Which midi keyboard controller offers the best value for money under £300?

The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus is a compact 37-key USB/MIDI controller with velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 MPC-style velocity pads, assignable knobs, an onboard step/live sequencer, CV/Gate and 5-pin MIDI connectivity, plus dedicated pitch-bend and modulation wheels. It suits producers and live performers who need portable but expandable control with hardware integration for modular rigs or MIDI gear.

The Alesis V49 MKII is a 49-key USB MIDI controller with full-size velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs, and pitch-bend and modulation wheels. It includes an arpeggiator, octave/transpose controls, sustain input and a bundled production software package, making it a compact, plug-and-play studio controller. Suited to producers and keyboardists who want playable full-size keys plus basic hands-on controls at a low price.

The KeyStep Pro is a 37-note slim-key, velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive MIDI controller with a four-track polyphonic step sequencer, 24-part drum sequencer, extensive CV/Gate outputs and USB connectivity. It targets producers and hardware users who need tight sequencing, multi-track control and deep modular/hardware integration in a compact desktop unit.

49 semi-weighted keys with deep DAW integration, 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, 8 encoders, 9 faders, OLED display, and USB-C bus power. Suits producers and performers who want hands-on control, expressive pads, and chord/scale tools in a mid-priced controller.

61 semi-weighted waterfall keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, nine faders, eight encoders, OLED display, USB-C and 5-pin MIDI out; built for deep DAW integration and expressive performance. Suits producers and performers who want hands-on control and creative tools like Scale, Chord modes and an arpeggiator.