If you want to play melodies and chords directly, choose a keyboard with a key size and range that suit your playing style and the space on your desk. A compact mini keyboard can be more practical in a shared practice studio, while pads or dedicated DAW controls are worth prioritising if you use them regularly. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound on its own, so check how you’ll generate and listen to the sound, too.
You want to play a hook on the keys, so you’re looking at playing range and key size. A 37-key keyboard with full-size keys and a 25-key model with slim keys offer different playing ranges; Novation and Arturia list these features for their models.
You take your controller with you or share a desk, so you’re weighing up the space it needs against its keyboard range. Arturia and Novation give the dimensions of models including the MiniLab 3 and Launchkey 37.
You want to control rhythms, patterns or software features as well as melody notes. The controls available depend on the exact model and the DAW you use; Novation, Arturia and Akai Professional describe features for their individual product ranges.
A good fit if: you want to play hooks and chords directly on the keys and have enough desk space.
The trade-off: a larger keyboard takes up more room; the Launchkey MK4’s advanced Ableton Live controls depend on which version of Live you have.
A good fit if: you use a particular software environment and want to control its patterns or features from the controller, for example.
The trade-off: features may be tied to a specific DAW or configuration; the FLkey 37 MK2 is designed for FL Studio.
A good fit if: you mainly want to launch clips while arranging.
The trade-off: a pad grid isn’t a traditional keyboard for playing new melodies on the keys.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard range and key size | Compare the number and size of the keys with your playing style and the space available on your desk. Novation lists 37 full-size keys for the Launchkey 37 MK4; Arturia lists 25 slim keys for the MiniLab 3. | If I want to play hooks and chords on the keys, I need enough range without taking up more space than necessary. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing melodies on the keys. |
| DAW integration | Make a note of your DAW, software version and the features you want, then check support for the exact model. For the Launchkey MK4, Novation lists Ableton Live 11.3.26 and later, or 12.0.25 and later. | If I want to control my music software directly from the device, I check that its features fit the way I work. Around 27% of consumers prioritise controlling their own DAW. |
| Desk space and portability | Measure the available width and depth, including space for connected cables. Arturia lists dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 557 × 251 mm for the Launchkey 37 MK4. | If I’m sharing a desk or want to take my controller with me, it needs to fit without compromising the way I work. Around 20% of consumers prioritise limited space or portability. |
| Pads and clip control | Decide whether you want to play drums, control patterns or launch existing clips. Akai lists 8 pads for the MPK Mini MK3, Novation lists 16 pads for the FLkey 37 MK2, and the Launchpad Mini has a 64-pad grid. | If I mainly want to make rhythms or launch existing clips as well as play melodies, I check which pad features work with my DAW. Around 20% of consumers prioritise rhythm or clip control. |
A standard MIDI controller sends control data to software and doesn’t produce sound on its own. Akai Professional describes the MPK Mini MK3 in these terms.
Before you buy, check how you’ll generate and listen to sound in your practice studio.
You may need a suitable sound source or music software to hear the notes.
Some features require a compatible software version, a configuration or a script. Support varies by model and DAW.
Check the full model name, your DAW version and the controls or pads you want against the manual.
Novation positions the Launchpad Mini for clip control; a grid isn’t a substitute for a keyboard when you want to play notes.
First decide whether you mainly want to play new notes or launch existing clips.
If you need to do both, you may need a keyboard as well as a pad grid.
Novation describes several options: Launchkey for keys and DAW control, FLkey for features designed for FL Studio, and Launchpad for clip control.
Arturia positions the MiniLab 3 as a compact keyboard with pads, controls and a 5-pin MIDI output.
According to Akai Professional, the MPK Mini MK3 combines a compact keyboard with pads for anyone who also wants to enter rhythms.
M-Audio describes the Oxygen Pro Mini as a controller with 32 mini keys and configurable controls for different DAW workflows.
A selection of Joybuy products for anyone who wants to play melodies on a keyboard with MIDI controls.
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An option for playing melodies directly on the keys, with a recording function too.
61 keys; MIDI controller; recording function; speakers; metronome; music stand.
Yes. A standard USB MIDI controller such as the MPK Mini MK3 sends data but doesn’t produce sound itself. You’ll need suitable music software with a software instrument, as well as a way to listen to the sound. If you’re using a hardware sound source, check the connections on both devices.
Check that Ableton Live is receiving MIDI input and that a track with a software instrument is ready. Ableton recommends checking the track’s MIDI input and setting the recording or monitoring options as needed. Then check the audio output, too.
According to the Dutch government, faulty products are covered by the statutory guarantee, with no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. What you can reasonably expect from a product depends on the product and the circumstances. For distance purchases from a business, you’re also entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases, with some exceptions. Check the seller and the terms and conditions for your specific order.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices in the EU must carry a CE mark. Check the product information and the marking on the version being offered; the model name alone doesn’t prove that a specific offer meets all applicable requirements.
