8 Best 2024 Midi Keyboards for FL Studio

Image credits: Vollume on Pexels

Choosing a suitable MIDI controller or keyboard can make or break your music production experience. We've curated a list of 8 MIDI keyboards & controllers that seamlessly integrate with FL Studio.

For years, before Image-Line, the developer of FL Studio joined forces with 2 of the world’s most influential manufacturers of music production gear AKAI Professional and Novation. Many users have faced challenges finding a MIDI controller that seamlessly integrates with FL Studio and optimize their workflow. They have created AKAI Fire and Novation FL Key, specifically designed for FL Studio.

Nevertheless, we've curated a selection of 8 MIDI keyboards or controllers, carefully chosen to suit everyone from beginner to professional.

FL Studio Midi Keyboard & Controller

Novation FLkey 37

Image credits: Novation Official Site

No. of Keys:

• 37

Dimension & Weight:

• 55.5cm × 25.8cm × 7.7cm

• 2.18kg

Controls:

Pitch & Modulation Wheels, 16 Velocity-Sensitive Pads, Channel Rack Control Buttons, 8 Programmable Controls Knobs, Octave Control Buttons, Play, Pause, Record, Quantisation Button, Metronome On/Off, Undo & Redo Functions, Score Log Button, Scale Mode Button, Note Repeat Function, Fixed Chord Function, Navigation Controls, Shift Modifier, Settings Menu Button, LCD Display Visual Feedback for Selected Functions

Connectivity:

• USB Type B Connector

• 5-pin Midi Output Port

• 1/4 inch Sustain Pedal Input Jack

Also available in:

• FLkey 25

FL key midi 37 & 25 keys were released on 5th April 2022. The one we recommended consists of 3 Octaves, 37 keys, making it suitable for those seeking a portable MIDI keyboard with extra range to enhance their experience. Their pads have an aftertouch function, however, this feature only works in Chord Mode. From the reviews we've gathered online about FL Keys 37 and 25 keys, the material of their knobs gives off a smooth, grippy, and nice rubbery tactile experience, the knobs are weighted for a comfortable grip to prevent accidental adjustments, so they don’t move around easily and it's nice for precise adjustment.

If you’re considering the 25 keys, do note that the Transport Control for 25keys only consists of Record, Play, Track mixer ( Scale & Note repeat ), Transpose, Octave shift, 2 Touch strips for Modulation and Pitch bend, 8 knobs, 16 pads. It does not have Pause, Quantisation buttons, Metronome on/off, Undo and Redo functions. In 25 keys it features a touch strip function but not the wheels. Both 37 & 25 keys share mostly similar features, the only difference is the key range, transport control functionality, size, and weight.  The price range for 25keys or 37keys is approximately $160 - $300. Find out more here. To purchase you may consider Amazon, Swee Lee, Singapore Pro Audio, or any other online retailer with better deals in your region.

Novation FLkey 49

Image Credits: Novation Official Site

No. of Keys:

• 49

Dimension & Weight:

• 79cm × 25.9cm × 7.6cm

• 3.03kg

Controls:

Pitch & Modulation Wheels, 16 Velocity-Sensitive Pads, Channel Rack Control Buttons, LCD Display Visual Feedback for Selected Functions, 8 Programmable Mixer Fader, 1 Master Fader, 8 Programmable Control Knobs, Octave Control Buttons, Play, Pause, Stop, Record, Quantisation Button, Metronome on/off, Undo and Redo Functions, Score Log Button, Scale Mode Button, Note Repeat Function, Fixed Chord Function, Navigation Controls, Shift Modifier, Settings Menu Button

Connectivity:

• USB Type B Connector

• 5-pin Midi Output Port

• 1/4 inch Sustain Pedal Input Jack

Bundled Software:

• FL Studio Producer Edition (6-Month Trial)

• AAS Session Bundle

• Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings

• XLN Audio Addictive Keys

• Klevgrand R0Verb

• Klevgrand DAW Cassette

Also available in:

• FLkey 61

Novation and Image-Line didn’t stop their FL Keys series at 37keys. On 15th June 2023, they released 49 and 61keys. Here we recommend 49-key, 4 Octaves, but they share similar features except the FL Key 61 has a wider key range. It’s ideal for users who are used to playing full-size 88-key keyboards or pianos. If you’re looking for a midi keyboard that takes up less desk space yet still offers a range of keys, a 49-key midi keyboard might be a better option.

