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Logic Pro X is Apple’s holy grail DAW that is currently one of the top 3 most popular DAWs available. Because it’s such a popular DAW, I wanted to create this guide breakdown the best MIDI keyboards for Logic Pro X.
I’ve put together this list of controllers I’ve used over the last 10 years specifically with Logic Pro X. I’ve used every controller on the market extensively to figure out which I would use for my touring rig and I thought this would significantly help you figure out which you need without overspending. If you have trouble deciding, I have the only 24/7 chat tool that is direct contact with me on the bottom of the screen.
Editors note* This post was updated in November of 2023 to include a couple new options and freshen up the article in general.
How I Grade & Picked These Options For Logic Pro
- Compatability: Compatability is one of the deciding factors, no matter what DAW you’re looking at. The good news is that most modern-day controllers are compatible with most major DAWs
- Experience: I’ve personally played on all of the following MIDI controllers that I’m recommending.
- Features: As Logic Pro is a professional DAW, some of the options below will be a little more expensive, but also include more features
- Bundled Software: Having included software is always a major win in my opinion. Especially when the software costs so much.
- Keys Or Pads? Some controllers are going to have keys and pads where others are just going to have one or the other. It’s all a matter of preference.
- Functionality: I purposely don’t mention certain cheaper MIDI controllers as I feel like they aren’t very good. With that being said, there are some cheaper options that are still quality.
Best MIDI Controllers For Logic Pro X
Below you will find our favorite Logic Pro X MIDI keyboards. Check out this tutorial here to learn more about Logic Pro if you’re not entirely familiar.
While there are a number of different controllers that work well, I did my best to breakdown the best MIDI controllers for Logic.
I purposely am going to keep this list short and sweet as I don’t want to overwhelm you.
Arturia Keylab MK II – Best MIDI Controller For Logic Pro X
The Arturia Keylab MKII is one of the most durable controllers on the market. This controller is packed with features and is compatible out of the box with every major DAW.
The Arturia Keylab MK II is a masterpiece in my personal opinion. It has an incredible overall build and it has basically every feature you would want in a MIDI controller.
This controller works great with logic Pro and it also comes in a few different sizes. You can get it in 49 keys, 61 keys or 88 keys. I’ve listed the 49 key as it is the perfect middle of the road size that works for every level of musician.
What initially drew me to Arturia MIDI keyboards was their build durability as well as the feel of the keys on a MIDI controller.
MIDI keyboards get a bad reputation for having bad key-action, this is pretty true. With that being said, people need to remember that the key-action was never their purpose.
Note: I’ve played basically every controller currently on the market and this is one of my overall favorite 49 key MIDI controllers currently available.
In the coming years, I expect to see the key-beds to get better and better.
Because Logic Pro X is a DAW that runs pretty deep, I believe that the Arturia Keylab MK II is the best MIDI keyboard for Logic for those who are looking to really dive deep into music production.
Pros
- Aftertouch on the keys
- Lightweight, yet extremely durable
- Great UI
- 16 RGB backlit drum pads
- 9 large faders
- 9 rotary encoders
- 5 expression control inputs
- Bundled software: Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab 3
Cons
- Expensive
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
The Novation Mini is specifically built for Ableton. It's small enough to fit in your backpack, yet powerful enough to allow you to create beats on the go.
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is a mini MIDI keyboard that has all the pads and encoders that you would possibly want. I’ve been super pumped on this controller since it came out.
This works extremely well with Logic Pro and it is fully compatible as well. You won’t have to sit there and figure out how to map any of the buttons or knobs.
Note: You can read my full thoughts on the Mini MK 3 here.
Perfect For Beginner Producers Or For On The Go
If you’re new to producing music or if you are traveling a lot, the Mini MK3 is a perfect choice.
It weighs less than 2 lbs and it fits right into your backpack making it easy to travel with. The durability isn’t the greatest, but this is common in smaller options.
Pros
- Weighs 1.55 lbs
- Included software
- 8 rotary knobs
- Pitch-bend strip
- Modulation strip
- 16 drum pads
Cons
- Not the most durable
- smaller keys
Nektar Panorama T6
The Nektar Panorama T6 comes with 8 pads and a solid key-bed. This controller is fully compatible with Logic Pro X as well.
The Nektar Panorama T6 is personally one of my favorite controllers available. It has 8 pads and 8 faders and a nice LCD screen in the middle that really allows you to increase your workflow.
For a full breakdown of this keyboard, click the link.
