Expensive

Our Conclusion

Musicians with deep pockets will love the realism when playing the VPC-1. If you need DAW/plugin control consider adding a smaller, inexpensive synth-action controller to sit on top.

Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want

Now you've seen what the best 88 key MIDI controllers are, let's take a moment and think about exactly what you'll be doing with all those octaves of ivory-esque goodness.

Studio Or Live

Is your 88-key controller going to be the backbone of your studio, or will you be taking it on the road? If you'll be hefting it around portability is a consideration, and unless you're one of the fortunate few musicians to have a roadie you might not want to deal with lifting the weight of hammer action keys.

MIDI Control (To Major Tom)

Some musicians want an 88 key controller simply to play intricate and expressive piano parts, either on stage, or into their DAW. If you don't want to be bogged down with myriad pads and faders there are plenty of 88-key options for you.

Some of you will want 88 keys to have access to the full spectrum of their virtual instruments' range, and at the same time offer all the hands-on control you typically see in 49- and 61-key MIDI controllers. And there are some great options for that too.

DAW Control

On a similar note, do you want to control your DAW directly from your MIDI controller? Not all 88-key MIDI keyboards have transport controls.

Playing Style

If you've grown up playing a real Aunt Joanna (rhyming slang for 'piano', you're welcome) you'll probably want a keyboard controller that replicates the feel of genuine piano keys. Likewise if you're investing in an 88 key MIDI controller to accommodate studio clients who want that authentic touch.

If you're a music producer who's not used to fully weighted keys you may find playing a hammer action keybed a chore, to the point where it adversely affects your music production. Fear not! There are some 88 key MIDI controllers out there with semi-weighted keys, giving you some control over the expressiveness of your playing, without murdering your tendons when you whip out a widdly synth line.

Money, Money, Money

I normally mouth off about budget first, but felt like mixing things up this week. You can spend anything from a few hundred, to a few thousand dollars on an 88 key MIDI controller. So in addition to all of the above, you'll also need to work out what your budget is.

Suffice to say, whatever your needs there'll be something to match your wallet, although you may have to compromise in some areas.

Other Considerations

Zoning

Some controllers offer zoning or splitting options, allowing you to map out multiple sounds across different sections of the keyboard. If, like The Killers, you're planning on doing this, make sure the board you choose has enough zones for your creativity.

Aftertouch

Aftertouch - some people can't live without it, and it doesn't always come as standard on MIDI controllers, even 88-key models.

External MIDI control

If you have external MIDI gear you want to connect to your controller, you'll need 5-pin MIDI ins and outs on the board.

Power Supply

Not a huge deal, if you're in a studio. But if you're using your controller on stage you probably want it to be powered by an external power supply. This is an absolute must if it's triggering external MIDI gear rather than running into a laptop.

Conclusion

In a nutshell you need to work out the following in order to choose the best 88 key MIDI controller for your needs:

• Do you need it to be portable?
• Do you want the feel of a real piano when you (or your clients) play?
• Do you want to reduce mouse time and control your DAW directly from the board?
• Does the controller need to have additional MIDI controllers, such as pads, buttons, and faders?
• How much can you afford?

Armed with this information, you can go back to our list of the best 88 key midi controllers, and feel confident choosing the perfect one for you. Go forth, and maketh the music!