5 best MIDI keyboards for Ableton & Cubase

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MIDI keyboard controller for Ableton and Cubase

If you’re making music, you’re most likely using applications such as Ableton or Cubase. In addition to proper software, you also need a good MIDI keyboard to take your production to a new level.

Finding the best MIDI keyboard might not be an easy task, therefore we compiled a list of the best MIDI keyboard controllers for Ableton and Cubase software.

Note: Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price tag often varies. We recommend going on the vendor’s website to check the price. Some products may be out of stock by the time you’ve made your purchasing decision. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.

What are the best MIDI keyboards deals for Ableton & Cubase?

Akai Professional MPK225

  • Pro keyboard performance
  • 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads
  • Assignable control
  • Comprehensive production software package for Mac and PC included
  • Keys are extremely stiff

This ultra-portable MPK225 comes equipped with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium Akai Professional piano-style keybed. There’s also a MPK225 velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch.

Additional features include onboard Octave Up and Down controls that allow players to access the entire melodic range.

It has a comprehensive production software package for Mac and PC included – Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & SONiVOX Twist 2.0 (downloads).


Midiplus AKM320

  • 32 keys
  • Pitch and modulation adjustment
  • Octave and transpose buttons
  • USB interface for PC connectivity and power supply
  • Issues with the USB cable

This MIDI keyboard has 32 keys and it supports velocity sensitivity. The keyboard itself is light, and due to its small form factor, you can easily carry it with you.

This is a Plug and Play device, and it comes with USB MIDI OUT port, so you can easily connect it with your PC. The keyboard has a volume slider, pitch and modulation wheels, octave and transpose buttons.


M Audio Keystation 49 MK3

  • 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys
  • Pitch and modulation wheels
  • Octave up and down buttons
  • Plug and play
  • Issues with the USB cable and Plug and Play

M Audio Keystation 49 MK3 has 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and it provides total control thanks to the volume fader and directional buttons. There are also pitch and modulation wheels, as well as octave up and down buttons.

The keyboard is completely Plug and Play, so you won’t have to install anything in order to use it. The USB port is used for both power and connectivity, so no additional cables are required.


Novation Launchkey 49

  • 49 velocity-sensitive keys
  • Plug and play
  • 16 RGB backlit velocity drum pads
  • 8 knows, 9 sliders
  • Pitch and modulation wheels
  • Drum pads responsiveness issues

If you’re looking for a more advanced MIDI keyboard controller, this might be the perfect model for you. This keyboard has 49 keys and 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads.

In addition, there are 8 knobs, 9 sliders, pitch and modulation wheels, and octave and transpose buttons.

Additional features include 2 track / MIDI channel buttons, 3 inControl buttons, and two RGB backlit round buttons.


Nektar Impact LX49+

  • 49 velocity-sensitive keys
  • 8 hyper-sensitives backlit pads
  • 26 programmable real-time controls
  • Octave and transpose control, pitch and modulation wheels
  • 9 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons
  • Few users had issues with pad durability

This keyboard comes with 49 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 hyper-sensitive backlit pads. The keyboard has 26 fully programmable realtime controls and it can support up to 5 user presets.

Buttons for octave and transpose adjustment are available, as well as pitch and modulation wheels. The keyboard has 9 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons, and 8 potentiometers.


There you go, these are the best MIDI keyboard controllers that work with Ableton or Cubase. We hope that you found our list useful and that you’ll pick the proper controller for this shopping season.