{"niche":"Which midi keyboard controller offers the best value for money under £300?","description":"Which midi keyboard controller offers the best value for money under £300?","products":[{"brand":"Akai Professional","model":"MPK Mini Plus","price_gbp":125.93,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"usb_ports":"1","aftertouch":false,"number_of_keys":"37","modulation_wheel":true,"pitch_bend_wheel":true,"velocity_sensitivity":true},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"B&H Photo Video","url":"https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1731920-REG/akai_professional_pro_mpk_mini_plus.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":169.0,"price_gbp":125.93,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Astro AVL","url":"https://astroavl.com/akai-professional-mpk-mini-plus-37-key-8-pad-usb-midi-keyboard-controller.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":169.0,"price_gbp":125.93,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Akai Professional (product page)","url":"https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":null,"price_gbp":null,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"B&H Photo Video","url":"https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1731920-REG/akai_professional_pro_mpk_mini_plus.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":169.0,"price_gbp":125.93,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Astro AVL","url":"https://astroavl.com/akai-professional-mpk-mini-plus-37-key-8-pad-usb-midi-keyboard-controller.html","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":169.0,"price_gbp":125.93,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Akai Professional (product page)","url":"https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":null,"price_gbp":null,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"}],"summary":"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.","ideal_for":"Ideal for value under £300 buyers because it offers 37 velocity-sensitive keys, real pitch and modulation wheels, CV/Gate and 5-pin MIDI ports, and an onboard sequencer-features uncommon at its price point."},{"brand":"Alesis","model":"V49 MKII","price_gbp":73.77,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"usb_ports":"1","number_of_keys":"49","modulation_wheel":true,"pitch_bend_wheel":true,"velocity_sensitivity":true},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Alesis (official)","url":"https://www.alesis.com/products/view2/v49-mkii","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":149.0,"price_gbp":111.03,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"GearClubDirect","url":"https://www.gearclubdirect.com/alesis-v49-mkii-49-key-usb-midi-keyboard-controller/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":149.0,"price_gbp":111.03,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"MusicRadar / reviewed price listing (UK retail price)","url":"https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/alesis-v49-mkii","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":99.0,"price_gbp":73.77,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Alesis (official)","url":"https://www.alesis.com/products/view2/v49-mkii","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":149.0,"price_gbp":111.03,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"GearClubDirect","url":"https://www.gearclubdirect.com/alesis-v49-mkii-49-key-usb-midi-keyboard-controller/","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":149.0,"price_gbp":111.03,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"MusicRadar / reviewed price listing (UK retail price)","url":"https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/alesis-v49-mkii","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":99.0,"price_gbp":73.77,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"}],"summary":"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.","ideal_for":"Ideal for value-conscious buyers under £300 because it provides 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, velocity-sensitive pads, assignable knobs and pitch/mod wheels in a USB-powered, plug-and-play package."},{"brand":"Arturia","model":"KeyStep Pro","price_gbp":316.69,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"usb_ports":"1","aftertouch":true,"number_of_keys":"37","modulation_wheel":false,"pitch_bend_wheel":false,"velocity_sensitivity":true},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Arturia Store","url":"https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keystep-pro/overview","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":549.0,"price_gbp":409.09,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/arturia_keystep_pro_black_edition.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":425.0,"price_gbp":316.69,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Perfect Circuit","url":"https://www.perfectcircuit.com/arturia/keystep-pro","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":549.0,"price_gbp":409.09,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Arturia Store","url":"https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keystep-pro/overview","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":549.0,"price_gbp":409.09,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Thomann","url":"https://www.thomannmusic.com/arturia_keystep_pro_black_edition.htm","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":425.0,"price_gbp":316.69,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Perfect Circuit","url":"https://www.perfectcircuit.com/arturia/keystep-pro","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":549.0,"price_gbp":409.09,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"}],"summary":"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.","ideal_for":"Because it has 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, four independent sequencer tracks, extensive CV/Gate and 2 MIDI outputs, it offers the sequencing and hardware integration features that give strong value under £300 (compact, multi-track sequencing plus USB and CV connectivity)."},{"brand":"Novation","model":"Launchkey 49 MK4","price_gbp":200.45,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"usb_ports":"USB-C (USB bus powered)","aftertouch":"Pads: Polyphonic aftertouch","number_of_keys":"49","modulation_wheel":true,"pitch_bend_wheel":true,"velocity_sensitivity":true},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Novation (official store)","url":"https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49-white","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":279.99,"price_gbp":208.64,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Novation user guides / specs page","url":"https://userguides.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/27612686507666-Launchkey-49-s-Specifications","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":279.99,"price_gbp":208.64,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Recordcase (shop listing)","url":"https://www.recordcase.de/en/novation-launchkey-mk4-series-comparison-features-buying-guide-2025","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":269.0,"price_gbp":200.45,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Novation (official store)","url":"https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49-white","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":279.99,"price_gbp":208.64,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Novation user guides / specs page","url":"https://userguides.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/27612686507666-Launchkey-49-s-Specifications","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":279.99,"price_gbp":208.64,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Recordcase (shop listing)","url":"https://www.recordcase.de/en/novation-launchkey-mk4-series-comparison-features-buying-guide-2025","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":269.0,"price_gbp":200.45,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"}],"summary":"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.","ideal_for":"Good value under £300 because it offers 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, extensive DAW control (encoders and 9 faders), and USB-C bus power."},{"brand":"Novation","model":"Launchkey 61 MK4","price_gbp":245.9,"origin_country":null,"specs":{"usb_ports":"1 (USB-C)","aftertouch":"Polyphonic aftertouch (pads)","number_of_keys":"61","modulation_wheel":true,"pitch_bend_wheel":true,"velocity_sensitivity":true},"confidence_score":null,"sources":[{"label":"Novation (official)","url":"https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-61","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":329.99,"price_gbp":245.9,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Musician's Friend","url":"https://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/novation-launchkey-61-keyboard-controller/m14437000000000","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":329.99,"price_gbp":245.9,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:03.582788"},{"label":"Novation (official)","url":"https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-61","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":329.99,"price_gbp":245.9,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"},{"label":"Musician's Friend","url":"https://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/novation-launchkey-61-keyboard-controller/m14437000000000","currency":"USD","source_country":"US","price":329.99,"price_gbp":245.9,"scraped_at":"2026-06-16T19:44:06.451127"}],"summary":"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.","ideal_for":"Because it has 61 semi-weighted keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, full MIDI out and USB-C connectivity, it delivers extensive performance and DAW control under £300."}]}