AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys) 2026
The top pick is Korg nanoKEY Fold 25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller ($88). Korg NanoKEY 2 Slimline USB MIDI Keyboard Controller gives you the most for the money at $59. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 34 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
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All Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys)Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Korg nanoKEY Fold 25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
nanoKEY Fold Black · Korg
51 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you want a keyboard you can fold up and toss in a bag, this one is worth a look. It has 25 keys, 15 scales with LED marking of the notes in each scale, an arpeggiator and chord mode, so you get a lot of ideas in a small space. It suits songwriters and anyone working on a computer, smartphone or tablet who wants something small and quick to set up.
Pros
- Folds down to 147 x 73 x 17 mm, easy to slip into a bag
- 25 membrane keys with 13 selectable velocity values
- 15 Scenes let you save different assignments for quick recall
Cons
- Needs a USB-C connection or USB power supply to run
81AudioFu
Index↓ 20.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$111 · Aug 17$88 now$88€79 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg NanoKEY 2 Slimline USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
nanoKEY 2 white · Korg
37 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Keys25 keys
If you want a small keyboard to play software instruments on your computer or iPad, this one could suit you. It has 25 keys that respond to how hard you press, plus buttons for pitch, octave, modulation and sustain. At 244 g and powered over USB, it is easy to carry, but for iPad use you will need to buy the Apple Camera Connection Kit separately.
Pros
- 25 velocity-sensitive keys with four selectable velocity curves
- Pitch Up/Down buttons let you bend notes as you play
- Octave shift button covers a range of -4 to +4 octaves
Cons
- Needs the Apple Camera Connection Kit, not included, for iPad use
- KORG does not guarantee iPad compatibility and problems may occur after Apple OS updates
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 2018
Komplete Kontrol A25 · Native Instruments
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.4 kg
- Keys25 keys
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
This keyboard suits you if you make beats or songs on a computer and want a compact, hands-on controller. The 25 semi-weighted keys, pitch and mod wheels, and eight rotary controls give you plenty to play with. It runs on USB power and comes with Komplete 15 Select and Ableton Live Lite, so you can start making music right away.
Pros
- Semi-weighted keyboard with 25 keys gives you a more piano-like touch
- OLED display, eight touch-sensitive rotary controls, and a 4D push encoder for hands-on control
- Pitch and Mod wheels built in for expressive playing
Cons
- Only 25 keys, so the range is limited for players who need a full keyboard
- Needs a computer with a supported music program to make sound
64AudioFu
Index↓ 25.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$88 · Aug 17$66 now$66€59 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.65 kg
If you want a small keyboard to carry around or to use in a tight space, this one could suit you. It has 25 mini keys, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, and an arpeggiator that plays patterns for you. It is USB bus powered and comes with the M1LE software synth, so you can start making sounds on your computer right away.
Pros
- 25 mini keys with natural touch for compact playing
- Includes Korg M1LE software synthesizer
- Arpeggiator built in for quick patterns
Cons
- Mini keys are smaller than standard keys, which takes getting used to
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If you want a small keyboard to play with your laptop, this one is worth a look. It has 25 velocity sensitive mini keys, so harder playing gives you louder notes, and an arpeggiator that plays notes in steps for you. It needs no driver to install and gets its power from the USB cable, so it suits you if you make music on the go.
Pros
- 25 velocity sensitive mini keys respond to how hard you play
- Arpeggiator with 7 play modes, 8 bar measures and adjustable swing
- Plug and play with no driver installation needed
Cons
- Mini keys are smaller than full-size piano keys
- Only 8 programmes can be saved
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Korg microKEY Air 25-Key Bluetooth / USB MIDI Controller
microKEY Air 25 · Korg
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
If you want a small keyboard to use with your tablet, phone or computer, this one is worth a look. It connects by Bluetooth or USB and runs on 2x AA batteries, so you can take it along. It suits anyone who needs a compact 25-key controller on the go.
Pros
- Bluetooth lets you play wirelessly with iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.
- Runs on 2x AA batteries or USB power, so it can go where a power outlet is not.
