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% 8 Best Piano/Keyboards/MIDI iPad Accessories of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Tablets 25 25 people found this article helpful
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He reviews audio products, including speakers and headphones for Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 27, 2022 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by
Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
products—learn more about our process.
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If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Tablets Audio Camera & Video Car Audio & Accessories Computer & Laptops Computer Components Gaming Gifts Networking Phones & Accessories Smart Home Software Tablets Toys & Games TVs Wearables iPads have come far in terms of processing power, with Apple’s latest mobile chipset outperforming many mid-range laptops. These tablets have become viable creative production machines, and that means a MIDI controller could be a great option for the on-the-go producer.
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Whether you want something small that slips into a backpack or something bulkier that gives you full control of your music, there are a lot of options to fill your needs. But not all keyboards are created equal, especially when you consider connectivity to an iPad.
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There are basically two camps: those that connect to your iPad via USB and those that connect to your iPad via Bluetooth. The former will often require some sort of adapter, thanks to the iPad’s single port. The latter, while much friendlier from a connectivity perspective, might create some latency issues thanks to Bluetooth.
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To break everything down, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. The Rundown Best Overall:
CME XKey 25-Key Bluetooth Midi at Amazon Jump to Review Best Features:
Arturia KeyStep at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget:
Korg MicroKey at Amazon Jump to Review Best Small-Format:
ROLI Lightpad Block at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design:
Nektar Impact GX61 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Full Size:
M-Audio Keystation 88 II at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge:
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Battery:
Akai Professional LPK25 at Amazon Jump to Review
Best Overall: CME XKey 25-key Bluetooth Midi Controller
Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On EBay What We Like Ultra sleek and portable Battery-powered for mobile use Quick Bluetooth connectivity with iPads What We Don't Like Limited on-board controls A bit expensive No brand recognition What CME's Xkey Air 25 lacks in music industry brand recognition, it more than makes up for in features and convenience. The ultra-slim keyboard looks just as much like a MacBook accessory as it does a piece of studio gear.
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And that’s by design—the thin, unibody aluminum bed feels rugged and premium. The keys themselves offer a full-sized footprint, though they feel more like large buttons, not offering quite the key travel of standard MIDI controllers. The whole thing measures just over half an inch thick and weighs less than 2 pounds, meaning you really won’t notice it in your travel bag.
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It connects via Bluetooth, offering plug-and-play compatibility with any iPad software right out of the box. And thanks to a few programmable buttons on the side, you’ll have outboard control of your production software. It does operate via battery, but the included micro-USB charges everything quickly.
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It’s not without its limitations, though. This keyboard is completely in the “portability” camp, so you won’t find features and controls such as pitch wheels or several different control knobs.
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Best Features: Arturia KeyStep
Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Small, portable form factor Eight voices of step sequencing functionality Tons of inputs and outputs, including MIDI ports What We Don't Like Keys are very small No weighted action More assignable controls would be nice As a musical instrument brand, Arturia brings a host of digital and analog devices that fill out a lot of electronic musicians’ studio needs. Its KeyStep packs a lot of the features that MIDI musicians look for in a supremely small package.
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Even though it measures only 19 inches long, Arturia has managed to fit 32 keys onto the bed. The keys are quite a bit smaller than full-sized ones, but for the footprint, this is likely a trade-off that makes sense for on-the-go iPad musicians. But, while it does present a lot of the features you’d expect from a keyboard-based MIDI controller, the KeyStep also functions as an eight-voice polyphonic step-sequencer.
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This means you can control synths and plugins using arpeggiated sequences or custom patterns. It's extremely versatile, eliminating the need to program step sequencing on your DAW or enlist the help of a separate device.
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There are plenty of assignable knobs, plus a few inputs and outputs, including a micro-USB port and even true MIDI in/out ports. And, for $129, considering you are getting a keyboard and a synthesizer, the price is just about right.
Best Budget: Korg MicroKey
Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On EBay What We Like Affordable price point Velocity-sensitive keys and expression joystick Ultra-portable and lightweight What We Don't Like Cramped, miniature keys Connects only via USB Only two octaves of keys The Korg MicroKey was one of the original “micro” MIDI controllers.
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This small-format, 25-key controller measures just 19 inches long and only 7 inches tall, meaning it will slip into a backpack with ease. It also weighs less than a pound and a half, making it great for those who want to keep a lightweight music bag. Korg calls its miniaturized keys “Natural Touch,” meaning they’re designed with a decent amount of velocity sensitivity.
