Rank #1 in Best MIDI Keyboard Controller 2026: 10 Ranked on Price Per Key
M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 USB MIDI Controller
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 is the number one pick in this guide. It is a 49-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, 16 RGB drum pads, eight knobs and buttons and nine faders, and it sells for £144.44. Divide the price by the keys and it works out at about £2.95 a key — which is less per key than the 25-key Akai MPK Mini MK3 at £79, where the same sum gives around £3.16. The extra money on the Oxygen Pro does not buy you more keys than the £75 49-key M-AUDIO Keystation 49 MK3 or the £64 49-key Nektar SE49; it buys pads, knobs, faders and bundled software.
The ratings tell a different story from the price. This keyboard carries 603 ratings at 4.6 out of 5, while the £79 25-key Akai carries 30,642 — popularity and price do not move together in this line-up. One detail worth flagging: the star breakdown in the same listing adds up to 100 ratings (81 five-star, 9 four-star, 7 three-star, 1 two-star, 2 one-star), not the 603 shown next to the average, so treat the 4.6 as one figure in a listing that also contains another figure that does not match it. Everything on this page comes from the Amazon listing for this product. We have not tested the keyboard ourselves.
How those 603 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.6 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £144.44 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5, from 603 ratings |
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Price per key | About £2.95 at the listed price |
| Rating breakdown | 81 five-star, 9 four-star, 7 three-star, 1 two-star, 2 one-star — a total of 100, not 603 |
| Keyboard description | 49 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones |
| Controls | 16 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, 8 assignable knobs and buttons, 9 assignable faders |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, Velvet, Hybrid 3, Touch Loops |
What buyers actually say
Quoted from customer reviews on Amazon
Verified purchase“It has its flaws, but they are insignificant. Keyboard is coming with some nice free stuff - software, filters, subscriptions. Keys are not as sensitive as I would like them to be, but for this price range - they are good. Works well with DAWs and looks good. I think it will become my trusty workhorse and we'll become best friends forever.”
Verified purchase“This is the 49. Took me a year to set up (don't ask). Keys are really nice and it made friends with my DAW (Ableton) and my VST's instantly. Paired with a Tiger stand. Gives a lovely light show if you let it rest. Very happy.”
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best MIDI Keyboard Controller 2026: 10 Ranked on Price Per Key.
Questions people ask
How many keys does the M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 have?
49 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones, according to the listing.
What is the price per key?
At the listed £144.44 for 49 keys, it comes to about £2.95 a key.
Does it work with Native Instruments software?
The listing says M-AUDIO and Native Instruments partnered to bring Native Kontrol Standard support to the Oxygen series, and that you choose one of three Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band or Electronic.
What software comes with it?
The listing names MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, Velvet, Hybrid 3 and Touch Loops.
How does it connect and what can it control?
It connects over USB and is listed as controlling virtual instruments, effect plugins and DAW controls, with 5-pin MIDI output, pitch and modulation wheels, a sustain pedal input, Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes and an arpeggiator.
What does the M-AUDIO Oxygen Pro 49 weigh and measure?
The listing gives 4.2 kg and dimensions of 80.1 cm wide, 26.3 cm deep and 8.5 cm high.
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