A MIDI controller transforms how you make music. Here's which one to get based on your genre, budget, and workflow — no jargon, no fluff.
TL;DR
The Arturia MiniLab 3 is the best all-round starter controller. The Akai MPK Mini is better for beat-makers. The Novation Launchkey is ideal for Ableton users. But any controller is better than clicking notes with a mouse.
Why You Need a MIDI Controller (Even If You Can't Play Piano)
Let's address the elephant in the room: you do not need to be a pianist to use a MIDI controller. You don't even need to know what a chord is. A MIDI controller is simply a tool that lets you interact with your music physically rather than clicking a mouse, and that physical connection changes everything about how you produce.
When you tap out a drum pattern on pads, you get natural velocity variations that make beats feel human. When you twist a knob to sweep a filter, you get organic movement that mouse automation can't replicate easily. Even just playing a simple melody on keys introduces timing imperfections that make music breathe.
Studies consistently show that physical interaction with music tools increases creative output and reduces production time. There's something about tactile feedback that unlocks ideas your mouse-clicking brain won't find. Every professional producer we know — every single one — uses some form of physical controller.
Keys, Pads, or Both: Choosing Your Layout
MIDI controllers come in three main flavours: keyboard-style with keys, pad-based with trigger pads, and hybrid units with both. Your choice depends primarily on what kind of music you make.
If you produce beats, hip-hop, or electronic music, pads are essential. The Akai MPD218 is a pure pad controller that's brilliant for finger drumming, while the Native Instruments Maschine Mikro combines pads with deep software integration. Pads excel at triggering one-shots, chopping samples, and programming drums with natural feel.
If you work with melodies, chords, and harmonic content — pop, R&B, indie, classical — keys are your priority. Even 25 keys is enough for most production work, though 49 keys gives you more playable range. If you do a bit of everything, a hybrid controller with both keys and pads gives you maximum flexibility in one unit.
Our Top Picks at Every Budget
Under £60: The Akai LPK25 is a no-frills 25-key controller that's genuinely useful for its size. The keys aren't weighted and it's missing knobs, but it gets your fingers on keys for the price of a night out. The Korg nanoKEY2 is even more portable if space is an issue.
Under £120: This is the sweet spot. The Arturia MiniLab 3 (about £100) is our top recommendation — 25 keys, 8 pads, 8 knobs, and Arturia's Analog Lab Intro software which includes 500+ preset sounds. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 (about £90) is the beat-maker's choice with excellent pads and a built-in arpeggiator.
Under £200: The Novation Launchkey 37 (about £150) is magnificent for Ableton users with deep DAW integration, 37 keys, and 16 velocity-sensitive pads. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 (about £85) gives you 49 semi-weighted keys if playability is your priority over features.
Setting Up Your Controller: The Five-Minute Guide
Most modern MIDI controllers are USB class-compliant, meaning they work as soon as you plug them in — no drivers needed. Connect via USB, open your DAW, and your controller should appear as a MIDI input device automatically.
In your DAW, you'll want to set up MIDI mapping so your knobs and faders control useful parameters. Most DAWs have an auto-map or learn mode: press a button on your controller, then click the parameter you want it to control, and they're linked. Spend ten minutes mapping your most-used controls and your workflow will instantly improve.
One tip that saves massive headaches: set your controller to send on MIDI Channel 1 (which is usually the default) and make sure your DAW tracks are set to receive on 'All Channels' or Channel 1. MIDI channel mismatches are the number one reason controllers seem to 'not work' and the fix is always this simple.
Beyond the Basics: Controllers That Grow With You
Once you've outgrown your first controller, the upgrade path gets exciting. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 gives you five octaves of semi-weighted keys with comprehensive DAW control. The Novation Launchpad series opens up clip launching and live performance possibilities. The Ableton Push 3 is essentially a standalone instrument that can run Ableton without a computer.
But here's our honest advice: don't rush to upgrade. The limitation of a small controller forces creativity. Some of the best electronic music ever made was produced on basic 25-key controllers with a handful of knobs. Constraints breed innovation, and the artist who masters their simple setup will outproduce the one with an expensive controller they barely understand.
Your first controller is about building the habit of physical interaction with your music. It's about feeling rhythm in your fingertips rather than seeing it on a screen. Whatever you buy, the important thing is that you buy something and start using it. Your productions will thank you immediately.