Do you think, a piano runs without any control? This is probably a wrong concept. There is a controller which is used to transmit the musical instrument such that it triggers sounds. This will boost your electronics musical performance. MIDI controller works exactly for the same purpose. You will get a series of keys with this device. On pressing specific keys you can get a control over particular area of the device.
Table of Contents
Best MIDI Controller with Weighted Keys
Picture | Model | Keys | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Studiologic SL-88 Midi Controller | 88 | 30 lbs |
 | Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller | 88 | 65 lbs |
 | Roland A-88: MIDI Keyboard Controller | 88 | 35 lbs |
 | Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol | 88 | 37 lbs |
Facts on MIDI controller with weighted keys
Some of the musician emphasize on the weight of the keys. They think, weightier the key, better will be the feel. The professional musicians with proper training will always go for weighted key variation. Some of them also says that, if the piano keys are not weighted, they don’t feel like a real piano. Preference of heavy keys in piano has increased. Thus, the piano manufacturers are bringing more of MIDI controller with weighted keys in the market.
Difference between light and heavy weight keys
The keynotes of light as well as heavy weight MIDI controllers are different. Many of the starter level piano player has a confusion. They cannot decide whether they will go for the light weight piano or heavy weighted keys. These days you can get pianos with light weight nature. Those are portable. But, does not fulfill the actual purpose of playing piano? The professionals and the piano teachers says that, a piano keys must be as tight as possible. Professionals always miss the real piano feel in a light weight piano variation. You can go for MIDI controller with weighted keys to take your piano skill to a professional level.
Buying guide for weighted key MIDI controller
Your music teacher has asked you to buy a piano. But, he/she prefers MIDI controller with weighted keys. You might know the parameters on which such pianos are measured. Following are some of the points you can consider:
- Buttons and knobs– Every piano keyboard has buttons and knobs. It is through these buttons you can operate the entire music system. Now, you have to check whether these knobs are capable of transmitting MIDI data.
- Key counts– There are several keys in a MIDI controller. Some keyboards have 25 keys, some has 39, and some has 61 and so on. Now, you have to choose on the variation of keyboard. Are you a beginner? Do you keep yourself in intermediate level? Are you are professional piano player? The keys will increase and decrease according to your need
- Weighted hammer action– Normally, the weighted hammer action keys comes with 88 note keyboards. This is a replicate of a conventional piano keyboard. Manufacturer has been using different ways of applying strings and weights. Choose the hammer action piano that that is little heavy.
- Touch and feel– Another factor you must consider while buying the MIDI controller with weighted keys will be the touch. The feeling of vibration when pressing the key hives a feel of a real piano. This will add expressiveness to your playing with an ergonomic way. After touch is another factor associated with it. This can be monophonic and polyphonic.
- Performance pads– Not all players are same. Some of the players with MIDI controlling feature can easily use the black and white keys on the keyboard. But, there is another group who prefers a supple feel. This is available in the performance pads with velocity sensing. Thus, you have to consider this fact while choosing the best MIDI controller with weighted keys.
- Price- The price of the product is again an important fact over here. Some people are not capable to pay high price on piano. But, there is another group of people who does not intend to pay high price. You must check the prices online and compare. Choose the one which is affordable and has more features.
List of Top 5 MIDI Controller with Weighted Keys Review
Studiologic SL-88
The piano keyboard and musical instrument making company, Studiologic has made two variation of this keyboard. One is hammer action keyboard and the other one is light weight keyboard. We are going to discuss the weighted key variation. You can now get this midi controller in any of the online E-commerce website. Folks can get a nice screen along with few assignable sticks. You can get knobs in this digital keyboard. People have a view that knobs makes more sense than that of sticks. It becomes one of the best MIDI controller with weighted keys. The users says that the weighted keys associated with this MIDI controller is really great.
