Who is this for?

Keys player

You mainly build backing tracks by playing in chords, basslines and melodies, and you also want to control your DAW.

Clip arranger

You create song sections with loops and scenes, and want to launch them directly while spreading your DAW across two screens.

Producer with limited desk space

You want to keep pads and some keyboard control within easy reach, alongside your screens and other input devices.

What should you look for when choosing?

Keyboard controller

Choose this option: if you play parts yourself and want keys alongside DAW controls.

Bear in mind: a larger keyboard takes up more space. Also check the mapping for your DAW.

Clip grid without a keyboard

Choose this option: if you mainly want to launch clips and scenes in Ableton Live Session View. Novation describes the Launchpad Mini MK3 as having an 8×8 clip grid.

Bear in mind: you won’t have piano keys to play parts on.

Compact keyboard-and-pad controller

Choose this option: if you want a combination of keys and pads, and a smaller range of keys is enough. Akai lists the MPK Mini Plus as having 37 mini keys and eight velocity-sensitive pads.

Bear in mind: mini keys offer a different playing feel from a larger keyboard.

Using two screens is primarily a way of working, not a feature the controller itself needs to support. Ableton explains that Live can spread certain views across two windows. Then choose your controller based on the physical controls you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Keyboard range Compare the number and size of the keys with the parts you want to play and the space available on your desk. If you want to play backing parts yourself, you’ll need enough range without sacrificing more desk space than necessary; around 36% of consumers prioritise playing in parts.
Clips and song sections Check whether your DAW and workflow use clips and scenes, and whether the exact model supports these features. If you build song sections from loops and scenes, you’ll want to launch them directly; around 29% of consumers prioritise clip and scene control.
Mixing and DAW control Check the mapping for your version of your DAW and decide whether you need faders, rotary controls or transport controls. If you want hands-on control of tracks and software while creating, look for controls that suit your workflow; around 21% of consumers prioritise mixing and DAW control.
Workspace and setup Measure the available space and check the computer connection, power supply and software requirements. If your screens and other input devices share the same desk, choose a controller that fits your setup; around 14% of consumers prioritise a compact workspace.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a second screen replaces the need for the right DAW controls

    An extra display doesn’t change which functions the controller’s physical controls operate directly. That depends on the model, the DAW and the settings.

    Decide which tasks you want to do without a mouse, then check the mapping for the exact model.

  • Choosing a clip grid for velocity-sensitive drumming

    Akai says that the APC Mini MK2 pads are designed to launch clips and are not velocity-sensitive.

    Consider clip control and velocity-sensitive drum pads as separate requirements before choosing a model.

  • Confusing MIDI control with a built-in sound source

    According to Akai, a MIDI controller such as the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software and doesn’t produce sound by itself.

    Check which software or other sound source you’ll need, and whether any software bundles require registration.

Brands to compare

Novation

Worth considering if you want to compare a keyboard controller for playing parts with a clip grid for launching scenes.

  • Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as having 49 keys, 16 pads, eight encoders and nine faders. The Launchpad Mini MK3 has an 8×8 clip grid, according to its manual.
  • The Launchpad Mini MK3 has no keyboard. Launchkey integration with Ableton Live depends on the model and version, so check which version works with your installation.

Akai Professional

Offers models for clip control and others that combine mini keys and pads; these features aren’t interchangeable.

  • According to Akai, the APC Mini MK2 has nine faders, while the MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys and eight velocity-sensitive pads.
  • Akai says the APC Mini MK2 pads are not velocity-sensitive. Check the required software version for the stated Ableton Live functionality of this model.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a 49-key option with physical controls and model-specific DAW scripts.

  • Arturia lists this model as having 49 keys, nine faders and eight pads.
  • The available DAW controls depend on the scripts. For the Ableton Live script mentioned, Arturia specifies version 11.3.3 or later.

Nektar

The Impact LX mk3 series is worth comparing if you haven’t settled on a DAW yet.

  • Nektar lists the LX mk3 series as having nine encoders, eight faders and eight pads.
  • Check the specifications and DAW integration for the exact model and software you use; instructions for older Impact LX and LX+ models don’t automatically apply to the LX mk3.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller need to control two screens itself?

No, not for the Ableton Live workflow described: Ableton supports views in two windows. Check that your computer and DAW support your preferred screen setup, then choose a controller based on the controls you need.

Why can’t I hear anything when I press keys on a controller?

According to Akai, a USB MIDI controller such as the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages rather than producing sound itself. Select a software instrument and check your DAW’s MIDI settings; the steps vary between programmes.

What should I check when setting up in Ableton Live?

First, check the exact controller model and the Live version it supports. For Launchkey MK4 integration, Novation specifies Live 11.3.26 or later, or Live 12.0.25 or later; for the APC Mini MK2, Akai specifies version 11.2.7 or later. Then, if needed, check the Control Surface and MIDI port settings. Ableton advises against enabling Sync unnecessarily for both the input and output of the same device.

Can I use someone else’s music in a backing track and publish it?

According to the Dutch government, a private copy for personal use may not be distributed or made publicly available. Before publishing, check what permission is required for the music and your intended use.