Best 37 Key MIDI Keyboard (2026): 4 Picks Compared
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The Novation FLkey 37 leads as Best Overall with 37 keys, 16 pads, and 8 knobs for FL Studio control. The Arturia KeyStep 37 follows as Runner-Up with a 37-note keyboard, a step sequencer, and chord mode for hardware and software control.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard for FL Studio: Novation FLkey 37 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard See pick 1More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard for Studio
- Players who want a 37-note keyboard with a sequencer: Arturia KeyStep 37 Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV See pick 2
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard with Bluetooth: Korg MicroKEY Air See pick 3
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard for Ableton Live: Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard See pick 4
Want the full range? Best MIDI Keyboard ranks the top MIDI keyboards for every buyer, or browse all 44 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
Novation FLkey 37 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
- Keys: 37
- Pads: 16
- Knobs / faders: 8
- Software named in listing: FL Studio
- USB-MIDI
- 3-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 37 full-size keys, 16 pads, and 8 knobs for FL Studio.
Who it suits
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard for FL Studio
- Players who want 16 pads and 8 knobs on a controller
Skip it if
- You want a keyboard heavier than 4.9 lb
- You want more than 16 pads on a keyboard
The keyboard has 37 full-size keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and 8 knobs for mixer and channel rack control. Scale mode and chord modes help players stay in key, and a step sequencer programs drums from the pads. Pitch and mod wheels are included, with 5-pin MIDI. Included components are the keyboard and a USB cable, and the keyboard carries a 3-year warranty.
2Runner-Up
Arturia KeyStep 37 Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV
- Keys: 37
- Pads not stated in the listing
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite
- USB-MIDI
- 30-day warranty stated
It holds Runner-Up with a 37-note keyboard, a step sequencer, and chord mode for hardware and software control.
Who it suits
- Players who want a 37-note keyboard with a sequencer
- Players who want chord mode on a keyboard controller
Skip it if
- You want a keyboard heavier than 4.8 lb
- You want more than 37 keys on a keyboard
The keyboard combines a 37-note keyboard with a step sequencer offering 64 steps and 8-note polyphony per step. Eight arp modes include 3 random modes, and chord mode turns single notes into chords with multiple voicings. MIDI over USB, MIDI in and out, analog sync, and CV pitch, gate, and mod connections cover hardware and software instruments. Included software is Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro, with a USB cable in the box.
3Lightest Pick
Korg MicroKEY Air
- Keys: 37
- Pads not stated in the listing
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
- 3.2 lb, the lightest here
It weighs 3.2 lb with 37 keys, Bluetooth and USB MIDI, and mod and pitch wheels.
Who it suits
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard with Bluetooth
- Players who want a 3.2 lb keyboard controller
Skip it if
- You want a keyboard heavier than 3.2 lb
- You want more than 37 keys on a keyboard
The keyboard is a bus-powered 37-key controller with USB and Bluetooth connections and a mod wheel. A pitch wheel and a damper pedal input are included, and the controller is class-compliant. A USB cable is included, and the keyboard carries a 1-year warranty.
4Also Great
Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard
- Keys: 37
- Pads: 16
- Aftertouch
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live
- USB-MIDI
- 3-year warranty stated
It holds its place with 37 synth-action keys, 16 pads, and an OLED display for DAW control.
Who it suits
- Players who want a 37-key keyboard for Ableton Live
- Players who want 16 pads with aftertouch on a keyboard
Skip it if
- You want a keyboard heavier than 4.8 lb
- You want more than 16 pads on a keyboard
The keyboard has 37 synth-action keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch, and pitch and mod wheels. Scale mode and chord modes help players avoid wrong notes, and an OLED display is included. Included software is Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE, with a USB cable in the box, and the keyboard carries a 3-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Keys | Pads | Knobs / faders | Aftertouch | Software named | USB-MIDI | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novation FLkey 37 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard | 37 | 16 | 8 | Not stated | FL Studio | Yes | 4.9 lb | 3-year |
| Arturia KeyStep 37 Controller & Sequencer USB/MIDI/CV | 37 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Ableton Live Lite | Yes | 4.8 lb | 30-day |
| Korg MicroKEY Air | 37 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Ableton Live | Yes | 3.2 lb | 1-year |
| Novation Launchkey 37 MK4 USB MIDI Keyboard | 37 | 16 | Not stated | Yes | Ableton Live | Yes | 4.8 lb | 3-year |
How we ranked these MIDI keyboards
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Keys weight 3
- Pads weight 2
- Knobs / faders weight 2
- Aftertouch weight 1
- USB-MIDI weight 1
Buying advice: 37 key MIDI keyboard
Match key count and pads to your playing style
Key count decides how much range you have without shifting octaves, while pads add a second way to play drums and trigger clips. A keyboard with pads suits players who program beats as well as melodies, while a keyboard without pads suits players who only play keys. Compare the key count, the pad count, and whether a sequencer is included before you buy.
Check software and connections before you buy
A keyboard controller is only useful with software and instruments it can connect to, so check the named software and the connection types first. USB MIDI covers computer setups, while MIDI in and out, analog sync, and CV connections suit hardware instruments. Match the software in the box and the ports on the keyboard to the setup you already use.
Look at sequencer and chord tools for writing
A step sequencer lets you program notes one step at a time and hear them back in a loop, which suits beat making and melodic patterns. Chord mode turns a single note into a full chord, and scale mode keeps your notes within a chosen scale. List the writing tools you will actually use, then pick the keyboard that covers them without extra tools you will never touch.
Frequently asked questions
How many keys do these keyboards have?
The FLkey 37, KeyStep 37, MicroKEY Air 37, and Launchkey 37 each have 37 keys.
Which keyboard works with FL Studio?
The Novation FLkey 37 is designed for FL Studio, with mixer and channel rack control from its knobs. It has 37 keys, 16 pads, and 8 knobs.
Which keyboard has a step sequencer?
The Arturia KeyStep 37 has a step sequencer with 64 steps and 8-note polyphony per step. It also has 8 arp modes and chord mode.
Which keyboard weighs 3.2 lb?
The Korg MicroKEY Air 37 weighs 3.2 lb and has 37 keys with USB and Bluetooth connections.
Gear that goes with it
Best Audio InterfaceTop pick: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
Best Studio MonitorsTop pick: Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
Best Sustain PedalTop pick: M-AUDIO SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal Classic Piano-Style
Best Piano StandTop pick: tipatyard Keyboard Stand & Bench SetMore MIDI keyboards guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.