Choose based on the available width and depth of your desk, and decide whether you mainly want to play notes or also control synth parameters. A shallow controller can leave more room on your desk, while extra keys, pads or knobs offer more ways to play and control your setup. Also check that the connections and software are compatible with your equipment.
If you mainly enter synth notes in software and want to keep some space in front of your controller, its depth and playing style matter more than extra controls. Korg describes the nanoKEY2 as having low-profile keys.
If you also want to control your software synth or DAW as you play, look at the keyboard’s controls and check that your software supports them. Arturia and Novation describe models that combine keys with additional controls.
If 25 keys keep interrupting your melodies, a model with more keys could be a better fit. If you also want to control an external synth, check that the physical MIDI output is compatible with your device’s input.
First measure the available width and depth of your desk. Then decide whether key range, hands-on control or a connection to external equipment matters most to you.
| Concern | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Will the controller fit on my desk? | Measure the available width and depth. Korg lists the nanoKEY2 as 325 × 83 × 16 mm; Novation gives the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4’s dimensions as 339 mm wide and 177 mm deep. | If I want to keep space in front of my controller for other things, I pay particular attention to its depth; around 36% of consumers prioritise desk space. |
| Can I control the synth while I play? | Check which controls the model has and whether they work with your DAW and synth plug-in. Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists eight encoders and 16 pads for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. | If I want to adjust parameters while playing, accessible controls matter more than choosing the shallowest possible model; around 29% of consumers prioritise hands-on sound control. |
| How many keys do I need to play at once? | Compare the key range and octave controls with the melodies you want to play. M-Audio lists 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys for the Keystation Mini 32 MK3. | If I want to play notes without frequently changing octaves, I look at the range first; around 21% of consumers prioritise the number of keys. |
| Do I need to connect an external synth? | Compare the controller’s MIDI output with your synth’s input, and check the cable and power requirements too. Arturia lists a 5-pin DIN output for the MiniLab 3; Akai lists a MIDI output for the MPK Mini IV. | If I want to control a hardware synth as well as use software, the physical connection needs to be compatible; around 14% of consumers prioritise this connection. |
Depth also affects how much room you’ll have left on your desk. Korg lists the nanoKEY2 as 83 mm deep; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3’s depth as 220 mm.
Measure the available width and depth of your workspace, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model.
A USB connection doesn’t prove that the controller will connect directly to your synth’s MIDI input.
Check the connections and power requirements of both devices before ordering.
You may need a compatible MIDI cable or another connection solution.
Software requirements and support can vary by DAW, operating system and plug-in format. For example, Akai states that AAX support for Pro Tools is not currently available for the MPK Mini IV.
Compare the requirements for the exact model with your computer, DAW and preferred plug-in format.
The nanoKEY2 is designed for anyone looking for a shallow USB-MIDI controller mainly for use with software.
Arturia says the MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls and a MIDI output.
The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is aimed at players who want to combine keys with DAW control.
The Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is aimed at anyone who wants more mini keys for entering notes into software.
Akai says the MPK Mini IV combines a compact keyboard with pads, performance features and a connection for MIDI equipment.
Not necessarily: a MIDI controller can send messages to software without producing sound itself. Akai describes the MPK Mini MK3 as a controller that sends MIDI messages to sound-producing software. Check how the exact model works before assuming it can produce sound on its own.
Select the MIDI input in your DAW and follow the instructions for the exact model. For the Nektar SE25, the manufacturer says that additional DAW integration requires registration and the download of integration files. Standard MIDI input and extended DAW control are not the same thing.
The applicable European safety and conformity rules apply to electrical and electronic equipment. Business.gov.nl refers to the CE mark and EU declaration of conformity; models with a radio module may also be subject to radio equipment rules. Check the information for the specific product.
No. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands: you are entitled to a product that works as it should, and what you can reasonably expect depends on factors including the product. A manufacturer’s guarantee may provide additional cover; if a product is faulty, contact the seller to find a solution.
For many online distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms and any exceptions for your specific purchase; purchases from a private seller are not covered by the same distance-selling rules.
