Who is this guide for?

Composer with a small desk

Wants to input melodies and rhythms, but needs the controller to fit alongside their existing equipment.

Composer of longer parts

Prioritises having enough keys to play directly over the smallest possible size, and checks whether a larger keyboard will fit.

Rhythm and clip creator

Wants to control patterns and clips using pads, and decides whether they also need keys.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide how you want to input music, then measure the space available, and finally check the controls and software requirements for the exact model.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Desk space Measure the width and depth. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm. Compare the measurements for the exact model with your workspace. I have little room beside my computer and want to be able to put the controller away after use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the space available.
Key range Compare the number and size of the keys with the parts you want to play. According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys; Native Instruments lists 32 compact keys for the Komplete Kontrol M32. If I want to play longer melodies or parts, I need enough keys without the keyboard taking up too much room on my desk. Around 27% of consumers prioritise key range.
Pads and clips Decide whether you want pads alongside keys or mainly a pad grid. According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 16 pads; the Launchpad Mini has 64 pads and no keys. I want to control rhythms and clips directly, and need to decide whether I also want to play melodies on a keyboard. Around 20% of consumers prioritise controlling rhythms and clips.
Music software Check support for your DAW and version, any required settings or downloads, and what’s included in the software bundle. Nektar says you need to register the SE25 and download files for its DAW integration. I want to use knobs or other controls with my music software, and need to know in advance what installation is required. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their software.

Common buying mistakes

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    Two compact models with the same number of keys can have different depths. So the number of keys alone won’t tell you whether a controller will fit on your desk.

    Measure both the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model.

  • Assuming a pad grid and a keyboard are interchangeable

    A pad grid is designed for pads, while a keyboard has keys for playing parts. A controller without keys won’t necessarily suit the way you work if you play melodies on a keyboard.

    Choose based on the parts and patterns you want to input, and check that not having keys will work for your setup.

  • Assuming included sounds can be used without restrictions

    Software or sounds supplied with a controller don’t automatically give you permission to use every sound in a published game.

    Check the licence terms for the sounds you use, and seek permission where required. The Government of the Netherlands says that copyrighted music may only be used with the creator’s permission.

    You may need a separate licence or permission to use third-party sounds.

Brands to consider

Novation

Novation offers both compact controllers with keys and pads, and a pad grid without a keyboard.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines 25 mini keys with 16 pads; the Launchpad Mini has 64 pads.
  • The Launchpad Mini has no keys, so check whether you want to play melodies on a keyboard.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller with keys, pads and sliders.

  • Arturia specifies 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, two banks of eight pads and four sliders.
  • The listed dimensions are 355 × 220 mm. Check that it will fit on your desk, and find out which software licences are included with the version you’re considering.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact keyboard and pad controller.

  • Akai lists mechanical pitch and modulation wheels, pads, USB-C and a MIDI output for this model.
  • Check that the connections and controls suit your computer, DAW and workflow.

Nektar

The SE25 is designed for a compact keyboard setup with straightforward controls.

  • Nektar lists 25 mini keys and six control buttons.
  • To use the DAW integration described by Nektar, you’ll need to register the device and download the relevant files. Also check whether you need pads.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol M32 has compact keys and controls designed for Komplete and NKS software.

  • Native Instruments lists 32 compact keys, eight pre-assigned controls for Komplete and NKS plug-ins, and USB power.
  • Check software compatibility with your DAW and instruments. The specific integration doesn’t automatically work with all software.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce the sounds for my soundtrack itself?

Not necessarily. Check which software instruments, sounds and licences are included with the exact version, and how to activate them in your DAW. For example, Arturia describes separate installation and activation steps for Analog Lab with the MiniLab 3.

What can I check if the controller doesn’t work after I connect it?

Check that your DAW is using the correct MIDI input and that the settings are right for the exact model. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia recommends connecting directly via USB and explains which MIDI port to select in the software. This advice applies to that model.

What are my rights if a keyboard I bought online is faulty?

When you buy as a consumer, the product must meet reasonable expectations. The Government of the Netherlands says there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. In many cases, distance purchases also come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to applicable exceptions.

Can I use other people’s existing music or samples in a game?

You may only use copyrighted material if you have permission. The Government of the Netherlands distinguishes between making a copy for personal use and distributing or making material available to the public. Also check the licence terms for any sample libraries you use.