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It’s important to note that the keys are significantly smaller than the average piano, which will take some adjustment when you actually sit down to start playing. And, even though there is some volume sensitivity that occurs, it’s not not nearly as full-featured as a true MIDI controller.
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There are some interesting on-board controls, including a few toggle switches and an analog joystick. This joystick allows you to add a bit of pitch-based expression to your performance, which isn’t often seen in controllers this small.
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The unit does connect via USB and comes with a USB-A cable, so you’ll have to purchase an adapter to expand compatibility to your iPad. This whole offering comes in at well under $100, which from a price-to-feature perspective is pretty impressive. The 7 Best USB Hubs of 2022
Best Small-Format: ROLI Lightpad Block
Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On EBay What We Like Unique, LED-based design Expressive touch sensitivity Portable, premium build What We Don't Like Fairly expensive A bit of learning curve to play Works best with ROLI-specific software ROLI is just as much an electronic design company as they are a MIDI controller manufacturer.
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A few years back when it launched the Lightpad Block as part of its mobile-friendly Blocks line, ROLI created an interesting category from a portability standpoint. These Blocks are modular, allowing you to snap them together with a keyboard-style block and a control block to create a mini studio on the go. We chose the Lightpad here because it is the smallest option that still gives you some keyboard-esque functionality.
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This square block seamlessly connects to your device using either Bluetooth or simple USB, with a suite of software that comes bundled with the device. Where the controller really stands out is in its build and design. The fabric-topped, soft-touch keyboard allows you to strike notes with the touch of a finger, but then bend or warp those notes by pressing down harder or sliding your finger around.
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The unit also has embedded grids of LEDs to allow for interactive play-along functionality and some clever sync features. The Block isn’t for the experimentally reluctant as it does take some getting used to, and at over $100 you’ll pay a premium for its different form.
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But overall, this is one of the most unique (and most portable) controllers around. "The ROLI Lightpad block is a touch-sensitive, drum pad-style controller that is unlike any other MIDI device on the market." – Jason Schneider, Product Tester
Best Design: Nektar Impact GX61
Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Super-compact design Tons of controls Customizable velocity sensitivity What We Don't Like A little expensive No sliders and only one knob Requires USB adapter for iPad use The Nektar Impact GX61 is quite simply one of the best-looking MIDI controllers around, because it just doesn’t try to do too much. For a 61-key unit, the form factor is remarkably slim, occupying only a footprint of 96 x 20 x 7 centimeters.
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Even though you get a totally workable 61-key setup, you aren’t taking up a whole lot of extra real estate in your studio or on your desk. This also makes the Impact GX61 great for use with mobile devices (provided you get a USB adapter), because it won’t weigh you down going from rehearsal to a gig.
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Even though the footprint is reasonably small, Nektar has managed to fit in quite a few features, including customizable velocity-sensitive keys that are full-sized. That customizability means you can choose between different types of volume curves that respond differently to your specific playing style.
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There are also modulation and pitch bend wheels, eight assignable buttons, and seamless integration with most Digital Audio Workstations on the market. There’s even a fourth-inch sustain pedal jack to give you the full functionality of an actual digital piano. For right around $100, you can get a better deal, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a similarly featured keyboard at the price point.
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The 3 Best USB-C Adapters of 2022
Best Full Size: M-Audio Keystation 88 II
Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like 88 full-sized keys Semi-weighted action Simple, plug-and-play setup What We Don't Like Heavy and bulky Very long Requires an adapter for use with an iPad To bill the M-Audio Keystation 88 as an iPad keyboard is a bit of a stretch. Any full-sized keyboard, no matter how clever the brand is with build size, is going to be big and bulky, making it best used in a studio, not on the go. The second iteration of the Keystation 88 isn’t exactly light, weighing around 17 pounds and measuring nearly 54 inches long.
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This makes sense, because the keys are what M-Audio is calling “semi-weighted." While they don’t offer quite the resistance of a full-on, acoustic piano, the keys feel more authentic than any of the other keyboards on this list. So, even though the keyboard is heavy, there’s good reason for it. Rounding out the features and playability are a volume slider, some octave control buttons, and the requisite pitch and mod wheels.
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This makes the keyboard excellent for a starter studio, but because of the nature of an 88-key controller, it isn’t ideal for taking on the road. The device connects via USB and works well with most DAWs on the market, so if you do want to use an iPad, you’ll need an adapter.
