The Best 37 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller In 2024

Today we are going to be looking at the best 37 key MIDI controllers currently available. I wanted to write this article as I feel like 37 key options are becoming more popular.

I discovered the 37 key MIDI keyboard and I actually really like it because it’s big enough to play, yet it doesn’t get in the way as much as a 49 key or 61 key keyboard does. Portability is very important when looking at keyboards and you’re going to want something light if you’re touring.

When you are looking at keyboards you will want to decide on exactly what kind of features you’re looking for in your instrument.

Top 37 Key MIDI Keyboards – A Quick Glance

Things To Look For In A 37 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

What Are You Using It For?

If you are using your device to tour with and launch different clips and tracks, you will want a one with pads on it. I like to play on keyboards that have more pads for this purpose. It is much easier to launch clips when performing live when you have pads.

Is Software Included With Your Keyboard?

Most of the name brand controllers will come with software packages for your DAW. The more software included, the better. This basically means that you will be able to immediately plug it into your laptop or PC and access sounds. MIDI controllers are all about accessing as many sounds as they can, so the more software you can get, the better.

Weight:

Of course, weight is important if you’re a touring musician. The good thing is that all of the options we’re looking at are going to be super lightweight. These keyboards, in general, are lightweight so it shouldn’t be a problem finding one that is your preference.

Keys: 

Most of the keys on MIDI keyboards are going to be synth-action keys. If you’re a pianist then it might be a little weird at first since the keys aren’t weighted, however, it is easy to adapt to.

Sustain Pedal Input:

Be sure to check if your product has a sustain input if you are going to want to sustain notes. Most modern controllers nowadays come with this so it’s not going to be a huge problem unless you buy an old controller.

Powering Keyboard:

Most devices we are going to look at today are going to be USB powered and will typically come with a USB cable. With recent advancements in technology, there are Bluetooth controllers that are battery-powered. In that case, we will specify that.

1) Arturia Keystep Pro

The Arturia Keystep Pro has been anticipated since the Keystep came out a couple of years ago. This is an incredible keyboard that is built the highest level of music producers.

You have a built-in sequencer, arpeggiator, and the ability to control hardware synthesizers. This is an absolutely beautiful creation that is going to grow in popularity the longer it’s out.

There’s more of a learning curve with the Keystep Pro, however, this is my go-to option since the day I purchased it.

View full review of the Keystep Pro here.

2) Novation Launchkey 37

Novation recently released the Launchkey 37 and I was able to get my hands on it. This controller is everything you need and it is easily one of the best 37 key options.

Coming with 16 color-coded pads, the Laucnkey 37 is ready for some serious sampling and beat-making.

For those of you who use Ableton Live, this is definitely for you.

3) IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro full-sized 37-key MIDI controller

The iRig 37 key is a solid look at a 37 key MIDI controller. This works well with most DAW’s and it won’t give you any major sync or latency problems when you’re using it.

There aren’t a ton of options when it comes to these, so it is important to stick to popular name brand options or you will run into some latency and sync problems when you hook up to your PC or laptop.

This doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles, but it will be hard to find a MIDI keyboard with 37 keys that has drum pads. The keys on this are full-size which is really nice when looking at MIDI keyboards.

4) Korg microKEY air 37 – Key Bluetooth and USB MIDI Controller

The Korg microKEY air 37 is a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard. These are becoming more and more popular because they are wireless. This is one of the first wireless keyboards on the market. In the future, we are going to see a lot more of these types of instruments as you don’t have to plug them in with a USB cable.

Something nice about this is that it lasts a full month between battery charges. This is important because it’s annoying if you’re constantly having to go through batteries.

5) Alesis Vortex Wireless 2

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 is technically a keytar, meaning you can wear it and play it like a guitar. However, this thing plays great for a MIDI controller and it has some of the best MIDI technology in a controller today since it’s brand new. It is also wireless.

I have been playing this keytar for a year now and I absolutely love it.

This has 8 different drum pads for musicians looking to launch and trigger clips or tracks. If you don’t want to wear this instrument you can always lay it flat and play it just like a normal keyboard.

6) Icon ICOK-IKEYBOARD4X iKeyboard 4X – 37 – Discontinued

The Icon ICOK is not exactly a huge name brand in MIDI controllers, but this is the one exception. This instrument comes with built-in presets for Ableton and Pro Tools.

This is nice because those are two of the major DAW’s that musicians tend to use. The functionality of this MIDI keyboard is surprisingly good for being a smaller company in the MIDI world.

It feels a little bit cheaper than some of the other products, however, it is on the cheaper side for a controller with 37 keys.

Conclusion

We broke down all of these best 37 key MIDI keyboard controllers and picked the ones that actually work well with DAWs and aren’t going to leave you with major headaches.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend checking out my ultimate guide to the best MIDI keyboard for beginners before heading out.