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Best Master Keyboards (up to 61 Keys) Under $500 2025

Affordable master keyboards (up to 61 keys) under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Studio Production For Live Performance For Pop Music For Electronic Dance For Rock For General Performance
BRANDS: Arturia
Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Novation Launchkey 61 MK4

by Novation
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
Art. 594589
$362
Buy at Thomann View Details
Intuitive Instruments Exquis Deluxe Dark Wood - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Intuitive Instruments Exquis Deluxe Dark Wood

by Intuitive Instruments
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
Art. 600946
$373
Buy at Thomann View Details
Novation Impulse 61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Novation Impulse 61

by Novation
General Performance Live Performance Electronic Dance
Key Feature:
• Five full octaves for most music
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for live performance
  • • Manageable size for most setups
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than smaller models
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces

Novation Impulse 61USB Midi Keyboard61 KeysSemi-Weighted with aftertouchFull DAW and plug-in control8 Backlit drum...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 270197
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
AKAI Professional MPK 261 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

AKAI Professional MPK 261

by AKAI Professional
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
Art. 338301
$328
Buy at Thomann View Details
Nux NTK-61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Nux NTK-61

by Nux
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
Art. 613277
$351
Buy at Thomann View Details
Korg Keystage 61 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Korg Keystage 61

by Korg
Studio Production Rock Pop Music
Key Feature:
• Often includes extensive control features
✓ PROS
  • • Good for chord progressions and melodies
  • • Suitable for live performance
✗ CONS
  • • May not fit smaller studio spaces
  • • More expensive than smaller models

Korg Keystage 61MIDI Controller Keyboard61 Semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivityChannel or polyphonic aftertouch...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 576783
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details

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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