In FL Key series, the 37, 49, and 61 keys offer the feature of Scale and Fix chord mode. Fix chord mode allows you to trigger chords by storing a chord shape and transposing it across the keyboard. In Scale chord mode, the chords are triggered using the pads. It comes with 32 preset chords in 8 different scales. It is well suited for users who are unfamiliar with playing in specific keys, a helpful boost for performance convenience too.

Novation FL Keys Series also comes with its Bundle Software. Eg. AAS Session Bundle comes with 3 Instrument plugins, Lounge Lizard excels in sound quality, playability, in overall feel and it captures the essence of classic electric pianos. Strum Session offers an all-in-one guitar experience, it features chord recognition, voicing, strumming, picking, a MIDI riff library, and amp effects, making guitar playing on a keyboard effortless. Ultra Analog Session brings in rich, expansive synth sounds with 144 presets to choose from arpeggios, basses, leads, pads, and polysynths.

If you’re looking for effects plugins to add depth, dimension, or a touch of nostalgia to your music, might want to consider Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette for you to enhance your audio customizable reverbs, delays, and vintage tape effects, both designed for easy use and exceptional results. After all, do check out more here. To purchase you may consider Amazon, Swee Lee, or any other online retailer with better deals in your region.

Akai Fire

Image Credits: Akai Pro Official Site

No. of Pads:

• 64

Dimension & Weight:

• 31.6cm × 16.6cm × 2.3cm

• 0.76kg

Controls:

4 x 16 Dynamic RGB Pads, 4 Programmable Touch-Capacitive Knobs, Play, Record, Stop, Metronome, OLED Display Visual Feedback for Selected Functions, Multiple Modes ( Step Sequencer, Note, Drum, Performance ), Mute/Solo button for Each Channel Rack

Connectivity:

• USB Type B 2.0 connector

Bundled Software:

• FL Studio Fruity Edition Software

Akai Fire is a midi controller for Beatmakers. Although it is designed to work with FL Studio, some users may find the size of the pads to be a drawback. The Akai Fire is not just a pad controller designed for beats and synth; in the Note Mode function, the Midi keyboard can turn the controller into a Midi Keyboard, offering 3 octaves.

A drawback of this controller is its non-velocity-sensitive pads, which may disappoint some users. This means you have to adjust the velocity manually in your DAW after inserting beats or notes with the pads. But not to worry, in FL Studio they do have randomization of the Piano roll Velocity, just a few clicks away.

A key advantage of this MIDI controller is its seamless integration with FL Studio's transport controls, making it easy to navigate when you’re using Plugin in FL Studio. The browser knobs also provide an efficient way to search for samples within FL Studio, streamlining your workflow. This controller was first released back on 1st April 2011. It is priced between $200 - $400, depending on where you’re getting it from. To find out more, check out here. To purchase you may consider Amazon, Swee Lee, or any other online retailer with better deals in your region.

Portable Midi Keyboard

Nektar Impact GX Mini

Image Credits: Nektar Technology Official Site

No. Of Keys:

• 25

Dimension & Weight:

• 39cm × 11.5cm × 3.2cm

• 0.49kg

Controls:

Assignable Joystick for Modulation & Pitch bend, Octave control buttons, 7 Daw Integration & Midi Assignable Transport button (Play, Stop, Record, Undo, Loop, Fast Forward, Rewind ), 3 Velocity Options (Standard, Soft, Hard)

Connectivity:

• Mirco USB connector

• 1/8″ male jack to 1/4″ female jack cable for foot-switch

Bundled Software:

• Bigwig 8-track DAW

• Melodics

Also available in:

• GX 49 & GX 61 keys

If you’re looking for a midi keyboard that would fit into your travel bag - Nektar Impact GX Mini is a great option to check out. It consists of 3 Octaves, 25keys, and weights less than 1kg. The only trade-off for the size and weight of this midi is that it lacks pads and knobs. However, it does have a simple transport control button and joystick for you to play around with modulation and pitch bend. You can also assign foot switches to MIDI CC.

Additionally, despite its small size, the Impact GX Mini doesn't compromise on functionality. Their Part 2 feature allows you to instantly access secondary functions, such as transposing the keyboard or layering additional sounds, with the touch of a button. Check out this clip to see the Part 2 feature in action.

Lastly, the Nektar Impact GX Mini was first released on 13th Aug 2021. If you’re just starting out, and not looking to invest too much in your first MIDI controller, this option is priced below $100. For more information on the midi, check out here.  To purchase you may like to consider Amazon or any other online retailer where there are better deals in your region.

