Who is this buying guide for?

DAW beginner with limited power sockets

Wants to use keys or pads with music software on a computer without a separate adaptor for the controller. Arturia, Novation and Nektar describe USB-powered models in their product information.

Beginner playing melodies and chords

Wants a keyboard for practising parts and weighs up the desired number of keys against the space available on the desk. For example, Korg lists USB bus power for the microKEY2 range, including versions with 25 and 37 mini keys.

Beatmaker or computer-free practiser

Wants to use pads to control software, or to practise with audible sound without a computer. Novation describes the pad-focused Launchpad range; Akai says the MPK Mini Play MK3 has built-in sounds and a speaker.

Which buying concerns matter?

Start with the connection you’ll be using, then choose between a keyboard, pads or standalone sound.

Buying concern What to look for Who is this important to?
Power without an extra socket Check that USB bus power is confirmed for the exact model and its connection to your computer; don’t assume the same setup will work with a tablet. I want to make music on my computer without a separate mains adaptor for the controller. Around 36% of consumers prioritise powering their setup without an extra socket.
Number of keys and desk space Compare the number of keys and the stated width of the exact version; these measurements don’t tell you how the keys feel. I want to practise melodies and chords on keys, but I also need the controller to fit on my desk. Around 29% of consumers give the number of keys and space top priority.
Pads and software control Decide whether you want a combination of keys and pads or a pad grid; check the connection and integration with your music software. I mainly want to programme rhythms or control clips with physical pads. Around 21% of consumers choose pad and music software control as their main consideration.
Practising without a computer or with a tablet Check whether the model makes its own sound and what power the intended tablet setup requires. I want to practise with audible sound without a computer, or use my tablet as part of my setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise standalone or tablet use.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming USB power means every tablet setup will work without an extra socket

    USB bus power when connected to a computer doesn’t automatically mean that a tablet will provide the same power. For use with an iPad, Novation specifies a powered USB hub for the Launchpad Mini MK3.

    Before buying, check the connection instructions for your tablet or computer, and for the exact combination of controller and cable.

    For that iPad setup, you may need a powered USB hub as well as a suitable connection cable.

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a keyboard that makes its own sound

    According to Akai, the standard Akai MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software on a computer and doesn’t make its own sound. The MPK Mini Play MK3 is a different version, with built-in sounds and a speaker, according to Akai.

    Choose based on the full model name and check whether you want to make sound using computer software or also practise without a computer.

    To play audible sounds with a controller that has no built-in sounds, you’ll also need a sound source, such as suitable software and an audio output.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    A greater number of keys can mean a wider controller. Korg lists the microKEY-25 as 395 mm wide and the microKEY-37 as 565 mm wide.

    Measure the available space and decide whether you mainly want to play parts on keys or control clips and rhythms.

Brands to compare

Arturia

Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, pads and USB power in the MiniLab 3 product specifications.

  • A compact way to explore keys and controls together.
  • Check the included software and compatibility with your computer.

Novation

Novation describes the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as an option combining keys and pads, and the Launchpad Mini as a pad-focused controller. Both can be powered via USB when used with a computer.

  • There are separate options for playing on keys and controlling with pads.
  • The Launchpad Mini doesn’t have a traditional keyboard; for the Launchpad Mini MK3 with an iPad, Novation specifies a powered hub.

Nektar

Nektar describes the SE25 as a USB-powered controller with 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys.

  • A keyboard option for anyone who values keys more than an extensive pad surface.
  • Check support for your music software and the specific version.

Akai Professional

According to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 is battery-powered and has built-in sounds and a speaker. It’s a different version from the standard MPK Mini MK3.

  • The Play version is an option if you want to practise with audible sound without a computer.
  • Check the full model name: according to Akai, the standard MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t make its own sound.

Korg

Korg lists USB bus power for the microKEY2 range and gives different dimensions for the 25- and 37-key versions.

  • The stated widths help you weigh up the number of keys against the space available on your desk.
  • Dimensions don’t tell you how the keys feel.

Joybuy products

A keyboard with MIDI functionality for anyone who wants to combine keys with MIDI input and built-in sounds.

Black keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

Black keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller functionality

An option if you want to combine keys with MIDI input, built-in sounds and speakers.

61 keys; USB-MIDI; the product description lists 500 sounds, built-in speakers, a recording function and a metronome. Check the product-specific documentation for applicable EU requirements, and make sure the connections and power supply are suitable for your setup.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate mains adaptor for a MIDI controller?

Not if the manufacturer confirms USB bus power for the exact model and computer setup, and the computer supplies the USB power required. Check the exact model; a tablet may have different connection or power requirements.

Why can’t I hear anything when I connect only the controller?

A standard MIDI controller sends performance data to software and doesn’t make sound by itself. Set up a sound source and an audible audio output in your music software; according to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 offers a different option, with built-in sounds and a speaker.

What should I check when setting it up for the first time?

Check the connection cable and your music software settings for the exact model. For the first connection of the Launchkey Mini 25, Novation recommends updating the firmware via Novation Components; this is the manufacturer’s instruction for this model.

What are my rights if the product is faulty or I buy online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty; there is no fixed statutory guarantee period covering all products in the Netherlands. For an online distance purchase made by a consumer from a business, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to statutory exceptions.

What product safety requirements apply to a MIDI controller in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic equipment placed on the Dutch market must meet the applicable European product requirements. Ondernemersplein, a Dutch government service, describes the CE marking and EU declaration of conformity as the manufacturer’s responsibilities after assessing those requirements; a product listing on its own does not confirm that a specific model complies.