Who is this suitable for?

Melody writer

You want to play in notes and musical ideas. Start by looking at the key range and touch response; pads are less important for you.

Student producer on the move

You take your setup to a shared music room and need a controller that fits on the desk and can be put away after use.

Beat maker and DAW user

You want to control rhythms, clips or music software features as well as melodies. The controls available depend on the controller and DAW.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with the feel of the keys and the space available on the desk. Then decide whether pads and direct control of your music software are useful for the way you work.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Playing melodies Try the key size and touch response; compare the number of keys and octave controls on the exact model. I want to play melodies and prioritise key range and touch response over pads. Around 33% of consumers prioritise playing melodies.
Space and portability Measure the available desk space and compare it with the model’s stated dimensions and weight. If I need to put the controller away between lessons or take it with me, space and portability matter most. Around 27% of consumers prioritise portability and desk space.
Pads and controls Compare the number of pads and what they do; check that their assignments work with your DAW. I want to control rhythms or clips without constantly interrupting my melody work. Around 20% of consumers prioritise beat and clip control.
Software and sound Find out which DAW and version are available, and how MIDI input, the software instrument and audio output are set up. If I’m using the controller with the room’s computer, I want to know in advance whether the features I need and audio output are available. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compatibility with music software.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a keyboard with built-in sounds

    A standard MIDI controller sends performance instructions, but doesn’t produce audible sound itself. Without a sound source and audio output set up, you won’t hear the notes you play.

    Before you start, check which computer, software instruments and listening options are available in the music room.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    Key size, dimensions and controls vary by model. A higher number of keys alone doesn’t tell you whether the instrument will fit on the desk or feel comfortable to play.

    Measure the available space and try the keys if possible. Also check how you change octaves.

  • Assuming every DAW feature will work straight away

    The controls you want may depend on the model, DAW and software version. Novation describes limited functionality with Ableton Live 10 or earlier for the Launchkey MK4 Mini.

    Make a note of the room’s DAW and version, then check the settings for the exact model. Also find out which installations are permitted.

    Setting up the DAW correctly may take extra time.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is a compact option for melodies, pads and music software controls.

  • According to Novation, this model has 25 mini keys, 16 pads, and scale and chord features.
  • Novation notes that functionality is limited with Ableton Live 10 or earlier. Check which version is used in the music room.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls and a MIDI output.

  • Arturia lists 25 keys, eight rotary knobs and four faders.
  • Arturia gives the dimensions as 355 × 220 × 50 mm and the weight as 1.5 kg. Compare these with your desk space and check the software setup separately.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact option for combining melodies with pad playing.

  • Akai lists eight velocity-sensitive pads for this model.
  • Check that the features you want to use work with the music room’s DAW; manufacturer product descriptions don’t prove full integration.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini has more keys than models with 25 mini keys.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and music software controls.
  • M-Audio describes automatic mapping, but you’ll still need to choose the right DAW setup. Also compare the dimensions with the space available.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini combines a compact keyboard with pads and transport controls.

  • Nektar lists 25 mini keys, eight pads, rotary knobs and a footswitch socket.
  • Descriptions of DAW integration and playing feel come from the manufacturer. Check that the software you actually use is supported.

Joybuy product selection

This Joybuy selection is a 61-key digital piano with USB-MIDI, for anyone who wants a wider playing range and needs MIDI functionality. The product title also mentions built-in sounds and speakers.

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, weighted keys, black

Digital Piano MLS-931, 61 keys, weighted keys, black

The 61 keys and USB-MIDI make this a good fit for anyone who wants a wider playing range at their fingertips and needs MIDI functionality.

The product title lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I play a standard MIDI controller without a computer or another sound source?

No. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce audible sound itself. Use a software instrument that’s set up, or another suitable sound source, and check where the sound will be output in the music room.

What should I check if the keys are connected but I can’t hear anything?

Check that the DAW is using the controller as a MIDI input, that a software instrument is loaded and where the audio is being output. For the Launchkey MK4 Mini, Novation describes additional settings that depend on the DAW and its version.

Do I always need to install software before using it?

That depends on the model, operating system and DAW features you want to use. For manual setup of the Launchkey MK4 Mini on Windows, Novation describes a USB driver. If you’re using a shared room, check in advance which installations are permitted.

Am I automatically entitled to exactly two years of legal warranty in the Netherlands?

No. The Government of the Netherlands states that there is no fixed legal warranty period in the Netherlands. You’re entitled to a product that works as it should, taking its expected lifespan into account. If there’s a fault, contact the seller.

Can I publish someone else’s recording or sample in my dance track without permission?

No, not without permission. According to the Government of the Netherlands, you need the creator’s permission to use someone else’s music protected by copyright. You can’t distribute or make a copy for personal use publicly available. Also check the rights that apply to a sample or software licence.