Best Keyboard For Home Studio (2024 Update)

Sound: I'm using this keyboard in a hybrid setup. For both controlling hardware desktop synths and Ableton Live. , Features: It's quite easy to control things through USB, Quality: This is about as good as it gets in terms of build quality. Value: These keyboards are in short supply. The price is the same everywhere. Manufacturer Support: There was only one small issue with updating the firmware. But Novation heads this off with a link with instructions on how to quickly solve it. The Wow Factor: Comparing this to Push 2, the SL MKIII is about $100 less. And really, in my opinion, a better value. Creating music with keys rather than a pad grid makes more sense in my mind as a music creator, focused on melodies. Overall: The keys feel perfect. I love touching them and playing with them. Very smooth operation. They really nailed the feel of these keys. All of the other features are actually quite easy to learn. This controller may look complex, but it actually quite easy to learn and get going.Jona

I’m currently using this with Ableton Live 11 Suite and hooked up through MIDI to a Yamaha Modx8. Great keybed, very precise velocity that can be set via a knob or played through manually. The scale modes are a really nice feature with the lights, as it will illuminate the chosen scale! The arpeggiator is also very fun to play with, the pads act as a step sequencer to set your own intervals. It has a nice multicolor standby display. The abilities to control ableton are excellent. This thing is basically plug and play, with only a few settings needed in the DAW to set it up. I highly recommend this, and there are many more features that I haven’t dove into yet.John

This controller has a good feel and plenty of keys for the price (60 in our case). Midi out via 5 pin din or via USB connection to computer which also supplies power. Class compliant, so no need for a driver. 49 keys may not be enough for a pianist, but for playing single handed lines its ideal.broadkarnage

For 59 you can't go wrong really. Simple no frills midi keybiard with full size keys. Keyboard action is not weighted but its fine unless you are a concert pianist. Midi out so you can also control outboard midi sound devices for live work. Feels solid and of reasonable quality.oceansystems123

Still early days, but it syncs with FL studio nicely – so much to learn, but easy to follow online tutorials make it pretty straight forward.David

I had bought a Launchkey Mini Mk3, but got one of these the day it was available. Different as night and day, I was plugged in and playing in 5 minutes. Still complex in overall terms of managing flows and working in FL but so much easier.Steve M.

Huge improvement to my workflow compared to my previous midi controller. Especially since it's designed for fl studio, and the software/plug-ins that's included is a plus.Chef

I spend many hours on my computer each day. I am either typing and programming, or am involved in design work (using CAD, illustration, and image editing software). On those days when I am doing design work I "fly a mouse" A LOT! And if I have a full size keyboard attached to my computer (with dual 27" monitors) that means my right shoulder "takes a beating" as I try to manipulate the mouse off at the right end of my keyboard. The solution is a TKL or "mini" keyboard. I also prefer mechanical keyboards for the typing I do – the tactile feedback allows me to type as quickly as possible. And I prefer single-color backlighting. So when I decided it was time to make a TKL/mini purchase, I had a strong sense of what I wanted. I found this Logitech MX Mechanical Mini on BestBuy.com and read the specs. At the price, it appeared this little unit would perform very nicely. So I drove out to my local BestBuy and bought it. I took it back the next day. The size of this keyboard required Logitech's designers to make too many compromises. Keys are positioned in places that are unusual, making it difficult to find them (compared to a full size keyboard). And the size of the keyboard also appears to have caused the designers to decide the key caps should "form an uninterrupted plane" – there is little space between key caps, they are not well-differentiated, and it is really difficult to know "where you are" on the keyboard from feel alone. My typing r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w-e-d d-o-w-n. Not what you need when you need to "crank it out". As for the backlighting. Ugh! This is a battery-operated wireless unit. Period. Yes, you can plug in its short charging cable, but it still communicates with your computer wirelessly. So, to save the battery charge, the backlighting turns off soon after your hands move off of the keyboard. It is supposed to sense when your hands are near and turn the backlighting back on – but I had to physically have my fingers on the keyboard for at least half a second to get the backlighting back on. That, combined with the unusual feel of the keys/the keyboard slowed my work flow even more. And, of course, the keyboard requires installation of software to get its "customization" completed. I won't go far into this topic, except to say that the software always caused a hiccup when I went to shut down my computer (it was still running in the background). I just don't get what Logitech was trying to do when they designed this keyboard. Given that I want to switch back and forth from a full size to a TKL/"mini" keyboard depending on the work in front of me, this MX Mechanical Mini was going to slow me down dramatically. It required too many compromises for me to add it to my work flow. It's "pretty", but I just don't get it.Bill

