Who is this useful for?

Sketching out chords

You want to enter chord ideas and edit them later as MIDI notes. Novation, Arturia and Akai Professional list chord features on specific models; also check that your DAW recognises the controller as a MIDI input.

Sharing a small desk with your laptop

You want to leave some space free, so compare the controller’s full dimensions with the space available on your desk. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm.

Playing chords yourself

You may want to play bass notes and chord shapes at the same time. Compare the range and size of the keys on the exact model you’re considering; Novation and Akai Professional describe their featured models as having 37 mini keys.

What should you look for?

Start by deciding how you want to enter chords, then work out how much desk space and playing range you need.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Recording and editing chords Check the chord mode on the exact model and whether your DAW recognises the controller as a MIDI input. Ableton explains how an armed MIDI track can record incoming MIDI. I want to enter chord ideas quickly and edit the MIDI notes later; around 36% of consumers prioritise chord input.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables, and compare them with the dimensions of the model you’re considering. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm. If my laptop leaves little desk space, I want to know first whether the controller will actually fit; around 29% of consumers prioritise having space to spare.
Playing chords yourself Compare 25 keys with 37 mini keys, and think about which shapes you want to play at the same time. According to their manufacturers, the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 and Akai MPK Mini Plus have 37 mini keys; the Arturia MiniLab 3 has 25 keys. I want to play bass notes and chord shapes at the same time; around 21% of consumers value a wider playing range over the smallest possible controller.
Software and connections Check the computer connection, the MIDI settings in your DAW and how you want to play back the sound. Only choose MIDI, sync or CV/Gate connections if you need them for external equipment. I want a straightforward setup that records notes and lets me hear them, without unnecessary extra features; around 14% of consumers prioritise getting the basics working.

Common buying mistakes

  • Thinking a chord button is a complete recording feature

    A chord mode helps you enter notes, but it won’t record a MIDI clip for you. You’ll also need to record the input in your DAW. To hear the notes, you need a software instrument or a suitable sound source.

    Before you buy, check the complete signal path from the controller to the MIDI track, instrument and audio output. The Ableton Live 12 manual explains MIDI input on an armed track and how instruments convert MIDI into audio.

  • Choosing based on the number of keys alone

    A more compact controller may offer fewer keys for playing bass notes and chords at the same time. The number of keys alone also doesn’t tell you whether their size will suit your playing style.

    Measure your desk and compare the shapes you want to play with the range and size of the keys on the exact model.

  • Confusing extra connections with essential DAW features

    According to Arturia, the Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2 has a polyphonic step sequencer and MIDI, sync and CV/Gate connections. You don’t automatically need these features to record MIDI in a DAW.

    Choose extra connections based on the equipment you actually want to use, and check which type of connection it needs.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a compact option with 37 mini keys and controls for music software.

  • Novation says this model has chord and scale modes, 16 pads and eight encoders.
  • Mini keys may not suit you if you prefer larger keys; these features apply to this model and aren’t automatically available on every Launchkey.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact keyboard controller; the KeyStep 37 mk2 is another option if you also want to sequence or connect external instruments.

  • Arturia specifies that the MiniLab 3 has 25 keys, a chord mode and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm. The KeyStep 37 mk2 has a polyphonic step sequencer and MIDI, sync and CV/Gate connections, according to Arturia.
  • The connections and sequencer on the KeyStep 37 mk2 are features of that model and aren’t automatically included with the MiniLab 3.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus combines 37 mini keys with chord features and a built-in sequencer.

  • Akai Professional specifies that the MPK Mini Plus has an internal two-track sequencer, as well as chord and scale modes.
  • If you only record MIDI clips in a DAW, consider whether you’ll actually use the extra hardware features.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a MIDI controller make a sound when I play a chord?

Don’t assume it will: in a computer setup, the controller sends MIDI input. An instrument in your DAW converts that input into audio; also check where your computer will play the sound.

How do I record a chord progression in Ableton Live 12?

Use a MIDI track with an instrument, check the MIDI input, arm the track for recording and record a clip. Ableton describes this process for Live 12; the steps may differ in other DAW versions.

What can I do if my MiniLab 3 isn’t recognised properly over USB?

For the MiniLab 3, Arturia recommends first plugging it directly into a USB port on your computer rather than using a hub, adapter or extension cable. Then check that the right MIDI port is selected in your DAW; this troubleshooting advice applies to this model.

Do I need a sequencer or CV/Gate if I don’t have an external synthesiser?

Not for the basic process of recording MIDI in a DAW. The Arturia KeyStep 37 mk2 offers sequencer features and connections for a more advanced setup; choose it if you’ll actually use these features or connect external equipment.

What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch government also explains your right to a product that meets legal standards under the statutory guarantee; if a product is faulty, contact the seller to find a solution. Check who the seller is and which terms and conditions apply to your purchase.