25 Key MIDI Keyboard Controllers

If good things come in small packages, then 25 key MIDI keyboard controllers are definitely where it's at. What these little keyboards lack in size, they more than make up for in versatility: for the musician who wants the power to create whenever and wherever, there's nothing quite like having a micro keyboard stashed in your backpack to pull out, hook up to your mobile MIDI device of choice, and go to town. And that's just the beginning of what they can do - for example, if you're a live performer with a few samples you'd like to cue up on-demand, a 25-key controller at your side can easily do the trick. No matter how you put them to use, they have what it takes to help you pull off great recordings and gigs.

Choosing from these miniature keyboard controllers is a lot like picking out a bigger board - it starts with looking over the options and deciding which features you want to have. In a lot of cases, simple and straightforward is more than enough. If that's true for you, there are no-frills designs like the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25 USB or the Akai Professional LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard. On the other hand, if you want to add in some pads and control capabilities, you'll be looking at more advanced controllers such as the Arturia KeyLab 25 Keyboard Controller, the M-Audio Oxygen 25 MKIV or the Novation Launchkey Mini MKII.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started, and there are plenty more where they came from. No two musicians are exactly alike, and everyone has individual preferences in their keyboards - so it will be up to you to pick out the best fit for your needs. With all these different models here to choose from, it won't be a challenge to find that perfect controller. Just take your time and think about the ideal balance of features and budget, and you can paint a pretty clear picture of your ideal 25 key MIDI keyboard controller.