As a long time Mac user I've been through the cycles of being betrothed to the Apple peripherals, and then getting frustrated with them, and then when they release a new version going through the cycle all over again. Logitech seems to be the only vendor who consistently makes good peripherals that I keep coming back – and the MX Mechanical keyboard is now another one to add to my list. I've actually been using the original MX Keys for Mac for a couple of years, and although it's been great for the home office I've been looking for something with a little more feedback and tactile touch. The MX mechanical keyboard delivers, with just enough to keep you in touch with the typing motion but not so loud that it sounds like you're living in an 80's office typing pool. The main reason you're here is to hear about the noise – does it make a noise? Yes, but as I mentioned this is part of the whole tactile experience that people like me miss with regular soft-touch laptop keyboards. The keyboard is available in 3 different 'experiences' ( Tactile Quiet, Clicky and Linear.) so if you're in any doubt, I would suggest a trip to your local Best Buy to try them out in person. The example in my video is the tactile quiet version, which is just the write balance but it will be entirely down to you personal preference. The MX retains all the features I loved from the original MX – with the ability to quick-switch between multiple devices (I use it to control 2 laptops connected to the same monitor). The only thing to call out here is that although you can still pair the keyboard through bluetooth, it no longer appears to support the Logitech Unified receiver – it instead ships with the new Logitech Bolt adapter. I only mention this in case like me you are already using the unified receiver for other devices – you may need to consider upgrading those to to be Bolt compliant. There are some nice options for the backlighting (including a 'random' mode and one where only the key you touch lights up – which is a cool gimmick but practically the only useful backlighting is constant so you can actually see the keys in the dark). I would still recommend this full size keyboard over the mini version – its down to personal preference but the dedicated page navigation and number pad just seem to make my workflow a bit more streamlined without constantly flipping for FN or option keys to get what I need done.DickieUK

The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard is a new professional keyboard that brings the best of gaming keyboards to the business world. The keyboard is wireless and connects with Bluetooth LE or the included Logitech dongle if your computer does not have Bluetooth. The keyboard is rechargeable lasting up to 15 days with lighting on or 10 months with it turned off. The keyboard is outfitted with Low-profile backlit mechanical switches with smooth feel and reduced actuation depth are great for typing. There are 3 switch types available the Tactile quiet, Linear or clicky. I have the tactile quiet keys and I think I would prefer the clicky type as they provide additional tactile feedback. The backlighting has what Logitech calls smart illumination automatically turning on when your hands approach the keys extending the battery life. You can use the Logi Options+ application to change the effects or directly from the keyboard by pressing the Function and bulb key. The keyboard has programmable keys and can be configured to have the function or media keys active with direct keypresses. The Logi Options+ application allows you to set the backlighting pattern, customize key functions, gives status and notifications and supports Logitech Flow. With flow you can copy content on one device and past it to another paired device even across operating systems. You can pair the keyboard with up to 3 devices and it supports all major operating systems. The keyboard layout is optimized for both Windows and Apple Macintosh. The keyboard has a built in battery and has a USB C charge port Logitech includes an USB A to USB C cable. You can get a full days use with just 15 minutes of charging. The build quality is great with an aluminum frame giving a solid feel and good weight. Logitech has made the keys and other plastic parts from 45% recycled plastic. Logitech has created a great keyboard with quality hardware and well thought out software to the business world!Idoc

The keybed is EXTREMELY stiff and feels nothing like a "semi-weighted" keybed. It feels like comically stiff synth-action springs. It is a misery to play, and I'm confounded that any manufacturer would implement springs this stiff. It is useless for piano, organ, or synth styles. The black keys are especially egregious. Instant tendonitis. Seriously, what was Alesis thinking???? Back it goes. No keybed should EVER feel like this. Easily the stiffest keyboard I have ever played, anytime, anywhere.Mark

