Best MIDI Keyboard for Bitwig (2026): 4 Picks Compared

Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure

M-VAVE leads this list with a 25-key controller that gives 16 backlit drum pads, 8 rotary encoders and wireless Bluetooth with a battery that works for about 18 hours. The Runner-Up M-VAVE K25 adds a semi-weighted keybed and MPC Beat software, while the iCON Artist X brings 37 keys with Mackie Control and HUI, and the MEDIORAYS K5 gives 8 assignable encoders with Bluetooth wireless.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	M-VAVE 25 Keys 16 Backlit Drum Pads	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	bairutong M-VAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller	Check on Amazon
3	Most Keys	iCON Pro Audio Artist MIDI Keyboard Controller	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	MEDIORAYS 25 Key Wireless MIDI Keyboard Controller Pads	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Beat makers who want 16 backlit pads and 8 encoders: M-VAVE 25 Keys 16 Backlit Drum Pads See pick 1More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard with Pads
Songwriters who want a semi-weighted keybed for recording: bairutong M-VAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller See pick 2More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard for Recording
Producers who want 37 keys with Mackie Control and HUI: iCON Pro Audio Artist MIDI Keyboard Controller See pick 3More picks: Best 37 Key MIDI Keyboard
Beat makers who want 8 assignable encoders for mixing: MEDIORAYS 25 Key Wireless MIDI Keyboard Controller Pads 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

M-VAVE 25 Keys 16 Backlit Drum Pads

Keys: 25
Pads: 16
Knobs / faders not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: FL Studio
USB-MIDI
1-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall with 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 16 backlit pads, 8 encoders and BT wireless on a built-in battery.

Who it suits

Beat makers who want 16 backlit pads and 8 encoders
Players who want BT wireless with about 18 hours of battery

Skip it if

You want more than 16 drum pads
You want more than 25 keys

The controller gives 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads, 8 assignable rotary encoders and 2 capacitive touch strips for pitch bend, plus a pitch bend and modulation wheel. A built-in 2,000 mAh battery works for about 18 hours over BT wireless, and the controller works with Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS. It connects to FL Studio, Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Bitwig, Reason, Studio One and GarageBand, and carries a 1-year warranty.

2Runner-Up

bairutong M-VAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

Keys: 25
Pads: 8
Knobs / faders: 8
Software named in listing: Ableton Live
USB-MIDI

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

The Runner-Up pairs 25 speed-sensitive keys with a semi-weighted keybed, 8 backlit pads and MPC Beat software.

Who it suits

Songwriters who want a semi-weighted keybed for recording
Beat makers who want MPC Beat software in the box

Skip it if

You want more than 8 backlit pads
You want more than 25 keys

The controller gives 25 speed-sensitive keys, 8 RGB backlit speed-sensitive pads, 8 distributable rotators and 2 capacitive touch bars, on a semi-weighted keybed. A built-in 2000 mAh battery works for about 16 hours over a wireless connection, and the controller works with Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS. MPC Beat software comes included, with drum samples and plug-in instrument presets, and smart chords and smart sound switch through the keys.

3Most Keys

iCON Pro Audio Artist MIDI Keyboard Controller

Keys: 37, the most here
Pads not stated in the listing
Knobs / faders not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
USB-MIDI

9.3Spec score View on Amazon

The Most Keys pick gives 37 velocity-sensitive keys with Mackie Control, HUI and a backlit LED touch fader.

Who it suits

Producers who want 37 keys with Mackie Control and HUI
Players who want Bitwig 8 Track DAW in the box

Skip it if

You want a keyboard under 5.5 lb
You want more than 18 assignable LED buttons

The controller gives 37 velocity-sensitive keys with customizable velocity curves through iMAP software, plus 18 assignable LED buttons and illuminated transport controls. Mackie Control and HUI protocols give direct command over Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase and Studio One. USB-C powers the controller, MIDI Out connects external gear, and Bitwig 8 Track DAW comes included with Native Instruments Hybrid Keys.