As far as durability goes, it feels pretty durable, however, I wouldn’t compare it to the Keylab MK II by Arturia.
The pads on this keyboard are surprisingly large and they are velocity & pressure-sensitive.
When it comes to the DAW integration, the Panorama works extremely well with Logic and all other DAWs.
If you’re looking to possibly control a hardware synthesizer with the Panorama, you’re in luck.
Pros
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
- 8 drum pads
- 8 encoders
- 9 faders
- Large interface
- Pitch-bend & modulation wheel
- Includes Bitwig DAW
Cons
- Lacks a ton of bundled software
Roland A-88 MK II
The Roland A-88 MKii took the market by storm by offering a controller option with weighted keys. While there aren't a ton of controls with the A-88, it's a fantastic controller with some great mapping software.
The Roland A-88 MK II is the first MIDI controller that has put thought into the key-action. Most controllers aim towards having all of the features such as pads as faders, whereas the A-88 MK II was aimed towards having a great key-bed along with streamlined functionality.
You can read more about the Roland A-88 MK II in this full review here.
As mentioned above, the key action is my favorite action for a MIDI controller. It’s the same key-bed as the Roland FP-10, which is easily the best digital piano under $500.
There is a piano app that you can use with your controller in order to fully assign any parameters.
Pros
- PHA-4 key-bed
- Ivory-feel keys (Roland staple)
- Durable & slim
- 8 pads, 8 rotary knobs
- Pitch-bend & modulation wheel
- 3 fully customizable zones
- Includes 5-pin DIN.IO bus-powered
- Included app
- 35 lbs
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t included a lot of bundled software
Akai Professional MPK 225
The MPK 225 is a portable, yet powerful option for beginners. With a solid number of pads and controls, the MPK225 provides producers with everything they need when starting.
The Akai MPK 225 is one of the most popular MIDI controllers to this day. It has 8 pads, 8 knobs and it also comes with a ton of bundled software.
The MPK 225 is fully functional with Logic Pro X and it comes pre-mapped. One of the best things about this controller is the ease of use. As soon as you take it out of its box it is ready to play.
The pads on the MPK 225 are perfect for laying down beats and using samples. I’ve found that the pads seem a bit wider than your average pads and I really enjoy this.
Pros
- Full-sized keys with aftertouch
- Eight RHB lit pads
- 12 assignable Q-link controllers
- Backlit LCD screen
- 5-pin MIDI
- Pitch-bend & modulation wheel
- Bundled software
- Pressure & velocity-sensitive pads
- Lightweight
Conclusion
I have presented to you the very best MIDI controllers for those using Logic Pro X. Are you contemplating a switch to a new DAW? Check out this article in which I break down some great Logic Pro X alternatives.
Keep in mind that size & price are two of the biggest deciding factors. If you’re brand new to music production, go with one of the cheaper & smaller options to test the waters.
I recently just wrote about my favorite MIDI keyboards for Reason and I think you will enjoy it.
Do you currently have a MIDI keyboard that isn’t on this list?
If you have any specific questions, please leave them below.
Chris Senner
7 comments
Hi
Do you have any opinion about Arturia Essential 49?
I’m looking forward buying my first MIDI keyboard to work with Logic X (preferably with 49 keys)…but I’m concerned about how it is going to integrate and easy setup on Logic…unfortunately I couldn`t find this info around internet.
I’m thinking about the Essential because in my country it costs almost the same as MPK225.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for the question! This is still a great controller. It should work just fine with Logic as well.
Do you know if Logic pro X is still compatible with all of these MIDI controllers? I’ve sometimes had problems in the past when I upgrade my DAW and am looking to avoid those issues as they are often unresolvable for a long period of time!
The Akai Pro MPK225 I purchased was not mapped to Logic Pro. This controller did not work out of the box. I found little help on the web and Akai Pro support offered no help. I had to use a workaround to use it with Logic. Ultimately I had to return it for a warranty exchange because of keys not working. It took months to get a response from Akai. I’m still waiting for the replacement. The MPK225 is a huge disappointment.
Hi MJ,
I’m sorry to hear that. I know Logic can be tricky, but this is the first I’ve heard of anyone having problems with the Akai MPK225. I would guess Akai launches the new series shortly,
Kind regards,
Chris
ut this is the first I’ve heard of anyone having problems with the Akai MPK225. I would guess Akai launches the new series shortly,
I would think you’re right. My guess is we see another keyboard from them in the next 6 months or so!