Unlocking Your Inner Musician: The Best MidiKeys Alternatives for Every Platform
MidiKeys has been a staple for Mac OS X users looking for a simple on-screen MIDI keyboard, allowing them to play notes with their computer keyboard or mouse, and even visualize incoming MIDI signals. However, MidiKeys, requiring macOS 10.5, offers no built-in sound production and necessitates external synthesizers like AU Lab. If you're on a different operating system, need more features, or are simply looking for a fresh take on virtual MIDI keyboards, exploring a MidiKeys alternative is essential. This guide dives into some of the top options available, catering to various platforms and user needs.
Top MidiKeys Alternatives
Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting your journey, these MidiKeys alternatives offer diverse functionalities, from basic virtual keyboards to full-fledged MIDI control centers. Find the perfect fit for your musical endeavors!
VirtualMIDISynth
VirtualMIDISynth is a free software MIDI synthesizer for Windows, acting as a multimedia user driver accessible as a standard MIDI Out device. It's a great MidiKeys alternative for Windows users who need a robust and reliable virtual MIDI driver, especially for older systems like Windows XP.
Perfect Piano
Perfect Piano is a popular smartphone app available for free on Android and iPhone (including tablets), designed to teach users how to play and record piano songs. As a MidiKeys alternative, it offers features like Audio Recording, Gaming, MIDI, and Music Composer, making it a versatile choice for mobile musicians.
Virtual MIDI Piano Keyboard
Virtual MIDI Piano Keyboard (VMPK) is a free and open-source MIDI events generator and receiver compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Similar to MidiKeys, it doesn't produce sound on its own but can drive a MIDI synthesizer, making it an excellent cross-platform MidiKeys alternative for those needing MIDI connectivity.
Free Piano
Free Piano is a free and open-source virtual MIDI keyboard and VST host for Windows. It allows users to play piano with their computer keyboard or MIDI keyboard using any VST instrument, offering Midi and Support for VST plugins, making it a powerful MidiKeys alternative for Windows users seeking sound capabilities.
EveryonePiano
EveryonePiano is a free Windows application that simulates playing a piano on your PC keyboard, helping users learn chords and note layouts. With its Music Composer feature, it stands as a solid MidiKeys alternative for those focused on learning and practicing piano on their desktop.
BASSMIDI Synth Driver
The BASSMIDI MIDI synthesizer driver is a freeware SoundFont based Windows MIDI system driver for Windows XP, Vista, and newer. While not a virtual keyboard itself, it serves as an excellent MidiKeys alternative for Windows users who need a robust soundfont-based MIDI synthesizer for their applications.
Synthfont
Synthfont is a freemium program for Windows that allows playing MIDI files using SoundFonts and VST instruments, with live MIDI input support. Its Midi and Support for VST plugins features make it a more comprehensive MidiKeys alternative for those needing advanced sound manipulation and playback capabilities.
Virtual Piano
Virtual Piano is a free web-based application that helps users learn to play piano online in their web browser, offering thousands of chords and scale diagrams. As a portable MidiKeys alternative, it's perfect for anyone wanting to practice or learn on the go, without needing to download any software.
VirtualKeyboard (VST/AU plugin, Standalone)
VirtualKeyboard is a commercial, highly configurable virtual keyboard available as a 32/64bit MIDI Instrument or Logic MIDI Effect plugin, or as a standalone program for Mac and Windows. It's a robust MidiKeys alternative for professionals and enthusiasts seeking advanced customization and integration with DAWs.
Perfect Piano Player 3D
Perfect Piano Player 3D is a free iPhone and iPad app designed for lovers of piano music, offering a relaxing experience with classical piano sounds. While simpler, it serves as a straightforward MidiKeys alternative for iOS users primarily interested in casual piano playing and listening.
With a wide array of MidiKeys alternatives available across various platforms, from free and open-source options to commercial and mobile applications, you're sure to find the perfect virtual MIDI keyboard to suit your specific musical needs and workflow. Explore these options and unlock your full musical potential!