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After getting it hooked up, it will work seamlessly with plug-and-play, driver-free operation. The weighted keys and full octave set do mean that you’ll pay upwards of $300 for the keyboard, so don’t look here if your budget is tight.
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Best Splurge: Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Tons of onboard sounds and sampler functions Inspiring control options Plenty of MIDI functions What We Don't Like Very expensive Tiny, button-like keys Not the most durable device Teenage Engineering is a quirky music company that makes small, computer-based synths that work well for electro-indie music. The OP-1 is its flagship device and is, to be fair, much more than a MIDI controller.
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But it is for this reason that we’ve given it our “Best Splurge” spot. For about $1,300, you get a fully-functioning synth and sampler that will unlock a ton of musical inspiration while on the go. At its core, the OP-1 has the ability to generate its own sound with 13 synth engines and seven studio-style effects.
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If you don’t want to use the synth generators, you can actually use on-board microphones to record snippets of sounds and sample those using the keys. This allows for a powerful sequencer and sampler that fits in your backpack. With USB connectivity, you can connect the device as a MIDI controller to run your DAW on your computer, or you can connect it to other MIDI controllers to affect the on-board engines.
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This makes it a truly versatile device when it comes to your on-the-go recording setup. Plus, with nearly 16 hours of battery life, it truly is an iPad musician’s tool that will go the distance.
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While its build quality is pretty premium, it isn’t the most rugged, and the keys themselves are undeniably small and button-like. But for the OP-1's feature set and functionality, these are small trade-offs. "With full-on synthesizer features and the ability to sample sounds on-the-go, the OP-1 is sort of the Swiss army knife of portable keyboards." – Jason Schneider, Product Tester
Best Battery: Akai Professional LPK25 Wireless Mini-Key Bluetooth MIDI
Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video What We Like Slim, portable design Sequencing and keyboard functions AA battery operated What We Don't Like Limited assignable controls Small, cramped keys The Akai LPK25 keyboard controller was made for musicians who want to use their iPad as their primary recording device.
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First off, you can connect the keyboard via USB (which would require an adapter), but you can also set up a Bluetooth connection for less cable management. The device also runs on AA batteries, which is great because you won’t need to worry about charging and you can always pick up emergency batteries when you’re in a pinch. The 25 shrunken-down keys aren’t full-sized, but do provide a good amount of touch sensitivity.
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There’s even an on-board Arpegiator and sustain pedal input—options that aren’t often found in small format keyboards like this one. The device works right out of the box with most of the recording software you’d find on an iPad, mobile phone, or desktop. And with a few assignable buttons, it’s a perfectly viable control surface—though we would have liked to see more dedicated controls.
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The 6 Best AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries of 2022 Final Verdict The MIDI controller you need hinges largely on how you’re going to use the device. Our best overall pick, CME's XKey 25 (view at Amazon), prioritizes a slim, durable design that can easily accompany you wherever.
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But you’ll sacrifice on key travel and natural playability.
Our runner-up for Best Overall, the Arturia KeyStep (view at Amazon), combines polyphonic sequencing functionality with decent keyboard playability.
Our runner-up for Best Overall, the Arturia KeyStep (view at Amazon), combines polyphonic sequencing functionality with decent keyboard playability.
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But it gives you cramped keys and isn’t quite as portable as the Xkey. If you’re in the market for an iPad-first keyboard controller, however, these are the trade-offs you’ll likely have to make in order to find a playable, portable MIDI device.
About Our Trusted Experts
Jason Schneider is a writer, editor, copywriter, and musician with almost ten years' experience writing for tech and media companies.
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In addition to covering tech for Lifewire, Jason is a current and past contributor for Thrillist, Greatist, and more. David Beren is a tech writer with more than 10 years of experience in the industry.
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He has written and managed content for tech companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless.
What to Look for in Piano Keyboards MIDI iPad Accessories
Number of keys - Most of your options will have either 25 or 32 keys. More keys provide you with more flexibility without having to press an octave button, but you should beware of portable keyboards that include a lot of extra keys that are too small to use comfortably.
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Battery life - You don’t need to worry about this too much if you plan on using the keyboard at your desk. However, one of the main reasons to buy an iOS-compatible MIDI keyboard is portability, which makes decent battery life very important. Some keyboards use AA batteries, and others have built-in rechargeables.
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Connectivity - If you don’t mind wires, you can find portable MIDI keyboards that will connect to your iPad via lightning cable or the camera connection kit. If you prefer to go totally wireless, look for a keyboard that supports Bluetooth.
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