# Which midi keyboard controller offers the best value for money under £300? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

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

## Products

### Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus
```yaml
product: akai-professional-mpk-mini-plus
brand: Akai Professional
price_gbp: 125.93
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
usb_ports: 1
aftertouch: false
number_of_keys: 37
modulation_wheel: true
pitch_bend_wheel: true
velocity_sensitivity: true
```

- **Price:** £125.93 [^1]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3], [^1], [^2], [^3]

### Alesis V49 MKII
```yaml
product: alesis-v49-mkii
brand: Alesis
price_gbp: 73.77
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
usb_ports: 1
number_of_keys: 49
modulation_wheel: true
pitch_bend_wheel: true
velocity_sensitivity: true
```

- **Price:** £73.77 [^4]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6], [^4], [^5], [^6]

### Arturia KeyStep Pro
```yaml
product: arturia-keystep-pro
brand: Arturia
price_gbp: 316.69
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
usb_ports: 1
aftertouch: true
number_of_keys: 37
modulation_wheel: false
pitch_bend_wheel: false
velocity_sensitivity: true
```

- **Price:** £316.69 [^7]
- **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).
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^9], [^7], [^8], [^9]

### Novation Launchkey 49 MK4
```yaml
product: novation-launchkey-49-mk4
brand: Novation
price_gbp: 200.45
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
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
```

- **Price:** £200.45 [^10]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^11], [^12], [^10], [^11], [^12]

### Novation Launchkey 61 MK4
```yaml
product: novation-launchkey-61-mk4
brand: Novation
price_gbp: 245.9
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
usb_ports: 1 (USB-C)
aftertouch: Polyphonic aftertouch (pads)
number_of_keys: 61
modulation_wheel: true
pitch_bend_wheel: true
velocity_sensitivity: true
```

- **Price:** £245.9 [^13]
- **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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^14], [^13], [^14]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: B&H Photo Video, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1731920-REG/akai_professional_pro_mpk_mini_plus.html
[^2]: Astro AVL, accessed 2026-06-16. https://astroavl.com/akai-professional-mpk-mini-plus-37-key-8-pad-usb-midi-keyboard-controller.html
[^3]: Akai Professional (product page), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus/
[^4]: Alesis (official), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.alesis.com/products/view2/v49-mkii
[^5]: GearClubDirect, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.gearclubdirect.com/alesis-v49-mkii-49-key-usb-midi-keyboard-controller/
[^6]: MusicRadar / reviewed price listing (UK retail price), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/alesis-v49-mkii
[^7]: Arturia Store, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keystep-pro/overview
[^8]: Thomann, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.thomannmusic.com/arturia_keystep_pro_black_edition.htm
[^9]: Perfect Circuit, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.perfectcircuit.com/arturia/keystep-pro
[^10]: Novation (official store), accessed 2026-06-16. https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-49-white
[^11]: Novation user guides / specs page, accessed 2026-06-16. https://userguides.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/27612686507666-Launchkey-49-s-Specifications
[^12]: Recordcase (shop listing), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.recordcase.de/en/novation-launchkey-mk4-series-comparison-features-buying-guide-2025
[^13]: Novation (official), accessed 2026-06-16. https://us.novationmusic.com/products/launchkey-61
[^14]: Musician's Friend, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/novation-launchkey-61-keyboard-controller/m14437000000000