Features of MIDI controller with weighted keys
- Material of keys- Each of the MIDI keyboard manufacturer use different types of material to construct the keys. The studiologic SL-88 MIDI controller is made up of real wood. Thus, you will get a classy feel after using this keyboard. Also, manufacturer has included the ivory touch feel within this.
- Perfect control- We are speaking about the MIDI controller. Naturally, the controlling factor is also an important fact over here. This is such a wonderful keyboard that that will not only controls the hardware but have a good reins over the virtual instruments.
- Knobs and buttons- It is all about the keyboard. Thus, you have to know about its diverse knobs and buttons. Within these you get 3 number of function buttons, 4 numbers of programmable pedals, 6 numbers of way control knobs, and 3 programmable sticks controllers.
- Adjust and balance- The key balance function is another feature of this MIDI controller. Some of you may loss rhythm within the white and black piano keys. But, this exclusive feature will help you maintain a key balance function. This will give you a chance of making the sound fine-tuned.
Verdict
The studiologic SL-88 MIDI controller fully satisfies its purpose. Even, musicians wish to get the device due to its weighted key. The users says, its weighted variation is superb. You will get a lively feel while playing the piano. It is made up of wooden keys which makes the keyboard controller classy. The buttons and knobs are diverse with variety of controlling feature. You can also adjust the balance between the white and black keys with this variation. Users gives it 5 out of 5.
Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller
Are you looking for a weighted piano keyboard controller? Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller can be the one in your hand. Kawai is the company that is known for its focus on high quality piano. You can now go for the digital piano keyboard which comes with really good quality. While playing the keyboard only you have an impression that you are playing an expensive variation of keyboard controller. As compared to other Kawai keyboards, this one have a bit lighter action. You can touch and feel it even if you close your eyes.
Features of Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller
- Key material- Do you know with what material, the keys of the keyboard controller is made? It is absolutely made up of good quality wood. This will give a classy feel. The players will feel as if he is playing real piano.
- Design of key bed- The player must consider another important fact with the MIDI controller keyboard. Yes, it is the designing of the keys and on the board in which it is placed. It comes with a boxy frame. You will feel as if it is the top portion of an upright piano.
- Number of keys- Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller comes with exactly 88 keys. The keys are also weighted in variation. You can get a feel of a real piano. According to the professionals, they will get a feel of an acoustic piano.
- Connectivity- These days connectivity is a vital factor. Whether you are using a musical instrument or a gadget, it is important to have a proper connection. This particular controller keyboard from Kawai can be fitted with your PC. You can even connect it to your MacBook to get an access there.
- Edit software- People wish an editable option everywhere. It is because, they are not satisfied with a single go. They want to improvise their task. The editing software in this piano MIDI controller can allow you get flawless music.
Verdict
The Kawai VPC1 virtual piano controller comes with wooden key variation. Keys have weighted variation. You can get a wonderful feel with the touch of fingers on your keypad. People get place for connecting it to your laptop and other devices. You can also customize you’re playing with the touch curves. There is an option to edit your music with the software. People gives it 4.8 out of 5.
Roland A-88
The MIDI controller has weighted keys. Tight fit of keys did not disrupt its portability feature. You can get an ivory feel after touching the keyboard. Folks will feel as if the manufacturer has provided you with the advantage of new level grand piano. It has 88 keys but is really slim and beautiful. You can carry it anywhere as per your need. You will be happy to view its compact design.
Features
- Portability- the MIDI controller is weighted in nature. But, unlike other keyboards which are very heavy to carry, this one is totally an exception. You can carry it easily here and there according to your likes. This can be taken to the place where you are organizing your musical concert.
- Keyboard function- You can get one of the exclusive keyboard function which might not be possible to get in MIDI controller within this range. Yes, the Roland A-88 keyboard comes with split keyboard function. You can also get the dual keyboard function.
- Music- When we are speaking about a piano keyboard, the music is an important factor we should consider. You can now get soft synth within the Roland A-88 MIDI controller. There are some sound modules as well.