AKai MPK Mini Plus

Image Credits: Akai Pro Official Site

No. Of Keys:

• 37

Dimension & Weight:

• 45.1cm × 18cm × 5.2cm

• 1.26kg

Controls:

Pitch bend & Modulation Wheels, X/Y Joystick, 8 Full Size MPC RGB Pads, OLED Display Visual Feedback for Selected Functions, Step/Live Sequencer, Transport button ( Play, Stop, Record, Fast Forward, Rewind ), Internal Scale & Chord Mode, Arpeggiator, Note Repeat Function, 8 Programmable 360-rotary Knobs, Octave Control Buttons

Connectivity:

• USB Type B Port

• Power via USB Port or Wall Adapter

• 3.5mm CV Output

• 3.5mm CV Clock In/Out

• 5-Pin Midi In/Out

• Sustain Pedal Input Jack

Bundled Software:

• MPC Beats software DAW

• 6-month free Reason+

Akai MPK mini plus is a 37-key MIDI keyboard with Gen 2 keybed redesign for improved expressive control, dynamic, and articulation. It was first released on 20th Oct 2022. While it does not have an aftertouch function. Nevertheless, both the pads and keys are velocity-sensitive, with customizable velocity curves for the keys.

If FL Keys 37’s pads aren’t to your liking or the pads are too small and not intuitive to your workflow, you might want to consider the Akai MPK mini plus. Just be prepared to take a few extra steps to ensure it works seamlessly with FL Studio. While the Akai MIDI controller has fewer pads — 8 in total — it is slightly wider compared to the pads on Novation MIDI keyboards.

Akai MIDI controller are also known for their budget-friendly pricing, made of plastic, they may not feel premium, but they are durable. Despite their low price range, their pads are comparable in quality to those found on more expensive controllers like Novation or Native Instruments. The pads are customizable to trigger notes, program changes, and midi cc.

Additionally, the Akai MPK mini plus also has an inbuilt chord mode, giving you access to numerous chords that you can play with just one press on the keys or pads. The scale mode lets you assign notes to play within a selected scale, offering 15 different scale settings available for both chord and scale modes. This feature is particularly helpful for those who may not have extensive knowledge or experience in music theory.

Lastly, the Akai MPK mini plus connector also comes with CV and Clock port, which is an ideal MIDI to consider if you’re looking to connect it with a Hardware Synth. While it has its limitations, however, if your setup is not too complex, this MIDI keyboard might be a suitable choice. For more information about the midi, find out more here. To purchase may consider Amazon, Swee Lee, or any other online retailer where there are better deals in your region.

Midi Keyboard with Aftertouch

Alesis VI61

Image Credits: Alesis Official Site

No. Of Keys:

• 61

Dimension & Weight:

• 102.3cm × 25.3m × 7.5cm

• 3.17kg

Controls:

Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheels, 16 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads, LED Display for Visual Feedback of Selected Functions, 48 Programmable Buttons, 16 Programmable Knobs, Octave Control Buttons, Transport Buttons (Play, Stop, Record, Fast Forward, Rewind, Loop), Metronome on/off, Roll function

Connectivity:

• On/Off Power Switch

• USB Type B Port

• 5-Pin midi In/Out

• Foot Switch Input jack

• 9V DC power adapter

Bundled Software:

• Ableton Live Lite

• Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech

Also available in:

• VI49 & VI25 keys

The Alesis VI61 is a 5-octave, velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted MIDI keyboard with an aftertouch. Its 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads are designed on the left side of the controller if you prefer having pads on the left or giving left side pads a try. It was first released on 14th April 2024. The VI61 is a USB-powered MIDI keyboard with plug-and-play, that’s compatible with both Mac and PC devices. However, do note that it supports macOS X: 10.11 and Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit). Additionally, don’t forget to download the Alesis VI61 editor, it’s a lifesaver when it comes to editing and customizing every button to fit your individual needs and workflow.

For more information on the midi, check out here. To purchase you may want to consider options like Amazon or anywhere there are better deals available in your region.

Nektar Panorama P6

Image Credits: Nektar Technology Official Site 

No. Of Keys:

• 61

Dimension & Weight:

• 100.6cm × 33.02cm × 9.53cm

• 7.7kg

Controls:

Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheel, 12 Velocity and Pressure Sensitivity Pads, Octave Shift Button, 16 Knobs, 9 Faders, 10 programmable LED buttons, 11 Transport Button, Pro-Console Control, TFT Display for Visual Feedback of Selected Functions, Octave Control Buttons, Metronome on/off, Roll Function

Connectivity:

• USB Type B Port

• USB Micro B Port for extra and external power

• 5-Pin midi In/Out

• Foot Switch Jack

• Expression Pedal Jack

• Power Switch

• 9V DC power adapter

Also available in:

• Panorama P4 49keys

Nektar Panorama P6 61-keys is semi-weighed velocity sensitive which comes with 5 velocity curve settings to accommodate your various playing style. It features a monophonic aftertouch, pitch bend, modulation wheels, jacks for the foot switch, and an expression pedal.

