M-Audio is a business unit of inMusic Brands that designs and markets digital audio and MIDI interfaces, keyboards and MIDI controllers, synthesizers, speakers, studio monitors, digital DJ systems, microphones and music software. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First, I will list the features of this M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users, and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards for you to compare.

This MIDI controller also offers the control functions 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels.
When connected, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features an integrated USB connection and a sustain pedal input. Also included are the Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software) licenses.
Now that we have seen the features of this M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.
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The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3. is priced at €275/£249/$277:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 |
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In our first comparison, we have on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 which offers 61 full-size velocity-sensitive synthesizer action keys, 8 sensitive Pads, 8 freely assignable rotary buttons, 9 freely assignable sliders, 4 transport buttons for DAW control, pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 offers 61 speed-sensitive keys, 16 RGB-backlit speed-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), octave up/down, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and other function buttons.
As an advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, we can comment on its assignable faders, which are very useful in areas such as mixing, to be more precise. Also, its automation in different DAWs is very appreciated. As an advantage of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 we have a large number of pads reaching 16, and we also have a large number of licenses. Both are very similar drivers, if one meets your needs better, go for it.
And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3 review.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154, while the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 has a difference of €115/£99/$114. Now let’s take a look at the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 |
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In this comparison, we have the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 that we analyzed earlier, and the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 that offers 61 speed-sensitive keys, modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave up/down buttons, movement buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and net), and an assignable fader.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features a number of control functions, such as pads, knobs and sliders, which allow for greater speed and precision in the functions and parameters used. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 comes with a slightly lower price and certain licenses that are included with the product. The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is a better controller due to its control features, go for it.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 review.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €205/£177/$203, but the difference is so small that this may vary depending on the store where we ask. Let’s go to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII |
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In this comparison, we find on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 with its features and functions that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII that offers 88 keys, modulation and pitch bend wheels, up/down octave buttons, transport buttons (stop, play and network), and an assignable fader.
As an advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, we can comment, as in the last comparison, that it has a good set of control functions that are its pads, knobs and faders. And as a main advantage of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII we can count on its 88-key keyboard, which for its price, is one of the most economical you will find with this feature. If you’re fine with a 5-octave keyboard and need a good set of control features, go for the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4, and if you want an 88-key controller, go for the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII review.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 while the Novation Impulse 49 is priced at €223/£205/$228:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
Novation Impulse 49 |
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In this comparison, we again have the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 with its functions and features we have already analyzed, and on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 49 that offers 49 semi-weighted keys and Aftertouch,8 backlit Drum Pads, 9 assignable 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (rec, play, pause, stop, etc) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 features a 61-key keyboard, while the Novation Impulse 49 features a semi-weighted keyboard with Aftertouch and a host of control functions, including pads, faders, buttons and knobs. If you need a 5-octave keyboard and moderate control functions, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 will be your best choice. Now if you need a semi-weighted keyboard with Aftertouch and also many control functions, the Novation Impulse 49 will be your choice.
Here is a video of the Novation Impulse 49 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 49 review.
The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 MIDI keyboard is priced at €155/£133/$154 when the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 is priced at €239/£215/$239:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 |
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 |
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In our latest comparison, we have on the one hand the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 that we analyzed earlier, and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 that offers 61 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 velocity-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 push-in encoder, 9 rotary knobs, 13 assignable buttons, transport buttons, octave up/down buttons, other function buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The advantage of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is that it has a very comprehensive set of control functions, which are also shared by the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61. Only if the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 covers all your needs will you be able to get it, of course, you will also have to cover its somewhat higher price tag, otherwise the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 is an excellent choice.
Here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 review.
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible note range, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.
In this post we have MIDI controllers in the price range of 155 Euro to 275 Euro, so we find controllers with at least 49 keys and good control functions, and the ideal controller for beginners in this post is the M-Audio Oxygen 61 MK4 which offers 61 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), pads, knobs, and faders all assignable, plus a sustain pedal input and certain licenses included as software downloads, which are highly valued by beginners. If you have the opportunity to purchase it, don’t think twice.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
Akai Professional has been one of the most influential producers of music production equipment in the world since 1984. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Akai MPK 261 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

As control functions we also find 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up and down an octave, also offers modulation wheels and pitch bend.
In connections, the Akai MPK 261 offers a USB connection, MIDI input and output, external power supply input and input for the expression pedal and two Footswitches. And it’s licensed as Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials.
Now that we’ve seen the features of this Akai MPK 261 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK6CIGqGk8s
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The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €385/£339/$393 when the Akai APC Keys 25 is priced at €72/£64/$73. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Akai MPK 261 |
Akai APC Keys 25 |
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In our first comparison, we have two MIDI controllers from the same brand, Akai, on one hand, we have the Akai MPK 261 which offers 61 semi-balanced keys, 16 backlit RGB (RedGreenBlue) MPC pads, 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches, tap tempo buttons, arpeggiator, latch and up/down an octave, it also offers modulation and pitch bend wheels. And on the other hand, the Akai APC Keys 25 offers 25 mini Synth-Action keys, a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB illumination for clip status indication, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons, sustain and more.