This is a high quality board at a very good price. The keys feel very good. The pads feel great and are very sensitive. I love how they light different colors, depending on how hard you press them. The pitch/mod wheels are rubberized and feel really luxurious. The knobs are accurate. My only complaint are the switches. I've switched from toggle to momentary in the editor, but no change. The way the fiction now makes them almost useless in ableton, which is why I wanted this board. Hopefully there is a software editor revision soon to address this.sandman

Very happy with this keyboard controller. I feel it's excellent value for the price. The keys are nicely weighted for my purposes. It seems to be well-built, physically, and has plenty of functionality. After connecting the USB cord to your computer you do also have to then switch it on from the button at the back. Seems obvious I suppose but it did confuse me at first. I've used Alesis products many times over the years and have never had a problem with them. Happy to recommend this keyboard controller.PRODOS

Amazing Midi Keyboard, used on both PC (Ableton Live & FL Studio) & Android (FL Mobile & Audio Evolution). Better integration on PC DAWs but still usable on mobile. USB-C straight in and you're away.Reviewed by Absolute Music custo

My first foray into softsynths, and this fit the bill. The Arturia synths are outstanding, I jumped on the upgrade offer to Analog Lab 5, well worth it. The UVI piano sounds great but the installation process was difficult, had to find how to do it.John

I purchased the Panorama T6 a couple months ago and it's been great! I was looking for a 61 key MIDI controller to integrate with DAWs and give plug-in control, and after narrowing it down to 4 different brands/models I decided on the Nektar Panorama T6. I'm very happy with this purchase. The action on the keys is great and there's good control over the whole range of dynamics. The keyboard is built well, and the encoders and faders seem very solid. For me, the best part of the keyboard is its integration with DAWs (I use Reaper) and particularly with plug-ins through the Nektarine app. Wow! I've had many many plug-ins for years and I've typically used the same presets but I'm finding myself exploring other presets because it's very easy to browse and load presets from any plug-in directly from the keyboard. Nektarine also allows pretty much unlimited control over all plug-in parameters, so it provides a really good hands-on feel with the knobs and faders linked to plug-in parameters. Suddenly all my plug-ins have come to life! The downside is that Nektarine takes some time to set up initially. For the most part, it will recognize and load all the patches/presets within a plug-in, but you have to go into the software to tag the patches appropriately. However, you only have to do that once, and then the browsing and loading of patches from the keyboard is quite good. The control over plug-in parameters is also something that requires initial setup for a lot of plug-ins (some plug-ins have already been pre-mapped). After the setup has been done, the display on the keyboard gives you feedback by showing you names of the controls that you mapped. I had an issue with the keyboard when I first got it and I had work with Nektar customer service and they were absolutely great to work with and they resolved my issue completely. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great DAW integration and excellent plug-in control!Steve

Highly recommended for Logic Pro users. Controls auto map to Logic instruments and can easily map 3rd party instruments. Mixer mode, drum pads, also has midi din connection, keyboard feels good.yahut

Just got my Korg keyboard. Seems fine enough. Keys have very low quality feel. My casio that I bought from the top for $5 has a much better feelkaatbay

I bought this keyboard as a gateway keyboard to mechanical keyboards. The keyboard itself is pretty sure and have a bit of weight to it to keep it from sliding around. The RGB settings is very pleasing to look at and the sound of the sound of the Gateron brown switches does not sound as obnoxious compared to other switches. However, the keyboard is a bit tall and you would probably need a wrist rest. Kinda disappointed that this was not the hot-swappable version and it was over-priced compared to other retailers.k

It is awesome, fantastic an perfect. I love it . It connects to my laptop, iPad and my iPhone smoothly, no delay in typing. Beautiful RGB backlight and high quality, Thanks @KeychronAmir

Horrible customer service i was promised a refund and they stopped emailing me even after I followed up many times. Buyers be ware they will send you anything and wont refund you money or help you worst experience everFelix