- Compact natural touch mini-keyboard with 25 keys in a small footprint.
Cons
- Wireless use needs Bluetooth 4.0 or higher on your Mac, iPad, iPhone or PC.
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- Weight1.5 kg
This compact controller lets you trigger big sounds without a computer. The 25 keys and touch strips work great for quick patches. It needs external software to actually make music, which limits its standalone use.
Pros
- USB-C bus powered means no extra power bricks needed.
Cons
- Limited to just 25 keys for a full keyboard.
- No built-in sounds or built-in synthesizer.
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- Weight1.26 kg
You get a compact 25-key controller with a built-in audio interface, eight pads, four rotary encoders and two touch strips. It suits you if you want to make music on a computer, or on a compatible iPhone or iPad, in a small setup. Keep in mind you will need your own laptop or tablet, as those are not included.
Pros
- 25 velocity-sensitive standard keys respond to how hard you play
- Built-in audio interface with up to 24 bit / 96 kHz conversion
- Eight assignable velocity-sensitive multi-colour pads for triggering sounds
Cons
- Tablets and laptops are not included, so you need your own to run it
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$186 now$186€166 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Nektar Impact LX Mini 25-Key MIDI Controller
Impact GX Mini · Nektar
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.5 kg
You get a small 25-key controller that connects by USB and works with most computers without installing a driver. It has a joystick for pitch bend, two assignable modulation controls, and transport buttons for controlling your recording software. It suits you if you want a compact keyboard for a laptop or a small desk, and it comes with Bitwig 8-Track software to start with.
Pros
- 25 velocity sensitive mini keys respond to how hard you play
- Three velocity curves let you choose how the keys respond
- Joystick handles pitch bend and two assignable modulation controls
Cons
- Mini keys are small, so it may feel cramped for larger hands
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Nektar Impact LX Mini 25-Key MIDI Controller
Impact LX Mini · Nektar
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1 kg
You get a small controller with 25 keys that respond to how hard you press, plus 8 drum pads and 8 knobs. It plugs into your computer over USB and includes Bitwig 8-Track software, so it suits you if you want to make beats or sketch songs on a laptop. Because the keys are mini-size, it fits best in tight spaces and on the go rather than for full-size piano playing.
Pros
- 25 velocity-sensitive mini-size keys respond to how hard you play
- 8 LED drum pads and 8 rotary knobs give hands-on control
- Two independent arpeggiator and note repeat functions for quick patterns
Cons
- Keys are mini-size, so they may feel small for full-size playing
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$116 now$116€104 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 34 master keyboards (up to 25 keys)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Arturia MicroLab Mk3 WhiteArturia · 2 finishes49↓ 12.5%$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 12
Nektar SE25 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller 2012SE25 · Nektar48Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
- 13
AKAI Professional MPK Mini IV GrayAKAI Professional47↓ 10.1%$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 14
Korg nanoKEY Fold Sand BeigeKorg47↓ 23.2%$107€96$107€96Check ↗
- 15
AKAI Professional MPK Mini IV BlackAKAI Professional43Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 16
Nektar Impact LX25 Mk3 MIDI Keyboard ControllerImpact LX25 mk3 · Nektar42Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 17
Miditech Garagekey Groove IIMiditech41Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 18
Miditech Midistart Music 25Miditech41Stable$83€74$83€74Check ↗
- 19
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4Novation41Stable$124€111$124€111Check ↗
- 20
Novation FLkey 2 Mini 25Novation41Stable$140€125$140€125Check ↗
- 21
Korg nanoKEY Fold Alpine GreenKorg39Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 22
Swissonic MiniKey 25Swissonic38Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 23
AKAI Professional MPK mini Play MK3AKAI Professional38Stable$118€105$118€105Check ↗
- 24
Korg nanoKEY Fold Lava OrangeKorg38↑ 2.8%$125€112$125€112Check ↗
- 25
Novation Launchkey 25 MK4Novation38↑ 6.3%$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 26
Muse Kinetics K-Board C GalaxyMuse Kinetics38Stable$234€209$234€209Check ↗
- 27
ESI Xkey 25ESI34Stable$165€147$165€147Check ↗
- 28
ESI Xkey Air 25ESI34Stable$279€249$279€249Check ↗
- 29
Midiplus X2 miniMidiplus33Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 30
Haken Audio ContinuuMini Black EditionHaken Audio33Stable$1,151€1,028$1,151€1,028Check ↗
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Miditech Midistart Music 25 Bag BundleMiditech28Stable$118€105$118€105Check ↗
- 32
AKAI Professional MPK Mini IV Black-AIEP3 BundleAKAI Professional26Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 33
AKAI Professional MPK Mini IV Gray-AIEP3 BundleAKAI Professional26Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 34
Miditech Midistart Music 25 Bag SetMiditech25Stable$103€92$103€92Check ↗
Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys) by the numbers
Measured across all 39 models we track, not a sample.