We can say that the Akai MPK 261 has more control functions and a more extensive keyboard that will allow you to play comfortably with 2 hands. And the Akai APC Keys 25 has fewer control functions and a 2-octave keyboard, but as the main advantage, we can count on its reduced price and its full compatibility with Ableton Live. If you have a limited budget and want an Ableton Live-compatible controller, the Akai APC Keys 25 will be a good choice. But for a more complete MIDI controller, the Akai MPK 265 will be a better choice.
Here is a video of the Akai APC Keys 25
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai APC Keys 25 review.
The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €385/£339/$393 while the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81, with a difference of £300 between them. Let’s go head to head:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Akai MPK 261 |
Akai MPK mini MK2 white |
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This comparison is very similar to the previous one, on the one hand, we have the Akai MPK 261 that we have already analyzed and on the other hand, we have the Akai MPK mini MK2 that offers 25 mini keys with synth action, 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic tone/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repetition, Arpeggiator buttons, octaves up/down, and 8 assignable control knobs.
The Akai MPK 261 is a better choice considering that it offers a 5-octave keyboard and has more control functions than its competition. However, if the user is looking for a MIDI controller with moderate functions and a small, portable design in addition to a tighter price tag, the Akai MPK Mini MK2 will be an excellent choice.
Here is a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini MK2 review.
The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €385/£339/$393 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has a price of €135/£125/$137, reaching a difference of 250 Euro between both devices. This is the face-to-face one:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Akai MPK 261 |
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 |
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A similar comparison to the two previous ones, where we have on the one hand the already analyzed Akai MPK 261 with the functions and features it offers and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 sensitive and counterbalanced keys, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels, 1 4D push encoder, 3 transport buttons (rec, play and stop), up/down octave buttons and other functions, plus modulation and pitch bend wheels.
The Akai MPK 261 is a better choice considering that it offers a 5-octave keyboard and has more control functions than its competition. However, if the user is looking for a MIDI controller with moderate functions and a small, portable design as well as a more affordable price, without losing the semi-weighted keys, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 will be an excellent choice.
Here’s a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.
The Akai MPK 261 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €385/£339/$393 when the Studiologic SL88 Studio has a price of €379/£349/$385, with a minuscule difference of 6 Euro that can change depending on the shop where you ask. Let’s move on to this interesting face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Akai MPK 261 |
Studiologic SL88 Studio |
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In this last comparison, the scale changes a lot. On the one hand, we have the already analyzed Akai MPK 261 with its features and functions that we already know, on the other hand, we have the Studiologic SL88 Studio that offers an 88-key counterbalanced keyboard, 1 innovative 6-position control knob (4-way switch + 1 rotary encoder + ‘push’ button), 3 function buttons and 3 programmable joystick controllers.
We can already say that we are in a very close comparison because both are excellent MIDI controllers and the decision to be made will depend on the needs of the user, the Akai MPK 261 offers advantages like the 8 assignable faders that are very useful in themes like mixing, and the Studiologic SL88 Studio offers the advantage of the 88-key counterbalanced keyboard, because of this I am leaning towards the second one.
And here is a video of the Studiologic SL88 Studio keyboard
f you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Studiologic SL88 Studio review.
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest possible note range, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.
In this post we find a wide range of MIDI controllers and their prices, but the controller that we consider as an ideal option for a beginner is the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 semi-weighted keys and control functions like: a 4D pushbutton encoder and 8 knobs assignable to different parameters or functions inside the DAW, without forgetting its sustain pedal input, and its great number of licenses and downloadable samples. If you have the chance, go for it.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
Nektar Technology’s MIDI controllers offer unrivaled remote control for your music software and are packed with powerful features. They bridge the gap between software and hardware with Nektar DAW control for most major DAWs and performance tools that help you create music more intuitively. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I will list the features of this Nektar Panorama P6 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; tables of comparisons with similar keyboards so you can compare.

This MIDI keyboard usually costs around €444 and offers a keyboard with 61 weighted keys and aftertouch, which will allow you to play and compose different musical ideas, with a high-quality keyboard and a good touch.
As with other control functions it offers 16 assignable knobs, 9 assignable 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader (mechanical fader), 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and keystroke sensitive pads, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The Nektar Panorama P6 integrates a MIDI output, a USB connection, and two pedal inputs (expression and sustain).
Now that we have seen the features of this Nektar Panorama P6 keyboard look at these related videos to find out more.