My husband played a real piano & keyboards he was younger but hasn't played for years. He wanted to start again and debated between the KeyLab 88 MKII and a more traditional stand alone piano-type keyboard. He's so happy we went this route. He uses it with Logic Pro and feels the KeyLab offers the perfect amount of features without adding unnecessary things. He hasn't yet figured it all out, but it's great to sit down and play freely or to record using the software and create a song. The build is excellent, with a metal body and wood accents. The action of the key bed is excellent and is much closer to a real piano than non-weighted keys. The additional weight of the keys makes playing at different volume levels very easy. One complain that he had was the lack of documentation on how to set it up and integrate it with different DAWs, but Arturia's tech support is top notch and quickly replied with a long and detailed emailing showing step by step directions on how to set it up with Logic Pro. Plus, their website has a great FAQ section and detailed user manuals that cover how to use most of the keyboard's features. In addition to a great keyboard, the unit comes with some wonderful software. It includes Ableton Live Lite for those who don't already have a DAW. It also comes with Piano V/V2, which is a piano software add-on worth $249 by itself and Analog Lab, which is a collection of older (from the 80s I think), classic synthesizer sounds worth $199. So, the keyboard itself is a great item for the price, but when all the additional software is included, the KeyLab 88 MkII is a wonderful item.Nancy B.

Thought this could be the ultimate controller for both my Microfreak as well as Pigments. I know Arturia makes phenomenal software, but the firmware needs improvement. Went through some frustrating times when it defaults to 'DAW mode' and all the knobs inexplicably control individual track panning. Have to constantly switch to 'Analog lab' mode. Recording automations with the knobs in Ableton can be funky, but occasionally works. Contrary to what I read somewhere on the internet, the keys do not have aftertouch. That would've been nice to have when controlling the microfreak.Christopher

As it says in the title, I haven't done much music before now. Maybe it's not as good for a beginner than a larger 61 key keyboard, but I'm using it in conjunction with one for now. I was able to take this on an international trip and practice every evening for the past month, so practice is practice. It's so cute with nice little rainbow lights, it makes me wonder why it's so cheap. However the downside is you have to use it with software and if you're completely new to music, finding a nice piano sound in (the included product) Ableton Lite will turn out to be a big feat. I hope I can use this to really grow and improve, and it's very fun for what it is.vela

I got this as a step up from an Alesis Vmini, and I'm very happy with it. It seems solid, good quality build, and it includes software downloads, giving you access to a lot of free, professional sound banks and instruments. I am a non-keyboard playing guitarist, and I find this keyboard expressive, flexible and easy to use to add synth pads and drums to my home recordings.Chris M

Sound: I'm using this keyboard in a hybrid setup. For both controlling hardware desktop synths and Ableton Live. , Features: It's quite easy to control things through USB, Quality: This is about as good as it gets in terms of build quality. Value: These keyboards are in short supply. The price is the same everywhere. Manufacturer Support: There was only one small issue with updating the firmware. But Novation heads this off with a link with instructions on how to quickly solve it. The Wow Factor: Comparing this to Push 2, the SL MKIII is about $100 less. And really, in my opinion, a better value. Creating music with keys rather than a pad grid makes more sense in my mind as a music creator, focused on melodies. Overall: The keys feel perfect. I love touching them and playing with them. Very smooth operation. They really nailed the feel of these keys. All of the other features are actually quite easy to learn. This controller may look complex, but it actually quite easy to learn and get going.Jona

I’m currently using this with Ableton Live 11 Suite and hooked up through MIDI to a Yamaha Modx8. Great keybed, very precise velocity that can be set via a knob or played through manually. The scale modes are a really nice feature with the lights, as it will illuminate the chosen scale! The arpeggiator is also very fun to play with, the pads act as a step sequencer to set your own intervals. It has a nice multicolor standby display. The abilities to control ableton are excellent. This thing is basically plug and play, with only a few settings needed in the DAW to set it up. I highly recommend this, and there are many more features that I haven’t dove into yet.John

I’ve instantly fallen in love with this little controller. It’s rugged build quality and sexy design compliments its quick and nimble key feel. I use this as a small controller to have at hands reach, to compliment my larger Arturia Keylab 88. It’s always there when I need something quick and easy. I also travel frequently and take this on the road for setting up ad-hoc hotel studios. Super simple and easy to use, and the wrap around cable design makes setup a breeze! Love your work yet again ArturiaJacob D.