Median $103 — half of all master keyboards (up to 25 keys) here cost less.
median of 23 models · 0.4 kg–2.3 kg
How to choose the best master keyboards (up to 25 keys)
Keybed Action
This is the big one. Fatar keybeds are generally the gold standard - they offer a decent, semi-weighted feel that's closer to an acoustic piano. Cheaper models often use membrane or plastic action, which feels mushy and lacks articulation; avoid those if you're serious about expression. A lighter action is fine for pads and textures, but you'll want something with a bit of resistance for more nuanced playing.
Aftertouch & Velocity Sensitivity
Aftertouch is crucial for adding subtle vibrato or filter sweeps - it's that pressure you apply after hitting the key. Good velocity sensitivity allows for dynamic playing; a controller that responds linearly is much more rewarding. Many budget models skimp on this, resulting in a flat, lifeless response.
Build Quality & Portability
These are often travel companions, so robustness matters. A flimsy plastic casing will rattle on stage and might not survive a gig bag tumble. Consider the weight and size - a small footprint is great, but not if it compromises the overall feel and stability.
MIDI Connectivity & DAW Integration
USB MIDI is standard, but check for MIDI In/Out if you want to connect older gear. Seamless DAW integration - with assignable knobs and pads - can drastically speed up your workflow, especially when sequencing or creating sample-based sounds.
Knobs, Pads & Transport Controls
These small controllers often pack a surprising amount of functionality. Having assignable knobs for synth parameters or effects is a huge time-saver. Dedicated transport controls (play, stop, record) are a welcome convenience when working in your DAW.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a compact MIDI controller - a master keyboard under 25 keys. They're not for everyone, obviously; you're not laying down Rachmaninoff. But for triggering synths, sequencing loops, or adding a subtle layer of keys in a tight setup, a small controller can be a game-changer. Let's break down what to look for so you don't end up with something that feels like a toy instead of a serious tool.
Don't be fooled by the small size - these controllers still cost money. The biggest compromise you'll see is in the keybed action; cheaper models will feel noticeably 'cheap.' Spend a bit more for a decent Fatar action if possible. Think about your workflow - do you really need those extra knobs, or are you just paying for features you won't use?
Ultimately, it's about finding the balance between portability, feel, and functionality for your specific needs.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 39 master keyboards (up to 25 keys) from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 25-key controllers good for learning piano?
Not really. You'll miss too much of the range and the feel won't be quite right for developing proper technique. It's better for synth programming and MIDI control than for learning piano.
Can I use a 25-key controller as a full-sized keyboard?
Technically, yes, but you'll be constantly scrolling through octaves. It's more of a specialized tool for specific tasks.
What's the difference between a mini keyboard and a master keyboard?
A mini keyboard is often a toy, with basic functionality. A master keyboard is designed for serious MIDI control, with better keybeds, more features, and improved build quality.
Do I need aftertouch?
It's not essential, but it adds a lot of expressiveness. If you're triggering pads or heavily processed sounds, aftertouch can be a game-changer.
What's the best way to connect a 25-key controller to my computer?
USB is the standard. Make sure your computer's drivers are up to date, and you'll be good to go. Some may require external power, but most are bus-powered.