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The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €444 while the Nektar Impact GX 49 is priced at €79/£73/$80, with a large difference of £365. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Nektar Panorama P6 |
Nektar Impact GX 49 |
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In our first comparison, we have two Nektar brand MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the Panorama p6 which offers 61 sensitive counterbalanced keys and Aftertouch, 16 assignable knobs, 9 assignable 45mm faders, 1 100mm ALPS Motorfader (mechanical fader), 10 configurable LED switches, 28 freely configurable switches, 12 speed and keystroke sensitive pads, and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Nektar Impact GX 49 also offers 49 ‘full size’ speed-sensitive keys with ‘synth-action’, transport buttons, up/down an octave and transpose buttons, a volume knob, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
This is an unfair comparison because the Nektar Impact GX 49 MIDI controller is priced much lower than its competitor the Nektar Panorama p6. The advantages of the Nektar Panorama p6 are its counterbalanced keyboard and mechanical fader which is far superior to its competition, so the Nektar Panorama p6 is undoubtedly the best choice. However, if your budget is limited the Nektar Impact GX 49 is a good choice for its low price.
And here’s a video of the Nektar Impact GX 49
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Impact GX 49 review.
The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €444 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 is priced at €135/£125/$137. Let’s go head to head:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Nektar Panorama P6 |
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 |
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In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Nektar Panorama P6 with its functions and features that we already know, and on the other hand, we have the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that offers 25 semi-balanced keys, 1 4D push encoder, 8 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause), up/down octave buttons and other functions. Plus pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Again we comment that as an advantage of the Nektar Panorama P6 its counterbalanced keyboard and a mechanical fader that are of great quality, having a great touch in both. And as an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 we can count on its great number of licenses that it offers, which for beginners are very appreciated. If you have the budget and want a quality MIDI controller go for the Nektar Panorama P6, if you want a more compact and economical controller the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 will be a good choice.
And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.
The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €444 and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$866. We will see your face to face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Nektar Panorama P6 |
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII |
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In this battle of the titans, we have in one corner the Nektar Panorama P6 which has its functions and features that we have already analyzed, and in the other corner, we have the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII which offers a plywood Fatar keyboard, with a hammer action (Fatar — TP100LR) of 88 keys, with sensitivity and aftertouch, as well as 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc), a central knob to choose different functions, modulation wheels and pitch bend.
Although the Nektar Panorama P6 is a good MIDI controller thanks to its weighted keyboard, and its control functions, including its mechanical 100mm fader. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII outperforms it thanks to its high-quality Fatar keyboard, its control functions, and its connections that can only be found on high-end MIDI controllers, of course, it’s also almost twice as expensive, but it’s completely worth the effort to go for the best. Even if you don’t want to invest that much in a controller, the Nektar Panorama P6 is a great choice.
And here’s a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII review.
The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €444, while the Akai MPK 225 is priced at €239/£215/$248. Let’s go head to head:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Nektar Panorama P6 |
Akai MPK 225 |
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In this comparison we have on the one hand the Nektar Panorama P6 that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand we have the Akai MPK 225 that offers 25 semi-weighted keys, 8 MPC Pads (MIDI Production Center) with RGB lighting, 8 assignable controllers and 4 assignable keys as well, 5 transport buttons (rec, play, pause, etc), movement buttons and other functions, as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels.
As an advantage of the Nektar Panorama P6 we continue to comment on its counterbalanced keys and mechanical fader which for mixing purposes is really useful. And as an advantage of the Akai MPK 255 we can say that it is a more compact and lighter controller and still does not lose the functions of a quality controller, it has semi-balanced keys and certain control functions, however the Nektar Panorama P6 continues to be a better controller.
And here’s a video of the Akai MPK 225 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK 225 review.
The Nektar Panorama P6 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €444 and the Novation Impulse 25 is priced at £165, with a difference of €165/£149/$168. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
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Nektar Panorama P6 |
Novation Impulse 25 |
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In our last comparison, we have the Nektar Panorama P6 which we have already analyzed before, and also the Novation Impulse 25 which offers us 25 semi-heavy keys and Aftertouch, 8 backlit Drum-Pads, 1 55mm Fader, 8 assignable controllers, and modulation-pitch wheels.
As an advantage of the Nektar Panorama P6 we can always comment its counterbalanced keyboard and its control functions, and as an advantage of the Novation Impulse 25 we can mention that it is a compact MIDI controller with good control functions. The Nektar Panorama P6 is the best, however, the Novation Impulse 25 is a good choice for its price.
And here is a video of the Novation Impulse 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 25 review.
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.
In this post we have a group of MIDI controllers with a very big price range and therefore with different features and control functions, but we can comment that the most suitable for a beginner in music production is the Native Instruments Komplete Control A25 that offers 25 full size keys with sensitivity, plus also 8 touch-sensitive encoders and a 4D pushbutton shrink, in addition to its sustain pedal input and its large number of licenses and effects typical of Native Instruments. If you have the opportunity to purchase it, go for it.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features: