Best Master Keyboards (up to 61 Keys) 2025

Top-rated master keyboards (up to 61 keys) 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3

General Performance Electronic Dance Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Suitable for live performance
✓ PROS
  • • Five full octaves for most music
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
✗ CONS
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action
  • • More expensive than smaller models

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3USB Keyboard ControllerFatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and 61 semi-weighted...

4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
AKAI Professional MPK 261 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

AKAI Professional MPK 261

Studio Production Electronic Dance Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Good for chord progressions and melodies
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller controllers
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

AKAI Professional MPK 261USB/MIDI Pad and Keyboard Performance Controller with 61 Keys61 semi-weighted keys16 MPC Pads...

4.9/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White

General Performance Electronic Dance Studio Production
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for most setups
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for live performance
  • • Five full octaves for most music
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 WhiteUSB MIDI Keyboard with 61 Velocity-sensitive Keys and Aftertouch12 Illuminated...

4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Kompl. 15 Ult. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Kompl. 15 Ult.

General Performance Live Performance Electronic Dance
Key Feature:
• Good for chord progressions and melodies
✓ PROS
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
  • • Manageable size for most setups
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller models
  • • Heavier than smaller controllers

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Kompl. 15 Ult.*Bundle offer comprising*, Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3*USB...

4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Arturia AstroLab Wooden Legs Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Arturia AstroLab Wooden Legs Set

Live Performance Rock Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Good for chord progressions and melodies
✓ PROS
  • • Five full octaves for most music
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Arturia AstroLab Wooden Legs Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Arturia AstroLab*Stage Keyboard*61 semi-weighted keys in...

5.0/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Komplete 15 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Komplete 15

General Performance Live Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• Good for chord progressions and melodies
✓ PROS
  • • Five full octaves for most music
  • • Manageable size for most setups
✗ CONS
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action
  • • More expensive than smaller models

Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Komplete 15*Bundle offer comprising*, Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3*USB...

4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61

Pop Music Rock Electronic Dance
Key Feature:
• Suitable for live performance
✓ PROS
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
  • • Often includes extensive control features
✗ CONS
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61Compact Controller KeyboardNewly developed semi-weighted keyboard with 61...

4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Novation 61SL MKIII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Novation 61SL MKIII

Pop Music Live Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• Five full octaves for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Suitable for live performance
✗ CONS
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Novation 61SL MKIIIController Keyboard with Sequencer61 semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouchPitch and...

4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Intuitive Instruments Exquis Deluxe Dark Wood - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Intuitive Instruments Exquis Deluxe Dark Wood

Studio Production General Performance Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Often includes extensive control features
✓ PROS
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
  • • Five full octaves for most music
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • More expensive than smaller models

Intuitive Instruments Exquis Deluxe Dark WoodMulti-Touch MPE ControllerSpecial model with wooden side panelsIlluminated...

4.6/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Nux NTK-61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Nux NTK-61

Pop Music Rock Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for most setups
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Suitable for live performance
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • Heavier than smaller controllers

Nux NTK-61USB MIDI Keyboard ControllerWith 61 semi-weighted standard keys with aftertouchSimple and seamless...

4.9/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4

Pop Music Electronic Dance Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Good for chord progressions and melodies
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Often includes extensive control features
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller models
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4USB MIDI KeyboardWith 61 semi-weighted keys16 patented FSR drum pads with polyphonic...

4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Novation FLkey 61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Novation FLkey 61

Electronic Dance Live Performance Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Often includes extensive control features
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Suitable for live performance
✗ CONS
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces

Novation FLkey 61USB MIDI Keyboard61 velocity-sensitive keysOptimised for controlling FL Studio16 RGB-illuminated...

4.7/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Arturia AstroLab Stand Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Arturia AstroLab Stand Set

Studio Production Live Performance Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Suitable for live performance
✓ PROS
  • • Often includes extensive control features
  • • Suitable for live performance
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller controllers
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Arturia AstroLab Stand Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Arturia AstroLab*Stage Keyboard*61 semi-weighted keys in standard...

4.9/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black

Live Performance Rock Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for most setups
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Five full octaves for most music
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • Usually semi-weighted or synth action

Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 BlackUSB MIDI Keyboard with 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys and Aftertouch12 illuminated...

4.4/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Nektar Impact GXP61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Nektar Impact GXP61

Live Performance Pop Music Rock
Key Feature:
• Manageable size for most setups
✓ PROS
  • • Manageable size for most setups
  • • Five full octaves for most music
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier than smaller controllers
  • • Still limited for full piano repertoire

Nektar Impact GXP61USB Keyboard61 Velocity-sensitive semi-weighted "full size" keys with aftertouch14 RGB LED...

4.7/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best Master Keyboards (up to 61 Keys)

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced master keyboards (up to 61 keys) typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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