MIDI Controllers Have Peaked: Why I'm No Longer Excited About Them

Let’s be real—MIDI controllers just aren’t exciting anymore. After reviewing hundreds of them on YouTube, I’ve come to a clear and honest conclusion: We’ve hit peak MIDI controller. In this blog post (and the video above), I’ll break down exactly why I stopped reviewing them, what’s changed in the market (hint: not much), and what you should know before buying your next MIDI keyboard.

The Age of MIDI Innovation Is Over

Today’s MIDI controllers are like printers or toothbrushes—standardized, commoditized, and mostly the same no matter which brand you choose. Whether it’s from M-Audio, Arturia, Novation, or Native Instruments, chances are they all share the same exact keybed, same feature set, and nearly identical layouts.

Case in point: The same keybed found in the $1,000 Arturia KeyLab is also used in a $499 Studiologic and a $1,200 Native Instruments S88. You're often paying for the brand name and cosmetics—not real innovation.

What Every MIDI Controller Has in Common

Take a look at most current MIDI controllers and you’ll see the same checklist:

• 8 knobs
• 8 faders
• RGB pads (usually 16)
• Scale mode & Chord mode
• Arpeggiator
• Ableton Live Lite or bundled software

It’s the same features. Over and over. Maybe a slightly different layout or color scheme, but it’s all the same tech under the hood.

Why I Stopped Reviewing MIDI Controllers

For years, I was “the MIDI controller guy” on YouTube. But I stepped back for two major reasons:

1. I had already reviewed almost everything on the market.
2. The reviews started feeling dishonest. Brands want hype—even when the product isn’t new or exciting.

Some creators get paid thousands to push these products. That’s fine for them, but it can lead to biased, overhyped reviews. I’ve never been paid for a MIDI controller review—just given free gear—and even that felt like pressure to stay positive.

The Honest Truth: Just Buy What Fits Your Budget

Here’s the bottom line: If you need a MIDI controller, just buy what you can afford. Pick the one that feels good to you. Whether it’s from Arturia, M-Audio, or Novation, they all offer the same essential features.

Unless you’re a beginner who needs scale or chord modes, you’re probably not using half the features anyway. Most producers still use their mouse and keyboard for editing and mixing.

Final Thoughts

MIDI controllers aren’t going to blow your mind anymore. They’ve plateaued. You’re not missing out by skipping the latest model. Unless you absolutely need to replace your current one, save your money and stick with what you have.

And if you do need a new one—remember, it’s like buying a printer or a toothbrush. Just find one that works, feels good, and doesn’t break the bank.

Watch the Full Video

If you’d rather hear me break this all down in real time, click here to watch the full video on YouTube.