Who are these controllers suitable for?

Music maker with limited desk space

You want to play in basslines and chords without taking up too much room at your workstation. Measure the space available and consider whether mini keys will feel comfortable enough to play.

Beat maker who uses drum pads

You like entering drums or samples using pads. Also check how many keys will be left for other parts.

Clip-based track creator

You work with loops or recordings in a compatible DAW and want to launch and combine them from a grid, rather than mainly playing notes on keys.

What should you consider when choosing?

Keys with pads

Choose this option: if you want to play parts and enter drums at a small desk. Arturia lists 25 mini keys and eight physical pads for the MiniLab 3; Akai describes the MPK Mini IV as having MPC pads and pitch and modulation wheels.

Keep in mind: a compact keyboard offers a smaller playing range than a larger one. Also check how it works with your DAW.

More keys and DAW control

Choose this option: if you want to play melodies and chords across a wider range and use pads too. Novation lists 37 mini keys and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4.

Keep in mind: allow space for it on your desk and check your DAW version. Novation says this model does not function fully in Ableton Live 10 and earlier versions.

Grid for existing clips

Choose this option: if you mainly want to launch and combine recorded clips or loops. The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is designed for grid control with compatible software.

Keep in mind: a grid doesn’t have a traditional keyboard for playing chords or melodies directly. Check that your DAW supports the clip functions you need.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Desk space and keyboard range Measure the space beside your laptop and compare it with the dimensions and number of keys on the exact model. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm. I want to fit my laptop and controller on a small desk while still having enough keys for chords; around 33% of consumers have workspace and keyboard range as their main priorities.
Rhythms and samples Compare the type and number of pads with the keys you’ll need alongside them. Also check how the pads can be assigned in your software. I want to enter drums or samples using pads while also using keys for other parts; around 25% of consumers have rhythm input as their main priority.
Loops and clips Check that your DAW and workflow support grid and clip control. I mainly build tracks from existing clips and loops and want to launch them from a grid; around 25% of consumers have clip control as their main priority.
Software and connections Check your DAW version, computer and USB compatibility, and which software you can actually use. To hear sound, you’ll also need a sound source and audio output set up. I want to know whether my computer and software will work together as a complete starter setup; around 17% of consumers have this as their main priority.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller produces sound by itself

    MIDI input won’t create an audible backing track on its own. Your computer, music software, a software instrument set up in the DAW and audio output all need to work together.

    Before choosing, check which sound source and audio output you already have, and what your DAW needs.

  • Choosing a clip grid when you mainly want to play chords

    A grid is designed for clip control and doesn’t have a traditional keyboard for playing notes directly.

    Choose based on the action you’ll use most: playing notes or launching existing clips. If you need both, check what controls the specific controller offers.

  • Expecting automatic control to work in every DAW version

    Features and mappings depend on the model and software version. For example, Novation says the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 does not function fully in Ableton Live 10 and earlier versions.

    Before ordering, check the manual and compatibility information for your exact controller and DAW version.

Brands to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines keys, pads and controls for use at your desk.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight physical pads, USB-C and a MIDI output. Its stated dimensions are 355 × 220 × 50 mm.
  • The keyboard is compact. Check that the number of keys and compatibility with your software suit the parts you want to play.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines keys and pads, while the Launchpad Mini MK3 offers a separate option for grid and clip control.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. According to its product information, the Launchpad Mini MK3 has 64 pads and no traditional keyboard.
  • Software features vary by model. Novation says the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 does not function fully in Ableton Live 10 and earlier versions.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact combination of keys and pads for anyone who also wants to enter rhythmic parts.

  • Akai lists MPC pads, pitch and modulation wheels, USB-C and a MIDI output for the MPK Mini IV.
  • These are manufacturer specifications, not an independent assessment of playing quality. Don’t confuse the MPK Mini IV with the differently equipped MK3.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 is suited to anyone who mainly plays parts and wants control over Komplete and NKS plug-ins.

  • Native Instruments lists 32 keys, eight touch-sensitive controls and USB power.
  • The pre-mapped controls are described for Komplete and NKS plug-ins. Check separately how they work with other software.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact option with keys and controls for DAW functions.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys, USB power and mappings for functions including transport controls and faders.
  • The manufacturer says you need to configure your chosen DAW correctly. Don’t assume the same controls will work without checking the settings.

Joybuy products

This product selection focuses on playing parts using keys and MIDI connectivity. The model shown also has built-in sound features.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black, with MIDI controller

Suited to anyone who wants to play parts using keys and make use of built-in sound features too.

61 keys; USB-MIDI; built-in sounds, rhythms and speakers; recording function and metronome.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce sound by itself?

Not by itself: according to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software that produces the sound. Set up a software instrument and audio output. For another model, check separately whether it has a built-in sound source.

How do I connect a controller if my DAW isn’t responding?

First check that your computer recognises the USB controller and that MIDI input and, where necessary, control settings are enabled in your DAW. Ableton describes automatic scripts and manual MIDI mapping. If you’re using a USB hub, also check that it supplies enough power.

What should I install or update?

Follow the instructions for your exact model and DAW. Novation recommends updating the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 firmware using Components and describes additional settings for Ableton Live. You may need to register to access bundled software.

What should I do if my controller turns out to be faulty?

According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to every product; a manufacturer’s guarantee or additional cover is on top of your right to a product that meets expectations.

Can I return a controller bought online?

For eligible distance sales, the Dutch government says you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the seller and terms and conditions; not every online transaction, such as a purchase from a private seller, is covered by the same rules.