Exactly what I was looking for. I'm a beginner in using midi controllers, and I like to travel so this is perfect. I use it with my IPad Air a lot (with a lightning to camera adapter) and it works pretty well. Also, really like the chord function. The keyboard also has a very solid build and the cable is a decent length without being overwhelming. It also helps that cable can be put around the keyboard although the corners can be a little tough.Carolyn

I wish I had grabbed one of these sooner. It fits in my backpack and now I carry it everywhere. Great for those moments I have some extra time to kill. With this and my laptop and a set of headphones, I am ready to make music just about anywhere. The small size and bold color draws attention.Brock

Will have to start with a partial negative: The typical mechanical feel of a Corsair K70 (cherry mx red) or a Steelseries 6Gv2 is not there, but on the plus side, the feel is quite nice in its own right and its definitely more quiet. While the keys do have springs, the actuation is actually magnetic-sensor based, so this would make it an electronic keyboard more than a mechanical keyboard, but this presents a huge advantage over other keyboards because: 1. The absence of a physical actuation makes the keys last longer than anything else. 2. The magnetic sensors allow for a precise adjustment of the sensitivity of each key, and this is huge for both typing and gaming. 3. The electronic nature of the switches makes it possible to remap every single key natively inside the keyboard software, and this is also an excellent feature. 4. The adjustments and customization possible are beyond anything else on the market. The sensitivity adjustment of the keys makes a huge difference in the ways you can customize this keyboard to fit your personal style and correct your personal mistakes in both typing and gaming. With some small adjustments, gone are the most common repeated typos i was making and the unwanted actions that i triggered in games. The free remapping of each key is flawless and quite useful for a gamer. Depending on your specific hardware you might experience frustrating issues with this keyboard at first, i know i did. The customization i made was becoming inoperative randomly, the keys were not responding at all (after a new customization save), and i had to restart PC to make things work again, very frustrating, especially for an item of this price. Online search showed several people having these problems, but luckily online search also provided solutions for my problems, namely dont allow windows to turn off the keyboard for power saving, and change the USB slot the keyboard is plugged in. This solved the problems for me and everything been working fine for two weeks now. There are also other interesting features done very well, like the binding of the combo keys (m1-m6) to the "tenkey area", instead of adding the awkward keys on the left. The best and most unintrusive display ive seen, it can easily pass as an illuminated logo. The audio volume adjustment wheel is there and even has an extra function when you press-click on it. All in all, i could say this is the best keyboard i ever used for both gaming and typing. Very expensive, but unlike other expensive "gaming" stuff on the market, i can say this one was really worth the price and delivered it's gaming features.Anonymous

Pros: – quietest keyboard in existence – has number pad (good for work) – quick, customizable, and elegant – disable the windows key and it has on-board memory to remember my preferences after reboot Cons: – not tactile (no physical feedback for button presses… you have taken this for granted without realizing it) – has number pad (bad for mouse-heavy gaming) – lack of OLED display applications (due to price premium; seriously steelseries if you want this to catch on you need to integrate these into cheaper models of your keyboards) – profile switch + macro record button are not remappable (fixed functions) verdict: Don't buy this for the OLED display, it's near useless. Despite this, I believe that the switches are absolutely next generation. I can only hope that they release these switches, boards, and SDK for hobbyists so I can make a version with a better display/ expanded function and programmability. With absolute certainty, I can say that steelseries is working on a new version of this keyboard (likely with an upgraded or touch display). If you can wait, wait; but if you aren't afraid to ball out, go for it. I don't generally buy peripherals brand new, but headsets, keyboards, and mice are always worth it. TL;DR I'll probably buy this for my girlfriend when the new version drops. I only bought this because my old, bargain-bin keyboard has a dead, non hot-swappable switch (i.e. I needed a new keyboard anyway and definitely worth it to me on sale at about $175 after tax). Paired with: Steelseries Rival 5T.