4Also Great

MEDIORAYS 25 Key Wireless MIDI Keyboard Controller Pads

Keys: 25
Pads not stated in the listing
Knobs / faders: 16
Software named in listing: Ableton Live
USB-MIDI
1-year warranty stated

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

The Also Great pick pairs 25 velocity-sensitive keys with 8 assignable encoders and Bluetooth wireless.

Who it suits

Beat makers who want 8 assignable encoders for mixing
Players who want Bluetooth wireless with up to 16 hours of battery

Skip it if

You want more than 25 keys
You want more than 8 assignable encoders

The controller gives 25 velocity-sensitive keys, RGB backlit drum pads, 8 assignable rotary encoders and 2 capacitive touch strips for pitch bend. A built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery gives up to 16 hours of playtime over a Bluetooth wireless connection. Smart chord and smart sound switch through the keys, and the controller works with Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Bitwig, Reason, Studio One and GarageBand.

Side by side

Product	Keys	Pads	Knobs / faders	Aftertouch	Software named	USB-MIDI	Weight	Warranty
M-VAVE 25 Keys 16 Backlit Drum Pads	25	16	Not stated	Not stated	FL Studio	Yes	1.7 lb	1-year
bairutong M-VAVE 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller	25	8	8	Not stated	Ableton Live	Yes	1.6 lb	Not stated
iCON Pro Audio Artist MIDI Keyboard Controller	37	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Pro Tools	Yes	5.5 lb	Not stated
MEDIORAYS 25 Key Wireless MIDI Keyboard Controller Pads	25	Not stated	16	Not stated	Ableton Live	Yes	Not stated	1-year

How we ranked these MIDI keyboards

Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has 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: MIDI keyboard for bitwig

Check the key count first

Key count sets how much of a keyboard you can reach without shifting octaves. The M-VAVE SMK25, the M-VAVE K25 and the MEDIORAYS K5 give 25 keys, while the iCON Artist X gives 37 keys. A 25-key controller takes less desk space, and the M-VAVE K25 and MEDIORAYS K5 fit in a bag, while 37 keys give more room for two-handed playing, so match the count to the space you have and the parts you play.

Match the pads and knobs to your workflow

Pads trigger drums and samples, and knobs adjust synth settings and mix levels. The M-VAVE SMK25 gives 16 backlit pads and 8 rotary encoders, the M-VAVE K25 gives 8 backlit pads and 8 rotators, and the MEDIORAYS K5 gives 8 assignable encoders. Count the pads and knobs you use in a session before you choose, and check that the controller gives at least that many.

Check the Bitwig connection and the battery

The M-VAVE SMK25, the M-VAVE K25, the iCON Artist X and the MEDIORAYS K5 work with Bitwig, so the choice turns on how each one connects. The M-VAVE SMK25, the M-VAVE K25 and the MEDIORAYS K5 connect over Bluetooth wireless with a built-in battery, while the iCON Artist X runs over USB-C. The SMK25 battery works for about 18 hours, the K25 battery works for about 16 hours, and the K5 battery gives up to 16 hours, so check the battery figure against the length of your sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Do these keyboards work with Bitwig?

Yes. The M-VAVE SMK25, the M-VAVE K25, the iCON Artist X and the MEDIORAYS K5 work with Bitwig. The iCON Artist X also includes Bitwig 8 Track DAW in the box for sketching and sound design.

How long does the battery last on these keyboards?

The M-VAVE SMK25 battery works for about 18 hours, the M-VAVE K25 battery works for about 16 hours, and the MEDIORAYS K5 battery gives up to 16 hours. The iCON Artist X runs over USB-C, so it draws power from the USB connection.

How many keys do I need on a MIDI keyboard?

A 25-key controller covers bass lines, chords and melodies with octave shifts, while 37 keys give more room before you shift. The M-VAVE SMK25, the M-VAVE K25 and the MEDIORAYS K5 give 25 keys, and the iCON Artist X gives 37 keys, so match the count to the parts you play.