Who is this choice relevant to?

Producers with limited desk space

If you keep your computer, keyboard and other items on your sit-stand desk, first measure the space left for the controller. Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3.

Producers who play in parts live

If you want more notes under your fingers while writing, compare 25 and 37 mini keys. The number of keys alone doesn’t tell you which key size will feel more comfortable to play.

Producers with an existing music setup

Choose a controller that suits your DAW or external sound source. Check the exact model and version, its connections and which controls your software supports.

What should you look for when buying?

First measure the clear space on your desk, then decide how many keys you want to play straight away. Finally, check that the controls and connections work with your DAW and any external sound source.

Factor to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, and allow room for cables. Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3; Novation gives a width of 478 mm for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. If I want to keep my other things on my sit-stand desk, I want to know in advance how much space will be left. Around 31% of consumers say desk space is their top priority.
Playing range and key size Compare your usual bass parts with 25 and 37 keys. Arturia describes the MiniLab 3 as having slim keys; Novation specifies mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. If I want to reach more notes straight away without constantly changing octave, I compare both the range and the key size. Around 31% of consumers prioritise playing range.
DAW controls Check the features for your exact model and DAW. Novation lists 16 pads, eight encoders and integrations with specific DAWs for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. If I want to use controls from my DAW while writing, the controls I need must work with my software. Around 23% of consumers prioritise DAW controls.
Connection and sound source Check the USB connection, any MIDI output and the input on your sound source. Arturia lists USB-C and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3. If I want to control an external sound source as well as software, I check that the connections on both devices are compatible. Around 15% of consumers say connection to a sound source is their top priority.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming every MIDI controller makes its own bass sound

    Akai says the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to computer software rather than making sound itself. You’ll also need a suitable sound source to hear a bass line.

    Decide in advance which programme or external device will produce the sound, and check that it suits your setup.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    The MiniLab 3 and Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 differ in their number of keys and their dimensions. The right number of keys doesn’t, on its own, tell you whether the device will leave enough room on your desk.

    Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact version. Also check whether the key size suits the way you like to play.

  • Treating different MPK Mini generations as the same model

    Akai lists a MIDI output, USB-C and transport controls for the MPK Mini IV; in Akai’s comparison, these features aren’t listed for the MPK Mini MK3.

    Check the full model name and generation if a particular connection or control is essential for you.

Brands to compare

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is worth considering if you’re looking for a compact keyboard controller with a MIDI output.

  • Arturia lists 25 slim keys, USB-C, pads and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3.
  • With 25 keys, fewer are within immediate reach than on the 37-key controller mentioned here. The dimensions don’t tell you how comfortable it will be for you to play.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is worth comparing if you want 37 mini keys and model-specific DAW controls.

  • Novation lists 16 pads, eight encoders and integrations with selected DAWs for this model.
  • The stated width is 478 mm. Check that the device will fit and that the integration you need works with your DAW.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact keyboard and pad controller to compare if you’re also considering a MIDI output.

  • According to Akai, the MPK Mini IV includes transport controls, USB-C and a MIDI output.
  • Akai doesn’t list these features for the MPK Mini MK3, so check the full model name and version.

M-Audio

According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro Mini combines 32 mini keys with customisable DAW controls.

  • M-Audio describes the controls as being automatically assigned.
  • M-Audio says you need to select the correct DAW on the controller and choose the corresponding configuration in the DAW. Check the steps for your software.

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is worth a look if a shallow design is important and you don’t need a conventional keyboard.

  • Korg lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • Before choosing, check that the controller works with your current computer and software.

Joybuy products

A keyboard with MIDI functionality for playing bass lines and keeping more keys within immediate reach.

Black keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

Keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

The 61 keys may suit you if you want to reach more notes straight away than you can on a controller with 25 or 37 keys.

The product description lists 61 piano-style keys and USB-MIDI. It also mentions speakers, a metronome and a recording function.

Before buying, check that the dimensions and connection suit your desk and computer.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear a bass line with just a MIDI controller?

That depends on the controller and sound source you choose. Akai says the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t make sound itself, but sends MIDI messages to computer software. Check how your chosen model will make the bass notes audible.

How do I set up the extra DAW controls?

Follow the setup instructions for your specific controller and DAW. M-Audio says that, with the Oxygen Pro Mini, you select the DAW on the controller and also choose the right configuration in the DAW. Don’t assume the same steps apply to other models.

What should I check about the music software included?

Check which software is included with the exact version and how to activate it. Akai says that, for the MPK Mini MK3, the included software is redeemed through the inMusic Software Center after registration.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

When you buy remotely from a business as a consumer, the Dutch government says you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period; exceptions and the circumstances of the purchase may apply. If there’s a problem with a product, the Dutch government says the seller is your point of contact. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands that applies to all products.