I am Full-time Engineering college student who likes to play games on my free time or days off. I mostly use my computer for everything such as writing essays/reports, complex math homework all the way to playing Ranked on Apex Legends. I had the issue of wanting a fast keyboard for gaming but then having a good in between for typing. I originally bought the Razer Huntsman TE as it was $70 on sale. I used tactile switches before but started to outgrow that style of switches. Once I tried the linear on the Huntsman TE, I fell in love with linear. The issue was with that keyboard, it sucked for typing, I wrote a whole essay with that keyboard, and it was like driving a sport bike on a road full of ice. I looked at BestBuy's Website and saw this one but $150 on sale had me on edge as that was a lot of money for a keyboard. After multiple reviews and YouTube Videos I decided to pull the trigger and buy it. I do not have any buyer's remorse after doing so. The ability to set the Actuation to anything between 0.4 to 3.6 is incredible. You can do it from the mini-OLED screen on the board, so no software is required. Now I can go all the way to the lowest level and play games and be super-fast with movements (Even faster than the Huntsman line of keyboard from Razer) or increase the Actuation distance for when I'm typing so I don't have any mistypes. The included Wrist Rest is okay but not razer quality. The Cable is not braided which Razer spoiled me where everything they sell with a cable is braided. The size of this board is however very reasonable and not huge. My wrist does not get uncomfortable typing on this. The above-board key design or style helps with easier cleaning. Hopefully my scenario and experience help most of you make a choice. I am basing my value score on the price that I paid. I really recommend buying it on a sale!Droo

Considering the price this is a sturdy and extremely capable device. I purchased it to give me a practise keyboard but find it so useful when just doodling on the DAW (Cubase or Studio One). DAW settings took a bit of setting up as there are no pre-set configs for this device, however once the principle is understood it was easy to configure the 8 buttons as controller inputs. Keybed feels sort of OK, if you are used to a piano or weighted Synth it feels pretty light on but honestly it has enough feel, keys are a little slippery especially the whites which are super smooth. The Blacks have a small amount of texture. Overall, I'm super happy!CGTS P. L.

The price of the unit was discounted due to some damage to the metal housing on the back of the keyboard and for whatever reason it was caused. But, everything seems to work perfectly. I could not be more happy that a found this Hammer88 at the price I got it for. Thank you very much Sam Ash! The Hammer 88 has an amazing feel and build quality. Excellent buy at the price! Though, it doesn't have but a mod wheel and pitch bend, there is plenty of space on the unit body to add your own extra devices, should you choose, as I have.P

I got rid of my old StudioLogic controller that I had back from 2007-2010 because it had a known problem that the company just wouldn't fix: the modwheel constantly sent MIDI data out on CC1. It wouldn't stop. I had hoped that now, 12 years later, and buying a more expensive model, that the MIDI problem would've stopped – but no. Now, absent a modwheel, the expression pedal inputs are constantly adjusting MIDI data. Same happening for a friend with the identical keyboard. Happens with both pedal input options, regardless of pedal brand or type. Park the pedal at any value from 0-127, say at 60 — and in your recording or MIDI input window you'll see a constant flow of data 60-61-60-61-60-61-60-61. And it's not the pedal: it's the keyboard. If you plan on using this as a MIDI controller, be forewarned, and go with a different brand.Kerry

The Studio Logic, SL88 is one of the most diverse studio controllers on the planet. This is the engineer/Producers keyboard controller. Four banks of ability to control the DAW at your fingertips. The Stage Performers Dream, to immediately switch patches on stage. The diversity in this box is more than can be asked for. These features stand out right away. I have had this board 4 months now, it surpasses anything I have had before. A particular con is the learning curve but once you get pass that you will be on your way. There is so much more as you begin to explore the midi controls, and the digital attachment mixer/controller to even more readily control the keyboard. Studio Logic is the keyboard bed for professionals, this feel is comparable the actual piano keyboard as the SL88 Grand is as well. I recommend this controller, I have had quite a few, but this one takes the show. You will be certainly more than satisfied with the performance of this keyboard controller. it will more than meet your expectations.Rex H