- Live performance- The musical instruments are used by the professional musicians. Naturally, the live performance will be a part of it. The Roland 88 music controller will give you a great scope of live performance. It has Ivory feel G- keyboard. This will provide super action with natural resistance.
- Connectivity- Do you want to hear your voice on your laptop? Is the apple MacBook or iPhone going to be a medium to listen the piano music that you already played? This is now possible on Roland A-88 digital MIDI controller.
Verdict
Roland A-88 is one of the best MIDI controller which has many features. It comes with premium 88 key with a compact light weight design. This give you a real feel of playing piano. At the same time you can carry it here and there. It comes with D-beam controller, two knobs and the dual keyboard function. You can get the USB ports. Players can connect it to your laptop or smart phone. User gives it 4.2 out of 5.
Native instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Keyboard, 88 keys
The Komplete Kontrol S88 Keyboard is little different in the market. It has a very beautiful design with regards to its presentation. You will get the weighted keys over here. Another wonderful feature in it is LED backlighting. The product is very well known in the market due to its workflow design. You will also get a complete software integration with the same.
Features of Komplete Kontrol S88Keys and knobs, 88 keys
You can now get a wide range of switches over the keyboard. It has the multipurpose touch strips, scales, chords etc. The keys are fully weighted within the hammer action keyboard style.
- Quality keyboard- The Komplete Kontrol S88 Keyboard is the MIDI controller that ideally have quality factor. It also has the fatar key bed with supreme quality. Product comes with the encoders that will control all key parameters.
- Display- Another important factor which you must consider here is the display. The MIDI keyboard controller from Komplete comes with a superior display. You can get all the important details just in a glance.
- Touch – Today, the time has changed. The piano players will never go for the keyboards that requires stress and pressure in playing. The touch factor is present all over. MIDI controller is not an exception. The keyboard comes with an expressive flexible touch strip controls.
Verdict
The Komplete Kontrol S88 Keyboard have variety of features to meet the individual users need. Software imbibed in it provide great integration. The lights present in the keyboard will be effective to get a superior display. There is also a factor known as high flexible touch strips. It makes the touch variation really effective. The professional music players enjoy the live performance with this MIDI keyboard. The users gives it 3.6 out of 5.
Yamaha P- 115
If you can pay little more for your musical keyboard, it will bring quality. Yamaha P-115 is a variety which you can get in two variation. Both the variation comes with stand. If you want to go for w/x style stand, you will get the MIDI controller in $ 639 (approx.). But, if you want to get w/furniture stand, the price will be little high. Yes, you can get it for $ 799. The sellers provide wide range of accessories along with this MID keyboard controller.
Features
- Sound engine- Are you worrying about the sound engine of the piano? Don’t worry at all as the Yamaha P-115 is one of the variety that comes with fully CF sound engine. You will get melodious sound and tones.
- Keyboard modes- These days the MIDI keyboards are available in variety of modes. The Yamaha keyboard comes with a Duo mode. You can easily practice any song with your partner with this feature.
- Accessories- The seller has created a demand of this piano keyboard in the market with the inclusion of wide range of accessories. These include the headphones, polishing cloth, piano stand, padded bench, music book, music CD, etc.
- Key- We are looking for the keyboard with weighted keys. Yamaha P-115 is the one available in the market. Here the keys are of two tones. You will get the heavier note at the low end. Again it will be lighter in the high end. Thus, getting an acoustic piano feel is easy.
Verdict
The professional quality MIDI controller is now available with the Yamaha brand. You get weighted and light keys in several notes of the keyboard. The seller provides this keyboard with many other accessories. These are adjustable piano bench with two variation. Instruction book. Superior quality headphones, sustain pedal, polishing cloth, etc. The device comes with pure CF sound engine. Thus, the music which you will play can be worth listening. The MIDI controller provides the scope for two of the singles to play music simultaneously. This is due to the DUO mode of the keyboard. The professional piano players are happy with the product. Users who already has used this product gives it 4.2 out of 5.