Who is this buying guide for?

Music-makers short on desk space

You share your workspace and want to be able to put your controller away quickly after every session. A compact size and simple USB connection matter more to you than a wide range of controls.

Beginner beatmakers

You want to combine keys with pads and controls for rhythms or software functions. Consider both the layout and compatibility with your DAW.

Keyboard learners

You practise melodies and chords, so you’re considering a model with more keys, as long as it fits on your shared desk.

What should you look for?

When making music at a shared desk, it helps to weigh up the space you have against how you want to practise: inputting notes, making beats or using a wider playing range.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Space and storage Measure the available desk and storage space, then compare the device’s width and depth. According to Korg, the nanoKEY2 measures 325 × 83 × 16 mm. If I want to clear my desk after practising, size is my main consideration. Around 33% of consumers give space and storage top priority.
Software and connections Check the computer requirements, USB connection, compatibility with your DAW, and the latest registration and licence terms. If I want to get started with my computer and music software without a fuss, I first check that everything works together. Around 27% of consumers give software and connections top priority.
Pads and controls Compare the number of pads and any encoders or faders, and check whether the functions you want are available in your DAW. If I want to play in beats and control software functions directly from the device, pads and controls are important to me. Around 20% of consumers give beats and hands-on control top priority.
Playing range Compare the number of keys, then measure how much desk width you’ll need. Mini keys aren’t the same as the keys on a full-size piano keyboard. If I want to practise melodies and chords across a wider range, I look for more keys and check whether the keyboard will fit on my workspace. Around 20% of consumers give playing range top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI keyboard makes sound on its own

    A controller can send MIDI messages to software without making any sound itself. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a USB MIDI keyboard that uses computer software to do this.

    Check the exact model to see whether it has built-in sounds and what software you need to make music.

  • Treating every MPK Mini generation as the same model

    Akai highlights differences between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV, including USB-B versus USB-C and the absence versus presence of a MIDI output.

    Compare the full model name and connections on the version you’re considering.

  • Assuming the included software never changes

    Arturia outlines registration requirements for the MiniLab 3 software and a change to one part of the bundle for devices registered from 15 May 2025.

    Check the current bundle contents, registration terms and eligibility for the specific version.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    According to the Dutch product listings, the Korg nanoKEY2 and Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 don’t have drum pads. The M32 is 475 mm wide, while the nanoKEY2 has an unusual, very slim key design.

    Measure your workspace and decide whether pads, key design or playing range matters most for the way you practise.

Brands to compare

Korg

The nanoKEY2 is a slim USB MIDI option for anyone who wants to put their controller away quickly after practising.

  • Korg specifies 25 velocity-sensitive keys, USB power and dimensions of 325 × 83 × 16 mm.
  • The Dutch product listing doesn’t mention drum pads. Check the key design before choosing it for more extensive keyboard playing.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini MK4 combines mini keys with pads. The 25- and 37-key versions need different amounts of workspace.

  • The Dutch product listing specifies 16 pads and eight encoders for the Mini 25 MK4. Novation lists 37 mini keys and 16 pads for the Mini 37 MK4.
  • The version with more keys needs a wider workspace. Check any claims about integration with the DAW you use.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with pads, controls and instrument software.

  • The Dutch product listing specifies 25 slim keys, eight pads, eight encoders and four faders.
  • Arturia states that registration is required to access the software bundle. Check the terms for the version on offer.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a 25-key option with pads for anyone who wants to combine beats and keyboard playing.

  • The Dutch product listing specifies eight pads, eight encoders and USB-C.
  • Akai distinguishes the MPK Mini IV from the older MK3, including in terms of connections and controls. Don’t treat the generations as the same version.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 32 compact keys and controls that Native Instruments says are tailored to Komplete and NKS software.

  • The Dutch product listing specifies a width of 475 mm and 32 keys.
  • The product listing doesn’t mention drum pads. The pre-mapped controls described by Native Instruments are for Komplete and NKS plug-ins, so don’t assume the same integration with all software.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller make sound on its own?

Not necessarily. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a USB MIDI keyboard that sends messages to computer software to produce sound. For other models, check separately whether they have built-in sounds; don’t assume they do just because the name includes ‘keyboard’.

How do I connect a MiniLab 3 at a shared desk?

Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to a USB port on your computer. If you need a hub, Arturia recommends using one with its own power supply or Power Delivery, if possible. Then select the correct MIDI port in your music software.

Do I need to register software before I can get started?

That depends on the bundle. Arturia makes the MiniLab 3 software bundle available to registered owners and outlines separate steps for installation and activation. Check which licences are included with the version you’re considering.

How does the warranty work if I buy a controller in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and there’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. If something is wrong, the seller must provide a solution. A manufacturer’s warranty or paid-for extended warranty doesn’t replace these statutory rights.

Does a CE mark mean the Dutch government has approved the controller?

No. The European Commission explains that a manufacturer uses the CE mark to declare that a product meets the relevant EU requirements; there’s no central EU body that issues a general CE certificate. The requirements that apply depend on the specific product version.