I originally bought this to carry with me in a remote recording kit that I take with me for songwriting when on vacation- It fits perfectly into a small flight case with the rest of the gear. I actually also keep it on the console in the studio and grab it for quick midi parts- I don't have to have a full size keyboard around all the time. Pluses: Great that there is no powersupply- usb drives it. Is great for scratching out simple lines and chords, and even drum groooves. Easy to transpose octaves Negatives: Might be too tiny for some players with big mitts. Probably not big enough or feature rich enough to be your ONLY controller. ….but- it is a solid piece of equipment at a reasonable price.fm

Nice simple two octave keyboard that fit snug on top of my laptop. Springy keys, not weighted. Velocity curve is fixed at 1-127, so sometimes it feels like you're not pressing a key. This is easily fixed within your DAW of choice by adding a velocity curve effects plugin and setting it to about 60-127, so no matter how lightly you press a key a sound will be heard.kev68d

Another Akai product that feels bulletproof. They make these products absolutely solid. it's really lightweight. In terms of what it's capable of there's nothing really out of the ordinary. It has nice sturdy keys and you can switch up and down octaves. You can also use sustain on this. i had a play with this on Ableton Live and it's really handy for when you just want to have a play around with some melodies but don't want a big 49 key one. Really lightweight, USB powered and fits in a small bag. Not much more to say, worth every penny.Jack

This was an answer to prayers. I absolutely love this keyboard. I was looking at some of the reviews and pondered on one of the comments of the responsiveness of the product. It is actually REALLY responsive. Funny thing is, it may depend on the program your using with the midi keyboard a well; it my not entirely be depended on this, but it does have some effect. The first program I used was Studio One, and each time I played, no settings changed on the keyboard or within the system, it had some effect of delay. That was a little frustrating, in all honesty but with knowing that there was a problem with the delay, there must be something to control it right? Eventually, it can be monitored and delt with in the system settings of program you are using to interact with the midi Keyboard. I recently changed to Ableton Live (A lot easier to understand) and was able to see exactly which effect were causing the delays. That may answer some of the worries a customer may have about the ratings of this product. Overall, this is an amazing keyboard for an amazing price and it is high-quality-built in my opinion.jea.jessi

My experience with this product has been frustrating and very disappointing. When I first plugged it in I had to poke the keys very forcefully to get any response from this device. I downloaded the V49 editor software hoping that would help me fix the problem, but my Norton Antivirus kept rejecting the exe file. I posted a request for help on the Alesis support website last week – no response. So, I called them on the phone, waited 45 minutes on hold, and a technician told me there was nothing wrong with the V49 Editor software, and that I should try again to load the software and reset the velocity on the keys to "1". When I finally got the V49 Editor installed, I reset the velocity for the keys from 4 to 1 – and this made a marginal improvement – but the keyboard sensitivity at 1 is still unacceptably unresponsive. I also have discovered that the V49 seems to default the velocity on the keys back to 4. So I have to keep resetting the velocity. I really tried to make this work out of customer loyalty to Alesis because I have one of their other products – which I am very happy with – their SR-16 drum machine. However, I am throwing in the towel on this V49 – I am going to return it.MICHEAL

I wanted a MIDI controller with enough good features for the price, this one was the best one. I have played MOTIF and high end AKAI keyboards before even though it doesn't compare, for the price its amazing. Out of the box I noticed while I was going into Logic the keys were touchy, the curve of the sensitivity of they keys were way off for me. I tried to see if the software could fix it and there is a curve setting for the keys. I tried changing it from 1-8 which are all the curve settings and it didn't do anything having to find out you have to send the setting to the device(V49) so it will save it. It works great now! The keys feel fine and all the settable knobs and drum pads feel great! They light up too! I highly recommend this one for a home recording studio or a secondary controller for a live set up. Thats exactly what I use it for! Just make sure you have the curve setting that you like and send the setting to the hardware device to change it on the keyboard.Michael Panda

