Who is this choice relevant to?

Composer with a small desk

You create a game soundtrack at your computer and want to choose keys and controls to suit the space you actually have available.

Melody and chord maker

You want to play in themes and harmonies, and weigh up how much playing range and which type of key will suit you.

Rhythm and loop builder

You mainly work with percussion, short sounds or existing clips, and want to decide whether pads would suit you better than extra keys.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out which action you perform most often, then measure the free space on your desk. Finally, check that the controls and connection are compatible with your DAW.

What to consider What to look for Who should prioritise this?
Available desk space Measure the width and depth, and allow for the cable route. If I want to put my controller next to my computer on a shared desk, it needs to fit in the available space. Around 33% of consumers put space first.
Melodies and chords Compare the number of keys and their type with what you want to play. If I want to play in themes and chords myself, a keyboard matters more than extra pad controls. Around 27% of consumers prioritise playing melodies.
Rhythms and clips Decide whether you mainly trigger short sounds or launch existing clips. If I mainly programme percussion or want to launch existing clips, I want controls designed for that task. Around 20% of consumers put rhythms or clips first.
Connection and DAW controls Check the connections, supported DAW, and any installation or registration requirements. If I want to control my existing DAW using physical controls, the integration needs to work with my software. Around 20% of consumers prioritise software control.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing width alone

    Depth can determine whether a controller will fit on your desk. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 177 mm deep, while Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 at 220 mm. The cable route also takes up space.

    Measure both the width and depth of the available space, and check the full setup will fit before you choose.

  • Choosing a pad or clip controller when you mainly want to play melodies

    The Akai LPD8 MK2 and Novation Launchpad Mini have pads, but no traditional keyboard. A pad controller and a clip grid are also designed for different workflows.

    Choose based on what you do most often: play notes, trigger rhythms or launch clips. Also check how the pads and buttons are assigned in your software.

    You may also need a separate keyboard for direct melodic input.

  • Assuming the included software will fit your workflow straight away

    DAW integration varies by model. For the SE25, Nektar specifies that you need to register and download integration files.

    Check the requirements for your software version and the connection on the exact model before factoring in the software bundle.

Brands to consider

Novation

Novation offers compact options with keys and pads, as well as controllers for launching clips.

  • According to Novation’s model specifications, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines 25 mini keys with 16 pads. The Launchpad Mini has 64 pads for clip-based workflows in Ableton Live and Logic Pro.
  • The Launchpad Mini has no traditional keyboard. The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is listed as 177 mm deep, so remember to allow space for cables too.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines keys, rotary knobs and sliders in one controller.

  • Arturia lists 25 slim keys, pads, eight rotary knobs, four sliders and a MIDI output.
  • The listed surface dimensions are 355 × 220 mm, so check that the depth will fit on your desk. These specifications don’t mean the software setup works the same way in every DAW.

Akai Professional

The LPD8 MK2 is designed for pad control, while the MPK Mini IV is an alternative with keys and physical wheels.

  • According to Akai Professional, the LPD8 MK2 has eight pads, eight rotary knobs and measures 306 × 81 × 34 mm. The MPK Mini IV description lists physical pitch and modulation wheels, as well as a MIDI output.
  • The LPD8 MK2 has no keyboard. The MPK Mini IV product description is not an independent assessment of how it feels to play.

Nektar

The SE25 is a small keyboard controller for anyone who mainly wants to enter notes with basic controls.

  • According to Nektar, the SE25 has 25 mini keys and six buttons.
  • To use the DAW integration described, you need to register the device and download integration files. First, check that your DAW is supported.

Korg

The nanoKEY Fold is a foldable option if easy storage matters more to you than a conventional keyboard feel.

  • Korg lists 25 keys, USB-C, a MIDI output and folded dimensions of 147 × 73 × 17 mm.
  • The keys are membrane-type. Before buying, check the width when unfolded if that measurement is important for your workspace.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear my game’s music with just a MIDI controller?

Don’t assume so: the controllers discussed send notes or control signals to software or other equipment. Check which computer or sound source, software and audio output your setup requires; included software varies by model.

How do I get started with a small keyboard in my DAW?

Connect the keyboard according to the model’s manual, select MIDI input in your DAW and test a software instrument. For the specific SE25 integration, Nektar also specifies that you need to register and download integration files. This step doesn’t automatically apply to other models.

What should I consider when using a controller on a crowded desk?

Leave room for the cable route when setting it up, and follow the model’s manual for cleaning and disconnecting it. The stated size of the casing alone doesn’t tell you how much space the complete setup will take up.

What are my rights when buying a controller online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, online purchases from a business come with a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases; conditions and exceptions may apply. You are also entitled to a product that works as it should. If there is a fault, the seller must provide an appropriate solution; in the Netherlands, not every product has a fixed statutory warranty period of two years.

Can I use existing music or samples in my published game without permission?

Not necessarily. According to the Dutch government, you may only use someone else’s copyright-protected music with the creator’s permission. Check the rights or licence for any material you want to include in your game.