On the left side of the midi keyboard, there’s a Pro-Console control — a touch-sensitive motorised slider for precise control, that enables you to automate adjustments by moving the fader, providing direct feedback on adjustments made to your tracks.  This seamless integration with your recording software or DAW can significantly reduce your reliance on the mouse.

The Panorama P6's pads are located in the top right corner. It is a pressure sensitivity pad that comes with a 7-velocity curve. Under the pads functions there’s a velocity spread feature that allows you to quickly distribute a single note across multiple pads, with each pad playing it at a different volume, eg. the first pad playing it at a soft volume, the second pad playing it at a slightly louder volume, and so on. This can help create more dynamic and expressive performances. Additionally, the 9 faders are programable with the mixer, with a sole and mute button for each fader. The knobs above the faders allow for panning for each channel.

Nektar Panorama P6 is a MIDI keyboard worth considering if you’re looking to minimise your mouse usage while you’re on your recording software or DAW. To purchase you may consider options like Amazon, eBay or anywhere there are better deals available in your region.

Minimalist Midi Keyboard

M-Audio KeyStation 49 MkIII

Image Credits: M-Audio Official Site

No. Of Keys:

• 49

Dimension & Weight:

• 82.19cm × 18.9cm × 6.81cm

• 2.1kg

Controls:

Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheel, Volume Fader, Octave Shift Button, Transport Button (Play, Stop, Record), Advance button

Connectivity:

• USB Type B Port

• 1/4″Sustain Pedal

• Power Switch

Bundled Software:

• Pro Tools First Download

• Ableton Live Lite

• MPC Beats

• 2GB Touch Loop Material

• AIR Music Technology - Xpand!2, Mini Grand, Velvet.

• AIR TubeSynth, Electric, Bassline

Also available in:

• M-Audio KeyStation mini 32 / 61 / 88 keys

If the previous two recommendations were overwhelming, we have M-Audio KeyStation 49 Mk3, 4 octave, which focuses more on the keys with no fancy knobs and pads. The midi keyboard keeps it simple with the pitch bend, modulation wheels, volume control fader, octave shift button, and basic transport button. The KeyStation 49 Mk3 is velocity-sensitive with synth-action keys, with no aftertouch. This midi keyboard may cater more to Songwriters, Pianists, and Composers instead of Beats makers.

The KeyStation 49 Mk3 was first released on 1st Aug 2018. It is also available in 32, 61 & 88keys, if 49 keys isn’t the MIDI keyboard you’re looking for. Furthermore, their Advance Button is available on 49, 61 & 88 keys, and is an assignable function for shortcuts, allowing you to turn each key into a MIDI command eg. transpose, or MIDI channel selection.

It’s priced within the range of $100 to $250, depending on where you’re purchasing the item.  This MIDI keyboard is budget-friendly friendly, worth considering if you don't intend to splurge too much, yet still want a MIDI keyboard with more than 32 keys. For more information on the midi, check out here. To purchase you may consider options like Amazon, Swee Lee or anywhere there are better deals available in your region.

To Conclude

We hope the 8 FL Studio compatible MIDI keyboards and controller we recommended will be helpful to you, ranging from budget-friendly to slightly mid-top tier options. When purchasing a MIDI keyboard or controller, it’s also very important to find out the specific MIDI keyboard or controller editor script, to ensure the device functions at its optimal with your DAW.

At the end of the day, choosing the suitable MIDI keyboard for FL Studio can be overwhelming. We hope we’ve helped you simplify your search!

• Are there any applications available for remote control of FL Studio?

  Yes there is.

  If you’re looking for portable solution to control your FL Studio Workstation. They have “Image-Line Remote (IL Remote)” is available on Android and iOS on both tablet and mobile device.

  Do take note, you will need FL Studio 12.3 to access their latest features. And Android 3.0 or iOS 5.1 to use IL Remote

If you're new to songwriting, here we have articles on basic music theory for beginners and fundamental chord progressions.

Understanding these fundamentals will help you write better songs and eventually produce your tracks. The next stage might be learning the art of music production, layering tracks in your music software, and audio mixing. Check out our article on essential audio mixing tips for a perfect sound.

If mastering music production skills seems confusing or daunting, consider our courses at Anadigi Workshop.

8 September 2024