I really like and love this keyboard. Things are logical. The sounds are awesome and impressive. Roland is easy In my opinion. the only thing I complain about is it's not available. I got the 61 key version but should have gotten the 76 key version. Wanted the 7. But they were out. I got the 61, cheaper and love it, But now see the Fanton 0 line. and I see why the regular Fanton was cut short on supply. The 88 key version is so heavy. But would go for that if available if I could do it over.J

Roland has been capable of supplying the best of instruments for a long time. I purchased many of their products over the years and while many have been awesome to play, my Fantom 8 is the best. I needed a keyboard with the highest quality sounds. The pianos, organs, electric pianos, drums and everything else are as good as they get. Synths turn into adventures. Virtual vintage synthesizer instruments are amazing. All connected to a keybed with ultimate feel. Wooden keys. Luxury for my weary fingers. I wanted a controller and connectable instrument to get me writing music. This is it. The quality of sounds inspire and the tools facilitate.Schoolboy

General : No encoder control to regulate the line-in/mic-in input volume. You would think there would be one encoder available for this out of the several dozens this console contains. Metronome light is perpetually blinking …(drives me nuts ) Limits performer to 32 measure continuous midi recording, so If you want to record a long piece in one take as a midi file then you can't do it. No Skipback sampling , so if you want to improvise to a track and a nice idea comes out, then you are out of luck because you can't go back and play it like you would on a Fantom G9. Sampling : No chop (has a very limited truncate option really basic, my phone does more LOL ) No sample play rate adjust No sample tempo play rate Limited to only 64 samples (you got 128 in the Fantom-G) Can't play the samples from the keyboard, only triggered from the pads, very basic sampling capabilities Pads: Pads don't synchronize to startup of a loop or pattern it just starts (Fantom-G waited for the downbeat). No Sample Volume sensor on the Pad No RPS mode Rhythm patterns are limited to Intro, Fill1, verse1, fill 2, Verse2,Ending. (pretty boring) Keyboard : Can't shift the oct for an individual zone if the zone is set to a Vpiano. I was splitting the keyboard for brass and bass, placed the piano on the left and tried offsetting the oct for the zone, it does not work, Tried it with a bass or synth and it works , but not for the Vpiano. (Lame) Song Seq interface: Terrible not intuitive interface, hides the content of what is playing from the user, whoever thought of this is not a musician, Fantom G series has a much more intuitive recording interface more like any regular recording software Eg: pro-tools, cubase, logic,etc. Song Seq interface: Terrible not intuitive interface, hides the content of what is playing from the user, who ever thought of this is not a musician, Fantom G series has a much more intuitive recording interface more like any regular recording software Eg: proJay

Decent keyboard for beginners or for kids to just play around with. It is not bulky and doesn’t take up much space. I like that it has a lot of features: many tones, rhythms, recording, fun songs to listen to, and more. The adjustable bench is small and comfortable. Sound quality is on the cheaper end though. You can hear it when playing the keys. Also the microphone is very low quality, you must speak so close that your mouth touches it… still you can’t hear it well in the speakers. The headphones seem good quality. This could be a glitch just in our keyboard but the first number on the screen isn’t showing correctly. Overall, lower quality keyboard but has everything you need in the bundle.AVB

First of all, it does not sound like piano at all. We got it as a second one for my son's practice. I like the set overall, the adjustable stool, headphones and microphone, the stand and piano. Great price for the set, also. It is great for having fun, not for playing real music or learn to play piano. The sound is pretty much artificial, the volume settings are weird, it is too loud or silence. Piano itself is very lightweight, keyboard does not feel like real keyboard. For it's price this is a great set, But if you really want to learn to play piano, you need something elseShura

This Alesis Harmony 61 set up has literally everything you Could need to start keyboarding. It comes with the following items Keyboard stand adjustable bench mysic reat for sheets or books Microphone and headphones. The keyboard itself is fully decked out With all the bells and whistles you could imagine. 300 rhythms included. It has a digital led screen on the Keyboard. This is sleek and stylish. It is attractive and portable But still a very nice size. The keyboard has built in speakers and 61 keys on the portable keyboard. This is a nice set up for the Beginner or advanced player. I give 10 stars.momofthree